As support for Prime Minister Tony Abbott dwindles in the polls, the lonely eyes of the nation are collectively being turned towards Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull.
There’s no denying his popularity with the Australian public, and even Labor or Green voters can grudgingly admit his progressive attitude on issues like gay marriage and climate change is to be admired.
Keeping cool-headed and articulate in many situations is one of Turnbull’s greatest strengths. The following is a list of why Turnbull has remained a popular contender for Australian leadership (everywhere except within his own party).
1. Supports same-sex marriage:
Turnbull has made his stance on gay marriage very well known, and openly admits Australian politics is backwards in banning same-sex marriage.
“Let us be honest with each other. The threat to marriage is not the gays. It is a lack of loving commitment – whether it is found in the form of neglect, indifference, cruelty or adultery, to name just a few manifestations of the loveless desert in which too many marriages come to grief.” – Turnbull 2012
2. Believes in climate change (and ain’t afraid to say it):
Turnbull has become famous for standing up to his Coalition colleagues on the issue of climate change, with quotes like the following:
“Climate change is a global problem. The planet is warming because of the growing level of greenhouse gas emissions from human activity. If this trend continues, truly catastrophic consequences are likely to ensue from rising sea levels, to reduced water availability, to more heat waves and fires.”
While it seems ridiculous to congratulate someone for believing in, you know, science, kudos Malcolm
Thanks for actually making some sense.
3. Sassy use of social media:
From his blog to his twitter account, Turnbull is all over this social media thing. While we don’t get treated to as many selfies as K-Rudd so generously provided us with, we do get some other memorable moments, such as the following:
Top Comments
If we have to suffer Abbott for the remainder of this term, then I certainly won't be switching my vote back to the conservatives any time soon. I long for the early days of John Howard - not all of them, but a lot of them.
If his party won't put him in, we'll just wait patiently for the next election and vote them out. They haven't got a hope of another term unless he's at the helm. Even then, he'll have his work cut out.