and that’s how they see their leaders
The triumph of Donald Trump in the United States coincides with Australians’ record loss of faith in their elected represenatatives.
by an apparent distain for the hopes and fears of those they regard as “The Deplorables”. Consequently, the electorate’s suspicion of the elites is now matched by the elites’ disrespect for the electorate. A quick look at the political landscape of the western world shows the peas-
ants in revolt and the rise of the demagogues, of both right and left. Marine Le Pen in France, Geert Wilders in Holland, Nigel Farage in Britain, Norbert Hofer in Austria, SYRIZA in Greece, the Danish People’s Party in Denmark, the Law and Justice Party in Poland, Podemos in Spain and most strikingly of all, Donald Trump, the President-elect of the United States. In Australia, the disconnect between the establishment and ordinary Australians has not been as marked as in Europe and the US. However, a similar, if less virulent, condition is apparent. The agendas of the prevailing politico/social order and middle Australia mirror those of their counterparts overseas. The potential frictions between the two have been salved by 25 years of recession free, relative prosperity, but this is changing. Wages growth for most workers is minimal, while cost of living pressures are rising, particularly for essential utilities. This would be manageable with an explanatory political narrative as to why – remember the “recession we had to have” – but there has been no such thing from the leadership. The absence of a credible shared vision of the future of the country leaves a void where latent fears and uncertainties incubate and emerge unresolved. Add to this a rising suspicion that certain segments of society are more favoured than others and the
Great Green Activities
with the Mornington Peninsula Shire
resultant resentment is fuelling a demand to be heard and listened to from “the forgotten people”. This has prompted a decline in popular support for the established major parties and the emergence of agitators, agents provocateurs, and other oddball characters being sent to Canberra with the resulting paralysis and dysfunction of the process of government. The latest AustraliaSCAN survey shows that confidence in the federal government is the lowest it has been this century. People’s uncertainty about their personal financial futures spills over into their worries about the prosperity of future generations, with nearly two-thirds of adult Australians believing that young people today will not enjoy a standard of living better than their parents. A similar proportion believe that the country is heading in the wrong direction. There is a clear and pressing need for the enunciation of a new vision for the future of Australia; one with which the majority of Australians can agree. What is certain is that Australians want a new “light on the hill” to describe where the community is heading and why. What is less certain is who among our current crop of political leaders can deliver it. For decision makers in both the public and private sectors there are three key implications for 2017:
1 Growing unpredictability both overseas and in Australia. Therefore, it would be wise to minimise irrevocable and inflexible long term commitments. While retaining the organisation’s strategic focus, endeavour to keep contingency reserves in store. 2 All established institutions, even the old household names, will be under immense pressure to perform against more nimble competitors. Large organisations should build agility into their operations, while small to medium business should take advantage of their flexibility to out manoeuvre the old dinosaurs. 3 Identity will become increasingly important. Who you are, what you stand for and how you behave will discriminate between the winners and losers in 2017. Keep in touch with your stakeholders and respond to their concerns with understanding. Incidentally, the Peasants Revolt didn’t end well for the peasants. The leaders, including Wat Tyler, were all executed by a vengeful establishment and the concessions they had won were reversed. In a similar vein, expect Donald Trump to be attacked from all sides by a vengeful establishment and don’t be surprised if he fails to run a full four year term. Let’s party like it’s 1381. David Chalke is the principal of The Strategy Planning Group and a consultant to AustraliaSCAN.
Fast food a deadly ‘treat’ for cats IT seems humans are not the only species that has an appetite for takeaway fast food. It seems feral cats and foxes are especially drawn to menu items at KFC in Hastings, although there’s a good chance that their first meal from the outlet is also their last. The role that KFC Hastings has in controlling pest animals has been uncovered along with a list of credit card expenses by Parks Victoria staff which also includes meals at the Portsea Hotel and several expensive restaurants elsewhere in the state – but presumably not for consumption by animals. Parks staff went to KFC Hastings seven times, running up a $260 bill on fried chicken to be used as bait to trap cats. No explanation has yet been given for the $1000 spent at the Portsea hotel. Exposure by the HeraldSun newspaper of the expenditure has caused state Environment Minister Lily D’Ambrosio to call on Parks to explain the past year’s $2.2 million credit card bill. Parks Victoria acting CEO Margaret Gillespie has been quoted as saying the latest credit bill was higher than the previous year’s because of the phasing out of petty cash.
Bookings essential
Create a dream catcher Create a dream catcher using recycled materials Monday 16 January, 10 – 11am
YOU’LL LOVE WHAT WE DO Curtains Awnings
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Create a crazy creature Create a crazy creature using native seeds, nuts and pods Thursday 19 January, 10 – 11am
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For 7 – 12 year olds Cost: $5 per child
mornpen.vic.gov.au/Events-Activities
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www.shadesofaustralia.net.au Shop 8a, 1-13 Tyabb Road (cnr Nepean Hwy) Mornington Western Port News 10 January 2017
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