Right Pulse

When I started compiling a list of the top 20 Australian conservatives I thought I’d struggle to find enough names to get to 20. It soon became apparent that I would struggle to keep the list to just 20. A reassuring outcome. The Telegraph has compiled similar lists for the UK and US conservatives and this is where the idea for my list comes from.

Conservatism in Australia has never been well defined. Tony Abbott recently described on 2GB Radio conservatism as “…a pragmatic eclectic creed, above all respectful of the values and institutions that have stood the test of time.” He further said that “…the average Australian is deep down a fairly conservative person.” Agreed.

The assault on conservative values and institutions began in the 1970s with the election of Whitlam, while Fraser seemed unable or unwilling to undo many of the left-wing reforms put in place by Whitlam. Today, part of the problem is that the Liberal Party is not exclusively defined by conservatism. The National Party is the only political party of prominence that could be defined almost entirely by conservatism, albeit of an agrarian sort.

To develop criteria for a ranking, I have used Ronald Reagan’s description of conservatism: the three legged stool. This includes fiscal conservatism, social conservatism and national security hawks. I have added to these criteria an historical and legal aspect, i.e. the degree to which a person holds a non-black armed view of Australian history and support Australia’s existing constitutional arrangements. That does mean a Republican could not make the list. Not all persons satisfy all criteria equally. In order to do well on the rankings one must perform well across all criteria.

Persons are ranked using a grid analysis methodology, with scores weighted by each criteria. The three legs are each given a weighting of 10, history and law are each given a weighting of 7, while an ‘impact’ factor is given a weighting of 20. This final factor is important, because a person’s ability to influence public opinion or initiate change towards conservatism is more important than a passive observer with more strident conservative views.

This will tend to favour politicians, who are more likely to state a position across a range of issues. If for any reason I am unable to tract down the position of the person on a criteria, they are given a default score of 1 for that criteria. Individual unweighted scores are given out of 10, with a maximum weighted score across all criteria equalling 640 marks.

20. Kerry Jones: 356/640

The public face of the No Republic campaign during the 1999 referendum. Kerry scores high on law and history and ‘impact’, while missing on fiscal, social and defence issues. Her lead role in maintaining the current Constitution and system of parliamentary democracy means she makes the list ahead of a competitive field vying for 20th place.

19. Tony Abbott: 401/640

Former Minister and current shadow Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Abbott scores high on social issues but is let down in the ‘impact’ stakes by having held social services based portfolios, e.g. public health care is a lost cause – he probably already knows. Abbott is also a prominent No Republic campaigner. His personal views maybe overly constrained by party discipline.

18. Peter Jensen: 411/640

Anglican Archbishop of Sydney, Jensen has avoided the seemingly trendy pull amongst Christian leaders to embrace left-wing pet causes. Jensen scores maximum marks for social conservatism, let down in other areas.

17. Barnaby Joyce: 417/640

Likable Senator from Queensland, Joyce has become the lead spokesman in the Senate against climate change hysteria. Strong marks also on the fiscal and especially the social conservatism front. Let down on ‘impact’ – needs to improve media skills.

16. Gerard Henderson: 418/640

A consistently conservative commentator for the SMH across a range of issues, especially on terrorism. Probably should be higher up the list, but I am uncertain as to Henderson’s ‘impact’ credentials. Particularly good at making the left look silly with facts:

What is missing from Get Up!’s advocacy of Hicks’s cause is any acknowledgment of what he did before being sent by US authorities to Guantanamo Bay. We know from Hicks’s correspondence, released by his family, that he (i) joined the Taliban, (ii) praised Islamist beheadings for non-believers, (iii) attempted to kill individuals on the Indian side of the Kashmir line-of-control while firing from the Pakistan side, (iv) advocated the overthrow of what he termed “Western Jewish domination” and (v) voluntarily crossed into Afghanistan after its (then) Taliban regime had waged war on the US on September 11, 2001.

15. John Anderson 428/640

Former Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the National Party, Anderson was one of the strongest conservative members of Howard’s Coalition government. Widely liked by both sides of politics, his influence has naturally waned since leaving office due to a prostate condition. Rates well across all criteria.

14. Brendan Nelson 430/640

Former Defence and Education Minister and local member for the most conservative Federal urban electorate in the country. Nelson rates well in this survey because of the high weightings given to national defence. As Minister, Nelson argued successfully in the Security Cabinet for C-17 and F/A-18F aircraft and additional logistical support – all of which were outside Defence’s budgeted expenditure. Nelson is also a strong supporter of the war in Iraq and has voiced public opposition to abortion.

13. George Pell 431/640

The Roman Catholic Archbishop of Sydney, Pell is a probably the most prominent defender of social conservatism in Australia. He is also critical of climate change hysteria, the violence of Islam and also the push in Australia for a bill of rights:

Archbishop of Sydney Cardinal George Pell has responded to a proposed bill of rights by arguing that such rights are best protected by a democratically elected parliament instead of courts of law, the West Australian reports.  The cardinal also expressed concern that if such a proposal is enacted, it could spark a “culture war” in Australia similar to the cultural, moral, and legal conflicts in the United States.

12. Alan Jones 434/640

Former Wallabies coach and current 2GB radio broadcaster, Jones is a strong advocate for fiscal conservatism. Given his prominence as a media personality, Jones rates well on the ‘impact’ criteria. Jones has over the years been personally targeted and attacked by ABC journalists, an indication of his conservative credentials.

11. Piers Akerman 438/640

Daily Telegraph columnist and blogger, Akerman is a consistent critic of Rudd’s Government and one of the media’s main defenders of John Howard and his legacy. Strong across all criteria and not afraid to voice – for the media – rare unequivocal opposition to the latest left-wing fad, including climate change hysteria. Akerman’s blog has gained greater prominence over the past two years, straddling in and out of the main stream media. Can occasionally be seen going behind enemy lines on the ABC’s Insider programme.

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.

5. Michael Jeffery 489/640

A Vietnam veteran, former commander of the SAS, Governor of Western Australia and Governor-General of Australia, Jeffery represents a seemingly by-gone era of service, integrity and traditional values. As a consequence, Jeffery has never been well liked by the main stream media and was personally attacked by the Fairfax press when his term as Governor-General came to an end. Never shy of speaking out on social issues, especially on the importance of the natural family to the nation. Jeffery has given extensive service to the community over many years without the ‘look at moiye, look at moiye’ factor typical of the current Governor ‘republican social justice president’ General.

4. Andrew Bolt 495/640

The most formidable conservative journalist in the country, thanks in large part to his ever popular and growing blog. Bolt is the primary media antagonist against the Australian left current holy of holies: the ’stolen’ generation and climate change. Rates well across all criteria, including defending the Iraq War and Australia’s role in it. Often seen on radio and TV undermining the main stream media’s narrative across a range of issues.

3. Keith Windschuttle 506/640

Windschuttle defected from the ‘dark side’ in the early 1980s. He came to national prominence with his recent book The Fabrication of Aboriginal History, Volume One: Van Diemen’s Land 1803-1847(yes I have read the book), in which he exposes the flimsy historical evidence upon which the leftist claims about Tasmanian Aboriginal ‘genocides’ are based. He quickly became a lead actor in the history/culture wars. A more accurate history of the country is critical to conservatism, i.e. people can take the sack cloth and black-arm bands off now and be proud to call themselves Australians. History written with history in mind and not some contemporary political objective. Windschuttle is also the current editor of The Quadrant, Australia’s leading (only) conservative magazine.

2. Alexander Downer 512/640

Now at this point you are all probably wondering how an earth Downer made runner-up on my list. Let me explain. I think I am accurate in saying that he is one of only two Australian politicians ever mentioned on conservative US talk-back radio in a positive manner (I’ve heard Rush Limbaugh groan on about Rudd). From the Hugh Hewitt Show, which is one of the better talk back radio shows in the USA:

Hugh Hewitt: Well, I was reading Bill Bryson’s Notes From A Sunburned Country, and he says that Australian politics are the most vicious in the world in terms of the debate that goes on within the Parliament. Do you agree with that?

Mark Steyn: I think so. I think they’re so splendidly magnificently robust. When I was there, I went into the chamber during question time, Prime Minister’s question time, and the Prime Minister let the foreign minister, Alexander Downer, answer a couple of questions. And the then-leader of the opposition said, asked a question about Iraq. And Foreign Minister Downer just thwackted back at him, saying that this was the politics of surrender and appeasement, and that Australians would never march under that shabby banner.

Unless your name is Kevin Rudd. For me that settles it, runner up status granted.

1. John Howard 522/640

Now to the other Australian politician mentioned on US talk-back radio. Yes I know, no surprises here. I think at this juncture I’ll revisit the ranking methodology. The purpose of the list is not too rank the best full spectrum conservatives alone – otherwise I’d top the list – but to also consider in a general manner the impact these people have had on the country. So I don’t want to hear from the peanut gallery about Howard’s programme of middle class welfare. His fiscal short-coming has been taken into account along with the rest of the criteria. Note that 522 marks out of 640 is still only 82 per cent – not even a high distinction mark. Unlike the peanut gallery, Howard faced political realities that at times constrained his action – if he wanted to get reelected that is.

The facts remain that Howard ran a strong fiscal surplus with regular tax cuts and with funds set aside to pay for many of the Commonwealth’s future liabilities. That by itself is a major achievement and looks positively herculean given the mess the Federal budget is in now thanks to Rudd. He achieved this while at the same time giving people the ability to access private health care and private education – in other words exercise private choice. All of this was consistent with fiscal conservatism.

On Defence there can be no question that Howard based his policy decisions on what are becoming more and more uniquely conservatives values: freedom and democracy. He didn’t appease Indonesia over East Timor or Saddam Hussein, Russia and China over the fate of the Iraqi people. Bothdecisions have been to the benefit of of the world as both East Timor and Iraq have begun to find their feet as democratic and free nations. All of this was met of course with bizarre and hysterical reactions from the left.

On all the other criteria, social conservatism, history and law, Howard had more than enough marks to put him over the top. Compare the balanced and fair manner in which Howard and Minchin organised the Constitutional Convention in the lead up to the 1999 Republican Referendum, and the way in which Rudd stacked the 2020 Summit in a way that would have made the leaders of the Chinese Communist Party proud.

Those that missed out

No Malcolm Turnbull, despite his recent speech to the Australian Christian Lobby in which he espoused his social conservative credentials. The problem with MT is that he hasn’t done enough in the public domain yet to justify inclusion in the list. What he has done, carbon reduction policies and the Australian republic, are hardly critical conservative issues. This leads to the next group that missed out, business leaders.

The main problem here is tracking down the views and actions of business leaders. I’m sure there are many conservative business leaders, but trying to verify their views against the criteria is a challenge I couldn’t overcome.

There were also a few other journalists, think tank persons and former ministerial staff that missed out. The list can only be so long, and once again there is the challenge of verifying views against the criteria.

A Final Note

I’ll leave that to Canadian columnist Mark Steyn:

In a geopolitical scene not noted for its sympathies to America, we should all give thanks for Australia’s John Howard. On 9/11, the French headline that got all the attention read: “Nous sommes tous Americains.” With far less fanfare, Mr Howard told a radio interviewer: “This is no time to be an 80 per cent ally.” The French didn’t mean it. The Prime Minister did, and he’s been a 100 per cent ally to the United States throughout the last six years. On Saturday, he faces the toughest election of his life. He deserves to win.

Well he didn’t, but like Mark Steyn and despite Howard’s short comings, this blog remains a 100 per cent ally of Howard.