I’m sure it’s just coincidence, but Pru Goward, Federal Age Discrimination Commissioner and wife of John Howard’s biographer, is running a seminar on age discrimination in the workforce. Has she issued an invitation to Peter Costello to attend?
Pru will be speaking, as will Philip Ruddock. Ruddock could also be sending a subtle message to the Christian right which is rumoured to be stacking out his seat.
The release announcing the seminar says:
The federal Age Discrimination Act 2004 aims to achieve attitudinal change by raising awareness that people of all ages have the same fundamental rights and by removing age stereotypes and barriers to participation. The Act seeks to eliminate discrimination on the basis of age in areas of public life, by investigating and attempting to conciliate cases of age discrimination. (For further information on the Age Discrimination Act visit: http://www.humanrights.gov.au/age)
Note the use of the words “public life” and “conciliation”. It could actually be a veiled invitation from Pru and David to both the PM and the Treasurer to come over for dinner and settle the matter there.
The release also says that “The discussion will be relevant for academics, business, unions, government, non-government organisations and the media.” You can phone the commission on 02 9284 9608 to book the Treasurer a spot, or yourself for that matter. It’s on in Sydney on Monday week.
The more I think about the appropriate age to enter politics I come closer to the view that middle aged people just aren’t cut out for the gig. I think cabinet places should be reserved to people between the ages of 18 and 35 and 55 and 80. Most genius’ make their greatest contributions to humanity between 18 – 34 and many people over 55 continue to mature like a good red wine until they are razor sharp.
Of course there are plenty of other qualities to consider for government and leadership and most of the people in federal parliament at the moment aren’t up to the gig no matter what their age. Crikey had a go at picking the DUDS THUDS and BUDS in the parliamentary ALP but I think they were far to generous in most of the BUDS.
Comment by benno — May 5, 2005 @ 11:24 am