Key Concepts:
- Thinking outside the square: Innovative and unconventional problem-solving.
- Risk-taking: Willingness to pursue uncertain but potentially rewarding courses of action.
- Debacle: A complete failure or collapse.
- Legislators: People who make laws; members of a legislative body.
Qualities Admired in Politicians
The speaker expresses admiration for politicians who demonstrate several key qualities. Firstly, they value politicians who can "think outside the square," meaning those who are capable of innovative and unconventional problem-solving. This involves looking beyond traditional approaches and considering new possibilities.
Secondly, the speaker admires politicians who are willing to "take a risk." This implies a willingness to pursue courses of action that may be uncertain but have the potential for significant rewards. It suggests a proactive approach to leadership rather than a cautious or reactive one.
Thirdly, the speaker highlights the ability to "see an opportunity out of what might look like a debacle." This refers to the capacity to identify potential benefits or solutions even in situations that appear to be complete failures or collapses. It demonstrates resilience and strategic thinking.
Adaptability and Leadership
A crucial quality identified is the capacity to "change their own thinking and then lead a debate so that the rest of us are forced to rethink things as well." This emphasizes the importance of intellectual flexibility and the ability to influence public discourse. It suggests that effective politicians should be able to adapt their perspectives based on new information and then guide others to reconsider their own views.
The speaker acknowledges that politicians possessing these qualities are rare, stating, "are there many of them? no."
Growth and Development in Parliament
The speaker also expresses admiration for individuals who enter parliament with limited knowledge but demonstrate significant growth and development under the pressures and exposures of parliamentary life. They admire "watching people come into the parliament knowing bugger all about anything and watching them absolutely just grow and expand under the weight of what you're exposed to in the parliament."
Example: Jackie Lambie
As a specific example, the speaker mentions Jackie Lambie, noting that "everybody sort of loves Jackie." The speaker acknowledges uncertainty about Lambie's future ("i don't know if she's going to survive this time round") but highlights that individuals like her can become "really good really thoughtful legislators." This suggests that practical experience and exposure to the legislative process can transform individuals into effective lawmakers.
Conclusion
The speaker admires politicians who are innovative, risk-taking, adaptable, and capable of growth. The ability to see opportunities in crises and to lead public debate is highly valued. The example of Jackie Lambie illustrates the potential for individuals to develop into effective legislators through experience and exposure within the parliamentary system.
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