Back when he was in the age range of most concern and when he could easily been excused for a little arrogance, Justin showed a real understanding for respect.

I've only watched from afar in the intervening years as he has shown enough resolve to survive defection from Essendon to Carlton with his credibility intact and made a fair fist of the ministry for not in my back yard.

Hopefully he also understands that respecting others must start with respecting yourself and that the biggest levers at his disposal involve tackling institutional and wider public attitudes to disadvantaged youngsters.

The Libs immediately playing the just plain evil zero tolerance card makes it clear that the case for a change of tiring government in Victoria remains much weaker than in NSW, though getting the Greens the balance of power in both houses might yet be a course to some fresh responsibility all round.