I heard a senior public servant say recently in a private meeting that every decision made by every government is populist. Sadly he was right. Having said that, having served ministers and governments of all colours over more than 30 years he should know. Indeed, with three year terms, or even four and five year […]

I heard a senior public servant say recently in a private meeting that every decision made by every government is populist. Sadly he was right. Having said that, having served ministers and governments of all colours over more than 30 years he should know. Indeed, with three year terms, or even four and five year terms, and the burning need to be re- elected there are few politicians with the moral courage to make the hard decisions. There are very few politicians willing to put their country ahead of their job prospects or good decision making ahead of their ego. What is more, contrary to popular belief, I dint think this is a new phenomenon. Indeed, that is why some politicians stand head and shoulders above others and have their memory endure through history. Having said that, right now in Australia I can think of VER FEW sitting politician who…