In response to Malcolm Turnbull’s suggestion for Australians to ‘live within their means’, Hans Pieterse identifies the hypocrisy of these words by suggesting that a man who presumably has ‘$4000 helicopter rides’ does not have the right to be saying these words, as he clearly is not living frugally himself. This in turn degrades Turnbull’s standpoint in the reader’s perspective, establishing distrust in the these words as for the benefit of the people, rather than for the politicians themselves. To this end, the audience becomes much less willing to follow the prime minister’s words. Indeed, Pieterse generalises this sentiment to attack all politicians, intimating that they ‘lead the way’ in extravagant spending, and so are the true source for the country’s tough economic situation. Subsequently, this brings into question to the audience whether or not the politicians are upholding their duty and are suitable to govern Australian in these circumstances.
Similarly, Henry Herzog criticizes Turnbull’s words, but with much less vitriol, and in a more rational tone. He argues that the term is ‘meaningless’ as many people already try to do as such, indicating an insensitivity and obliviousness on Turnbull’s part. This demonstrates to the reader that Turnbull does not understand much about this issue, and as a result, his words should not be taken in consideration in regards to it. The author also extrapolates upon this point by questioning the contradictory nature of the government in proposing these actions which would damage Australia’s economy, when their purpose should be to improve it. This in turn furthers the audience’s mistrust in Turnbull’s government, as they do not see the true implications of their actions.