David Coleman (Banks, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

COLEMAN () (): I read the Treasurer's essay on capitalism. It's really, really bad. Some people say it has no structure, but I think that's unfair. There is a clear structure. Step 1: start with a quote from a Greek philosopher so readers know you are a thoughtful guy. Here it's one about a river. Step 2: use a dramatic metaphor linking your story to a Greek philosopher. Here we learn that the world is entering a stream full of perilous white water. Step 3: say some things that don't actually say anything, so they're hard to criticise. Here are a couple of my favourites from the essay. Firstly, the economy will be made better:

By strengthening our institutions and our capacity, with a focus on the intersection of prosperity and wellbeing, on evidence, on place and community, on collaboration and cooperation—

Secondly:

With a new, values-based capitalism for Australia, we can understand something the old thinking neglected: that the problems of government—of whole societies—don't and shouldn't permit one simple solution set.

Step 4: link back to the Greek philosopher at the start to imply there's a whole and coherent argument; put yourself into the story. The Treasurer concludes his essay by saying:

Different river, different man—and a different country to help shape and steer on their behalf.

The Treasurer's river is flowing rapidly in one direction—higher costs for Australian families and a betrayal of Australian business.

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