Jody Wilson-Raybould

“In addition to the pep talks and words of inspiration and hope, we were, as new ministers, also given some strong messages in terms of our roles and responsibilities. This was intended, I think, to instil a bit of fear and caution about ethics, conflict of interest, cabinet secrecy, cabinet solidarity, expectations of preparedness and working hard, and the role of the public service. These were important messages and absolutely necessary. What I did not realize then, but came to appreciate more and more over time, was that all these messages, whether inspirational or intimidating, were expected to be interpreted through the thick filter of partisanship and the desire to retain power. I think the more experienced ministers knew this and simply took it for granted. But some of us newbies, especially me, who had no prior connection to a political party, took these messages at face value. This was clearly a mistake. Partisanship comes first, then everything else. I just did not know it at the time. [Taken from the audiobook; there may be transcription errors.]”
― Jody Wilson-Raybould, "Indian" in the Cabinet: Speaking Truth to Power