A lump of coal - metaphor for a wretched year for Malcolm Turnbull | Peter Lewis

A prime minister captive to his conservative base has proved incapable of leading the nation forward. 2018 will show how this will play out politicallyThe moment that summed up the political year 2017 for me came in the first sitting week when treasurer Scott Morrison marched into parliament brandishing a lump of coal.“This is coal – don’t be afraid, don’t be scared”, the treasurer cried out maniacally, before passing it along his front bench where Barnaby Joyce proceeded to fondle it like Gollum his precious ring. Related: What is the national energy guarantee and is it really a game changer? Related: Coalition trails Labor as corporate tax cuts fail to win voters – Guardian Essential poll Continue reading...