The past year has provided a smorgasbord of power snatching opportunities for those looking to increase their influence. Here we present eight of our favourite 2011 power grabs:
Alan Joyce
It was the industrial relations power play no one saw coming. Qantas had been involved in a running battle with the unions over Joyce’s plans to restructure the business and long-term industrial action looked to be on the cards.
So when Alan Joyce tried to force the federal government’s hand by grounding Qantas’ international and domestic fleet the initial reaction was shock (and, amongst the business community, awe). Unions, politicians and the public were taken completely by surprise; Fair Work Australia intervened and Joyce got pretty much what he wanted (as well as a handy $2 million bonus).
Anthony Albanese/Peter Slipper
After a parliamentary year like no other, the last sitting day for 2011 had one big surprise left in store: the resignation of the speaker of the House. Incumbent Harry Jenkins announced he was stepping down to participate more fully in caucus policy discussions (and, as one Liberal wag put it, so he could have a beer with his Labor mates).
Lead government schemer Anthony Albanese spied an opportunity and successfully lured disgruntled LNP member Peter Slipper to take the job (and a $100,000 pay rise). Tony Abbott denounced the political double deal as “Machiavellian ruthlessness” but the minority government, a byelection away from destruction, was given some extra breathing space on the floor.
Barry O’Farrell
It wasn’t the most difficult of election victories — the scandal-plagued NSW Labor government had been on the nose for what seemed like an eternity. But Barry O’Farrell still had to get the job done to finally end the Coalition’s 16 years out of office. And do a job he did, winning in a landslide with 69 seats to Labor’s 20.
The months since haven’t been the kindest to BOF, as Infrastructure NSW boss Nick Greiner gives him a hard time on power asset sales. But compared to the previous mob’s performance at Macquarie Street, he’s going to have a political honeymoon for some time yet.
Bob Brown
Ever since last year’s hung parliament election result, Greens leader Bob Brown has been dubbed the man behind the throne in Canberra. And with good reason — the Greens’ position in both the Senate and House has given them the power to pretty much demand as they please.
The most evident display of that power has been the passage of the federal government’s carbon price; a direct contradiction of a Gillard election promise and a key requirement of Brown’s support for Labor legislation. With bills through both houses and the opposition plotting its demise, one thing’s for sure: without Brown (and the Greens) it would be highly unlikely that the most contentious policy of the year would be in place.
David Manne
When Julia Gillard and Chris Bowen announced they were going to send asylum seekers over to Malaysia for processing, refugee lawyer David Manne was quick to seek legal redress to stop the plan.
And what a win it was. The High Court ruled in his team’s favour six to one, leaving the federal government with the option to either strike a deal with the Coalition, or process asylum seekers on shore (they chose the latter).
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