Abbott as PM may surprise everyone

Tony Abbott is a volunteer member of the NSW Rural Fire Service and as an opposition spokesperson on Indigenous Affairs spent a number of weeks teaching in remote communities in Cape York in 2008 and 2009.

Abbott is the author of a number of books which lay out in detail his view of the world and how policy should be approached within an Australian context. This makes him a very rare politician who actually has a philosophy to act upon. Although his views are considered conservative, they cannot be easily criticized for not being well thought out.

The personal history and career of Tony Abbott points to a persona that has not been fully exposed to the Australian people. Abbott has made many mistakes which have been well publicized. Yet, maybe, Abbott will be a man with a very definite vision for Australia. He is likely to be more engaging and inclusive than Howard. More humble than Rudd, and more productive than Gillard. Expect Tony Abbott to work very strongly on issues that will leave him a legacy. He may be able to turn his visions into reality more effectively than Keating was able.

One can see from his views on gay marriage and RU-489, that even though he may be philosophically opposed to something, he may not necessarily rule that option out for others. He may be a much more consensus prime minister than we see today from his role as opposition leader.

Tony Abbott must use this style to confront the big issues that face the nation. Today some ministries are actually finding it very difficult to fund their day to day operations. A way must be found to make the Australian economy competitive again, with new activities that will soak up increasing unemployment. Australia must find its own place in the world, where the country does not even have observer status within ASEAN, nor able to become a member of BRIC. Abbott must rebuild the credibility of the Australian Government that was torn down with Labor disunity over the last three years. Finally Abbott must find a way to bring the young into the political system, where currently around 25% are not even enrolled to vote.

At least Australia has the rare gift of a philosophy in its leader. The Australian people may yet be very surprised with who they have elected as their new prime minister.