Last week I heard Prime Minister John Howard speak about his new rescue policy to wipe out widespread pedophilia in indigenous communities.
It was a speech right out of left field, following the Government’s greater focus on finances, war and immigration over its 10 years in power. However, it was a good policy; one that like the education focus of this year’s budget gained bipartisan support. And one, that if successful, will be a lasting legacy for him as a forward-thinking, socially-responsible leader.
Clearly he is thinking of history’s judgment of him after eventually stepping aside or being made to by the Australian public.
Former PM Paul Keating has also been on the speaking circuit lately promoting his influence on the pots of money we have managed to put away for retirement thanks to his forward-thinking policies. In the past, former PM Malcolm Fraser has turned to humanitarian causes.
It reminded me of the way the financial services industry should consider more seriously the impact we have on the wider community.
We are in a privileged position as some of the highest paid members of society, responsible for the livelihoods of millions of people. As caretakers of money, we can make decisions that will impact the future of the country in many ways.
It is important we recognise that and while looking at our future and how we are going to manage in our careers, businesses and retirement we should also have some focus on the way we can be remembered and remembered favourably.
