Evangelion

Well said, Cromwell.

The Cromwell Institute

Cheers, Evangelion.

melinie007

But think about the superannuation....

Evangelion

That's the first thing he should lose.

I just can't decide if it should be done before or after the removal of his genitalia...

Anachronix

The thing that really angers me is that the media will end up saving him. They continue to push this rape non-issue, and as long as they do he will not stand down, as to do so would be construed as an admission of guilt.

The real issue here is his abominable handling of a multitude of Paedophilia and child molestation cases that provide almost incontrivertable proof that the man has little capacity for rational and empathetic judgement. For those crimes against justice and the victims of the abuse, he should be sacked or he should stand down. As long as the media continue blindly with their misguided crusade, he will survive. :banghead:

Evangelion

You are perfectly right, of course - and it amazes me that they can't see that.

If he's cleared of the rape charge (which will probably happen, since it's such an outlandish accusation in the first place) he'll be seen to have regained a little credibility (when in reality, he will have simply escaped losing some more!)

And it won't take long for someone to turn that into a sympathy vote... :banghead:

Anachronix

The subtle truth of which will escape the vast majority of Australians.

Even as an avid Republican, it is comforting to see the Queen implying that he should go. She would not accept his sacking if she did not think he should go. Precedent dictates that she must do as the PM advises, but I don't think she's the kind of person who would just roll over if she thought the wrong decision was being made (but perhaphs I've misjudged her). Her open admission that she would sack him (if so advised) is also an admission that she wants him to leave. As HRH's representative in Australia it should be his duty to understand and obey her wishes...good luck

kwigibo

Well, he has stood aside pending the court case, but hasn't resigned. What the hell is going to happen now?

Anachronix

He'll be cleared of the rape allegations, and go back to his job as a pompous, arrogant and holier-than-thou ass with no sense of responsibility or proper conduct.

Xeluan

The act of Hollingworth stepping down from the position of Governor General is just distraction from the core issue of whether he should resign as Governor-General owing to his coverup of sexual abuse in the church. The allegations of rape are most likley a case of mistaken identity and the public has an understanding of the distinctions between the issues.

Hollingworth's attitude towards sexual abuse in the church was in line with the corporate management style that pervades politics and business. That is, when something goes wrong cover you ass (and sweep it all under the carpet) so that nothing can be traced back to you. The problem with this approach is that the problems are not solved. The causes for the problems still exist and are rarely dealt with. This leads to the issues festering and growing out of control. Hollingworth's failure to act on sexual abuse in the Anglican church allowed the problem to spread. Howard's failure to act on Hollingworth (which he should of done over a year ago) has damaged the office of Governor General.

Sir William Deane rescued the Governor Generals office from being a irrelevant,constitutional relic. He made the Governor General an admired figure among the public and raised the stakes for those that would follow. Deane was compassionate and outspoken. These qualities are the antithesis of what Howard wanted for that position. He wanted someone who would toe the line and not put foot out of place. It was a political appointment (though whether Howard testing separation of church and state is not clear though an interesting discussion in its own right) and has backfired.

It is correct that Hollingworth has done nothing wrong as Governor General. However, there is an expression that suggests that evil is done when good men do nothing. This is what Hollingworth, as Archbishop of Brisbane had done. Faciliated acts of child abuse by doing nothing. Given the high expectation of his office, Hollingworth, through adherence to the company line, has shown a lack of compassion or understanding of the issue of sexual abuse in the church and why people are angry. Australian should not have to stomach this man representing their country.