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Australian Polity, Volume 10 Number 1 & 2

March 2022 issue of Australian Polity

March 2022 issue of Australian Polity

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When this journal was launched in 2008, it

had a relatively small readership in mind: the

members of the Australian Parliamentary

Liberal and National parties. The two parties that

historically have formed a coalition, had just been

defeated at a general election after more than a decade

in government. Experience had shown that policy

discussion and development would be critical to a return

to government in the future.

is beyond doubt. Without such discussions, the polity

is deprived, and political parties languish.

Kevin Andrews.

As the founder of the Liberal Party and Australia’s longest

serving prime minister, Sir Robert Menzies, observed:

‘Opposition must be regarded as a great constructive

period in the life of a party, not a period in the wilderness,

but a period of preparation for the high responsibilities

in which you hope will come.’

Regrettably that sentiment had often been ignored,

especially at a state level. It may be true that governments

tend to lose elections, but without a credible opposition,

they often remain in power for much longer than would

otherwise be the case. The temptation to play the politics

of issues is strong - and a necessary aspect of political

success - but, as Menzies observed, ‘if you get the

policies correct, the politics will follow.’

Developing policy is hard, painstaking work. It requires

widespread consultation, the testing of various

propositions and proposals, and the experience to make

wise and prudent judgements. Not every ‘good idea’ or

proposal from an interest group constitutes good policy.

“Opposition must be

regarded as a great

constructive period in

the life of a party, not a

period in the wilderness,

but a period of

preparation for the high

responsibilities in which

you hope will come.”

Hence the Australian Polity was created with the modest

aspiration of promoting a discussion of policy amongst

policy makers. After a decade of relying on the public

service, it can be a confronting experience for some

Members of Parliament to thoroughly consider the

challenges facing the nation and find workable solutions

to address them. Most Members of Parliament can draft

a short media release or write an even shorter comment

for social media. Some struggle however to craft a longer,

detailed policy proposal.

Since its first publication over a decade ago, the readership

of this journal has grown. To the extent that it has helped

to achieve the aspirations for it is a matter of judgement.

But the continuing need for fora for policy discussions

Australian Polity 5

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