November 12, 2007. Copyright 2007, Graphic News. All rights reserved

John Howard: a decade of tough decisions
By Joanna Griffin

LONDON, November 12, Graphic News:  During his more than ten years as AustraliaÕs prime minister, John Howard has presided over a booming economy that has boosted national self-confidence. To a large extent, the conservative leader has stayed true to the vision he outlined more than a decade ago and if he loses in upcoming elections, it will be because the mood of his country has changed.

Indeed, Howard might well wonder just what he has to prove. His sound economic stewardship has provided most Australians with a good standard of living: inflation and unemployment are low, and the growth rate is almost four percent. Even his critics admit that Howard has fulfilled his longtime pledge to make economic crises a thing of the past.

That pledge was a key factor in his Liberal PartyÕs victory over Paul KeatingÕs Labor government in March 1996, ending 13 years in opposition. Howard immediately set about dismantling costly training and education schemes that had plunged the Keating government deep into the red. Characteristically, he showed fierce determination and little regard for his own popularity in pushing through controversial cuts.

One typical piece of Howard legislation that appealed to the middle-class suburbs was the Òwork for the doleÓ system that required able-bodied social security recipients to look for work. He also overcame strong resistance to introduce laws on gun ownership, aboriginal land ownership and trade unionism. More recent labour reforms making it easier to hire and fire workers have boosted employment but contributed to middle-class anxiety.

His famed toughness won him fewer plaudits in August 2001 when he sparked international outrage by refusing permission for a Norwegian boat carrying 400 refugees to enter Australian waters, but Howard later won political kudos from the incident by linking it with his governmentÕs policy of boosting border security in Australia. 

After winning a third term at the polls in November 2001, he continued to stress that national security was a priority. But his decision to go to war in Iraq sowed seeds of anger that would eventually grow into full-blown opposition to his backing for U.S. President George W. Bush. The war itself claimed no Australian casualties but many believe that the countryÕs involvement has made it a terrorist target.

Howard, who won international praise and even world statesman credentials for his successful interventions in East Timor and the Solomon Islands, was dubbed the Òdeputy sheriffÓ because of his support for Bush. The fact that other Bush backers -- including Tony Blair and Silvio Berlusconi -- have since left office contributes to the sense that the Australian leader is resisting the shifting tide of world opinion.

Similarly, HowardÕs refusal to sign the Kyoto Protocol on climate change has been seen as another sign that he is out of touch with burning issues. In the last year he has pushed through policies aimed at protecting the environment, including a Carbon Trading Scheme which he had opposed only months earlier. To some, such initiatives merely confirm that he is now trying to jump on a bandwagon that has already left the station.

In October he promised to hold a referendum to recognise Aborigines in the Constitution in what has been derided as a policy U-turn by critics. In the past Howard has always refused a national apology to Aborigines for their harsh treatment by white settlers. On this issue, as on many others, the prime minister has shown he is not afraid to back down.

Nevertheless, there are signs that Howard might have lost the sure touch that won him four terms. Many were surprised that he has insisted on fighting the November election himself rather than pass on the battle to his deputy Paul Costello. Observers say he has to accept that -- regardless of his record -- his country is simply crying out for change.

To some extent, his survival after November 24 depends on how willing Australians are to leave their comfort zone.
/ENDS