“Mark Parton has done a solid job on the retail side of politics, that is talking to us. His engagement on the rising youth crime in Canberra, ovals being trashed, and use of social media, are all good to see,” writes political columnist ANDREW HUGHES.

So here we are, near mid-term in local politics. And the weather of late seems to have matched the political mood, extended periods of heat followed by some mild cooling off. 

There’s definitely been a bit going on. The sombre Eslake report, Budget shenanigans, Shane’s long goodbye and Leanne Castley becoming the third independent in the Assembly this term. 

Incredibly, the gap between Labor and the Liberals is now two. Without an election. Or eight all up for the ACT Liberals. 

Eight is a number with some interesting cultural connotations, too. Fans of Quentin Tarantino may remember one of his more recent movies was the Hateful 8. A movie where, without giving too much away, nearly every character wants to kill nearly every other character. 

Hmmm…sound familiar? 

The ACT Liberals have the unenviable record of having more leaders, current and former, sitting in a parliament than anywhere else in Australia this century. Likely last century, too. There are four. 

Does this mean they are a mess? Or that Mark Parton is just keeping the seat warm for someone else? No and no. But there is room for improvement. 

Parton though is overall doing a solid job and will lead the party to the election in 2028. 

Why? Let’s look at the good. He’s starting to unite the team publicly. Ed Cocks, the ranking conservative faction member, is coming into his own in this term as the shadow treasurer and is starting to apply some pressure to Labor on the economy. Both seem to get along well. 

Although this year’s ACT Budget was strategic by Labor, providing less ability to land big hits through lots of smaller spends, other than a desperately needed northside major hospital and stage 2B of light rail. 

On the economics front, the Liberals will need to work hard to get points on Labor but it does appear that Cocks has been reading the work of Stanhope and Ahmed in CityNews to guide him on where to start. Smart thinking, Ed. 

Then there’s Elizabeth Lee. The respected senior moderate is reinvigorated and enjoying her portfolios, especially education with the move to censure Yvette Berry over the teachers’ strikes, a clear sign of a return to form.  Good to see you back in the game, Elizabeth. 

Next, the noise. It’s gone really quiet. Canberra’s infamous loud bangs, which actually came from the Liberal Party doing something they shouldn’t, have stopped. 

No more leaks. No more hits. No more big moves. As Castley’s resignation showed, it doesn’t mean an absence of action, just that it isn’t public any more.  

Even Leanne’s resignation was handled as good as it could be expected for a matter so sensitive. Mark was as open and transparent as possible considering what had occurred and the context it had occurred in. Another positive sign. 

The potential deal with the Greens showed a leader who wants to be the chief minister. Ambition and hunger are great attributes for a leader in politics, if it is tempered by reality. And innovation like this wakes everyone up to the fact that you are indeed serious about governing. 

Parton has also done a solid job on the retail side of politics, that is talking to us. His engagement on the rising youth crime in Canberra, ovals being trashed, and use of social media, are all good to see. 

While these are good signs, they still seem to be just short of being seen as a viable alternative government in the key areas of policy, party, and leader.  

And this brings me to improvements.  

Policy awareness. If anyone out there, not a political junkie, can remember a Liberal policy, then you are doing well. What is their policy on those caught trashing ovals? Or on smashing up staff and shops alike across Canberra to now where many retail workers seem to fear going to work? Or etcetera…

Maybe it’s there. Who would know because the comms front is quiet. Yet independent Tom Emerson isn’t. The contrast is damaging as policy is what ultimately tells people how well you’ve been listening. 

Brand belief. Censure motion? If you want to show others how much you believe in the brand, and for others to believe likewise, then go for the no confidence motion, even if it fails. 

During a recent Question Time that man again, Emerson, asked Mark Parton a question, with the whole exchange thereafter on social media. That’s brand proud. 

As for the leader himself? If anything, time to read Dr Jim Chalmers thesis on Keating and leadership. Brawler Statesman. To learn more about the finesse and fight required to be a leader of a party of government, not just the main spokesperson for it. 

Yes, it is going to take time. But that time is now. Not 2028. Because there’s never been a better time to be Mark Parton.