Reflections on the Miracle of Democracy at Work in the Greatest Nation on Earth

Newspoll: 54-46

Sky News reveals tomorrow’s Newspoll will show Labor leading 54-46; primary vote Labor 46 per cent (down two points), Coalition 41 per cent (up one). Details to follow.

UPDATE: Preliminary article at The Australian.

UPDATE 2: The Australian’s graphic here.

697 Comments

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  1. 501
    George
    Posted Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 12:26 am | Permalink

    red wombat Says: “HERE WE GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    AUSTRALIA’s former top Middle East trade official has broken his silence on AWB’s kickbacks to Iraq, saying the Howard Government’s claim it was unaware of key elements of the scandal is unbelievable.”

    yep, it’s happened a day or two early, but there will be plenty more from those who are now confident this corrupt government is on its way out and can speak out.

  2. 502
    CL de Footscray
    Posted Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 12:26 am | Permalink

    VoterBoy – I think Turnbull-gate tonight (the $11 mil to his mate for crazy electric rain machine thing) may finish off your old ARM buddy. Just as AWB-gate, WorkChoices Mark II FOI-gate, and Debnam-gate may provide the final wooden stake for his party. But i am an optimist.

  3. 503
    Crikey Whitey
    Posted Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 12:26 am | Permalink

    Re my 467. I suppose, on reflection, the FOI must have been the Oz.

    Seven is appealing against, I guess. Not necessarily appealing.

  4. 504
    Generic Person
    Posted Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 12:27 am | Permalink

    If Brian Burke was immaterial, then so is the crap about AWB, Turnbull and Debnam.

  5. 505
    neophyte
    Posted Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 12:27 am | Permalink

    #435 Robert Bollart – [but the vast bulk of workers were not covered by federal arbitration unitl much later] wrong wrong wrong – you forget state awards and decisions. The picture is more complex by faaaar.

  6. 506
    Pi
    Posted Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 12:27 am | Permalink

    Oh… and EsJ, I’m neither a union member (and never have been), nor an ALP member (and never have been).

  7. 507
    paul k
    Posted Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 12:28 am | Permalink

    crazy electric rain machine thing

    What, you mean you don’t believe they can make rain out of nothing?

  8. 508
    red wombat
    Posted Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 12:28 am | Permalink

    And from dear Malcolm Fraser

    Voting to restore the decent values Australia once held dear

    http://www.theage.com.au/news/opinion/voting-to-restore-the-values-we-once-held-dear/2007/11/19/1195321692334.html

  9. 509
    blindoptimist
    Posted Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 12:28 am | Permalink

    496
    mad cow Says:
    November 20th, 2007 at 12:23 am

    Hmm..

    In Morgan’s case, they attribute the effect to the age of the interviewers – all young and bright-eyed, they elicit a bias in favour of Labor. Make of it what you will.

    gotta go….bye for now

  10. 510
    oakeshott country
    Posted Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 12:28 am | Permalink

    Hm…Hm… back to this poll. I think Bryan Palmer’s rule of thumb makes an aweful lot of sense
    http://www.ozpolitics.info/guide/elections/fed2007/polls2007/#coalition

    It has often been argued here that the primary vote is more acurately measured by the polls and the TPP suffers from further inaccuracy because it is derived. Given the usual number and distribution of “others” Palmer argues that for the coalition to be COMPETATIVE their primary vote needs to 42% or greater, while for Labor to be competative it needs to crack 40%. Today’s figures are 41 and 46. Bryan’s graphs show a 10 month history of the Liberals at 39-42 and averaging about 40. They still have a little ground to make up in the next 5 days to even get onto the oval.

  11. 511
    Xamiam
    Posted Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 12:29 am | Permalink

    Ha!

    E Swinejohn, Glug and Generic Pratt really have seized the agenda here – sad that a quality blog like this ends up with the usual pathetic debate.

    No-one here is on minimum wage. It is disingenuous in the extreme to pretend that SerfChoices affects any one of us. However, some of us give a fu*k about other people and are willing to accept restrictions on our “market power” in order to restrain the worst elements of capitalism.

    And, what’s worse is GP used decimation in the pop sense – you total pratt look it up!

  12. 512
    Kevin Reynolds
    Posted Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 12:29 am | Permalink

    Is anyone willing to go on the record and name a seat where the local Your Rights at Work campaign will be the difference between Liberal retain and Labor gain?

  13. 513
    Glen
    Posted Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 12:29 am | Permalink

    Why am i not surprised that article originated from The Age?

    That left wing rag is a joke, that’s why i read the Hun and the Australian.

  14. 514
    Posted Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 12:29 am | Permalink

    wow that AWB article is too mouch to handle

    http://www.theage.com.au/news/federal-election-2007-news/downer-knew-about-awb-kickbacks/2007/11/19/1

    the AWB will take the light off the enviroment report from the UN,
    which will take the light off abott gaff mkII,
    which will take the light off Regional roryts,
    which will take the light off the advertising blow-out,
    that will take the light of ‘workchoices will last forever if we get back in’,
    which will takle the light off ‘we should have signed kyoto’
    which will umm……..i think it s all over Libsters

  15. 515
    Let It End
    Posted Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 12:29 am | Permalink

    >blckquote>Edward StJohn Says:
    November 20th, 2007 at 12:22 am
    Have you ever thought that WorkChoices might actually just be preaching to the converted, ie just labor union voters

    Nope, not that naive or insular. 55% tpp to me seems to account for a hell of a lot more than the 20% union members.

    Actually I have never been a member of any union, ever, nor will I ever have to worry about workchoices. But I’m mightily pissed off over my kids (all uni students) being rorted by it in their part time jobs.

  16. 516
    Crikey Whitey
    Posted Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 12:30 am | Permalink

    Grazie, Dario at 495.

  17. 517
    George
    Posted Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 12:31 am | Permalink

    Generic Person Says: “If Brian Burke was immaterial, then so is the crap about AWB, Turnbull and Debnam.”

    your mob bribes Saddam with $300Million and it’s “crap”? Love it – keep talking like that, it will do wonders for the Liberals. In fact, the rodent should just come out and say that this is how you do business and we should all just live with it. So there! What a joke the Liberal party has become. If a million Iraqis hadn’t died then the WB scandal would also be a joke.

  18. 518
    Jihadze
    Posted Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 12:31 am | Permalink

    ESJ at 491 Workchoices stopped people feeling relaxed and comfortable. the anger about workchoices is the opposite of radicalism or some lefty/socialist thing. Howard put his own radicalism over his political instincts and is paying the price.
    Hi lefty E – love your work.

  19. 519
    nath
    Posted Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 12:31 am | Permalink

    “That left wing rag is a joke, that’s why i read the Hun”
    glen, stop embarrassing yourself.

  20. 520
    Lefty E
    Posted Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 12:31 am | Permalink

    Thats big news Red Wombat – another Rodent day wasted fending off allegations.

    Only 5 more sleeps till Howard’s 830pm concession of defeat!

  21. 521
    CL de Footscray
    Posted Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 12:31 am | Permalink

    503 – Perhaps. But it’s not exactly going to generate the ‘traction’ effect, is it?

    To continue the bunker analogy, I’m keen on the night of the long knives effect. I wonder whether Newspoll will arrange that one? Maybe we could have a new question on which Lib will spit the dummy first on national TV. I’m barracking for Kroger, but Downer might go for it. He’s had a lot of practice of late.

  22. 522
    Crikey Whitey
    Posted Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 12:31 am | Permalink

    Work Choice new wave just reported on ABC Radio.

  23. 523
    kina
    Posted Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 12:32 am | Permalink

    488
    red wombat Says:
    November 20th, 2007 at 12:22 am
    HERE WE GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    AUSTRALIA’s former top Middle East trade official has broken his silence on AWB’s kickbacks to Iraq, saying the Howard Government’s claim it was unaware of key elements of the scandal is unbelievable.
    http://www.theage.com.au/news/federal-election-2007-news/downer-knew-about-awb-kickbacks/2007/11/19/1195321695303.html

    Well that proves the Howard Government were out and out liars on AWB. What a wonderful chicken to come home at this time.

    I suspect Downer is right now rolling around on the ground eating dirt.

  24. 524
    Glen
    Posted Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 12:32 am | Permalink

    nath don’t selectively cut my quotes, if you are going to quote me quote me in full that’s all i ask!

  25. 525
    red wombat
    Posted Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 12:32 am | Permalink

    Why am i not surprised that article originated from The Age?

    That left wing rag is a joke, that’s why i read the Hun and the Australian.

    Read it and weep precious.

  26. 526
    rossco
    Posted Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 12:32 am | Permalink

    Possum, are you still pumping for 55/45? I am, based on your analysis.

  27. 527
    paul k
    Posted Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 12:34 am | Permalink

    that’s why i read the Hun and the Australian

    Don’t forget to delouse after reading them.

  28. 528
    Samuel K
    Posted Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 12:34 am | Permalink

    Howard on Costello: “we don’t agree on everything, I mean he barracks for the Essendon Bombers, I barrack for the St George Illawarra Dragons…”

    Um, different sports old man.

  29. 529
    John Hunt Is A Coward
    Posted Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 12:34 am | Permalink

    488
    red wombat Says:
    November 20th, 2007 at 12:22 am

    HERE WE GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    AUSTRALIA’s former top Middle East trade official has broken his silence on AWB’s kickbacks to Iraq, saying the Howard Government’s claim it was unaware of key elements of the scandal is unbelievable.

    Yes but even voters who hate the Government don’t think it is incompetent.
    They only think that this Govt was NEGLIGENT in their duty on AWB. That’s all.

    What’s $300 between friends anyway. Even if those friends are Dictators who hide WMD and need to be attacked.

  30. 530
    Pi
    Posted Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 12:34 am | Permalink

    My prediction is still lookin good….

    My prediction…

    Primaries
    ALP 47.0
    LNP 41.0
    GRN 8.0
    Other 4.0

    TPP
    54.5 / 45.5
    Swing ~7.5

    State Swings
    NSW 6
    Vic 8
    QLD 11
    SA 11
    WA 2
    Tas 4
    ACT 6
    NT 3

    Seats
    ALP 97
    LNP 51
    Other 2

    http://www.abc.net.au/elections/federal/2007/calculator/?swing=state&national=0&nsw=6&vic=8&qld=11&wa=2&sa=11&tas=4&act=6&nt=3&retiringfactor=1

  31. 531
    Lefty E
    Posted Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 12:34 am | Permalink

    “that this is how you do business and we should all just live with it”

    Good idea George – having Howard explain that we funded Saddam Hussein’s regime with bribes so they could tool up Sunni insurgents to kill US, UK and Au troops should be just the trick to reverse his flagging electoral fortunes.

    I assume you’re on Loughnane’s staff.

    Approved – proceed :)

  32. 532
    CL de Footscray
    Posted Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 12:35 am | Permalink

    507 – Paul K – yes, I confess to a tragic sort of scepticism. But I guess if he was a mate of Malcolm’s it’s okay … after all, he’s helping out on the campaign. It’s only taxpayers’ money, after all.

  33. 533
    VoterBoy of Over the Water
    Posted Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 12:35 am | Permalink

    “513
    Glen Says:
    November 20th, 2007 at 12:29 am
    Why am i not surprised that article originated from The Age?

    That left wing rag is a joke, that’s why i read the Hun and the Australian.”

    It didn’t originate from The Age, you mule. It originated from the pen of a former Liberal Prime Minister, who is saying that the Howard Liberal Party stinks and that people should vote Labor.

    My god this election is going to be a belter…

  34. 534
    Kirribilli Removals
    Posted Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 12:36 am | Permalink

    VB, did you catch the story about Malcolm tonight? It was only on Red Kezza’s 7.30 Report, and has not yet hit the press (they’re probably waiting to get it ‘legalled’, in case Malcolm starts throwing his weight around)?

    Essentially, Turnbull made a ‘research grant’ of $10m to a crazy outfit to make rain from nothing, and the major shareholder is Matt Hanbury, who also is a contributor to Turnbull’s electoral chances via the aptly named “Wentworth Group”.

    Ooh, Malcolm! Just wait for the Greens and Labor to get their teeth into that juicy little act!

  35. 535
    nath
    Posted Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 12:36 am | Permalink

    glen, why not embrace all three papers as part of the rich diversity of opinion.

  36. 536
    Xamiam
    Posted Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 12:36 am | Permalink

    Experts – official party adds blocked as of Wed? Does this mean TampaII on Thurs?

  37. 537
    Glen
    Posted Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 12:37 am | Permalink

    Because the Age is a joke, why should i bother paying for that socialist clap trap when you all post me the links on poll bludger.

    Serenity Now…

  38. 538
    Posted Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 12:38 am | Permalink

    Essentially, Turnbull made a ‘research grant’ of $10m to a crazy outfit to make rain from nothing,

    I can turn beer into piss, I think I’ll apply for a Turnbull grant.

  39. 539
    Posted Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 12:38 am | Permalink

    lets test two theories that have been discussed on this blog side by side.

    Speaking for the narrowing can be Glen and ESJ

    Speaking for the Lib/Nat final week implosion can be everyone else

  40. 540
    kina
    Posted Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 12:38 am | Permalink

    OK now who are the people who know about the SIEV X – time to reveal all

  41. 541
    Generic Person
    Posted Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 12:38 am | Permalink

    Brian Burke had the Labor party in his pocket. The AWB scandal is immaterial and a non-issue, in the same sense that Mad Ack’s Heiner affair garbage is nonsense.

  42. 542
    George
    Posted Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 12:38 am | Permalink

    Kirribilli Removals, saw that too on 7:30 Report – there should be some fun had with it throughout the week.

    So much the Libs have offered the Labor party to choose from in the final week of the campaign! Oh the humanity!

  43. 543
    Posted Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 12:40 am | Permalink

    Is it coming home to rooste season or something?

  44. 544
    Xamiam
    Posted Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 12:41 am | Permalink

    GP – you cheap equation of AWB and Brian Burke only help to illustrate your desperation – next please!

  45. 545
    Posted Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 12:42 am | Permalink

    Kirribilli Removals, saw that too on 7:30 Report - there should be some fun had with it throughout the week.

    Knowing Turnbull he probably forgot to get cabinet approval for the grant.

  46. 546
    red wombat
    Posted Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 12:42 am | Permalink

    Does anyone know if Tobin Brothers pay a spotters fee? I think they’re going to be busy Sunday

  47. 547
    John Hunt Is A Coward
    Posted Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 12:42 am | Permalink

    Glen is right on sour that grapes Age. That colour writer Caroline Overington won a Walkley on AWB and works for The Oz. So there.

    The Age are just jealous she does not write for them anymore. The paper has gone to the dogs since she left for the Oz…

    Glen is discerning when it comes to quality journalism..

  48. 548
    Lefty E
    Posted Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 12:42 am | Permalink

    Is anyone seriously suggesting the story that “Downer knew of AWB bribes to Saddam Hussein” is going to make no impact tomorrow?

    Again, loss of momentum. Time running out.

  49. 549
    paul k
    Posted Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 12:43 am | Permalink

    The AWB scandal is immaterial and a non-issue

    GP,

    You haven’t gotten anything right about the campaign so far so I think we can safely ignore your opinion again.

  50. 550
    Posted Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 12:43 am | Permalink

    547

    Overington is a Hack Rag

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