Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. Image: Cebit Australia.
Malcolm Turnbull’s deposition of Prime Minister Tony Abbott as leader of the Liberal Party may cause deep division in the electorate and generate a big question mark over how the government will track until the next federal election.
But local and state government across Australia have put aside any potential political resentfulness that fires up naturally during such events that have become more common in the last five years and have pledged their will to work with the incoming PM.
Mr Turnbull has previously led a strong portfolio as Minister for Communications in the Abbott government and has been continually hailed as “Australia’s most popular politician” – his ascent to the top job is sure to put that to the test.
While the rapid fire 24-hour news cycle makes it difficult for leaders in the sector to put out intricately composed media releases on the spot, the initial reactions from local and state government came mainly through social media outlets like Twitter and Facebook.
These outlets are constantly updated faster than a human being can read them, let alone comprehend them. But looking past the noise, state premiers have chimed in and delivered their responses to the latest news from Canberra.
One of the first responses came from Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews via Twitter, who congratulated Mr Turnbull in his historic win in the party room, saying that he’s “keen to discuss partnering” on public transport, roads, health, education, and jobs in Victoria.
New South Wales Premier Mike Baird followed with a Facebook post, where he lamented the loss of Mr Abbott from the Liberal leadership, saying that he was “proud to call him a mate”.
However Mr Baird said he looks forward to working closely with Mr Turnbull.
“He [Mr Turnbull] will lead with distinction and I anticipate great things for Australia,” Mr Baird said.
It didn’t end there. The leading voice of the local government sector also congratulated the incoming PM in a media release.
Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) President Troy Pickard said that he looks forward to a continued strong relationship with the federal government and to working with Mr Turnbull.
“Malcolm Turnbull this morning said that we are living in a time of great opportunities and challenges economically.
“Subsequently, it has never been more important to have a strong partnership between the Commonwealth and local government, a partnership that can coordinate economic and employment growth policies at the local level to strengthen the Australian economy and deliver positive outcomes for our communities,” Mr Pickard said.
He said local government is strategically placed to assist in the implementation of policies and programs on a region-by-region basis to drive growth and opportunity at the regional level and hence increase economic growth on a national level.
“Exciting economic opportunities lie ahead and local government is ready to play its role in helping local communities take full advantage of these opportunities,” Mr Pickard said.
“I look forward to canvassing options and opportunities where local government can assist the Turnbull Government in achieving its economic vision for our country.”
Mr Pickard spoke on behalf of ALGA to thank Mr Abbott for his work and commitment while in office and “wish him all the best for the future”.
