By Jared Wright
Not only should the legacy of Malcolm Turnbull remain within the Liberal Party, but his generation defining achievements should be celebrated throughout the Australian polity. Mr Turnbull is idealised throughout the youth wing of the party for his unprecedented international trade deals, domestic reforms to reduce family violence and the legalisation of same-sex marriage. Whether in public life or his past experiences as a lawyer and investment banker, Malcolm’s leadership has always been polarising, aspirational and bold. From becoming a Rhodes Scholar to defending Kerry Packer and to upholding the highest level of public office in Australia, Malcolm Turnbull leads an inspiring legacy that should not only be accepted but honoured
One of his biggest successes was his presence and balance of power within the party room. He preached the importance of cabinet politics and individual opinion to draw upon a range of ideas, personal expertise and the fundamental value of teamwork. He led a party which operated as an exemplar of what contemporary politics should be today. Avoid of the captains call, in favour of the will and demands of the party. This is paramount for a political organisation with such a wide base of ideology and a platform of ideology as the Liberal Party.
Turnbull’s diverse experience within the private sector helped shape his financial rationale and comprehension of fiscal and monetary economics. As a neo-liberal, he had enormous success towards opening up competition within the market to drive down prices while ensuring the creation of jobs and economic prosperity. Cases like the changing of telecommunications policy and the ownership of the Western Sydney Airport are prime examples of how competition can benefit the market and consumers. Turnbull acknowledged the importance of liberal orthodoxy in favour of the intrinsic nature of the market, championing rationale and abandoning international and domestic protectionism.
The legalisation of same-sex marriage is yet another example of his core liberalist values. If the Liberal Party enshrines freedom of choice, why should a man that provided same-sex couples their civil liberties be expelled? This was a landmark case both within the Liberal Party and throughout society and it is an achievement both in and of the Australian people that needs to be respected.
At the age of 65, Malcolm Turnbull still has so much wisdom to share within the party. His real world experience has made him a politician like no other. Empathising for the little man through his humbled upbringing in Sydney’s eastern suburbs and empathising with high achievers and small business through his expertise in the corporate world. This man is an icon within Australian politics, an inspiration to aspiring public servants and a well-regarded figure to everyone who has worked along side him.
The Liberal Party is a broad church that belongs to no one, it is a party of aspirational Australian’s and Malcolm Turnbull embodies that better than anyone. It is time to quit the petty politicking and recognise his legacy as a hero within the party who’s leadership and policies have made us ever better.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the NSW Young Liberal Movement.