“Dear government, don’t be terrible.” It’s a simple plea, and as journalist Laura Tingle steps away from four decades of covering Australian politics, it’s one that captures the hope many Australians feel when a new government begins its term.
In journalism’s earlier days, personal pronouns were avoided at all costs — a standard that shaped Tingle’s reporting career. But with this final column on domestic politics before taking up the role of global affairs editor, a moment of reflection seems fair.
A Message from the Press Gallery Jungle
Political reporting often feels like sending dispatches from a strange land — decoding the behaviour of those in power for the people who live outside the parliamentary bubble. But this column flips the script, sending a message to the politicians, shaped by decades of watching them up close.
And the first message is this: the federal Coalition, currently adrift, has made itself largely irrelevant. Until it finds a sense of purpose and coherence, the focus must turn to the government that is in charge — the one voters gave a powerful mandate in the 2025 election.
New Government, New Context
All governments are, in a sense, new after an election, regardless of how long they’ve held power. The conditions in which they operate — economic, social, and political — shift. What a government can do with its majority is one thing; what it should do is another.
Many in power fail to grasp that past constraints — political, ideological, or electoral — may no longer apply. The recent election signalled a rejection of extremism on both sides and a return to centrist politics. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s concept of “progressive patriotism” — doing things “the Australian way” — resonates in a time of global turmoil.
But good intentions aren’t enough. Governments need the courage and clarity to sell their ideas — and the willingness to listen.
The End of Attack-Dog Politics?
For years, Labor operated cautiously under the shadow of relentless conservative attack politics, particularly under Tony Abbott. But the Coalition today is fractured, and the ideological fire that once fuelled it is largely spent. The absence of a powerful opposition figure means Labor has a unique opportunity to lead boldly.
That includes revisiting decisions like the bipartisan embrace of AUKUS — not to abandon them outright, but to reflect on Australia’s own strategic interests in an era where alliances (like with the U.S.) may be less reliable.
Rethinking Political Norms
Coalition-era dogmas on debt, deficits, race, and migration shaped politics for over a decade. But those assumptions no longer need to guide policy. With courage, Labor can reframe the national conversation — if it avoids the exhaustion and cynicism that too often sets in among long-serving political players.
History shows reform has always been difficult — from Hawke to Howard — and has always required stamina and political will. It’s not social media or “dumb voters” that stops reform; it’s often the politicians giving up too soon.
Conflict Isn’t a Crisis
Another political myth — especially within Labor — is that internal disagreement is damaging. But in the Hawke era, ministers publicly pushed different economic ideas without the sky falling in. Healthy debate keeps governments responsive and credible.
Figures like Ed Husic, who has spoken out bravely on the Gaza conflict, demonstrate that principled disagreement within government is not only acceptable but necessary in a rapidly shifting world.
Time to Change the Conversation
The Albanese government has a rare chance to reshape Australia’s future — not just by managing factions or passing legislation, but by leading a new national conversation. As voters, we ask for energy, thoughtfulness, and the bravery to seize the moment.
To borrow the words of Abraham Lincoln to General Hooker during the American Civil War:
“Beware of rashness, but with energy and sleepless vigilance, go forward and give us victories.”
After decades observing governments act in our name, that remains the one wish for those who hold power: use it well.
Laura Tingle steps down as 7.30’s political editor this week and will begin her new role as ABC’s global affairs editor in the coming weeks.
