Pointing Peter at the post-operative options

It is a tragedy that Queensland Premier, Peter Beattie, has been struck down with cancer at the peak of his powers.
Luckily – as he explained to me when he rang last week – it is a very mild, indeed easily treated and non-life threatening variety.
Nevertheless, the Premier was keen to ensure the proper processes were followed, in terms of his constitutional responsibilities as head of government.
He called late one evening, immediately after drafting the news release that would announce his condition – a statement that would shock all Australians.
The Premier read his draft news release to me over the phone. Although he made light of the situation, I could hear the genuine fear in his voice. He explained that he was preparing to announce the fact he had cancer in The Sunday Mail and would enter hospital the following Wednesday.
It wasn’t sympathy he was after from me, not even comforting words for that matter.
No, what this most professional of politicians wanted was my advice on constitutional matters surrounding his possible inability to discharge his duties because of his cancer operation.
The Premier said he knew that as a public servant who served all sides of politics in numerous governments, I could be relied upon to give him impartial, yet expert, advice on such a delicate matter.
I listened intently as he outlined the type of operation he would undergo, its duration, the type of medical specialists who would be present and the hospital in which it would be performed.
Unable to provide comprehensive advice immediately, I told Beattie I would ring him back.
In the meantime I telephoned a friend of mine in the United Kingdom, Professor Frederick Scuttle, a constitutional expert at Oxford University.
Professor Scuttle has carved somewhat of a niche for himself in the academic world, specialising in issues affecting the transition, maintenance or delegation of power by heads of government in cases such as the Premier faced – where health matters, accidents or other sudden trauma directly impinge on a leader’s ability to function.
It is indeed a fascinating speciality.
Professor Scuttle has written several texts, including one on former US President, Ronald Reagan, who had to delegate power to his then Vice-President, George Bush, on several occasions when undergoing serious operations – not unlike the Queensland Premier.
After speaking to Professor Scuttle at length, I was able to ring the Premier back.
He was greatly relieved when I explained to him that there would be no need to delegate power to his Deputy Premier, Jim Elder – having the Governor swear him in as Premier until such time as Beattie could resume the reins.
Of course, he was quick to point out that his joy should, in no way, be construed as a reflection on Mr Elder’s capacity to fill the top job.
I must admit that thought hadn’t even crossed my mind.
No, Beattie was quick to explain, it would be better for Queensland if there was no interruption to his Premiership, regardless of any physical pain or personal discomfort that might mean.
He is indeed a selfless leader – and a lucky one too.
As Professor Scuttle explained, if the planned operation had been a much more serious one, plans for the delegation of power would have to be put in place. It would be negligent not to do so.
As it is, Beattie can – and should - continue as Premier right up until the doctors give him the local anaesthetic and well after the 20-minute procedure is over.
I’m sure all Queenslanders – regardless of their politics – wish him well with his operation and in the hours of his convalescence.

Rufus Badinage MBE, now retired, is one of Australia’s leading
experts on politics and public administration having worked as a
senior bureaucrat for various state and federal governments.