Electoral targeting and the wealth divide
The economic indicators may have improved, but the wealth extremities have widened. Economic distribution is consolidating the fortunes of the super-rich and obscenely wealthy, at the expense of the already impoverished, disenfranchised, or at risk (employed or not). Here is the battleground for the contest of ideas, and emotions.
Climate action, refugees or minority groups (however named, shamed and denigrated, including welfare recipients and people with a disability) are not driving extremes of inequality. The wealthy can as yet weather the storms (literally and figuratively) caused by climate change and economic instability. Others cannot.
The appeal to the emotions must be backed by fair and just policy. This is not in Dutton’s DNA. Lower taxes privilege only the well-off, and come at the expense of community services that the wealthy already eschew in favour of private provision. The mantra to that segment of the electorate is “freedom” – the right to accumulate wealth without let or hindrance.
Dutton’s triple helix: invoke fear and insecurity amongst the struggling; incite aspiration and greed amongst the privileged; “other” and blame anyone already marginalised. Wealth distribution is emotional, and the larger portion of the electorate is not winning. There is a contest here.
Contributions to Pearls and Irritations
Your contribution will fund quality independent comment and analysis in Pearls and Irritations
Contribute
