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Malcolm Turnbull on Q&A: leadership plotters 'effectively blew up the government' – politics live Malcolm Turnbull on Q&A: leadership plotters, media moguls and legacy as PM – as it happened
(35 minutes later)
Well then, that was quite the hour.Well then, that was quite the hour.
Not in terms of surprises. I don’t think there was anything in there that wasn’t expected.Not in terms of surprises. I don’t think there was anything in there that wasn’t expected.
"I did not anticipate that people would act - particularly cabinet ministers - would act so self-destructively," Turnbull says. He was warned, actually, by people who cared about him #auspol #QandA @AmyRemeikis"I did not anticipate that people would act - particularly cabinet ministers - would act so self-destructively," Turnbull says. He was warned, actually, by people who cared about him #auspol #QandA @AmyRemeikis
And Turnbull was very careful in answering only the questions he wanted.And Turnbull was very careful in answering only the questions he wanted.
He didn’t take on board criticisms about his capitulation to the conservative elements in his party and the about faces on some of the things he told his he believed in.He didn’t take on board criticisms about his capitulation to the conservative elements in his party and the about faces on some of the things he told his he believed in.
But then again, he’s writing a legacy. And so far, that narrative seems to be: “I did the best I could in the situation I was given, I achieved a lot, more than my critics expected and we were in a winning position, so turfing me was absolute insanity and they have to explain it.”But then again, he’s writing a legacy. And so far, that narrative seems to be: “I did the best I could in the situation I was given, I achieved a lot, more than my critics expected and we were in a winning position, so turfing me was absolute insanity and they have to explain it.”
And that explanation, which the government under Scott Morrison, has been doing its damndest to ignore – “get over it” – is suddenly back under the spotlight. This time aided with the knowledge that internal polling had them back in front in marginal seats.And that explanation, which the government under Scott Morrison, has been doing its damndest to ignore – “get over it” – is suddenly back under the spotlight. This time aided with the knowledge that internal polling had them back in front in marginal seats.
And then, there are those Turnbull blames the most. Four names were repeated over and over again.And then, there are those Turnbull blames the most. Four names were repeated over and over again.
Peter Dutton. Number one every time.Peter Dutton. Number one every time.
Tony Abbott. Always next.Tony Abbott. Always next.
Greg Hunt. The minister he protected when he was in his own hot water, who was going to be on a joint ticket with Dutton.Greg Hunt. The minister he protected when he was in his own hot water, who was going to be on a joint ticket with Dutton.
Mathias Cormann. The one who seems to hurt the most.Mathias Cormann. The one who seems to hurt the most.
Those names were then joined by Steve Ciobo who was promoted to cabinet by Turnbull and mentioned just once less than the first four of the Brutus guard, followed by Michael Keenan, Michaelia Cash (another who benefited from the prime minister’s protection when things got dicey), Mitch Fifield and Angus Taylor.Those names were then joined by Steve Ciobo who was promoted to cabinet by Turnbull and mentioned just once less than the first four of the Brutus guard, followed by Michael Keenan, Michaelia Cash (another who benefited from the prime minister’s protection when things got dicey), Mitch Fifield and Angus Taylor.
Not mentioned: Craig Kelly, who has practically made a career out of criticising Malcolm Turnbull. Nor fellow monkey podders Kevin Andrews or Eric Abetz. Not Michael Sukkar who was the first of the ministry to announce his resignation. Not Connie Fierravanti-Wells who not only burned her Turnbull bridges when she announced her ministry resignation, she went back to make sure the job was done good and proper, but the nine he blames the most. Including the ones he thought were friends, or at the very least, supporters.Not mentioned: Craig Kelly, who has practically made a career out of criticising Malcolm Turnbull. Nor fellow monkey podders Kevin Andrews or Eric Abetz. Not Michael Sukkar who was the first of the ministry to announce his resignation. Not Connie Fierravanti-Wells who not only burned her Turnbull bridges when she announced her ministry resignation, she went back to make sure the job was done good and proper, but the nine he blames the most. Including the ones he thought were friends, or at the very least, supporters.
Tomorrow is going to be very, very interesting indeed.Tomorrow is going to be very, very interesting indeed.
That’s where we will leave you – thank you so much for spending some of your evening with us. Katharine Murphy is bashing away at the keyboard with her analysis so keep an eye out for that.That’s where we will leave you – thank you so much for spending some of your evening with us. Katharine Murphy is bashing away at the keyboard with her analysis so keep an eye out for that.
Politics Live will be back with you for the Senate only sitting week starting next Monday, but in the mean time, you know the drill – check back with Guardian Australia for all your news and remember;Politics Live will be back with you for the Senate only sitting week starting next Monday, but in the mean time, you know the drill – check back with Guardian Australia for all your news and remember;
take care of you.take care of you.
Bronwyn Bishop is on Sky, but there is a limit to how much punishment anyone can take in one night.Bronwyn Bishop is on Sky, but there is a limit to how much punishment anyone can take in one night.
I am sure it is along the lines of; “something, something socialists, something socialists”.I am sure it is along the lines of; “something, something socialists, something socialists”.
And finally, Craig Kelly doesn’t believe that women have a hard time of it in the Liberal party or that it has a “blokey culture”. Because, something something social media.And finally, Craig Kelly doesn’t believe that women have a hard time of it in the Liberal party or that it has a “blokey culture”. Because, something something social media.
I wouldn’t agree with that point either.I wouldn’t agree with that point either.
... Well, politics is a tough game. On the ground, a lot of the comments that were made, by various members of parliament were not only from the Liberal side, but also from the opposite side, the abuse we all cop on social media is sometimes very hard to take.... Well, politics is a tough game. On the ground, a lot of the comments that were made, by various members of parliament were not only from the Liberal side, but also from the opposite side, the abuse we all cop on social media is sometimes very hard to take.
There’s a more polarisation of the electorate, there’s a lot of vitriol coming from both sides which I think is disappointing. I can see how people can take that as being hard to take.”There’s a more polarisation of the electorate, there’s a lot of vitriol coming from both sides which I think is disappointing. I can see how people can take that as being hard to take.”
Except that women in the Liberal party have said they felt intimidated. But I guess Kelly would know better.Except that women in the Liberal party have said they felt intimidated. But I guess Kelly would know better.
Except … there is a way to track that stuff – postal votes. And while the first postal votes were quite good for Dave Sharma, the last week of postal votes was terminal. Absolutely terminal.Except … there is a way to track that stuff – postal votes. And while the first postal votes were quite good for Dave Sharma, the last week of postal votes was terminal. Absolutely terminal.
What happened in that last week? Oh that’s right – the discussion about moving the Israeli embassy, Barnaby Joyce said he might have a crack at the Nationals leadership again, if it was offered, and then also talked down Snowy Hydro 2.0 in favour of coal fired power stations, and the government accidentally voted for a white supremist saying in the parliament.What happened in that last week? Oh that’s right – the discussion about moving the Israeli embassy, Barnaby Joyce said he might have a crack at the Nationals leadership again, if it was offered, and then also talked down Snowy Hydro 2.0 in favour of coal fired power stations, and the government accidentally voted for a white supremist saying in the parliament.
But no. I am sure that had NOTHING to do with it.But no. I am sure that had NOTHING to do with it.
Craig Kelly doesn’t believe Turnbull was right about the final week of the Wentworth campaign either:Craig Kelly doesn’t believe Turnbull was right about the final week of the Wentworth campaign either:
No, I would go the exact opposite. It was one that internal polls were informed about.The week before, we were looking at a very significant loss. In the last week, Scott Morrison and especiallyJohn Howard being out on the hustings increased the vote significantly.No, I would go the exact opposite. It was one that internal polls were informed about.The week before, we were looking at a very significant loss. In the last week, Scott Morrison and especiallyJohn Howard being out on the hustings increased the vote significantly.
Again, these are something you can never measure with any certainty, but the polling a week before was showing a lot worse, our internal polling, than what the final result was.”Again, these are something you can never measure with any certainty, but the polling a week before was showing a lot worse, our internal polling, than what the final result was.”
But, Craig Kelly, you actually have lost an election since the leadership change, so was this the right move?But, Craig Kelly, you actually have lost an election since the leadership change, so was this the right move?
Time will tell. The next election is probably May of next year, it’s up to the Prime Minister to call, this is something there’s still many, many months to go. And we’ll keep arguing up until every day of the damage that a Bill Shorten Labor government would do, what they were planning to do on negative gearing, how that would affect housing prices and rents, the good record on job creation and growth, how that is at risk of a Bill Shorten government.Time will tell. The next election is probably May of next year, it’s up to the Prime Minister to call, this is something there’s still many, many months to go. And we’ll keep arguing up until every day of the damage that a Bill Shorten Labor government would do, what they were planning to do on negative gearing, how that would affect housing prices and rents, the good record on job creation and growth, how that is at risk of a Bill Shorten government.
These polls will tighten and this next election will be very close and I’m confident we can win the next election.”These polls will tighten and this next election will be very close and I’m confident we can win the next election.”
Craig Kelly on why polls matter and then, on why polls don’t matter:Craig Kelly on why polls matter and then, on why polls don’t matter:
There was an Essential poll that had us down significantly as well. It was a KPI, a key performance indicator, set by Mr Turnbull himself, of 30 Newspoll losses. That was a KPI he was unable to achieve. It counts when people walk into the ballot box, we had the Longman by-election, as a coalition, we thought we were a good chance of winning.There was an Essential poll that had us down significantly as well. It was a KPI, a key performance indicator, set by Mr Turnbull himself, of 30 Newspoll losses. That was a KPI he was unable to achieve. It counts when people walk into the ballot box, we had the Longman by-election, as a coalition, we thought we were a good chance of winning.
We lost it at the last election because One Nation preferences flowed to the Labor party, rather than Wyatt Roy. We were only able to poll 29% in that seat.We lost it at the last election because One Nation preferences flowed to the Labor party, rather than Wyatt Roy. We were only able to poll 29% in that seat.
Stan Grant:Stan Grant:
You point to the KPI and you say 30 opinion polls, but it was very obvious the destabilisation from elements of the conservatives in the Liberal Party began well before that.You point to the KPI and you say 30 opinion polls, but it was very obvious the destabilisation from elements of the conservatives in the Liberal Party began well before that.
Craig Kelly: “I couldn’t concede that point at all.”Craig Kelly: “I couldn’t concede that point at all.”
Grant: “That Tony Abbott and others were working against Malcolm Turnbull, they wanted him out of the job before that.”Grant: “That Tony Abbott and others were working against Malcolm Turnbull, they wanted him out of the job before that.”
Kelly: “Not at all. I wouldn’t concede that at all. The original leadership ballot on the Tuesday was something that Malcolm called upon himself. There was no organised coup or people going around counting the numbers. It was the former prime minister who actually called the spill upon himself on that Tuesday.”Kelly: “Not at all. I wouldn’t concede that at all. The original leadership ballot on the Tuesday was something that Malcolm called upon himself. There was no organised coup or people going around counting the numbers. It was the former prime minister who actually called the spill upon himself on that Tuesday.”
A short time later....A short time later....
Grant: “... Given where you are at now, given what the polls are showing post the overthrow of Malcolm Turnbull, given the result in Wentworth, where you lost a seat that had a 17.5% margin, is he now right the move was self-destructive?Grant: “... Given where you are at now, given what the polls are showing post the overthrow of Malcolm Turnbull, given the result in Wentworth, where you lost a seat that had a 17.5% margin, is he now right the move was self-destructive?
Kelly: “We’ll have the judge on that when the federal election is held, and what the final results are. In the meantime, we’re going to continue to concentrate ...”Kelly: “We’ll have the judge on that when the federal election is held, and what the final results are. In the meantime, we’re going to continue to concentrate ...”
Grant:Grant:
Sorry, Craig, you mention polling all the way through this. You said that was the KPI you judged Malcolm Turnbull on. And after the overthrow of Malcolm Turnbull, you have gone backwards in those polls, and lost one of the safest seats in the country. I know you’re saying we can wait until the next election, but if you’re going to use polls, the polls are telling you, you have gone backwards.Sorry, Craig, you mention polling all the way through this. You said that was the KPI you judged Malcolm Turnbull on. And after the overthrow of Malcolm Turnbull, you have gone backwards in those polls, and lost one of the safest seats in the country. I know you’re saying we can wait until the next election, but if you’re going to use polls, the polls are telling you, you have gone backwards.
Kelly:Kelly:
It was a key performance indicator that Mr Turnbull had set when he argued he should take over from Mr Abbott. That was the key performance indicator of himself.It was a key performance indicator that Mr Turnbull had set when he argued he should take over from Mr Abbott. That was the key performance indicator of himself.
I’m not one that believes you should look at polls every single day, and see how close you are, but that was his own.I’m not one that believes you should look at polls every single day, and see how close you are, but that was his own.
That was one he was unable to achieve. Yes, Malcolm achieved some great things in government.That was one he was unable to achieve. Yes, Malcolm achieved some great things in government.
There’s many things we can boast about, a strong economy, the trade deals, the great levels of jobs growth, those are things we achieve and we should be able to celebrate as Liberals.There’s many things we can boast about, a strong economy, the trade deals, the great levels of jobs growth, those are things we achieve and we should be able to celebrate as Liberals.
I think that Malcolm has a good legacy and record to stand on. But the reality is, as many of my colleagues saw, as we got to the next election next year, we would stand a better chance with a change of leader.”I think that Malcolm has a good legacy and record to stand on. But the reality is, as many of my colleagues saw, as we got to the next election next year, we would stand a better chance with a change of leader.”
Sigh.Sigh.
Craig Kelly on why Malcolm Turnbull was removed as prime minister:Craig Kelly on why Malcolm Turnbull was removed as prime minister:
The answer is simple. When he took over from Tony Abbott, he set himself a KPI of 30 Newspoll losses.The answer is simple. When he took over from Tony Abbott, he set himself a KPI of 30 Newspoll losses.
He had those and more. We had the Longman by-election, that the former Prime Minister set up as a contest between himself and Bill Shorten. We only polled a primary vote of in the 20s, about 29% in that Longman byelection. We were getting close to six months of the next election, and many of my colleagues, especially those colleagues in Queensland, thought that we would stand a better chance at this coming election with a change of prime minister.”He had those and more. We had the Longman by-election, that the former Prime Minister set up as a contest between himself and Bill Shorten. We only polled a primary vote of in the 20s, about 29% in that Longman byelection. We were getting close to six months of the next election, and many of my colleagues, especially those colleagues in Queensland, thought that we would stand a better chance at this coming election with a change of prime minister.”
So Q&A ends.So Q&A ends.
But Matter of Fact with Stan Grant begins over on ABC24 and …But Matter of Fact with Stan Grant begins over on ABC24 and …
Craig Kelly is up to explain why Malcolm Turnbull is wrong. On most things, it would see.Craig Kelly is up to explain why Malcolm Turnbull is wrong. On most things, it would see.
But Tony Jones is still Tony Jones, so he squeezes in one last Tony Jones question:But Tony Jones is still Tony Jones, so he squeezes in one last Tony Jones question:
Last one from me - should those very difficult questions that you raised tonight - the unanswered questions about why you were sacked - should they resonate throughout the campaign up until the next election?Last one from me - should those very difficult questions that you raised tonight - the unanswered questions about why you were sacked - should they resonate throughout the campaign up until the next election?
Turnbull:Turnbull:
Well, whether they should or not...Well, whether they should or not...
Jones:Jones:
Would you like them to?Would you like them to?
Turnbull:Turnbull:
I won’t be drawn on that, but I think there’s a fair prospect that they might. You know, it is a question I get asked all the time.I won’t be drawn on that, but I think there’s a fair prospect that they might. You know, it is a question I get asked all the time.
This is one of the good things, by the way, about being out of the country for six or seven weeks -being in New York - because people would say, “Oh, right. So you were prime minister of Australia? That’s great. Good. So, what are you doing next?”This is one of the good things, by the way, about being out of the country for six or seven weeks -being in New York - because people would say, “Oh, right. So you were prime minister of Australia? That’s great. Good. So, what are you doing next?”
Whereas here, everyone wanted to talk endlessly about the coup, and it’s actually quite painful to talk about - particularly when you don’t have the answers.Whereas here, everyone wanted to talk endlessly about the coup, and it’s actually quite painful to talk about - particularly when you don’t have the answers.
Will it be an issue? Will it be the biggest issue? Will it be a big issue or a medium-sized issue? I don’t know.Will it be an issue? Will it be the biggest issue? Will it be a big issue or a medium-sized issue? I don’t know.
But I think Australians are entitled to know the answer.But I think Australians are entitled to know the answer.
And they are - I think every member of parliament should be accountable for what they do, and that’s what parliament is all about - accountability.And they are - I think every member of parliament should be accountable for what they do, and that’s what parliament is all about - accountability.
That’s why, when you vote, you vote publicly, and it’s written down in Hansard. So I think those people who are responsible for taking a successful, competitive government and literally blowing it up need to have an explanation.That’s why, when you vote, you vote publicly, and it’s written down in Hansard. So I think those people who are responsible for taking a successful, competitive government and literally blowing it up need to have an explanation.
But it’s not one that I can provide, because I cannot - I can’t give an explanation other than to say, as far as I could see, it was madness.But it’s not one that I can provide, because I cannot - I can’t give an explanation other than to say, as far as I could see, it was madness.
But, clearly, that’s pretty inadequate.”But, clearly, that’s pretty inadequate.”
Last audience question is from Alison:Last audience question is from Alison:
My sort of question is – what sort of ex-prime minister do you want to be? A Julia, a Kevin, or a Tony? But you must choose.My sort of question is – what sort of ex-prime minister do you want to be? A Julia, a Kevin, or a Tony? But you must choose.
More lols.More lols.
Turnbull: “Well, one of the good things about being an ex-prime minister is that I don’t have to choose.”Turnbull: “Well, one of the good things about being an ex-prime minister is that I don’t have to choose.”
Alison: “No, you have to!”Alison: “No, you have to!”
Turnbull:Turnbull:
Look, I think the – I don’t – I’m not going to be, ah, you know, running a commentary on my, ah, successor.Look, I think the – I don’t – I’m not going to be, ah, you know, running a commentary on my, ah, successor.
I’m not going to be – I’m obviously not in the parliament seeking to undermine and overthrow him like Kevin and Tony Abbott have done.I’m not going to be – I’m obviously not in the parliament seeking to undermine and overthrow him like Kevin and Tony Abbott have done.
I’m out of partisan politics. I remain a member of the Liberal party, a party I joined in 1973. I believe that, for all of its, you know, faults and foibles, the Liberal party offers the best prospect for continued, strong economic growth in Australia.I’m out of partisan politics. I remain a member of the Liberal party, a party I joined in 1973. I believe that, for all of its, you know, faults and foibles, the Liberal party offers the best prospect for continued, strong economic growth in Australia.
But, you know, my days as an active political participant have come to an end, and so I will return to the business sector and I’ll return to the company of my wife and children and grandchildren, which I’m looking forward to.”But, you know, my days as an active political participant have come to an end, and so I will return to the business sector and I’ll return to the company of my wife and children and grandchildren, which I’m looking forward to.”
Audience Tony has the second last question and it is on … the ABCAudience Tony has the second last question and it is on … the ABC
Considering the responsibility of ABC is holding the government accountable, why were you so hostile towards the ABC?Considering the responsibility of ABC is holding the government accountable, why were you so hostile towards the ABC?
Lots of clapsLots of claps
Turnbull:Turnbull:
Well, thanks, Tony... I’m a great friend of the ABC.Well, thanks, Tony... I’m a great friend of the ABC.
I have a - in fact, my grandfather, Oscar Lansbury, worked for the ABC at the time it was founded.I have a - in fact, my grandfather, Oscar Lansbury, worked for the ABC at the time it was founded.
In fact, he used to work for 2FC, which is now what’s called Radio National, in the days before it actually became part of the ABC.In fact, he used to work for 2FC, which is now what’s called Radio National, in the days before it actually became part of the ABC.
So I’ve got a long - my mother worked here - a long connection with the ABC.So I’ve got a long - my mother worked here - a long connection with the ABC.
My criticism of the ABC in recent years has been about only one thing - I have been very concerned about what I believe has been a deterioration in the quality of the journalism here in the sense that there has been not enough accuracy and balance in the work of journalists here.My criticism of the ABC in recent years has been about only one thing - I have been very concerned about what I believe has been a deterioration in the quality of the journalism here in the sense that there has been not enough accuracy and balance in the work of journalists here.
So it’s not - I haven’t complained about, you know, bias - a lot of politicians do - I’d given up on that years ago, you’ve got to be realistic..but I do think that, now, more than ever, the ABC needs to adhere to its charter and its statutory obligation in its own Act of delivering news and current affairs which is accurate and objective consistent with the standards of objective journalism.So it’s not - I haven’t complained about, you know, bias - a lot of politicians do - I’d given up on that years ago, you’ve got to be realistic..but I do think that, now, more than ever, the ABC needs to adhere to its charter and its statutory obligation in its own Act of delivering news and current affairs which is accurate and objective consistent with the standards of objective journalism.
Tony Jones: “Did you make phone calls or did you have meetings with the chairman, Justin Milne, and encourage or urge him in any way to sack certain journalists?”Tony Jones: “Did you make phone calls or did you have meetings with the chairman, Justin Milne, and encourage or urge him in any way to sack certain journalists?”
Turnbull: “Never, no,absolutely not.”Turnbull: “Never, no,absolutely not.”
Jones: “So you were shocked when you found him saying that - not that you had said it, but that the government was so angry with certain journalists, they should sack them?”Jones: “So you were shocked when you found him saying that - not that you had said it, but that the government was so angry with certain journalists, they should sack them?”
Turnbull: “Well, I mean, the... ..all I can say - again, I don’t want to run a commentary on Justin Milne, who...Turnbull: “Well, I mean, the... ..all I can say - again, I don’t want to run a commentary on Justin Milne, who...
Jones: “Could you have given him that impression in conversations?”Jones: “Could you have given him that impression in conversations?”
Turnbull:Turnbull:
No, absolutely not!No, absolutely not!
There is nothing I’ve said to Justin Milne or to anybody else at the ABC that I haven’t said publicly, right? So my concern was about particular examples of really inaccurate reporting. And so, my affection for and respect for the ABC is so great that I want it to be its best self and to get its journalism right. So that’s my concern. I tell you what ...”There is nothing I’ve said to Justin Milne or to anybody else at the ABC that I haven’t said publicly, right? So my concern was about particular examples of really inaccurate reporting. And so, my affection for and respect for the ABC is so great that I want it to be its best self and to get its journalism right. So that’s my concern. I tell you what ...”
Jones: “So funding is contingent on that, under you?”Jones: “So funding is contingent on that, under you?”
Turnbull:Turnbull:
I think what the ABC needs to separate the role of managing director and editor-in-chief. I’ve suggested this publicly for years.I think what the ABC needs to separate the role of managing director and editor-in-chief. I’ve suggested this publicly for years.
And it should have a dedicated editor-in-chief - a senior position who reports to the board and who is responsible for ensuring that the highest standards of journalism are maintained. Because I think now, more than ever- in an age of fake news and the Twitterverse and all of that - we need the ABC to live up to its statutory charter of being accurate and objective.”And it should have a dedicated editor-in-chief - a senior position who reports to the board and who is responsible for ensuring that the highest standards of journalism are maintained. Because I think now, more than ever- in an age of fake news and the Twitterverse and all of that - we need the ABC to live up to its statutory charter of being accurate and objective.”
He does not mention the budget cuts the Coalition has put the ABC through, or that some of the reports complained about, were also reported by other media outlets at the time – such as the super Saturday byelection date kerfuffle – only the ABC received complaints.He does not mention the budget cuts the Coalition has put the ABC through, or that some of the reports complained about, were also reported by other media outlets at the time – such as the super Saturday byelection date kerfuffle – only the ABC received complaints.
Natasha wants to know about Trump:Natasha wants to know about Trump:
The US mid-term election results have just come out. It looks like the Democrats have taken the House, which means President Trump’s power has been reduced. I’m aware that you were able to establish a working relationship with the US, despite all the hardships, difficulties and controversies. However, would these results – and the further difficulty for Trump to pass laws and bills – what do you think that will mean for Australia?”The US mid-term election results have just come out. It looks like the Democrats have taken the House, which means President Trump’s power has been reduced. I’m aware that you were able to establish a working relationship with the US, despite all the hardships, difficulties and controversies. However, would these results – and the further difficulty for Trump to pass laws and bills – what do you think that will mean for Australia?”
Turnbull:Turnbull:
Well, look, I think the Australian relationship with the US is very, very strong. Presidents and, indeed, prime ministers –particularly prime ministers – come and go. [lols]Well, look, I think the Australian relationship with the US is very, very strong. Presidents and, indeed, prime ministers –particularly prime ministers – come and go. [lols]
Perhaps a little more often than we’d like, in the case of prime ministers! But the relationship is very, very strong.Perhaps a little more often than we’d like, in the case of prime ministers! But the relationship is very, very strong.
You know, President Trump and I had some … ah, tough moments. But I was able to achieve the outcomes for Australia that I needed to achieve, and that was – you know, that’s my job. I mean, when you’re dealing with foreign governments – as the Australian prime minister – you are the advocate for Australia. You’ve only got one client – that’s Australia.You know, President Trump and I had some … ah, tough moments. But I was able to achieve the outcomes for Australia that I needed to achieve, and that was – you know, that’s my job. I mean, when you’re dealing with foreign governments – as the Australian prime minister – you are the advocate for Australia. You’ve only got one client – that’s Australia.
And ...”And ...”
Tony Jones: “Are you relieved that Trump’s power has been reined in somewhat due to these mid-term results?”Tony Jones: “Are you relieved that Trump’s power has been reined in somewhat due to these mid-term results?”
Turnbull:Turnbull:
I’ve made a practice – certainly when I was prime minister, and I think I’ll maintain it for a while yet – of, ah, not running a commentary on the politics of other countries. So, you know, the Americans have got their own democratic processes. I think some of our institutions are better than theirs.I’ve made a practice – certainly when I was prime minister, and I think I’ll maintain it for a while yet – of, ah, not running a commentary on the politics of other countries. So, you know, the Americans have got their own democratic processes. I think some of our institutions are better than theirs.
But they’ve made a decision, and you’re right – the whole US constitution is based on checks and balances, and it is very common in mid-term elections for the House to flip away from the governing party.”But they’ve made a decision, and you’re right – the whole US constitution is based on checks and balances, and it is very common in mid-term elections for the House to flip away from the governing party.”
Kavi is up next on right ing and populist politics:Kavi is up next on right ing and populist politics:
My question is – do you have any regrets about bringing in the double-dissolution, which emboldened the extreme minority in the Liberal party, as I think? It just took a handful of extreme elements in the Liberal party to wreak so much havoc. In your opinion, how do you think we – as a country – should curb or stop this rightwing populism that seems to be growing in the rest of the world? How do you think we should – what should we be doing to stop and curb it right away?My question is – do you have any regrets about bringing in the double-dissolution, which emboldened the extreme minority in the Liberal party, as I think? It just took a handful of extreme elements in the Liberal party to wreak so much havoc. In your opinion, how do you think we – as a country – should curb or stop this rightwing populism that seems to be growing in the rest of the world? How do you think we should – what should we be doing to stop and curb it right away?
More applause.More applause.
Turnbull:Turnbull:
It’s a good question, Kavi. I think the most important thing is to respect each other. The challenge within the Liberal party is that the increasingly – you know, the right wing and, of course, where you draw the line there – I think we know who you’re talking about –It’s a good question, Kavi. I think the most important thing is to respect each other. The challenge within the Liberal party is that the increasingly – you know, the right wing and, of course, where you draw the line there – I think we know who you’re talking about –
More laughter.More laughter.
Turnbull:Turnbull:
Are not prepared to accept the consensus. You see, the fundamental premise of a political party is that you have a group of people with different backgrounds and different points of view and they meet, and they debate issues, and then they reach a consensus and they say, ‘Alright, we’ll go along with it. It’s not exactly what I want or I don’t entirely agree with it, or I disagree, but I’ll go along with it.’Are not prepared to accept the consensus. You see, the fundamental premise of a political party is that you have a group of people with different backgrounds and different points of view and they meet, and they debate issues, and then they reach a consensus and they say, ‘Alright, we’ll go along with it. It’s not exactly what I want or I don’t entirely agree with it, or I disagree, but I’ll go along with it.’
What you’ve seen increasingly from the right, even if they’re not in the majority, they’ll say, ‘If you don’t give us what we want, we’ll blow the show up.’ That is intimidating and that is bullying, and that was at the heart of the coup back in August.What you’ve seen increasingly from the right, even if they’re not in the majority, they’ll say, ‘If you don’t give us what we want, we’ll blow the show up.’ That is intimidating and that is bullying, and that was at the heart of the coup back in August.
That is a real threat to the Liberal party. Whether it’s within the Liberal party or within the nation, mutual respect is the foundation of ours – the most successful multicultural society in the world.That is a real threat to the Liberal party. Whether it’s within the Liberal party or within the nation, mutual respect is the foundation of ours – the most successful multicultural society in the world.
Let me give you some good news, though, about why we are better off than the Americans in terms of politics.Let me give you some good news, though, about why we are better off than the Americans in terms of politics.
Firstly, we have compulsory voting. It’s a very good thing. Because that means that you don’t have to run off to the extremes to energise, you know, your base. Everyone has to vote, and political debate is won and lost in the centre. And political parties that overlook that, as I said earlier, are at a real risk of losing. You win in the centre.Firstly, we have compulsory voting. It’s a very good thing. Because that means that you don’t have to run off to the extremes to energise, you know, your base. Everyone has to vote, and political debate is won and lost in the centre. And political parties that overlook that, as I said earlier, are at a real risk of losing. You win in the centre.
Tony Jones: “So shouldn’t you have governed from the centre?”Tony Jones: “So shouldn’t you have governed from the centre?”
Turnbull: “But I did.Turnbull: “But I did.
Jones: “… And turned your back on these small group of conservatives whose seemed to dictate so much of what happened in terms of policy?”Jones: “… And turned your back on these small group of conservatives whose seemed to dictate so much of what happened in terms of policy?”
More applauseMore applause
Turnbull: “Well, I’m not sure what they - I don’t know what they dictated in terms of policy. I mean, ultimately you could say they dictated a leadership coup that saw me out of my job as PM.urnbull:Turnbull: “Well, I’m not sure what they - I don’t know what they dictated in terms of policy. I mean, ultimately you could say they dictated a leadership coup that saw me out of my job as PM.urnbull:
Jones: “Well, that’s a pretty big one.”Jones: “Well, that’s a pretty big one.”
Turnbull: “Well, it is, but the policies – and I certainly did have a policy of remaining prime minister …”Turnbull: “Well, it is, but the policies – and I certainly did have a policy of remaining prime minister …”
Even more laughter!Even more laughter!
Turnbull:Turnbull:
... but my – in terms of the policies I delivered, they were consistent with what we took to the election.... but my – in terms of the policies I delivered, they were consistent with what we took to the election.
No one accused me of breaking an election promise. Literally. But can I just make another point?No one accused me of breaking an election promise. Literally. But can I just make another point?
Our House of Representatives electorates are determined independently by an Electoral Commission. So they’re not gerrymandered the way so many of them are in the United States, where so many of them are gerrymandered so they either can’t possibly be won by the opposite party – that means, in order to get the preselection to win the primary, again you’ve got to run off to the extreme. So I think, for those two institutional reasons alone, I think our democracy is more focused on the centre than it is in the US.”Our House of Representatives electorates are determined independently by an Electoral Commission. So they’re not gerrymandered the way so many of them are in the United States, where so many of them are gerrymandered so they either can’t possibly be won by the opposite party – that means, in order to get the preselection to win the primary, again you’ve got to run off to the extreme. So I think, for those two institutional reasons alone, I think our democracy is more focused on the centre than it is in the US.”