Newspaper mogul Rupert Murdoch has called for a snap Australian election as the "only hope" for a country that has become "almost ungovernable".
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But current Prime Minister Tony Abbott is still by "far the best alternative", and so presumably should be voted back in for a second term.
The head of the Murdoch empire, which stretches around the world, chose Twitter – rather than the front page of one of his many newspapers – to make his latest political statement.
Great month in Oz - beautiful country, gtreAt people but with large problems.— Rupert Murdoch (@rupertmurdoch)
September 3, 2015
Mr Murdoch recently spent a month in Australia, during which he toured the offices of several of his mastheads. On Thursday night, he logged into the social network to share a burst of his thoughts about a "beautiful country ... with large problems".
Mr Murdoch appears to fear the growing constituency that votes Green at election time. Perhaps he should – the latest Fairfax/Ipsos poll pegs the party's support at 16 per cent, well up on its election result. Worse, in his eyes, is the balance-of-power position held by the motley group of minor parties in Australia's Senate.
Country almost ungovernable with any Senate majority impossible for either side to execute. Bilateral agreement to change urgent if unlikely— Rupert Murdoch (@rupertmurdoch)
September 3, 2015
Extreme greenies, increasing in support hold balance. Against growth and subsequent jobs. Seem beyond reason.— Rupert Murdoch (@rupertmurdoch)
September 3, 2015
Despite Dyson Heydon's recent brush with scandal, Mr Murdoch is more concerned with the revelations about the Labor Party and its union base coming out of Mr Heydon's royal commission.
Seems capture of federal Labor leadership by corrupt violent unions. Govt must push on with reforms for sake of all sides or hold snap poll.— Rupert Murdoch (@rupertmurdoch)
September 3, 2015
But most importantly, Mr Abbott was, and remains, the right man to lead the country. His frontbench could do with some surgery, though.
Only hope is new poll with govt of all the talents ready to work together with clear mandate for reform, bringing in new, young able people— Rupert Murdoch (@rupertmurdoch)
September 3, 2015
In spite of some blind spots, Abbott far the best alternative. Principled and a fighter.— Rupert Murdoch (@rupertmurdoch)
September 3, 2015
Were a snap poll held, and Mr Abbott to record a strong result, he might be able to snatch control of the Senate from the minor parties that now hold the balance of power, giving him a chance to implement his agenda with less interference and opposition.
That said, Mr Abbott's net approval is negative 24, and he leads a party that has seen a swing of 7.5 per cent against it since the last election.