It is fashionable to say the Mr Turnbull government is confused about what it believes. That is a half-truth at best.
There are many middle-ranking cabinet ministers working on fresh and potentially substantial policies — and also thinking about how to make them politically viable.
Given Mr Turnbull’s narrow majority, progress will be gradual and cautious. But, if based on solid foundations and principles, it can change the existing political equation.
That, ultimately, leads back to the parliament and the Senate. Mr Turnbull says on a weekly basis that he wants to negotiate and reach agreement with the crossbenchers.
That is the guiding star of Mr Morrison as Treasurer. He is the minister with the most at stake in terms of the Senate and the budget. The government needs Mr Xenophon but it also needs to send some shots across his bow.
