Ex-PM paints ugly picture of coalition’s reality denial
Malcolm Turnbull has attacked his former colleagues for “wild talk” on energy that is still alive seven years after he became prime minister.
Australia’s 29th prime minister angered the coalition on Thursday when he unveiled his official portrait, traditional for all past prime ministers, at Parliament House.
The former Liberal served at the top level from 2015 to 2018 and first entered parliament as the Member for Wentworth in 2004.
He lamented the recent debate over renewable energy as the coalition’s bipartisan support for net zero shattered this month, saying there was “still denial of reality, denial of physics is still alive.”
“It’s interesting that we’re still having the same crazy conversations on the political right about energy,” he said.
“Energy policy should be made with engineering and economy, not ideology and stupidity.
“Isn’t that a very logical approach?”
His remarks came after the coalition failed to negotiate a deal with Labor on landmark environmental reforms earlier that morning, with the Greens agreeing instead.
Mr Turnbull doubled down on his criticism after the launch, saying the joint party “could have played an active role but they chose not to”.
“They’re working on culture war issues and denial of reality; it’s really sad,” he told reporters.
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley shook hands with Mr Turnbull after the opening.
During the opening Prime Minister Anthony Albanese nearly reduced Mr Turnbull to tears after sharing a sensitive moment that “had nothing to do with politics”.
“Malcolm and (his wife) Lucy showed me their character when they reached out to me at a difficult time in my personal life and invited me to their home for dinner,” Mr. Albanese told the crowd.
“No one knows this… it was just a sign of character, kindness and humanity, and I will never forget it.”
The work was painted by Jude Rae, who met with the former prime minister six times for the portrait and found him “charming and intriguing”.
To convey this, he used a bright yellow background, unlike other dark-toned prime ministerial portraits.
“(He is) an extraordinarily fluent communicator and is more interested in current debates than political views,” Rae said.
“The high-key yellow background emphasizes the dynamism of the movement, such as choosing a standing pose rather than sitting.”
