Outsider was just a bit gobsmacked when he heard that the Federal Treasurer, Scott Morrison, had expressed his deep displeasure at the news that the Australian Bankers’ Association had appointed former Queensland Labor Premier, Anna Bligh, as its new chief executive.
It was variously reported that ScoMo might have been upset by the appointment because a Federal Liberal staffer had missed out on the gig or, more likely, because he interpreted it as being a sign that the banking industry expected the Coalition to lose government at the next Federal Election.
While Outsider is more than prepared to acknowledge the high profile Labor credentials of Anna Bligh, he thinks the Federal Treasurer would do well to consider some of the past leaders of the ABA who, while they may not have been Premiers or ministers, were certainly identifiable with the Coalition parties.
What is more, ScoMo might also consider that former NSW Liberal Treasurer and State Parliamentary Liberal leader, Peter Collins is the chairman of Industry Super Australia albeit that Outsider does not consider that his appointment was predicated on the industry funds expecting Coalition poll victories.
In all the circumstances, how does the Federal Treasurer expect former politicians to keep the wolf from the door when current politicians keep whittling away at perquisites such as the gold card.
Oh, and La Bligh might also help avoid the cost of a Royal Commission into the Banking and Financial Services industry.
