Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is facing accusations of adopting the political strategies of his predecessor, Scott Morrison, a leader he frequently criticized during his time in opposition. Critics argue that Albanese's administration is employing similar tactics of denial, deflection, and obfuscation when faced with difficult questions or policy criticisms, a playbook they contend was a key factor in Morrison's downfall.
One significant point of contention is the Western Australia Goods and Services Tax (GST) deal. Implemented under Morrison in 2018, the arrangement guaranteed Western Australia a minimum GST share, benefiting the state with billions of dollars more than the independent Commonwealth Grants Commission indicated was necessary for comparable services. This policy has been described as a political bribe to secure votes in Western Australia, funded by the rest of the country. Albanese's government has maintained this deal, reportedly costing the federal budget billions over a decade, a decision that critics label as fiscally reckless and a betrayal of Labor's egalitarian principles.
Economist Saul Eslake has characterized the GST deal as "the worst public policy decision of the 21st century." Despite Labor's assertions about the necessity of tough choices to address a structural deficit, the government is seen as preserving this expensive carve-out to maintain electoral advantage in Western Australia, while simultaneously undertaking tax reforms that would claw back significant revenue.
When questioned about the future of the GST deal, Albanese's response, "Ask me in 2029," has been likened to Morrison's evasive tactics, suggesting a pattern of delaying accountability for potentially costly decisions. This approach is criticized for prioritizing short-term political gain over long-term fiscal responsibility.
Beyond fiscal policy, Albanese has been accused of a broader refusal to take responsibility for his actions. This includes broken promises on housing taxes, which were framed as acts of leadership rather than admissions of missteps. A more recent incident involved the handling of melons gifted by Japan's Prime Minister, where critics argue Albanese denied observable facts and resorted to political spin rather than offering a direct apology. This response has been compared to Morrison's own defensive maneuvers when under scrutiny.
The criticism suggests a cultural continuity within the Prime Minister's office, where the approach to accountability and public communication remains unchanged despite a change in leadership. While Albanese campaigned on a platform of integrity and a departure from the Morrison era's "secrecy, spin, and relentless political management," critics argue his current actions demonstrate a similar pattern of behavior, undermining the promised reform.