Tag

Opinion

Breaking news: All politicians are not crooks. Cynicism has gone too far

Australia’s traditional irreverence about politics is, in many respects, a good thing – a potent...
Nov 16, 2023

The constitution belongs to all of us, but it comes with civic responsibility

You can scarcely get out of bed these days without someone trying to persuade you to vote this way o...
Sep 19, 2023

It’s hard to be a good leader with voters like us: Amanda Vanstone

One of the most pathetic questions politicians are asked is: “Will you show leadership and do x, o...
by Lily Ackland
Nov 19, 2021

Australians want results, not political blame-shifting: Simon Crean

At the beginning of the pandemic, the Prime Minister established the national cabinet. It was an ide...
by Lily Ackland
Nov 9, 2021

National interest trumps popularity when it comes to strong leadership

In a crisis, Australians tend to turn to – and strongly critique – our political leaders. The pa...
by Lily Ackland
Nov 29, 2020

On the misinformation superhighway, good political leadership matters more than ever

If the Trump era tells us one thing, it’s that the dangers of misinformation and – more disturbi...
by Lily Ackland
Nov 12, 2020

Follow the Leader

Democracy and the rise of the strongman – a Quarterly Essay extract Internationally, Donald Trump...
by Lily Ackland
Oct 3, 2018

Julia Gillard: On women

The new McKinnon Prize in Political Leadership aims to recognise political leaders who have driven p...
by Lily Ackland
Jan 29, 2018

John Howard: On gun control

“If you get shot, what am I going to say to Janette and the kids?” The question came from Graham...
by Lily Ackland
Jan 23, 2018

Judith Brett on political leadership and the art of consensus building

Congratulations to all concerned on the establishment of these two prizes and thank you very much fo...
by Lily Ackland
Nov 27, 2017