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