Voters crying out for genuine leader

Scott Morrison and Bill Shorten can appear to be each other’s best asset as they prepare for the election. It will be the fledgling prime minister’s first as leader after his two predecessors were dumped by their own, and the five-year Opposition leader’s second after his two predecessors were dumped by their own.

The loser can expect to be dumped, too. Shorten’s perennial unpopularity appears one of the greatest threats to Labor gaining government, while Morrison’s lead as preferred prime minister provides hope for the minority government that it can cling to power.

Political ascendancy is not the only power in play. This week’s Fairfax-ipsos poll continued to place Labor, despite Shorten, in a dominant position, and underscored the importance of related issues on which the Coalition has been unable to establish any credibility – climate change and energy prices.

There is also a valid debate to be had about population growth rates and sustainable investment in infrastructure, but it would be lamentable were issues concerning growing pains to become a proxy for prejudice, particularly against Muslims.

A genuine leader should acknowledge Australians want enhanced action on climate change and do not want to target Muslims or any other group in our multicultural, liberty-based country.