The Age has described Malcolm Turnbull's first year as the Prime Minister as the time in which optimism was replaced by disappointment.
Expectations Mr Turnbull would show the courage of his convictions by adjusting his government's policies on touchstone issues have so far been dashed.
Paradoxically, perhaps Mr Turnbull's greatest asset now is his minuscule majority in the lower house, and that he evidently does not have a policy mandate. This gives him the room to negotiate measures in the national interest, and that truly reflect his beliefs.
Should he not have the courage to use his leadership, he will remain largely ineffectual and risks being torn down by colleagues who will never fully support him anyway.
A year ago, Mr Turnbull promised to treat voters as sophisticated and mature, amid historically exciting times laden with potential. He hasn't, and the phrase "exciting times" is sadly becoming a national joke. But the potential remains.
