Rudd 'comes up very short', says Howard

AAP November 8, 2009, 5:43 am

The Labor federal government is a do-nothing regime that has squandered the surplus built up over 12 years of the Liberal-National coalition, says former prime minister John Howard.

In a wide-ranging interview, Mr Howard takes the opportunity to deny there was a Kirribilli deal done for former treasurer Peter Costello to take over as prime minister and confirm his belief that Australia should go the distance in Afghanistan.

In an exclusive interview in the Sunday Herald Sun, Mr Howard attacked the Rudd government over its emphasis on symbolism and high spending.

He says it is almost two years since the Labor government was elected and it "comes up very short".

"I can't think of a major thing it has done - except spend the bank balance that Costello and I left behind - nothing else," Mr Howard said.

He said the Rudd government had done a number of symbolic things such as saying sorry to indigenous Australians for the stolen generation and signing the Kyoto protocol on climate change.

"The apology - some people regarded that as very important, but it was a symbolic gesture, not a challenging reform" Mr Howard said.

"So I'm scratching - even with the emissions trading system, what Mr Rudd is proposing is not all that different from what I took to the last election."

Mr Howard also said he would not accept a job if offered one by Mr Rudd, unlike former colleagues Peter Costello and Brendan Nelson.

"I am very content with the freedom I have," he said.

"I'm not looking for a job, and I'm not expecting a job, thank you - and I don't want one."

On the war in Afghanistan he said if Australia pulled out it would be seen as a huge defeat for the West and an enormous morale boost for Islamic terrorism.

"Every time there is a death or injury (of an Australian soldier), I wince," he said.

"I still write to relatives - I feel a great responsibility."

He said if there had had to be a leadership change while he was PM it would have been in 2006.

"Would we have won under Costello?" he said.

"I can't answer that - my belief is that we wouldn't."

On the refugee crisis, Mr Howard pointed to his record and said his government had stopped the boats arriving.

"The consequence of our policy was that because we stopped the boats, public support for a higher immigration rate to Australia rose and public support for a humanitarian refugee program was maintained and even strengthened."

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liamjenkinson 10:35pm Sunday 08th November 2009 EST Report Abuse
Unfortunatley you have to take the good with the bad, Howard I must admit would be good regarding the refugee issue, but apart from that I think Kevin Rudd is doing okay, you can't chop & change PM's to suit the issue.
Beverly 06:13pm Sunday 08th November 2009 EST Report Abuse
I fully agree with Jeff the Howard government left a huge bank balance, which the Rudd government has spent on so called economic boast payment. People just spent these free for all hand outs, mostly on holidays overseas etc. and don't forget the payments to the dogs and those in prison - ...
murray a 05:41pm Sunday 08th November 2009 EST Report Abuse
He is still a twerp, Gary. He showed himself to be abysmally ignorant and uncaring in office. I respect him no more out of office.
nnbbvv 05:00pm Sunday 08th November 2009 EST Report Abuse
Rudd asks what the people want before acting. Howard dictated what he wanted personally. There is a huge difference both in their approaches and the financial circumstances in which each government has governed. Howard - put on your cardigan and slippers, be quiet on your huge pension and r ...
nnbbvv 04:59pm Sunday 08th November 2009 EST Report Abuse
Rudd asks what the people want before acting. Howard dictated what he wanted personally. There is a huge difference both in their approaches and the financial circumstances in which each government has governed. Howard - put on your cardigan and slippers, be quiet on your huge pension and r ...
r2rr62 04:37pm Sunday 08th November 2009 EST Report Abuse
John Howard had his time as prime minister, he should now shut up and let Kevin Rudd do his job. I cant ever recall an american ex-president bagging the new president. Ex presidents become statesman, apolotical. John Howard should do the same.
Hebe 04:34pm Sunday 08th November 2009 EST Report Abuse
I want to hear his opinion he is a great man and the Liberal Govt did a brilliant job of running this country. Pity there is too many sheep thinking that TV personalities and untalented pop stars are qualified to run the country.
Tom 04:08pm Sunday 08th November 2009 EST Report Abuse
having a high iq dosent mean you are smart or you can run a buisness or a country you have to run a country on buisness values
gary 04:06pm Sunday 08th November 2009 EST Report Abuse
Well Bilby, you went out of your way to read the article and to comment on it. I'd say Howard is considered to still be an important public figure, you certainly seem like you can't get enough of him.
Bilby 03:47pm Sunday 08th November 2009 EST Report Abuse
What on earth makes John Howard think his opinion is even wanted? He's had his time, now he should just retire gracefully, and not assume that people care what he thinks. Wake up, John - you are NOT the PM anymore! Get over it and go play some golf.