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But the real standout clown of the new government has been Scott Morrison.
Like so many in the current government, he came across as a strong performer, standing in front of large billboards which announced the number of boat arrivals we had, he sounded authoritative when he repeated slogans and his interactions with the media lasted 30 seconds... just long enough to bag Labor, but not provide any of his own answers (of which he had none).
The trouble has begun for Morrison, and the government as a whole, when they found more was required of them - more questions were being asked, they needed to come up with more than just a sound byte or a slogan, they needed to have a coherent policy position and they needed to convey that to the Australian public.
What have they come up with so far - the Credlin Plan - say nothing, make yourself unavaible, only talk to the friendly media (the shock jocks, the Murdoch press, and the infotainment programs which pass for morning television), and explain it all away with the need for secrecy for reasons of national security. After we are at war... with freedom of information.
Let's look at that approach as it applies to Scott Morrison, and focus on recent events and comments.
Tuesday's appearance on ABC's 7.30. Despite the limp interviewing of Leigh Sales, Morrison made the remarkable statement that they don't comment on hunger strikes or actions such as the sewing together of lips, because it encourages such behaviour. In Morrison's alternate universe these kind of protest actions aren't a sign of psychological trauma, or desperate people in desperate circumstances, they are attention seekers and manipulators. I'd suggest that the next time Morrison wants the attention of the media to push a political barrow, he first tries sewing his lips together - he seems to believe that is what the media feeds off.
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Morrison has himself stepped in to block FOI requests which it is believed illustrate what a complete nincompoop he really is. It is the kind of information the previous government was happy to release, because unlike the current one, they believed in accountability and transparency.
Now it seems further sandbagging is required to stop the SS Scott Morrison taking on even more water... Weekly briefings were apparently too much for Scotty to handle. Briefings will be on as 'as need' basis. It's a plan, but I doubt that even that level of secrecy will be able to hide Morrison's ineptitude.
It's important to note that despite his best efforts to keep a lid on information, all he can really seem to do is to slow down the flow of information, or have it redirected through different channels (such as the Jakarta Post). The poorly kept secret of Lifeboat purchases, which Morrison attempted to hide (due to the gross stupidity of such a move), has now been revealed as a part of Operation Sovereign Borders by Lt-General Campbell.. but further details can not be revealed... because these items are boats, they are obviously involved in 'on water' activities. All we can know (for now) is that they are boats, they float on water, they are designed to be used to move people, and they will be used as a part of Operation Sovereign Borders... that will keep the people smugglers busy guessing... for about 30 seconds. Operation Secrecy a complete success.
And if all that wasn't a big enough headache for Morrison... the UN has concerns that the policy of boat turn-backs (which can't be confirmed because... you guessed it.. they happen 'On Water') are actually illegal. The UN is currently investigating and asking questions of Morrison's office.
If only we could also escape this alternate reality nightmare with a few simple words... Beam me Up.
Equally disturbing are the number of online comments which support shooting at refugees.
We should be a better nation than this, but we are not.
Until we get our own house in order we lack the authority to make overt criticisms of nations such as North Korea and Syria.
The current political settings within our country significantly increase the risk that someone will over-step the line. Whether this will be another incident like that seen at Cronulla, or our armed forces contributing to the death or deaths of refugees, only time will tell.
No one wants to see this happen - it can be avoided if the government abandons its secrecy, stops playing the politics of fear, and starts acting like adults by having a conversation with the nation which fosters kindness, generosity, understanding and tolerance.
I honestly hope they grow up - before its too late.