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Is this Gentle Jim's JFK moment? If it is, he's overlooked one thing

Is this Gentle Jim's JFK moment? If it is, he's overlooked one thing

The Age14 hours ago

The request for reporters' self-restraint? He asked that the media abandon a standard form of questioning which he called the 'rule-in-rule-out game'. This happens when a minister is thought to be considering a particular policy and before the minister has had a chance to develop the policy or test it with the cabinet colleagues.
An interviewer will ask the health minister, for instance: 'Are you going to put a tax on the sugar content of processed foods?' The minister, who has a background in metallurgy and a weekend interest in ferret racing, hasn't decided yet so she says she has no such plan in mind. 'So will you rule it out?' The minister feels pressure to give a premature commitment or a panicked rejection.
The journalist is merely trying to get a story. A clear yes or no. But, as Chalmers said, 'limiting ourselves to ruling things in or out forever has a cancerous effect on policy debates'.
And the plea to the privileged and powerful to put self-interest aside? 'Too often, the loudest calls for economic reform in the abstract come from the noisiest opponents of actual reform in the specific.'
For example, everyone agrees that tax reform is important. But if a government devises a tax reform plan that would be good for the nation overall yet require some contribution from the powerful, woe betide it. It will be furiously opposed by every premier whose state might receive a dollar less, by any industry whose companies might pay a dollar more, and any section of the wealth-management class whose tax advantages might retreat by one cent in the dollar.
A case in point. The Australian newspaper and The Australian Financial Review for years have issued stentorian demands that Labor do more to balance the budget. Yet when Chalmers proposed a reduction in the tax concession for earnings on superannuation balances over $3 million, the papers led a hysterical campaign against the change. Even though it would raise $2.3 billion a year. And the only people contributing would still be hanging onto a substantial tax concession plus their $3 million or more.
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Through sheer hyperventilation, these supposedly serious newspapers managed to mobilise much of the country's media in a witless defence of the exorbitant tax privileges of just 80,000 of the richest people in the world. Of these, incidentally, 30 have super balances of $100 million or more. This is no longer a retirement savings vehicle; for the rich, it's a tax shelter. The screams of entitled rage against this proposed change, a minimalist piece of housekeeping, are nauseating. The median Australian worker has a super balance under $100,000.
Asking the powerful and the privileged to set self-interest aside will be the hardest part of Chalmers' experiment, and probably impossible. The opposition says it will work constructively with the government, but ultimately will oppose.
Is it any surprise that Chalmers wants to test the waters before he takes the plunge? 'Let's see what we can do together if we reset and renew the national reform conversation,' he said at the Press Club.
'I am personally willing to grasp the nettle, to use an old saying. I am prepared to do my bit.' He promised that any proposals would be approached from the political centre, with no ideological tests applied. 'The government is prepared to do its bit. And what we'll find out in the course of the next few months is whether everyone is prepared to do their bit as well.'
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The Albanese government routinely is described as timid. Chalmers dismissed that criticism by reciting dozens of policy actions in progress. He did reinforce Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's emphasis that the government's priority is to deliver on its election promises. But then Chalmers broke new ground:
'Delivering our commitments,' he said 'is the best place to start – but it's not the limit of our ambitions. They're a foundation not a destination.'
And he offered this trade-off: 'Let's see what we can achieve together if we dial up the ambition a bit and dial down the rancour a bit as well.'
With those two requests for self-restraint, Chalmers also has given himself two easy outs. If the media insists on playing the rule-in-rule-out game, he can shut down an interview or reject a line of questioning. If lobby groups or industry associations simply make self-interested demands, he can shrug and walk away from the entire exercise.
Is this really leadership? Is this actually 'visionary'? Or is this a feeble feeler that will retract into defeat at the first real resistance? Paul Keating jolted the country out of its customary torpor by warning that Australia was going to become a 'banana republic' if it failed to mend its way. The Hawke-Keating reform era began.
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Chalmers, too, issued warnings. 'Our budget is stronger, but not yet sustainable enough. Our economy is growing, but not productive enough. It's resilient, but not resilient enough – in the face of all this global economic volatility.' He's seeking ideas for policies that will contribute to solving this ménage à trois of mediocrity.
Gentle Jim's earnest anxiety doesn't compare with Old Testament Prophet Paul's 1986 apocalyptic vision. What makes Chalmers think that Australians are prepared to shake off our traditional national enemy – complacency – long enough to take risks and make sacrifices?
Trump, in a word. As the election demonstrated, the country is uneasy with the US descent into angry chaos. So are many Americans. Barack Obama made a rare public intervention this week to warn that America was approaching autocracy.
Public officeholders need to honour their vows to protect the constitution, said the former president: 'And when that isn't happening we start drifting into something that is not consistent with American democracy. It is consistent with autocracies. It is consistent with Hungary under Orban. We're not there yet completely, but I think that we are dangerously close to normalising behaviour like that. And we need people both outside government and inside government saying, 'Let's not go over that cliff, because it's hard to recover'.'
This is the 'banana republic' shock of our time. As Chalmers said: 'So much of the democratic world is vulnerable because governments are not always meeting the aspirations of working people. We have a responsibility here and an obligation. A responsibility to rebuild confidence in liberal democratic politics and economic institutions – by lifting living standards for working people in particular.'
In essence, the treasurer is asking us to be more than ourselves. He's testing our patriotism. 'And if we fail it won't be because of a shortage of ideas, options or choices. It won't be a shortage of courage – but a shortage of consensus. We have everything we need but that.'

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"It offers hybrid propulsion, [better] fuel economy, and the superpower of Pro Power Onboard. "It's the right time for a PHEV, and unlocking this new superpower for Ranger. This is going to show our customers the benefits of electrification without any tradeoff to what the truck is capable of." Of the three PHEV utes now available in Australia, the Ranger is the most expensive – the base XLT is priced from $71,990 before on-road costs, more than the most expensive Cannon Alpha PHEV and Shark 6. BYD has already reacted to the arrival of the Ranger PHEV, stating it's not worried about the new electrified ute. "I wouldn't say that we're worried," BYD Australia senior product planning manager, Sajid Hasan told CarExpert. "We respect them, direct competitors, but we're more focused on ourselves and working to expand the Shark 6 lineup and see where that takes us." MORE: Explore the Ford Ranger showroom Content originally sourced from: Ford says its new Ranger PHEV ute is the 'best tool for the job', despite it failing to match key rivals on battery capacity, power, and electric driving range. Launched in the Australian market last month ahead of imminent customer deliveries, plug-in hybrid versions of the Ranger are propelled by the combination of a 2.3-litre turbo-petrol four cylinder engine and a rear-mounted electric motor, producing a combined 207kW of power and 697Nm of torque. The electric motor sources power from an 11.8kWh lithium-ion battery, which caps the ute's electric driving range at a claimed 49km on the NEDC cycle. The Ranger PHEV is one of three plug-in hybrid utes now available Down Under, alongside the BYD Shark 6 and GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV. Both Chinese rivals outgun the Ranger on power, EV range and fuel-efficiency, calling into question the competitiveness of Ford's newest model. However, Ford is hanging its hat on the Ranger PHEV's superior payload and towing capacity. All variants can tow up to 3500kg, and payloads range between 808-973kg. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The Cannon Alpha equals Ford's Ranger in the towing stakes, but neither the GWM (790kg) nor the BYD (685kg) promise an equivalent payload. It's those attributes that local ute buyers value most, according to senior Ford product executive, Jim Baumbick. "We've always tried to develop the best tool for the job," Mr Baumbick told Australian media at the international launch of the Ranger PHEV. "When you talk to truck customers they want payload and towing. EV range matters, but in context when you're adding more battery you're working counter to the payload and towing. "You can increase the battery size, but then you have to increase the size of other parts to carry that weight. It's about system optimisation. We think it's the right balance for a first application." Ford is also spruiking the vehicle-to-load charging capabilities (V2L) of the Ranger PHEV. It features a pair of 15A power outlets, which allow owners to plug electrical applicances into the vehicle to use it as a generator. Ford dubs this 'Pro Power Onboard' and it offers a total capacity of 6900W, which exceeds the capacity of both the Shark 6 and Cannon Alpha PHEV. Ultimately, Ford has attempted to create an electrified version of Australia's best-selling vehicle that outperforms its diesel stablemates while staying true to the roots of the Ranger brand. "The PHEV isn't just an alternative, it can do everything the diesel can do and then some. The truck is more capable because it's a hybrid. It still does truck things but there's a new thing it can do with exportable power," said Mr Baumbick. "For us, it was about optimising the system for performance, towing and capability. Our target was diesel [performance] or better. "It offers hybrid propulsion, [better] fuel economy, and the superpower of Pro Power Onboard. "It's the right time for a PHEV, and unlocking this new superpower for Ranger. This is going to show our customers the benefits of electrification without any tradeoff to what the truck is capable of." Of the three PHEV utes now available in Australia, the Ranger is the most expensive – the base XLT is priced from $71,990 before on-road costs, more than the most expensive Cannon Alpha PHEV and Shark 6. BYD has already reacted to the arrival of the Ranger PHEV, stating it's not worried about the new electrified ute. "I wouldn't say that we're worried," BYD Australia senior product planning manager, Sajid Hasan told CarExpert. "We respect them, direct competitors, but we're more focused on ourselves and working to expand the Shark 6 lineup and see where that takes us." MORE: Explore the Ford Ranger showroom Content originally sourced from: Ford says its new Ranger PHEV ute is the 'best tool for the job', despite it failing to match key rivals on battery capacity, power, and electric driving range. Launched in the Australian market last month ahead of imminent customer deliveries, plug-in hybrid versions of the Ranger are propelled by the combination of a 2.3-litre turbo-petrol four cylinder engine and a rear-mounted electric motor, producing a combined 207kW of power and 697Nm of torque. The electric motor sources power from an 11.8kWh lithium-ion battery, which caps the ute's electric driving range at a claimed 49km on the NEDC cycle. The Ranger PHEV is one of three plug-in hybrid utes now available Down Under, alongside the BYD Shark 6 and GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV. Both Chinese rivals outgun the Ranger on power, EV range and fuel-efficiency, calling into question the competitiveness of Ford's newest model. However, Ford is hanging its hat on the Ranger PHEV's superior payload and towing capacity. All variants can tow up to 3500kg, and payloads range between 808-973kg. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The Cannon Alpha equals Ford's Ranger in the towing stakes, but neither the GWM (790kg) nor the BYD (685kg) promise an equivalent payload. It's those attributes that local ute buyers value most, according to senior Ford product executive, Jim Baumbick. "We've always tried to develop the best tool for the job," Mr Baumbick told Australian media at the international launch of the Ranger PHEV. "When you talk to truck customers they want payload and towing. EV range matters, but in context when you're adding more battery you're working counter to the payload and towing. "You can increase the battery size, but then you have to increase the size of other parts to carry that weight. It's about system optimisation. We think it's the right balance for a first application." Ford is also spruiking the vehicle-to-load charging capabilities (V2L) of the Ranger PHEV. It features a pair of 15A power outlets, which allow owners to plug electrical applicances into the vehicle to use it as a generator. Ford dubs this 'Pro Power Onboard' and it offers a total capacity of 6900W, which exceeds the capacity of both the Shark 6 and Cannon Alpha PHEV. Ultimately, Ford has attempted to create an electrified version of Australia's best-selling vehicle that outperforms its diesel stablemates while staying true to the roots of the Ranger brand. "The PHEV isn't just an alternative, it can do everything the diesel can do and then some. The truck is more capable because it's a hybrid. It still does truck things but there's a new thing it can do with exportable power," said Mr Baumbick. "For us, it was about optimising the system for performance, towing and capability. Our target was diesel [performance] or better. "It offers hybrid propulsion, [better] fuel economy, and the superpower of Pro Power Onboard. "It's the right time for a PHEV, and unlocking this new superpower for Ranger. This is going to show our customers the benefits of electrification without any tradeoff to what the truck is capable of." Of the three PHEV utes now available in Australia, the Ranger is the most expensive – the base XLT is priced from $71,990 before on-road costs, more than the most expensive Cannon Alpha PHEV and Shark 6. BYD has already reacted to the arrival of the Ranger PHEV, stating it's not worried about the new electrified ute. "I wouldn't say that we're worried," BYD Australia senior product planning manager, Sajid Hasan told CarExpert. "We respect them, direct competitors, but we're more focused on ourselves and working to expand the Shark 6 lineup and see where that takes us." MORE: Explore the Ford Ranger showroom Content originally sourced from: Ford says its new Ranger PHEV ute is the 'best tool for the job', despite it failing to match key rivals on battery capacity, power, and electric driving range. Launched in the Australian market last month ahead of imminent customer deliveries, plug-in hybrid versions of the Ranger are propelled by the combination of a 2.3-litre turbo-petrol four cylinder engine and a rear-mounted electric motor, producing a combined 207kW of power and 697Nm of torque. The electric motor sources power from an 11.8kWh lithium-ion battery, which caps the ute's electric driving range at a claimed 49km on the NEDC cycle. The Ranger PHEV is one of three plug-in hybrid utes now available Down Under, alongside the BYD Shark 6 and GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV. Both Chinese rivals outgun the Ranger on power, EV range and fuel-efficiency, calling into question the competitiveness of Ford's newest model. However, Ford is hanging its hat on the Ranger PHEV's superior payload and towing capacity. All variants can tow up to 3500kg, and payloads range between 808-973kg. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The Cannon Alpha equals Ford's Ranger in the towing stakes, but neither the GWM (790kg) nor the BYD (685kg) promise an equivalent payload. It's those attributes that local ute buyers value most, according to senior Ford product executive, Jim Baumbick. "We've always tried to develop the best tool for the job," Mr Baumbick told Australian media at the international launch of the Ranger PHEV. "When you talk to truck customers they want payload and towing. EV range matters, but in context when you're adding more battery you're working counter to the payload and towing. "You can increase the battery size, but then you have to increase the size of other parts to carry that weight. It's about system optimisation. We think it's the right balance for a first application." Ford is also spruiking the vehicle-to-load charging capabilities (V2L) of the Ranger PHEV. It features a pair of 15A power outlets, which allow owners to plug electrical applicances into the vehicle to use it as a generator. Ford dubs this 'Pro Power Onboard' and it offers a total capacity of 6900W, which exceeds the capacity of both the Shark 6 and Cannon Alpha PHEV. Ultimately, Ford has attempted to create an electrified version of Australia's best-selling vehicle that outperforms its diesel stablemates while staying true to the roots of the Ranger brand. "The PHEV isn't just an alternative, it can do everything the diesel can do and then some. The truck is more capable because it's a hybrid. It still does truck things but there's a new thing it can do with exportable power," said Mr Baumbick. "For us, it was about optimising the system for performance, towing and capability. Our target was diesel [performance] or better. "It offers hybrid propulsion, [better] fuel economy, and the superpower of Pro Power Onboard. "It's the right time for a PHEV, and unlocking this new superpower for Ranger. This is going to show our customers the benefits of electrification without any tradeoff to what the truck is capable of." Of the three PHEV utes now available in Australia, the Ranger is the most expensive – the base XLT is priced from $71,990 before on-road costs, more than the most expensive Cannon Alpha PHEV and Shark 6. BYD has already reacted to the arrival of the Ranger PHEV, stating it's not worried about the new electrified ute. "I wouldn't say that we're worried," BYD Australia senior product planning manager, Sajid Hasan told CarExpert. "We respect them, direct competitors, but we're more focused on ourselves and working to expand the Shark 6 lineup and see where that takes us." MORE: Explore the Ford Ranger showroom Content originally sourced from:

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