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:
Political jokes are kind of like Dad jokes, but we do appreciate the odd one every now and then.
#snap
4. Turnbull loves his ABC (especially Peppa Pig):
As demonstrated on his Facebook, Turnbull is passionate about Peppa Pig. And what true Aussie politician/father wouldn’t be – she’s everyone’s favourite babysitter?
As Communications Minister, Turnbull is watching the ABC implement some pretty tough budget cuts but has assured everyone that Peppa’s is one snout that belongs in the ABC trough for good.
Naww. One of Australia’s greatest modern day romances if we’ve ever seen it.
5. He’s a social progressive and gets involved in causes he believes in:
From camping out for the homeless at the Vinnie’s CEO sleep-out, to sailing to raise money for people disabilities, Turnbull shows a compassionate side as is often supporting many charities.
6. Talks straight and isn’t afraid of criticising his own.
Malcolm Turnbull isn’t afraid to call people out on their bullshit… even if they’re members of his own Liberal Party or well known shock-jocks with hundreds of thousands of listeners.
7. Supports home grown music:
Malcolm seems to have a strong love for Aussie music including fellow skivvy wearers The Wiggles. We bet he would have enjoyed that Katie Noonan interlude that was played during Q & A a couple weeks ago to interrupt student protestors.
8, That leather jacket:
A politician rocking leather? Who would have thought it. Turnbull turned up to ABC current affairs show, Q & A where he was the only one of four males on the panel not in a suit… but he was sporting a leather jacket. Cue: swooning politically minded types everywhere.
The showing was a mere two days after the 2010 Federal election, which spurred Malcolm to then make a joke saying he wasn’t wearing a blue tie because he was courting the “informal vote.” BAM.
The infamous leather jacket even had it’s very own Facebook page after its initial appearance, and was later auctioned off, raising $1800 for the Wayside Chapel in Kings Cross.
9. Malcolm isn’t afraid to tackle the big issues.
Probably not any time soon without the NBN Malcolm but you have go us pondering. Those blue eyes are deep….
If you’re a Malcolm Turnbull fan, why not share this post and show your adoration on social media (it’s what Malcolm would do). And if you’re not, we’d love to hear about it in the comments below.
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.