I didn’t think it would happen, but Therese Rein has decided to sell her Australian business, thus more or less removing the conflict of interest that Rudd has. I say “more or less”, because the value of the business is dependent on the current job placement regime staying in place, which is in Rudd’s gift if he becomes PM later this year.
I suspect this will play out in the media as a love story and enhance Rudd’s credibility.
It shouldn’t. The Rudds should never have put themselves in this position. They should have been able to see the problem and avoid it by taking the necessary steps before they were forced to. Turning it into a public relations coup doesn’t change the basic miscalculation which has to have elements of greed and wishful thinking in it, elements which are more often than not debilitating when you are running a country.
May 26, 2007 | Graham
Rudd gets serious about PM’s position
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I think this would have and should have remained largely irrelevant except for the fact that the ALP was conducting a witch hunt against other employers. People routinely have conflicts of interest and it is how they handle those conflicts that should matter not merely the fact that they exist. I certainly don’t think the “greed” claim has much merit. Of course what makes PR sense is perhaps a different matter.
Comment by Terje Petersen — May 28, 2007 @ 9:10 am
The ABC RN had a segment on TR and the Australian business was lagging behind the European divisions in profitability … if she sells it will be of little loss if it enhances KR’s superannuation and benefits.
Comment by Bob Buick — May 29, 2007 @ 6:52 am
Domestic issues,and the ability to be Prime minister of Australia,are not bed partners.Kevin Rudd is going to change the political face of Australia,from a sectarian and divided country into a country that we can call a Fairdinkum Australia,which it is not now,under the ruling party,the Lib/Nat disorganised and rightwing
Comment by Karooson — May 29, 2007 @ 10:29 am
Given that Labour have never supported the policy of outsourcing job placements, (and are likely to bring it back into govt) it seems like a shrewd business move for TR to sell out of the Australian business now before it becomes devalued
Comment by paul Robinson — May 29, 2007 @ 5:37 pm