When Malcolm Turnbull gained the Liberal Party leadership, the Australian media became rather excited. Given that surveys have revealed that half of all Australians think Turnbull to be arrogant and that the reaction among his own party was mixed, the media's heightened activity requires explanation. Perhaps a colleague's comment that Turnbull can be a bit of a volcano is a prediction of interesting times ahead.
Serious literature on Australian political leadership is somewhat limited. The focus has been pragmatic and biographical, concentrating on Heads of Government — Prime Ministers and Premiers — as successful examples. Works tend to be descriptive rather than analytical, and there is no essential handbook for aspiring leaders. While there is no template that Turnbull must fit, there are some broad expectations in the role.
Traditionally, there have been differences between the powers of Labor and Liberal leaders. The former, limited by an officially binding party policy platform and a ministry chosen by caucus, have been dubbed 'first among equals'. Liberals have exercised greater personal control over policy and in dispensing promotions.
Recently, successful Labor leaders have seized greater initiative while more scrutiny has been given the allegedly non-existent Liberal 'factions'. Turnbull's colleagues have their own ambitions, and their comments about Turnbull's personality, while more guarded, are not necessarily any friendlier than those of Labor opponents. Not all will wish him success.
The position of Opposition Leader is neither as complex nor demanding as that of Prime Minister but it is multi-faceted. For various reasons, the aspect of the role most emphasised is that of 'shadow prime minister'.
Most Australians know who the federal Opposition Leader is. They see him (no females so far) in the hot seat during parliamentary question time and fronting press conferences. When newly appointed Shadow Treasurer Julie Bishop failed to correctly name the level of interest rates, there was an implication that Turnbull had not chosen his shadow cabinet wisely.
The style of Australian politics owes much to Britain and America. From Westminster we inherit the 'in-out' winner-takes-all system so that Oppositions are starved of resources and influence over policy. From Washington we get a presidentialism that inflates the importance of party leaders.
Members of the press gallery devote great attention to Opposition Leaders in order to force the Prime Minister to take them seriously. This helps their own relevance but places us permanently in election mode. So Turnbull's colleagues will