Media magnate Rupert Murdoch, who gave up his Australian citizenship in 1985 so he could buy an American TV network, has taken to Twitter to express his concerns about the state of the nation's politics.
After spending a month or so in the country of his birth, News Corp's executive chairman seized the opportunity to lament the influence of "greenies" and the impact of "corrupt, violent unions" in a meandering set of tweets, and even called for a snap election.
Great month in Oz - beautiful country, gtreAt people but with large problems.— Rupert Murdoch (@rupertmurdoch) September 3, 2015
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
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
Murdoch doubled down on supporting Tony Abbott as prime minister, however, despite the leader's extreme popularity problems. As Fairfax Media pointed out, Abbott's net approval is currently negative 24, making a win a tough proposition if an election were to be called.
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
This wasn't the first time Murdoch delivered his opinion on Australia from the great heights of Twitter in recent weeks. In August, Murdoch, apparently sightseeing in far north Queensland, tweeted that the Great Barrier Reef looked great.
To the naked eye reef looks fully as good as it did 50 years ago.— Rupert Murdoch (@rupertmurdoch) August 25, 2015
The media magnate's "naked eye" contrasts strongly with scientific consensus. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority's Great Barrier Reef Outlook Report 2014 assesses that climate change and run-off from coastal agricultural, mining and residential development remain a significant, ongoing risk to the health of the reef.
But thanks for weighing in, Rupert. Safe flight.