Why Did Australia Not Vote for Bill Shorten's Bigger Budget Surplus in the 2019 Australian Federal Election?

Bill Shorten's bid for a bigger budget surplus in the 2019 Australian Federal Election fell flat due to a combination of unrealistic promises, a lack of credible policies, and the political climate in the country. This article delves into the reasons why voters, particularly those in Queensland, did not support his campaign.

Promises vs. Reality in Politics

Political campaigns often revolve around promises of sweeping changes and improved outcomes, but the reality is seldom as straightforward as the rhetoric suggests. In 2019, Bill Shorten and the Australian Labor Party (ALP) campaigned on a platform that included a specific emphasis on achieving a bigger budget surplus. However, the disconnect between these election promises and the reality of governance was palpable, leading to voter disillusionment.

Failure to Deliver on Promises

The ALP's promise of a significant budget surplus was met with skepticism, primarily because:

Historic Mismanagement: The ALP has a well-documented history of poor budget management. This track record was a significant factor in voter’s reluctance to support them. Unclear and Unrealistic Goals: Shorten's campaign included vague and unrealistic promises, such as the creation of a "merchant navy" and initiatives to "fix" the Murray Darling river systems, which were seen as unrealistic and impractical. Populist Yet Unmentionable Policies: Proposals like increasing taxes and targeting millionaires, which were widely criticized for oversimplification and lack of accurate information, further reduced the appeal of the ALP's platform.

The Queensland Factor

Queensland, a pivotal state in the 2019 Federal Election, played a significant role in the ALP's defeat. Multiple factors contributed to the electorate's dissatisfaction with the ALP:

State Government Inaction: The Labor-controlled State Government in Queensland faced criticism for its inaction, particularly over the controversial Adani Coal Mine. The delay in decision-making and the perception of the government's inability to address critical issues eroded trust among voters. Efforts to Blame Others: The ALP’s tendency to shift blame onto other parties, such as the opposition Liberal Party, the Queensland Labor Government, or even individual sectors like cotton growers, failed to resonate with the electorate. Voters often feel that blaming others does not address the underlying problems. Overpromises and Underperformance: Shorten's campaign slogans, such as "Everyone gets a pay rise," although well-intentioned, were met with skepticism in an environment where industries like construction were facing significant challenges. This created a sense of disillusionment with the ALP's ability to deliver on its promises.

Critique of ALP's Campaign Pledges

Shorten’s campaign featured several boneheaded promises that were widely criticized for their impracticality and lack of concrete plans:

Merchant Navy Considerations: Shorten announced plans to purchase ships for a merchant navy, which many voters found absurd given Australia's geographical isolation and existing maritime infrastructure. Murray Darling River Systems: The claim that the ALP would "fix" the Murray Darling river systems was laughed at by many, highlighting the government's misunderstanding of the complexity of the issue and its historical causes. Taxation Issues: Proposals to increase taxes were met with strong resistance, especially given the historical complexity of the tax system. The ALP's proposal to introduce "Death Taxes" generated significant debate and skepticism. Health and Welfare Programs: The idea of a resurrected Medicare (Health) Levy, introduced during the ALP's previous tenure, was seen as a regressive measure.

Reflections on Past Policies

The 2019 Federal Election highlighted the residual impact of past Labor policies, particularly those introduced by former Prime Ministers Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard. Key examples include:

Mining Resources Super Tax: Introduced in 2011, this policy raised less revenue than the costs associated with its implementation, making it a significant fiscal blunder. Roof Insulation Scheme: A poorly managed scheme designed to insulate homes, which resulted in a series of issues, including fire hazards and worker injuries, highlighting the government's lack of foresight. School Play Areas: The ALP's investment in school play areas was seen as a costly and inefficient use of public funds, drawing significant criticism from voters.

In conclusion, the ALP's failure to deliver on ambitious fiscal and political promises during the 2019 Federal Election was a significant factor in their defeat. The electorate's unwillingness to support unrealistic and poorly executed policies underscores the importance of clear, credible, and feasible governance.