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The end result has been a government which has done essentially nothing of note and in the process has eroded all its political capital, setting new records of unpopularity for a new elected government.
Let's look at some of the more interesting examples.
The $6 GP co-payment.
A proposal suggested by the Australian Centre for Health Research (ACHR), a small “think tank” set up by the smaller private health funds (no conflict of interest there). And having made the recommendation in a purported attempt to reduce demand and costs, these same health funds have offered to step in and provide coverage for this co-payment. Add to that: the lack of affordability by poorer people (who can't afford health insurance), the ineffectiveness of economic rationalist approaches to non-discretionary spending, and the cost blow outs (and poorer health outcomes) associated with people delaying or avoiding seeking needed health care and advice.
A profoundly stupid policy that could only be considered by a man who was one of the worst health ministers this country has seen (Abbott)
This issue is dissected in more detail on The Conversation website.
Asking Australian Citizens to pay for Consular support
Economic rationalism at its worst.
There are a number of problems with this proposal. The first issue goes to the heart of what a government's function is. Our government exists to represent us (Australian citizens) and our interests and is funded through our taxes. If any of us get into difficulty overseas we have a right to expect the highest quality of support from our government. If this service operated on a fee for service arrangement we would be providing a greater level of service to mining magnates or casino operators who got themselves into trouble for 'facilitation payments' (bribes to you and me)... an issue which was raised recently on the 7.30 Report.
Also, given that this proposal sprang up in response to the arrest of an Australian Greenpeace activist by the Russian authorities, placing an economic barrier in the way of someone making a political statement restricts the constitutional rights of an Australian citizen. It is unconstitutional in the same way that the NSW laws preventing Unions donating to political parties are.
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Item number 48 on the IPA's 'wish list'.
Another poorly thought out policy, especially for remote and regional Australia.
Post Offices are the cornerstone of many remote communities, providing services such as banking which have long departed, since the privatisation of the Commonwealth bank. Privatisation of Australia Post may see these services go the same way.
Gone will be the standard rate of postage for items sent within Australia.. we would likely see a fall in Capital city postage rates and an explosion in postal rates to rural and remote communities. This is a concern which has also been voiced by a member of the government.
Cory Bernardi's book
While no one listens to the rantings of Cory Bernardi, they do serve a purpose for the Coalition. By giving voice to extreme right wing views, and by maintaining the support of the Coalition, Bernardi is attempting to shift the political centre to the right.
Thankfully, the irreverent Australian sense of humour is subverting Bernardi's efforts. His book has received a great many satirical reviews on the Amazon website, with my personal favourite was written by a dog (who Bernardi is aiming to protect from the institution of marriage). It says:
"As a dachshund, I can't actually read this book or any other, but I thank Corgi Bernardi from the bottom of my heart for stopping gay marriage, and the widespread cornholing of both urban and rural animals that would have occurred should such a thing have eventuated."
Cory's book has a 1 star rating... which may be a lot better than it deserves.
Safe Boats for illegals
Another master-stroke by Morrison.
Rather than tow them back, or push them back, or talk them back, Morrison may or may not be giving them safe lifeboats with just enough fuel to make it back to Indonesia... he can't confirm.
And he won;t be telling us it seems... we will need to wait for the next email briefing, where this may or may not be confirmed.
But Morrison's behaviour has gone beyond the ridiculous.... it is Diminishing our Democracy.