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Gina Rinehart urges Liberal Party to adopt Trumpist policies after election loss
Mining billionaire Gina Rinehart, recognized as Australia’s wealthiest individual, has expressed her discontent with the recent federal election outcome, urging the Liberal Party to embrace policies reminiscent of those championed by former U.S. President Donald Trump as it seeks to recover from a significant defeat.
In a statement on her personal website, Rinehart attributed the Coalition's loss to media influences and a lack of policies akin to Trump's. “The left media executed a successful campaign, deterring many within the Liberal Party from aligning with Trump and similar policies,” Rinehart articulated.
The mining magnate, whose fortune is estimated at approximately $46.5 billion, contended that the Liberal Party has increasingly become synonymous with the “me too” movement, rather than presenting a distinctive platform. She lamented the absence of Trump-style initiatives aimed at enhancing Australia’s prosperity through reductions in government bureaucracy and waste, which, according to her, are crucial for tax cuts.
Rinehart has a history of supporting the Liberal Party, including providing transportation to former opposition leader Peter Dutton on her private jet. She is also a prominent supporter of Trump, having attended his election celebration at Mar-a-Lago last year.
Under Dutton’s leadership, the Coalition proposed significant public sector job cuts and appointed Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price as shadow spokesperson for government efficiency, mirroring Trump’s approach to governmental reform. In a recent statement, Trump remarked he was unfamiliar with Dutton but praised Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as “very good” and “very, very nice.”
While some analysts suggest that Trump’s influence worked to Labor’s advantage during the election, Rinehart believes the Liberal Party should have aligned more closely with the former president. “The Trump factor has undeniably influenced the election,” acknowledged Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie during Nine’s election coverage.
This perspective contrasts with opinions from various commentators and politicians attributing Labor's electoral triumph to concerns regarding Trump’s unpredictable policies and their economic implications. Former Senate leader and finance minister Simon Birmingham emphasized the need for the Liberal Party to recalibrate its position within the Australian political landscape, advocating for a return to core liberal values.
“The broad church model blending liberal and conservative ideologies is evidently faltering,” Birmingham noted. “The Liberal Party lacks a clear liberal identity, and its conservative image is perceived as too severe and disconnected.”
Despite differing views within the party, Rinehart remains firm in her stance that a radical shift to the right is necessary. “The left media will likely assert that the Liberal loss stemmed from embracing Trump and veering too far right, but those conclusions do not align,” she stated. “The loss was indeed a blow for the Liberals, causing emotional fatigue and concern among many. However, it is vital to maintain analytical rigor and learn from this setback.”
Rinehart underscored the necessity for new investments to bolster revenue and living standards, while also extending her best wishes to Albanese. “Australians have decisively re-elected a Prime Minister and government; we must wish him well with thoughtfully considered policies,” she concluded.
