Posted by
Bert Chapman on Friday, November 30, 2007 12:29:32 PM
Recently, I mentioned that Australian Prime Minister John Howard, despite his succesful economic management and overall political leadership, was facing defeat in Australia's elections. That loss, unfortunately, came about this past Saturday as the Conservative Liberal-National Party coalition was defeated by the Labour Party and the coalition's 11 plus year run in power comes to an end. Labour was able to capitalize on a desire for change, hysteria over climate change, and stimulating hysterical opposition to the Howard Government's Work Choices legislation which would give employers more flexibility in hiring and firing workers. Unfortunately, the mythology of the aggrieved worker still retains a powerful hold in the Australian psyche and, since the Labour Party is heavily influenced by unions, Work Choices is likely to be overturned.
Kevin Rudd, the incoming Prime Minister, has moved his party to the right and will probably govern pragmatically on most issues. Unfortunately, his Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard, is a hectoring and patronizing leftist termagent cut from the genetic and ideological code that produced Hillary Clinton and Barbara Boxer. Gillard will be in charge of workforce policy and her experiences and pronouncements in this position should be instructive to anyone who wonders what a Hillary Clinton presidency could be like.
A key test for Rudd will be whether he maintains Australia's commitment to Iraq. During his campaign, Rudd talked about withdrawing Australian forces from Iraq, where they have done yeoman's work, but maintaining or even increasing their role in Afghanistan. Hopefully, now that power is within his grasp, Rudd will recognize the critical importance of supporting the Iraqis and have the cojones to stand up to the howling leftists in some sections of his party who want to cut and run. This would be particularly stupid now that the surge is producing positive results.
A number of Internet resources allow us to keep an eye on events in Australia. American Conservatives should be particularly grateful for John Howard's principled and resolute leadership and his support for and strengthening of strong U.S.-Australian relations. We wish him well in his retirement.