Ted Cruz’s speech at CPAC USA would give any Australian conservative whiplash.
It was, undoubtedly, a firebrand speech. It had many distinct, decidedly based points. Cruz argued that rights are God-given, pioneered cutting taxes on tips, and pressed the need for funding border security. All manner of subjects were covered in a broad-reaching, riling talk to thousands of patriotic Americans (and at least 22 Australians, of course).
But it wasn’t the masterfully crafted speech overall which was shocking to me. What left me with whiplash was how Cruz spoke about the Trump Accounts.
The Trump Accounts are a government-funded scheme investing $1000 for every child born 2025-2028, with parents and employers able to contribute up to $5000 per year until the child reaches age 18. This fund is invested so that each child theoretically receives compounding investment benefits that accumulate until they are 18.
It’s an original idea and one that brings to mind many questions of possible pitfalls and cons. But the way Ted Cruz talked about this idea was so inspirational, so doubtless and echoed such leadership, that I was fully convinced. I was left with the distinct idea that the Trump Accounts must be a pretty sound idea, if the person leading them could do so with such conviction and boundless optimism.
I haven’t felt this way in so long. That’s what shocked me.
In Australia, conservatives have lacked leaders with conviction for far too long. I was reminded of Tony Abbott, who I’d seen speak on the 2025 federal election. He’d noted that winning an election is not about picking the policies you think will be most popular with the people, and changing your mind based on what the people’s thoughts are that day. Winning an election – and running a country well – was about choosing an idea you know to be of benefit, actively promoting that idea to the Australian public – including maybe giving a first, or second, or third line of defence! – and trusting the Australian people will be convinced by a good idea. You have to lead the idea, and leave the final decision of the people to voting day.
When our federal campaign flip-flopped on already modest policies, it showed a lack of leadership. Thankfully, we have the materials – the issues – crystal clear for the next election. We have appalling immigration levels. We have a housing crisis. We have a tax system that disadvantages families from truly choosing how they want to raise their kids. We have a ludicrously poorly-equipped defence system, including a terrifying lack of fuel and gas made in Australia.
Australians need leaders willing to die on every one of those hills. And we each need to back the people climbing those hills right now. And if we find ourselves on the hill, we need to be the leaders willing to run the defences and continue to defend those ideas until voting day. Conservatives want it. Australians want it. Now is the time.
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