And the Canberra Games go on and on

NT News keeping it real
Source: Guardian.com

I don't know about you, but the last few days in Australian politics has been kind of fun. I've been addicted to the nonstop rollercoaster ride that is the "Canberra Games". Who cares about shows like Survivor, The Greatest Race or The Bachelor - this is reality TV at its finest. It's a show where you kind of get a say in the process, but not really. People get eliminated. Hearts are broke. Tears are shed. New alliance made and bitter parting speeches are given. There's even the dramatic recaps, speculative commentary from experts and guests, and montages of how far we've come. While it may seem important at the time who gets kicked off an island or given a rose, here it (may be) a substantial change in how the country is governed. Who knows, we might actually have legislation passed by the senate now!

Due to the course of these events, I felt it was necessary to transcribe some of my thoughts on the Turnbull take over. (I hate calling it a coup. Where was the military!? Where are the pictures of people being dragged out of office?! Has the excitement of a change in PM reduced the ability of the media to reach for a dictionary?)

Coup: (noun) [also coup d'état] - a sudden, violent, and illegal seizure of power from a government. Take Burkina Faso for example. 

As much hype as there is about the "shambles" that is the revolving door of our Prime Ministership (thanks Karl and Ray), very little actually matters. Because it's the exact same members of Parliament who return the next day and continue with business as usual. It's a reshuffling of the deckchairs, be it on a the Titanic, or the green Canberran' lawns. What is noticeable is how people reacted and pledge their allegiances. Abbott didn't give a press conference after he was ousted, a sign of very bitter resentment and self pity. Before the spill, many MPs didn't give press conferences, but those who did open their mouths to the microphones and camera lenses leaked out their emotional sentiments on the issue. It was like seeing the live crosses to politicians when they win or lose their seat during an election. There's a moment where they let down their guard with all of the emotional turmoil and show their true personality.

As for what the future holds, I can't envisage Australian democracy crumbling and falling apart from this latest bout of "treachery". There'll just be continued speculation about leadership on both sides, and the ABC will get a to run new episodes of The Killing Season.  Malcolm Turnbull has a lot more panache than previous political leaders, something the Australian community either loves or hates (do I even have to mention Kevin Rudd?) Style aside, there needs to be some substance to keep the viewers interested people voting. Or people will follow the Channel 7 model and not give a damn. That's something I'm much more concerned about! How did James Blunt become popular again?