Australians who endured the recent scorching heatwave understand its psychological toll all too well. The oppressive conditions do more than just cause physical discomfort; they fray nerves, cloud judgment, and amplify irritability.
The Parallels Between Weather and Political Climate
This physiological response, driven by stress hormones like cortisol, has a striking parallel in the nation's political arena. According to commentator John Hanscombe, the extreme political temperature following the Bondi tragedy has produced similar effects: frayed judgment, shrill voices, and questionable decisions made in the heat of the moment.
The announcement of a federal royal commission into the incident was intended to be a calming measure. However, the political cool change was short-lived. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley sent an email the following day, seen by many as an attempt to keep the issue simmering. In it, she accused Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of only acting "when he judged it was in his political interest."
A Call to Widen the National Focus
While Hanscombe concedes Ley's critique of Albanese's clumsy handling of the royal commission issue has merit, he warns against letting it dominate the national agenda. He argues that by relentlessly focusing on Bondi, other critical and potentially existential issues are being overshadowed.
The columnist points to a glaring example: Sussan Ley's silence on the geopolitical implications of Donald Trump's recent actions for Australia. Last week, the former US president told The New York Times his decisions are guided not by international law or alliances, but by his own morality. This "smash and grab" approach to geopolitics, including Trump's cheered abduction of Venezuela's president, represents a fundamental shift that demands Australia's attention.
"When a president with the dubious moral fibre of Donald Trump... tells The New York Times his decisions are not guided by international law, alliances or treaties but his own morality - as he did last week - it's time we lifted our gaze to the horizon," Hanscombe writes. "It's time Sussan Ley did, too."
Advice for Both Sides of the Aisle
The commentary offers direct advice to both major party leaders. For Sussan Ley, the message is to chalk up the political win but not labour it. Allow the royal commission to proceed without excessive political interference and turn attention to pressing matters like AUKUS and the crumbling geopolitical order.
For Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, the counsel is to avoid retreating into stubbornness, as he did after the defeat of the Voice referendum. Hanscombe urges him to learn from his mistakes, dial back the obstinance, and prepare for the continuous challenges ahead, especially those posed by a potentially rampant United States under Trump.
The piece, published on January 12 2026, serves as a plea for political maturity. It argues that just as the body and mind struggle under extreme heat, so too does the nation's political discourse. The path forward requires cooler heads, a broader perspective, and a readiness to confront the complex global challenges on the horizon.
