Mediaboss Marketing

This notable trend has everything to do with the fact that the political shelf life of heads of government, not only in Australia but around the Western democratic world, has been steadily shortening.

Loading

In other words, leaders increasingly either get turfed by their parties or the electorate long before they are ready to call it a day. Alternatively, leaders leave on their terms. Invariably, calling it a day to spend more time with the family is a well-used bit of spin for seeing the writing on the wall not always, but often. Just look at the churn in political leaders in both government and opposition, federal and state, since 1975.

Shorter shelf lives are not unique to politics. Senior executive roles, including chief executives, tell a similar story, although for reasons of governance and accountability to shareholders and stakeholders, succession planning and orderly handovers come into play more than they do in the relatively volatile world of politics. But gone are the 20-year stints at the helm of a public company.

So, what are we to make of who gets a place at the table when it comes to election campaigns? Does it really matter that Scott Morrison has barely been seen in the seats most under threat by the so-called teal independents? Is it personal? Or a sign of the times?

Loading

The pollsters and pundits are in overdrive reading the entrails of the prime ministers travel itinerary, attempting to work out whether a seismic shift is about to occur in just eight days that could see a lower house role for non-major party representatives. Whatever the outcome, one of the major parties will be on the treasury benches for the next three years.

Cut through the noise of the federal election campaign with news, views and expert analysis from Jacqueline Maley. Sign up to our Australia Votes 2022 newsletter here.

See original here:
The scorned former PM who left the Liberals weaker and paved the way for a teal wave - Sydney Morning Herald