Play the Game

Image courtesy of Rush PR

The motto at my leafy, suburban primary school was 'play the game', a good strong, thought-provoking slogan (although the double entendre was lost on me and I developed an unhealthy obsession with sport).

Whoever selected it, back in 1891, no doubt did so with an innocent mind, wanting his students to relish in opportunities presented and have a well-rounded education and life. These days, to successfully 'play the game' one usually resorts to trickery and dirty tactics. From Australia's Next Top Model to Federal politics, the players are ruthless in their pursuit for the top. It's become less about camaraderie and more about ambition. And nowhere is this more relevant than in politics where yesterday Kevin Rudd, once again played the game. By amending their carbon emissions scheme, Rudd and his ministers have politically compromised by trying to appease two sides. Delaying the scheme by 12 months and thereby mollifying the Coalition, while increasing the target to a more environmentally acceptable 25 per cent by 2020, is some shifty politics. Surely, an amendment the opposition leader can't pass up on, and cleverly designed to refocus attention on a cornered Turnbull. Of course he will pass and the environment and climate change will become the marinated vegies in this bitter, political sandwich. If only the contestants on Australia's Next Top Model were this clever.