Peta Credlin likened to Tony Abbott's 'executive assistant' - Women's Agenda

Peta Credlin likened to Tony Abbott’s ‘executive assistant’

“Do you really think my chief-of-staff would be under this kind of criticism if her name was P-e-t-e-r as opposed to P-e-t-a? … I think people need to take a long, hard look at themselves with some of these criticisms.” 

That’s what Prime Minister Tony Abbott wanted to know a couple of months back regarding criticisms that his own chief-of-staff Peta Credlin does not consult widely enough, is autocratic, and wields too much power over his office. Yes, he “played the gender card”.  

Given the criticism lobbed at Credlin, and the apparent influence she has, you have to wonder what she would personally make of the latest accusation — in which her role is described as being like an “executive assistant”. 

The Sydney Morning Herald has published leaked documents today featuring a weekend correspondence from Liberal party treasurer Philip Higginson, in which he describes a ‘conflict of interest’ in the party due to Credlin’s position and the fact she’s married to Brian Loughnane, federal director of the Liberal party. Higginson has pleaded for the conflict to be resolved, and threatened to quit his position if it’s not. 

Higginson writes that a “husband and wife team” should never have been allowed into such positions, and that it would not happen in corporate Australia. 

“A managing director would never allow his executive assistant to be the wife of the chairman,” he wrote, noting the situation would be “amusing” if it wasn’t so serious. 

Abbott has this morning again defended Credlin and Loughnane, telling 2GB’s Alan Jones “there is no problem” with his staff. 

He noted Credlin has been in the position, or in similar positions with other ministers and leaders, for 10 years. Her husband has served as federal director for 12 years. “If this is really a problem why is it only suddenly a problem now?” he asked on air. 

It’s a good point. Why all this talk of “executive assistants” and “wives” and undeserved power? Why is Credlin continually criticised for being “controlling” rather than for simply giving bad advice? 

Much of the Government’s current challenges are being pinned on Credlin, and the fact she’s somehow managed to step out of her place. Did you know it’s Credlin who is really to blame for the terrible Budget the Treasurer Joe Hockey delivered last year — the one that ultimately sunk the government in the polls? Did you hear she apparently didn’t push back when Abbott reportedly suggested Australia invade Northern Iraq? Meanwhile, her relationship with foreign minister Julie Bishop is described as “poisonous”, as two of the most powerful women in the country, they must clearly be in competition. 

Credlin is the final line of defence for Abbott. As long as she’s still serving as his chief-of-staff, there’s somebody left to pin the blame on for his leadership woes. Remove the woman who’s accumulated so much power, and all will be ok. Put her back in her place by dismissing her altogether. Abbott’s standing in the polls will rise, “good government” will be back on track. The trusted men in blue ties will finally return to the helm to steer the ship out of these treacherous waters. 

Rupert Murdoch has urged Abbott to replace Credlin. Commentator Miranda Devine has suggested Abbott make a “sacrificial offering to convince his colleagues that he has learned a lesson” by doing “something that causes him pain, like chopping off his right arm. In other words, moving on chief of staff Peta Credlin.” 

As long as Credlin is available to become a “sacrificial offering”, Abbott’s government still has a perceived chance to start fresh with a change of direction. Cut off the gangrenous right arm, deal with the pain, and survive.

Credlin may have some influence over the content Abbott delivers — she’s his adviser and should have an opinion — but ultimately not over what he actually says. His words, just like his leadership, are his own responsibility. 

And to continually pin the blame on Credlin suggests he is incapable of leading his own staff or of making his own decisions — what then does that suggest about his ability to lead a country? What does that make of those within his own party who don’t believe he can “control” those who are supposed to be advising him, particularly someone Higginson suggests should really only have “executive assistant” like duties? 

Abbott should continue to stand up for his chief of staff and take responsibility for his own leadership. 

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