Straight Talk with Mark Bouris #215 Tony Abbott: Australia Has Lost Its Courage & It’s Costing us
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Nov 5, 2025 Tony Abbott, the 28th Prime Minister of Australia, discusses the essence of leadership and courage in today’s world. He reflects on his upbringing and the decline of character in modern politics, emphasizing how media influences short-term decisions. Abbott critiques the Voice referendum as a crucial test of political courage and shares insights on patriotism and national sovereignty. He also delves into his new book, aiming to present a balanced view of Australia’s history, providing a hopeful perspective despite current challenges.
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Leadership Is Decision And Persuasion
- A leader makes decisions affecting others and makes them stick through communication and persuasion.
- Tony Abbott defines leadership as knowing your mind, resolving, and inspiring others to follow.
Moral Courage Outweighs Prudence
- Moral courage is rarer and higher than physical courage and essential to leadership.
- Prudence alone suffocates action; courage must balance careful judgment.
Media And Polling Dilute Political Courage
- Modern media and 24/7 news make political leadership harder and more distracted.
- Politicians now often seek what voters want rather than what the country needs.