10. Jeff Kennett 458/640
Kennett would be the number one conservative if it weren’t for his social views. The former Victorian Premier – noted for sacking thousands of public servants to solve the state’s budget problems and restore Victoria’s credit rating – is still passionately hated by unions and the left generally. Kennett is one of the strongest fiscal conservatives on the list, with a strong dislike for middle class welfare and ‘bonus’ payments to the non-tax paying public. His success in turning Victoria around means he scores well on ‘impact’. As a former Army officer, Kennett naturally scores well on the Defence criteria. While let down on social issues, Kennett has been made to look more conservative with the current ALP Victorian Government legalising late-term abortions and forms of infanticide.
9. Nick Minchin 468/640
Howard’s main supporter while in government, Minchin is one of the strongest conservatives in Federal Parliament today. Not as well known in the public eye, but an influential and powerful hand in the Liberal Party with no hint of retirement anytime soon. Strong conservative credentials across all criteria, including being a climate change skeptic and strong supporter of labour market deregulation.
8. Geoffrey Blainey 473/640
Australia’s most respected historian, Blainey was driven out of Melbourne University in the 1980s for his conservative views on the impact of immigration on society and the study of Aboriginal issues. Blainey coined the term ‘black armband view’ of Australian history to describe the history written by political activists/leftist historians. A critic of the Aboriginal and welfare victimology club.
7. Peter Costello 477/640
Despite being a Republican, Costello makes the top ten because of his fiscal work and conservative social views. His impact on fiscal policy is clear - though he is guilty by association for the rise of middle-class welfare. If he had his way, I think welfare entitlements would have been curtailed under Howard’s government. Strong commitment to tax-cuts and fiscal responsibility looks unchanged despite the economic downturn.
6. Philip Ruddock 485/640
Next to Howard, probably the most hated political figure by the left due to the boat people saga, illegal immigrant detention, the Tampa issue and also being Attorney-General during the Iraq War. Can easily overwhealm the hyper-active left with well reasoned and supported arguments. A recent article indicates the principled manner in which he executed his portfolio compared to a more leftist colleague:
THE Australian Federal Police has launched a fresh investigation into cash-for-visa allegations involving the Liberal Party and alleged Mafia figures…fresh information about donations to the Liberals by supporters of Francesco Madafferi, who is facing a drug trafficking charge resulting from the world’s biggest ecstasy bust last year….Madafferi received a visa after the then immigration minister, Amanda Vanstone, intervened. Her predecessor, Philip Ruddock, had decided to deport Madafferi to Italy because he was an illegal immigrant with an outstanding warrant in his home country, where he faced four years’ jail…Ms Vanstone overturned the deportation order on “humanitarian” and mental health grounds.