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Who was our worst Prime Minister and why? Any notable state leaders we need to add? (aussie.zone)

submitted 2 weeks ago by wildwhitehorses@aussie.zone to c/australia@aussie.zone

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With the US result some friends and I have been discussing who the worst PM was/is.

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[–] Nath@aussie.zone 4 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

I had several disagreements with Mr Howard, but I believe that despite those differences, he really was trying to do the right thing for the country.

I liked Mr Turnbull. In an alternate universe where he was permitted to actually lead the nation and wasn't held down by his party, I think he could have been one of the great PMs.

I didn't have a lot of time for either Mr Abbott nor Mr Morrison. Both were bad for the country. I honestly can't recall a redeeming thing to say about either of them.

[–] Zagorath@aussie.zone 3 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

I think I could have agreed with you on Howard except for two things. Children overboard was not just had in itself, but it basically set Australia on its now 20 year history of politicisation of refugees' lives. It was bad enough in its own right, but looking at the long term ramifications of his actions, I rate him as one of the worst we've ever had, even if he's not quite in contention for the #1 spot.

Turnbull I agree with you. In an alternate universe he could have been one of the best LNP leaders we've ever had. But the fact is that he had no spine and was more than willing to throw the country and his own personal beliefs aside for the sake of retaining power, and I cannot forgive him for that.

[–] Nath@aussie.zone 3 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

Immigration and asylum seekers have been politicized my whole life. When I was little, it was "wogs" - though which nationality that referred to was confusing. It was originally Italians and Greeks after World war 2, but later evolved to Lebanese. Then it was the Vietnamese/Asians. Then it was Middle Eastern / Arab nations. I think we're still hearing about Sudanese gangs yeah?

It's an unending cycle that has showed no signs of going away. Ned Kelly resorted to crime because of being discriminated against for being Irish. Yes, Mr. Howard absolutely tapped into that cycle with the Tampa incident, but he didn't start the fire. It was always burning like the world's been turning.

[–] Zagorath@aussie.zone 0 points 2 weeks ago

You're not wrong, but Howard's was a very different matter, because he started the institutional vilification of refugees by making the public aware of what was previously (to use Morrison's language) on-water matters.