The dinner party discussion: Who should replace Turnbull?
For most of its life, the Turnbull Coalition government has mysteriously underperformed – like a luxury car with persistent mechanical problems.
Mark Kenny is Fairfax Media's chief political correspondent. A director of the National Press Club, he regularly appears on the ABC's Insiders, Sky News Agenda, and Ten's Meet the Press. He has reported from Canberra under three prime ministers and several opposition leaders.
For most of its life, the Turnbull Coalition government has mysteriously underperformed – like a luxury car with persistent mechanical problems.
A resurgent Malcolm Turnbull has accused Labor of being "drunk on left ideology" as he capitalised on another serious blackout in South Australia to defend gas and coal-fired generation while slamming Labor's rush to solar and wind power for the failure.
It is hardly surprising that Malcolm Turnbull has immediately followed up his personal attacks on Bill Shorten with more of the same.
Critics who urge the PM to use a progressive issue to win back middle-Australia fail to understand the new reality.
Whether it is incompetence, bad luck, or bad judgment, controversies glow white-hot but fade when the next disaster hovers into view.
Voters in two important safe Liberal seats seem to be odds with the Turnbull government's central economic agenda item for its second term.
In all likelihood, Cory Bernardi's expected break away from the Liberal Party will achieve exactly nothing.
An inward-looking America could prove to be a blessing in disguise for Australia
Canberra is on tenterhooks, keenly aware that Donald Trump is volatile, vainglorious, and potentially unreliable.
Now that we know how much, a reasoned debate can ensue. But don't hold your breath.
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