Christianity & Politics - Peter Costello

Peter Costello was an aspiring Prime Minister of Australia. Having entered politics in 1990 and had more than 11 years as the Treasurer of Australia.

It was widely expected that he would take over the leadership of the Liberal Party prior to the 2007 federal election. However, in the Liberal Party the leadership is decided by vote amongst politicians, not by the current leader.

Following the defeat of the Howard government at the 2007 federal election, Mr Costello decided not to take on the leadership of the party and spent time on the back bench. The Liberal Party has since had various leaders.

In June 2009 Peter Costello announced that he not seek pre-selection and would retire at the next election.  In October 2009 it was reported that he announced that he would resign from parliament effective from a week's time. October 2009.  Peter Costello explained his reasons in an article in the media.

Peter Costello left the Parliament in October 2009.

This website page was initially posted prior to the 2007 federal election campaign, when it seemed likely that Mr Costello could become Australia's Prime Minister. It addresses the issue of Christian faith, not policies.

Following the 2007 election, Peter Costello wrote his memoirs - the book The Costello Memoirs was published in 2008. On Page 20, he writes:

"At the Baptist Sunday School I was taught the lessons of the Bible and the Christian faith. This faith has been important to me throughout my life. As I grew older the gospel became more meaningful and personal to me. It has given me a framework by which to steer my direction in life. I would not claim to be exemplary in behaviour but my faith has given me the certain hope of God’s forgiveness and redemption. Attending church has been important in nurturing my faith. I owe a lot to my Sunday School teachers and pastors and my parents for sharing these great truths with me.”

Peter then went on to address a claim made by Mark Latham:

“Mark Latham, then a Labor frontbencher, attacked me for ‘changing’ my religion. This is nonsense. My religion is Christian. I have attended different churches at different times, mostly Baptist or Anglican, depending on which was active in the area and the inspiration of the leader or vicar.” 

Peter Costello and his Christian faith

Peter Costello says he is a Christian... what statements has he made about his faith?

Prickly question: Mr Costello gives the right answer!
Peter Costello visited Ashburton Primary School on Monday 29 Oct 2007 and many students asked some very interesting questions.
But only prep student Rourke's prickly question about cactuses made it onto the ABC's 7.30 Report...

His question? "Who made cactuses?"
What would you have answered?

Peter Costello replied"Rourke wants to know who made cactuses. You didn't make them did you Rourke? No? Well, that is a very ... that's one of the great questions of life actually. I think God made everything, so God made cactuses. That's my answer, thank you very much."

Watch the exchange - the question and answer - on video!
Go to the 7.30 Report...
Climate change swings into election focus
To Watch the video - on the right hand side... choose Windows Media or Real Player.
The segment on cactuses is toward the end of the clip - starts at around 6.20 mins through to 7.06. Worth watching!
The transcript of the exchange is included as well.

So what did you think? We thought Peter Costello gave a good answer!