Shadow Minister,

Tony Abbott is but just one of many advisers in one job.
Julia Gillard was and is the top gun in many jobs.

Big difference and no comparison.

You're clinging to straws.

Whoa, Dear Foxy, the impasse looms and the fork in the road beckons.
Let's not all fall-out on a simple matter of divergent opinion.

Abbott is not so important; but what is important is the contrast in perceptions as we seek truth and conviction.
You and I, and some others, appear to differ in our observations regarding Abbott and Gillard.

Now, I'm not being 'sexist' but as you are female it is natural that you would look favourably on a demonstrably successful Julia.
But who wouldn't?
What could possibly act to sway anyone to question the underlying fundamentals of the 'real' Julia - or similarly of the 'real' Tony?
(And, elsewhere of course, of the 'real' Donald Trump?)

Can it be that our perception of others may be heavily influenced by our own personality and an innate tendency to be drawn to those exhibiting similar personality traits - and against, of course, those whose personalities and demeanor are at odds with our own, who 'jangle' on us?

Can we simply trust our own judgement, our 'appraisal' of character and 'personality', or should we take greater heed of an individual's actions and endeavours rather than their 'appearance'? Or of how we may 'relate'?

Julia has all the hallmarks of success and achievement - more so than Abbott - yet I harbour reservations.
I must seek the 'why'.

Perhaps we all need to seek the 'why'.

Dear Saltpetre,

No. I tend to give credit where credit is due.
Julia Gillard has earned hers. Tony Abbott has
not. It's that simple!

I don't have to ask the WHY? in Tony Abbott's case
it comes out of his mouth and his actions - both of
which are well documented.

We shall have to agree to disagree on this one.

Foxy,

You are right there is a vast difference. TA is involved in a huge project upon which the welfare of nearly 70m people relies whereas if Juliar didn't pitch to any of the token jobs to which she has been appointed no one would probably notice.

For example Juliar is being appointed "chair" of a medical investment trust in spite of having zero experience in finance or medicine. I can guarantee that the CEO calls the shots and Juliar pitches up once a month for board meetings. Much the same as Angelina Jolie's work as a UN "ambassador".

The UK hasn't negotiated a trade deal in 45 years and needs help from competent and seasoned players not virtue signalling relics.

cont'd ...

Dear Saltpetre,

I have to admit that after giving it more
thought - to me Tony Abbott represents
the worst of what Australia was/is, (as many of
our multi-cultural friends have expressed).

Sadly, the man is not capable of change but then
neither are the rest of us. So you are right - an
impasse has been reached. Thank heaven he's gone
to the UK and hopefully he shall stay there.

Who knows he may try for the prime ministership
over there (after the knighthood of Philip, nothing
would surprise). ( joke).

Shadow Minister,

Right on cue - you're still trying to make us see
how important Tony's UK job is.

What any of us think really doesn't matter all that
much in the general scheme of things. His actual
performance will prove with the test of time and it's
actually now England's problem - not ours.