One year of the Abbott gov - Tim Costello

Apart from scathing criticism of the gov's intentions to fuck up the not for profit sector of the economy, Tim Costello gives a critique of Abbott's first year in office. I note the same theme is running through all of this; the gov's insistence on being capitalist maniacs at the expense of society, vs the public interest in said society at the expense of money. There is far far more to life than profits.

Reflecting on the anniversary of the Abbott government, Costello focused on trust and fairness. 

He said political leaders needed to recognise some basics that were required to maintain people’s trust. They needed to “play by the rules”, avoid special deals for special interests whether they be party donors or industries seeking largesse, and they should say what they meant and mean what they said. 

“People expect a degree of dishonesty in political campaigns, but don’t imagine that means they accept it or forgive it. Breaking promises comes at a political cost. If you don’t intend to keep a promise, don’t make it.” 

The trust deficit towards politicians was much greater than the budget deficit. When there was not fairness people were not going to step up and make sacrifices, Costello said. 

There would always be tension between a competitive economic system that generated enterprise and wealth and the social need to moderate the harsh effects of unlimited competition. But it was possible to reconcile them. 

This meant not getting caught up in ideological crusades about the size and role of government; it meant doing what was both fair and sensible when it came to the tax system and the benefits system. “It means not letting each Australian fend for themselves and devil take the hindmost.” more