What the passing of Malcolm Fraser really says about today’s politicians’ communications skills
Following the death of former prime minister Malcolm Fraser and comments that he under achieved while in government Burson-Marsteller CEO Christine Jones offers some pointers on how politicians could communicate more effectively in an effort to be remembered in a more positive light once out of office.
Like many people, I was saddened to hear the news that Malcolm Fraser passed away overnight. Since the news was announced a few hours ago, tributes have flowed in from all corners of our country and around the world. It’s a fitting acknowledgement of his service to Australia and Australians over many decades.
I was also interested in the reaction to Ross Cameron’s comment that Fraser under achieved when in government. Some have jumped on the timing of his remarks. But to me, this strikes at the very heart of all that is wrong with our politicians and the confines our democratic Westminster system places on them. This system has led to our parliament being more like school debating where one team always has to refute and rebut to win the argument. The argument has become the end game and winning it, has seemingly become the goal.
This is why many under-performing former political leaders are better when out of the job. Take Kristina Keneally for example. She was hamstrung by her factional party and led NSW Labor to the most crashing of defeats in 2011 following just over two years in the job. Out of the job, she has a very successful media and corporate career. Same goes for Julia Gillard. And John Hewson.
