Jeff Kennett: Labor’s victory made easier by the Liberals’ mistakes

The federal election has revealed the younger generation is now the most politically influential voting group and we have entered the next cycle — and changes such as working from home are here to stay.

Congratulations to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his team for their comprehensive victory on the weekend.

That said, I must say his task was made easier by the mistakes made by the Liberals.

As the community and media focused on the mistakes of their opponents, the government was given a free kick to election day.

With the final kick in the guts to the public being the opposition refusing Labor’s tax cuts in the last week.

Since when has the Coalition been opposed to lower taxes?

As I have always said in life, when you make mistakes, in commerce, politics, sport or social behaviour, there are consequences, and the Liberal Party is absorbing those consequences now.

Never have I observed a better Liberal campaign being run on the ground in Victoria, by candidates and the army of volunteers, young and experienced.

Sadly, regardless of their efforts, they were overrun by the federal campaign.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton concedes defeat during a Liberal Party election night event in Brisbane. Picture: Dan Peled

Politics is a tough game, but as in life, sadly those who lost their seats join the army of Australians who lose their job every year.

Those candidates who offered themselves but were not victorious — they live to try again if they so choose.

This election, although toughly fought by all parties and candidates, was without the violent activity seen so often occurring in elections overseas.

On that issue Australia is the lucky country.

As I woke on Sunday, I was not angry, just disappointed at the result.

But it was quickly replaced by the realisation that my side made mistakes, therefore I should not be upset.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese holds a press conference at Parliament House. Picture: Martin Ollman

On Sunday, like thousands of others, I went to the football to see Hawthorn celebrate its 100th year since entering the VFL/AFL competition.

It is the one outstanding matter on which the Prime Minister and I are in full agreement — our support for Hawthorn.

But it highlighted, that the day after the election and the result was clear, life returned to normal for the majority of Australians.

Further, that I cannot change what happened on Saturday, and because I am an optimist I look to the future — reflect on the political lessons learnt from the weekend and focus and move on.

Because I believe in the fundamental tenets of good governance, transparency, and a happy and healthy society, I am excited about that future and the challenges that we will both inherit and will confront.

Jeff Kennett and Richie Vandenberg at Hawthorn’s centenary celebrations. Picture: Michael Klein

The first point I would make is Australia is a different place since Covid hit the country six years ago.

The 40 or 50 years prior to 2020 were times of prosperity, where Baby Boomers and the generation after them held sway over the social and commercial agenda.

Today, younger generations are the most politically influential voting group.

Therefore, I suspect we have entered the next cycle of the next time frame.

Community attitudes have changed in many ways because of advances in technology.

Yes, working from home for part of the week is now the norm. It is less stressful.

Performances of individuals will be judged in the same way anyone’s contribution and productivity will be judged.

Neither the private nor public sector can afford to employ people who do not deliver from wherever they work.

Governments since 2020 have not only been spending vast amounts of money on infrastructure projects around Australia but dealing with the unknowns of Covid.

Covid lockdown in Melbourne. Picture: Diego Fedele

That cannot continue without greater respect to better financial management.

Public debts cannot continue to rise unabated.

There will be a day of reckoning.

Internationally, relationships have and are changing.

They have a great deal to play out.

We must as a country reassess what we do, and which countries are at the top of our dance card.

Of course, the US will be there, but I suspect our relationships with those countries to our north must become so much more important than they are now.

Are our priorities in the way governments administer our affairs fit for purpose for a rapidly changing world?

I think there are arguments for change, reform, not earth shattering, but material.

Both the PM and Peter Dutton agreed that we are the luckiest country on earth.

We are in one sense but may not be if we do not adjust.

Continued complacency to our new world will not cut the mustard.

I would like to see Australia become recognised as the country of opportunity. Where young Australians and those who come here to settle, can follow their dreams and be rewarded when successful.

Victoria is next to the polls in the electoral cycle.

Can any party or individual, provide the leadership, the excitement, to have Victoria emerge from being anything but a debt-ridden state?

I am sure that will happen, because I am an optimist, but most of all because I believe.

Have a good day.

Jeff Kennett is a former premier of Victoria

Originally published as Jeff Kennett: Labor’s victory made easier by the Liberals’ mistakes