Four Corners: Feb 7

Four Corners returns on Monday with a bang, screening the first in a 2 part special looking at the upcoming Federal Election.

Episode 1 is likely to set the tone for relations between ABC and government (in a triennial funding year) as it looks at PM Scott Morrison’s prospects with the electorate.

A week later the attention turns to Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese.

“I look at both major parties and I’m really struggling having any kind of trust in either of them.” Retired engineer, seat of Corangamite, VIC

Some time in the next four months Australians will head to the ballot box to choose the next Prime Minister. Political strategists, pollsters and the media will be doing all they can to get into the heads of voters, to predict and analyse the outcome. On Monday, Four Corners kicks off a new season with the first in a two-part special focusing on voters as they weigh up their options in key electorates across the nation, to find out what it will take to get their vote.

Part 1: The Incumbent.

“Mr Morrison, coming up to where we are today, I don’t truly know what you stand for.” Management consultant, seat of Gilmore, NSW

Three years after he led the coalition to a “miracle” election victory, Prime Minister Scott Morrison is asking for another term in office. In this first episode, voters assess the key moments of Scott Morrison’s prime ministership, and share their opinions of his leadership.

“He’s just a sort of bloke. I mean, I don’t think there’s anything malicious, or whatever about his attitude. It’s just a standard white, middle class male attitude.” Retiree, seat of Corangamite, VIC

In frank interviews, these voters – who live in critical electorates and identified themselves as undecided – deliver a report card on everything from the unfolding pandemic to climate policy and matters of trust.

“People attack him about being a liar. I wouldn’t go as far as saying necessarily a liar, but I think in some cases he’s sly. So, I don’t think he always tells everything a hundred percent because he’s got other motives.” Media sales consultant, seat of Gilmore, NSW

They don’t shy away from voicing their opinions on the contentious moments of Scott Morrison’s prime ministership.

“He does not accept any mistakes. So he just tries to go around, round, round, in order to justify what his actions were. But he, he really does not accept any mistakes.” Civil engineer, seat of Parramatta, NSW

Many have strong praise for the big decisions taken by the PM to guide the nation through the economic crisis caused by COVID-19.

“It was good policy, it was necessary. People were losing jobs and businesses were going under. And it was only through the Job Keeper that they could actually keep people employed, and so that was super important.” Pharmacist, seat of Chisholm, VIC

But the government’s response to the spread of the Omicron variant has also fuelled frustration.

“I don’t think there’s been much foresight, trying to see ‘well what could be the next thing happening down the track? What can we possibly foresee or prepare for in future?’. I don’t think he’s done very well with that. And I think people might reflect on that.” Tax auditor, seat of Cowan, WA

This cross section of voters provide an insightful portrait of Scott Morrison’s prime ministership and the questions he’ll need to answer to persuade Australians to give him another go.

“I generally do not make up my final decision until probably a couple of weeks before the election…it’s a long time in politics. Just a couple of weeks (and) a lot can change.” Administration & accounts officer, seat of Longman, QLD

The following week, in part two of this special, the voters turn their attention to Labor leader Anthony Albanese.

“I think when I first heard that Anthony Albanese had taken over as leader, I think my first opinion was scratching my head going, “Really? Is he the best they’ve got?” Media sales consultant, seat of Gilmore, NSW

“Election 22: Australia’s Choice,” reported by Sean Nicholls.Part 1 goes to air on Monday 7th February at 8.30pm.