Hey Abbott

Australia and Canada have a lot in common. British heritage, similarly sized lands and population. A peaceful nature save for what we did to our native peoples. But then there are distinct differences. They’re a long way from the rest of the English-speaking world, while we’re pressed up against the U.S. We have Quebec, and they don’t. Our climates are at different ends of the spectrum.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott might seem to be one of them. Australia’s conservative leader is an anti-intellectual populist, in contrast with ours, who’s an emotionless political strategist. But if you're thinking Abbott couldn't get elected here, I have a name for you: Rob Ford.

And like Torontonians, Australians seem to be washing up to the fact that their elected leader is not an entertainer or a statement against traditional politics, he is the actual guy in charge for the foreseeable future. One of the big stories in international politics is a leadership challenge against Abbott by his own party. I’m not sure what is up with Australian politics, since their previous government featured the two Prime Ministers being overthrown by their own party. Suddenly it’s hard to blame Stephen Harper for his controlling manner.

Stories about the (eventually unsuccessful) challenge featured a quick rundown of unpopular things he’s done that have lead to poor polling and unrest in his own party. What’s stood out to me is that the final straw was his decision to give a knighthood to Prince Philip. First of all, yes, apparently Australia has its own knighthoods; I didn’t know that either. They're the highest level of the Order of Australia, which is similar to our own Order of Canada.

I really can’t imagine that happening here. If the Prime Minister decided to bestow an Order of Canada or something on a Royal, I doubt there’d be much complaining. Sure, sarcastic intellectuals would make fun of it - I know I’d write a post on it. But I’m sure most people would applaud it. Particularly conservative Canadians, so it definitely wouldn’t lead to trouble for the Prime Minister from his own supporters.

But apparently Australians saw the silliness in giving an honour to a guy who already has all the honours, occupies a ceremonial position, doesn’t really do anything, and is essentially a walking meaningless honour himself. It’s hard to believe that we can be so different despite our similar circumstances. It also makes me think I’m in the wrong sparsely-populated former British colony.