Donald Trump’s presidential success shows people are sick and tired of political correctness, says Tasmanian Liberal Senator Eric Abetz

LIBERAL Senator Eric Abetz says the election of Donald Trump as US president reflects a global trend against political correctness and “self-appointed” political elites.

TASMANIAN Liberal Senator Eric Abetz says the election of Donald Trump as US president reflects a global trend against political correctness and “self-appointed” political elites.

Meanwhile, Burnie-based independent Senator Jacqui Lambie said president elect Trump was a straight-talker — something we needed more of in politics.

President Trump wins #Election2016 against all odds. Congratulations President Donald Trump #auspol #politas pic.twitter.com/xSByAgWlSe

— Jacqui Lambie (@JacquiLambie) November 9, 2016

Senator Abetz said the success of Brexit in the UK and of Trump presidential campaign showed the media was out of touch with the aspirations of people.

He said the Australian media could learn a lesson by taking a more balanced approach and giving more consideration to centre-right views.

“A very important message from the US election was that people are generally sick and tired of political correctness, of self-appointed political elites and commentariats belittling anybody on the centre right of politics be it in the UK or the US or Australia,” he said.

“What I would invite the media to do is just take a more balanced approach so that both views get a proper airing and if they don’t provide that proper airing you will get, in inverted commas, a surprise result such as Brexit and a Donald Trump presidency.

Liberal Senator Eric Abetz says the success of Donald Trump’s presidential campaign shows the media is out of touch with the aspirations of people. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

“So the commentariat who often give us just a deluge of a one-sided approach to an issue can be very out of touch with the aspiration and the real views of the population they supposedly serve by being commentators and reporters.

“We have seen that in the UK and the United States and I hope the Australian media reflects on that and provides a bit of a fairer go for those of us on the more conservative side of politics.”

Senator Lambie said the Trump presidency would open the door to some great opportunities for Tasmania and Australia.

“I note that President Trump is opposed to the TPP trade deal — which undermines Australia’s sovereignty — and I simply say let’s do a trade deal with America that benefits both our countries. After all, we’re great friends and share a love of democracy and freedom,” she said.