A Sense of Balance [Bolinda]

On how our sense of balance has defined us as a nation and will safeguard our future.


In the years that John Howard served in the national parliament he came to understand the special character of Australia; to appreciate its strengths and weaknesses; and most importantly to respect that sense of balance in the formulation of public policy that has long defined us as a people and made us an attractive destination for people from across the world.

In these reflections he explores this balance, its foundations and its role in the future. Written against the background of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as some of the more contested political events of recent years - the election of Donald Trump, the Brexit vote, the rise of China and, within our own country, the leadership of five prime ministers in eleven years - these reflections touch on how Australia has responded over the last decade or so. While commentary on these subjects from politicians, commentators and and social media can sometimes seem shrill and divisive, Australia's 25th and second longest serving prime minister has faith that the country's institutions can sustain challenges and remain robust against extremes into the foreseeable future.