Suddenly the Turnbull reform agenda is powering up. I know I’ve been critical but it’s time to reconsider.
Before he seized the prime ministership, the PM sported hybrid spectacles, a heterogeneity of rounded lenses and hard plastics that blended national interest with the social justice warrior:
When he took power, some worried that the reforming PM had lost his way (me included) as these were replaced with a metrosexual bifocals look of clear plastic frames and delicate arms. Very much in tune with the PM’s deep liberalsim roots and support for same sex marriage but effeminate and lacking policy vigour:
But today, as the AFR reports, the Turnbull reform agenda has moved decisively into action:
Malcolm Turnbull’s chances of passing his key industrial relations bills have received a much-needed lift after he gave the green light for an inquiry into watering down the Racial Discrimination Act. But he has been accused by Labor of horsetrading protections on hate speech.
Already under pressure from conservative Liberals to either repeal or amend section 18C of the Act, Mr Turnbull was asked by Liberal Democrat Senator David Leyonhjelm to look at the issue in return for his support for bills to re-establish the Australian Building and Construction Commission and to establish a Registered Organisations Commission.
Senator Leyonhjelm said 18C was one concern he had regarding free speech but was “not the top of my list”. During talks on Thursday, Mr Turnbull raised the inquiry, which has been proposed by Liberal Senator Dean Smith. Senator Leyonhjelm said he would be happy with the inquiry for now.
The mincing translucence of the old frames is gone as the PM moves boldly forward. A new pair of strongman black tortoiseshell has been unveiled. Lo, it might even be bakelite!
Note the unbridled masculinity and policy power fused into a red-blooded Teutonic angularity that demands the unreasoning clear the way. Reform vigour if I’ve ever seen it.
No more Do-nothing Malcolm here. This is the second time that he has changed his glasses in two years!
