Howard's track record as second-longest serving PM

Third, Howard has followed the Bush Government’s example and refused to support the Kyoto Protocol, only serious attempt to ameliorate the impact of climate change. He has similarly failed to show any leadership in other environmental issues, such as bio-diversity, the water shortage or salinity.

Fourth, Howard shows no interest in Australian culture being swamped by overseas (especially American) cultural products. Indeed, he seems bent on removing any barriers to American influence, especially in relation to the highly contentious but important question of intellectual property. In fact he has never shown any interest in national cultural life, excepting in the already over-supported realm of sport.

Fifth, Howard has undermined the credibility of the office of Prime Minister, national government, parliament and politicians generally through his dissembling, outright lying and refusal to maintain high standards of behaviour by himself and his colleagues. He has been arguably the most cynical exponent of opportunistic wedge politics in our short history as a Federation, a strategy that will inevitably weaken party and parliamentary politics itself.

Sixth, Howard has signally failed to support one of our most definite national successes, multiculturalism. Instead he clings to a 1950’s version of culturally conservative white Australia.

Seventh, Howard’s harsh treatment of refugees has established new lows in regard to basic human rights.

Eighth, using the issues of industrial relations and GST money to states, Howard has overseen a sustained attack on the ideals and practice of federalism. Federalism is one of the core concepts of the Australian constitution, and changing it should only follow full and open public debate.

These are major changes, and looking back from the future, Howard’s time may well be seen as a crucial period when Australia changed from one kind of country to another. From a socially cohesive, economically healthy country proud of its unique cultural identity and with a high standing in international affairs, to one reflecting the most conservative American political, economic, cultural and social values.

“Was there another way for Australia?” historians may well ponder. Perhaps one with less economic growth but more social cohesion, more environmental sustainability, more open collaboration with the wider international community?

“Yes, there is always another way”, they might conclude, but it would take a different kind of leadership to that provided by the long-lasting John Winston Howard.