ABC pic of Will Hodgman
A few weeks ago I returned from a business trip. I had recently been to Singapore, Hong Kong, Sydney and Melbourne. I’d been working with leaders of businesses finding ways to survive and thrive in very uncertain times. What greeted me on the front page of the Mercury was the beaming face of Will Hodgman in his nice snow jacket on top of Mt Wellington telling us all he’ll make sure a cable car goes to the top. It seemed pathetic in these times. It prompted me to wonder what’s wrong with Will. I think he’s fatally flawed for three reasons.
First, he’s an intellectual light weight. He does not have the intelligence to develop a clear vision and strategy for Tasmania that will deliver the sustainable economy, society and environment we all want. The cable car idea says it all. Last election his big idea was a four lane highway to Launceston. This is not vision and strategy it’s rank populism and just grasping at straws.
Second, he’s politically impotent. Labor is like an old fighter that’s gone a few too many bouts. One decent blow and they’d been gone. But Will has failed to land a glove on them – not one.
Third he has no narrative. Leaders have to shape and share a compelling story for those they lead or hope to lead. Will whines and whinges and stands for nothing.
So, the question is this – if he’s so hopeless why is he still there? Or, is he the best the Liberals have?
• ABC Online: Hodgman leadership questioned
Tasmanian business is quietly questioning the Liberal leadership.
Business leaders have told the ABC long standing Liberal Party contributors are fed up with the lack of detailed policy coming from the Opposition.
One insider says there Is a degree of arrogance that the traditional heartland will blindly support the party.
Launceston businessman Martin Rees says the Parliament is full of career politicians, incapable of making tough decisions.
“I don’t think business does see a huge difference between the two parties.”
The Opposition Leader Will Hodgman insists he is offering a viable alternative to the Government.
“Our alternative budget, the roadmap to recovery and growth, was described as the most substantive policy statement, alternative budget, in living memory.”
Mr Hodgman says his leadership has never been challenged in the six years he has held the job.
Where business raised its doubts …
Zoe Edwards, ABC 7.30:
Is Will Hodgman Premier material
Posted July 20, 2012 20:14:00
He’s Australia’s longest serving Opposition Leader, is his time as Tasmania’s Premier coming?
(A transcript will post sometime today…)
