Kaye’s thoughts on Julia Gillard as the new Prime Minister
Politics has been the major talking point this past week.
After all it’s not every day we lose an elected Prime Minister and gain a female head of state.
Both things happened in Australia last Thursday so it seems timely to consider these changes and what they might mean for those aged 50 and over.
First, it is important to note that the following are my thoughts and do not necessarily reflect those of David, Debbie, Drew, Cory or Ellie. Blogging on the About Seniors website is an opportunity to express an opinion, and this blog is also on our Meeting Place so anyone can respond with their own thoughts – and I hope they will!
So here goes.
No-one enjoys seeing someone who works hard and cares a lot dumped by his or her workmates. So it was with a heavy heart that I watched Kevin Rudd’s tearful address at the Canberra press conference as he relinquished his role as Australian Prime Minister. For once he seemed to communicate in a clear and passionate way the values he has held dear and the reforms he most believes in.
That he lost his job was tough.
But sometimes what matters most for an individual does not exactly match what will be for the common good. And in this case it did seem that the Labor Government was having trouble pursuing its program and enunciating its policies.
For instance, the mining tax. Spending $17 million on an advertising campaign was not the answer to explaining the need for a resources super profits tax. The opponent – the Minerals Council of Australia – was spending $100 million. It became clear that this new tax, in response to recommendations by the Henry Report, was still not well defined or even partially accepted. Yet a clear majority of Australians were in favour of the progressive increase in superannuation (to 12%) which would be funded by such a tax.
This is but one example of poorly explained policies, not to mention disappointing backflips on matters such as an Emissions Trading Scheme.
The challenges facing Australia today are many and varied. We have a rapidly ageing population, a situation which is generally viewed as a burden by most politicians and commentators. Older Australians will need a strong healthcare system, and the opportunity to stay connected, both physically and technologically. They will also require the option to work or not depending upon their own capabilities, and the knowledge that they will have sufficient income to live a reasonable lifestyle as they age.
These are “big picture” requirements which are, hopefully, above the petty backstabbing of day-to-day politics.
I am personally delighted to see a woman in the top job.
Julia Gillard’s performance as a government minister has been strong and consistent. She is warm, articulate and knowledgeable.
I have great confidence she is the right person to take us forward and tackle these major challenges.
What do you think?
Has Kaye got it right?
Or is she hopelessly out of touch?
Posted by Phyl
Hi Kaye. I am happy to see Julia Gillard as our Prime Minister also.
Regardless I am left wondering why she would say there were not
thoughts of her challenging just a few days earlier?
.
I also feel Kevin Rudd did what he thought best in all avenues of his job
but also agree he was not always right in his decisions but then again who of us are
right in al our decisions.
.
I think Mr. Howard did well in lots of ways but not so well in others
and althought I did vote for Mr. Howard because I thought he was o.k. as Pollies go
changed my vote for The Liberals and him in particular when he brought in the GST he
said he would not do to voting for Labour last time and will still vote Labour unless
something happens to change my mind in the meantime.
.
My main dream is for the Hospital system to make a big change for the better
along with the schools, but I wonder if even Julia has forgotten there are people
out here trying to keep going who are not in the work force? I applaud the help for the young of our
great Country but please leaders do not forget who helped keep the
Country going and please look after those over 65 also.
Great news about the new website.
Thanks
Phyl.
Posted: 29 June 2010 03:24 PM