The latest Newspoll shows an increase in Labor’s federal two-party lead to 61-39 from 59-41 a fortnight ago. Kevin Rudd’s lead over Brendan Nelson as preferred prime minister has narrowed marginally from 73-9 to 71-10. No word yet on the Liberal leadership preference questions which Newspoll was apparently asking respondents over the weekend (see the update on the previous Morgan post).
UPDATE: Graphic now available. The favoured Liberal leader is Malcolm Turnbull (25 per cent) ahead of Peter Costello (23 per cent), Brendan Nelson (15 per cent), Julie Bishop (13 per cent) and Tony Abbott (6 per cent). Support for the three proposed leadership teams (Nelson/Bishop, Turnbull/Robb, Costello/Turnbull) divided about evenly, while Turnbull leads Wayne Swan as “preferred Treasurer” 35 per cent to 29 per cent. In spite of everything, Brendan Nelson’s satisfaction rating is a presentable 38 per cent.
484 Comments
Pages: « 1 … 4 5 [6] 7 8 … 10 » Show All
Greeensborough Growler are you suggesting Rudd will remain as popular as he is now for some time yet?
We’ll see what the budget brings.
Gary Bruce, Neil Mitchell is like branch he bends with the wind. Parlous economic situation? What ever happened to running the economy is easy, the government hasn’t done anything it’s the mining boom?
John, Neil Mitchell is known as a conservative commentator and for good reason. Now John, which is it? Having listened to him putting Rudd down and calling him names he certainly isn’t a Rudd supporter. If he could somehow blame Rudd for the present situation he would.
Ok John which is it then? The previous government had no control over the economy and so can’t be blamed (as with this government then) or it did and is responsible for our present situation, which this government can’t be because it hasn’t made any decisions yet according to you?
JOM,
The Libs are hoping desperately that the Budget will be a catalyst for a decline in Rudd’s support. But what if it isn’t?
The punters tend to regard the Budget as ho hum. Remember last year when the Liberal Budget was lauded far and wide. Had absolutely no impact in that Government’s popularity.
I agree that the Budget is the next test. However, the Libs will descend into a despairing frazzle if Rudd’s popularity sails on regardless. The evidence to date says this might happen.
Won’t the budget include tax cuts? Gee, that should make them unpopular.
229 – I was suggesting that what happened in Canberra is a reflection of what is happening in Tibet. That is the Chinese overrunning the Tibetians.
The Libs are still waiting for the bounce that never came: the one from their last budget.
Gary Bruce IMHO he bends with the wind. All governments have an input into the economy. It has been 5 months since the previous government had lost office if the inflation genie is truely out of the bottle why wasn’t there a mini budget to address the issue? When can Rudd start taking responsibility?
Greeensborough Growler I agree, “The punters tend to regard the Budget as ho hum.” What goes up must ceom down.
If inflation continues to rise it will be a problem for Rudd after having identified with the cost of living inceases faced by “working families” in their eyes he has labelled himself as someone who will bring down cost of living expenses.
Nothing from the Federal Government on this dump day yet. I guess they don’t have too much bad news to hide at the moment. I have yet to check the state governments.
I always advise newly elected councillors to wait at least a year before they start pushing their own barrows – it takes time to understand how things work and the best ways to go about schieving outcomes.
State and Federal governments don’t have quite the same luxury of being able to sit back and learn – they do have to start making decisions from day one.
That said, however, being in government and not being in government are vastly different things and to assume from opposition that you have the answers right – or even the questions – is to assume far too much.
Thus, a wise government would act in the way Rudd is – get the symbols out of the way, consult (Howard not only didn’t consult but he regularly ignored expert advice and then had to back track when it turned out to be correct) and start a few debates going, get a feel for the whole thing, THEN start making changes.
More haste less speed.
One of the most ridiculous headlines ever “Masterclass” … pffttt
I remember last year how the Australian complained about middle class welfare and buying votes and thought it was a weakness of the Howard Gov. but when Costello’s budget came down it did exactly that. The Australian then praised the budget profusely.
Can’t follow them.
One thing I’m certain of, is that despite the largess of the election promises Labor were forced to make to keep up with the Coalition early in the election campaign, Kevin won’t be telling us about “non-core” promises.
That would make him Howard-lite.
246 JOM
If you think $1.60 for petrol is steep…
I think you’re going to run out of adjectives to match the prices we’re going to reach pretty quickly.
What’s the piece, in dollars and to the environment, of a litre of petrol, a litre of milk and a litre of coke?
Petrol is still ridiculously cheap, and anyone complaining about it’s price hasn’t looked too far down the road IMO.
257 JOM
Bring DOWN the cost of living expenses…pfffft!! The link to the fact that Kevin targeted this demographic in the election is more than a little tenuous.
I think you’ll find on closer examination that this ‘demographic’ voted for Kevin because they found that he was at least making the impression that he was listening to them = something the other side had failed to do for quite some time.
Kevin promised to do everything he could, but given the economic circumstances he’s been elected in to, I’d like to hear YOUR idea on how this might be achieved, and therefore how Kevin isn’t meeting those ideas.
Re the torch relay
went back to the dolt blog where he said rudd ’spun’ that the “blue men” would not be used for security and Kevin Gospar (or whatever) stated the fact that the blue men WOULD supply the security and found his words heavily modified!
I left a few comments which won’t get published but do show him HIS, DOLT’S, spinning was noticed!
None of my comments to Pies’ blog of some hours ago have been published even though unlike an earlier post here no four letter words were used (sorry about that one William.) Pies really should not try to comment on economics, safer to stick to the Heiner myth
263
onimod
I think it is high time oil prices were given in euros (the currency not the grey plains kangaroo!) instead of the fast-depreciating US dollar
Pies: “How do I hate thee, Labor. Let me count the ways.”
257 John of Melbourne – Ever heard of the Reserve Bank. Ever heard of interest rates going up to stem inflation which, by the way, started under the previous government. So John what should the government do? So the government is elected in November. Then there is Christmas. When would you suggest the mini budget could have taken place, given that the budget is given in May?
As for taking responsibility your side has yet to admit taking any responsibility at all. Surely not even you can believe Labor has caused the rise in inflation in four months given that we are still working on the Liberal’s budget.
It doesn’t really matter what currency oil is sold in. Euros is not going to make a difference to price that Australians pay for petrol.
John at 257, if you’ve been following what various economists as well as the RBA and the banks have been saying, firstly, there have been warning signals in relation to inflation emerging well before the LNP lost the last election, largely ignored by the LNP because of Howard’s stranglehold on how that gov’t ran, including their contribution to how the economy runs. Witness the warnings from the RBA, witness Costello’s frustration with Howard’s profligacy. This a clear contribution to inflation. Contributing to an even murkier economic picture is the sub prime effect on the U.S. economy and other economies and banks with major knock on effects, such as the Bank of Scotland, etc. Any one who has been following this with any degree of impartiality, understands that some of what the Rudd gov’t has to deal with is well beyond any gov’t’s control in relation to the economy, and some of it, Howard’s profligacy, for instance, is, and if Mitchell acknowledges this, I’d advise you have a bit of a think about this, because he is an influential conservative talk back jock.
Very difficult economic situation to manage, John, got some strengths, got some nightmares. Not black or white for any Fed. gov’t.
Who was that chiselled man on the 7.30 Report tonight? Just got home and missed who he was – haven’t seen him before.
Well put Harry. I think John also mixes up “responsibility” with “taking action”. The government is taking action (through the budget process) but has not been responsible for where we are now economically. Not yet.
Crikey:
Cardinal George Pell, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Sydney, held a “thank you” dinner for former Prime Minister John Howard at his official residence at Cathedral House last night.
…yeah, thanks for being such a little ugly rodent that Australia is now free of!
271 I think John has been reading too much Piers.
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,23590216-5007146,00.html
Gary at 271, It seems to me that there has been a fairly stupid narrative run in the MSM, about the economy. And why would anyone be surprised, really. Whether the gov’t can translate their message about screwing things down to control inflation, or not, we’ve as yet to see.
Returning to the topic, Scorpio.
More horrific information. Lateline.
The dreadful condition of the River Murray, as it concerns South Australia.
Apparently the drying has left our water supplies open to self poisoning, as we drink the various metals released by the dry. And even worse, should the outside chance of rain water occur, these metals will be released, again into our water.
May be wise to stay where you are.
Does not change my mind, needless to say, that climate change and water are the most pressing, indeed imperative, of the issues with which the Government must deal. And pronto.
Yeah, Crikey, I saw that.
Pretty scary stuff. I think that they may be a tad optimistic in believing that they can neutralise that acidity with lime.
There may be a totally intractable problem there which may never be resolved unless mother nature does a reversal and returns the seasons back to what they were down there 40 or 50 years ago.
Kirribilli Removals 272
Unfortunately, free of Howard, we are not free of Pell. Loved the man, did he not? When it mattered. All gracious and so, to FPMJH (apparently not to be Sir, so I am told). But, all over. Preparing the ground, for himself.
Pell is interested in Pellevation. Watch him.
Free now,to welcome Kev. And as we will see, the Pope, no less. Pell will want arm in arm coverage.
I cannot believe such a self serving Archbishop. Never miss an opportunity.
CW275 Scorpio 276
Would the fact that the previous Fed Gov did nothing for 11 years re take over of the Murray -Darling System have contributed to the problem that is there now? And of course what about previous Gov’s before that?
Doug.
A, even more for sure. B, definitely for sure.
Impossible not to see, as I said, on and on to the despair of the water waster, for all my adult life really, ‘driest state, driest continent’.
How much more important for the negligent Governments, that is sssss, to have seen, ‘It’s the Water, Stupid.’
Thanks Crikey
As a Queenslander I have not been up with the M-D as I should have. But if there has been wastage by farms upstream through the outmoded irrigation systems, and the sowing of crops which use heaps of water like rice and cotton then then there is less for Adelaide dounstream. All these have been under control of Gov’s at some period or other and ultimately still are. I suppose the main question is what to do about it now. The short term seems to have everyone stumped but the long term is more optimistic now it is under Fed control(the political persuasion not as important as the fact it is under control of 1 authority rather than a number of self interested states).
And so no water, therefore less food, and of course the cost of shelter(homes) is thru the roof. The three basic requirements.
I think we have been living on credit for a long while in regard to basic requirements and it is fast approaching pay back time. Wealth is useless without these.
‘free of Howard, we are not free of Pell’
Pell owed Howard an enormous debt, In the USA the church has had to pay out over US$2 billion in damages, in Australia that was avoided, no nasty inquiries.
‘And as we will see, the Pope, no less. Pell will want arm in arm coverage.’
Will be interesting to see, the pope met with victims in the USA, he has probably gained extra respect for this action, I think it was a good thing to do.
CW 277, Rod 281
I dare not express my true feelings about that “thing” Geo Pell. He and JWH deserve each other!
Good Morning PBs.
I have just returned from the Anzac Day Dawn Service held at Simpson barracks here in Melbourne. Crowd numbers were up and approximately 3000 people attended.
As always, people were in reverential mode as they remembered past loved ones and friends lost in some battle or other over the last ninety three years. Australians, as a rule, tend to be fairly chirpy when out and about. However, the subdued tone and total silence during the service proved once again that we know how to pay homage to our fallen heroes.
No doubt many have strong views on our participation in various conflicts as a nation. However, we must always remember the brave service men and women who have done their duty to the best of their ability. The bounty of propserity and freedom we all enjoy today has come about because of their great sacrifices.
Lest We Forget.
Hear, hear GG.
I was pleased to see that the 39th “Choco” battalion from the Kokoda track is leading the march in Melbourne this morning.
At last, full recognition for those reluctant, unfit, under-trained amateur soldiers who did the professionals’ job as well as anyone could have, for 10 long weeks.
And thank God for our greatest PM, John Curtin, who stood up to Rooseveld AND Churchill and got our ME troops back home. These started reaching the Kokoda Track in time to start pushing the Japs back.
I Howard had been PM then he would have caved in, allowed the convoy to be redirected to Rangoon and the division, without its transport and heavy equipment would have been effortlessly captured by the Japs–and Kokoda might have ended differently!
Bloody Howard was such a gutless Bush sycophant, such a arsekisser, that he didn’t pull the troops out of Iraq that first Christmass which had been his plan.
Curtin, in the middle of directing the struggle in WW2, also got through fundamental economic reforms that are still in place today. He foresaw the demobilisation after WW2 and how Australia had to be more populated and did the groundwork of planning for the postwar immigration. What Chifley achieved in his term was mostly carry out the vision of Curtin. Then Menzies coasted along on those reforms for pretty much his whole too-long term and when he did interfere caused 20% inflation and had to put a credit squeeze on.
Not to my surprise, none of my comments to Pies’ or dolt’s blog have yet been published.
Of course, according to Alexander Downer, everything Curtin did both before and during the War was a cowardly publicity stunt because Labor was and always has been gutless in Foreign Relations.
Dowver’s infamous Earl Page speech here: http://www.foreignminister.gov.au/speeches/2005/050517_earle_page_college.html
Rudd’s brilliant reply: http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,15332416-7583,00.html
Incidentally, reading the above article was the first time I realised Rudd had the fire in the belly required to be Australian PM.
A great read.
Fuel:
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=469426
“Jeffrey Rubin, chief economist and strategist with Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, forecasts in a new report titled The Age of Scarcity that Canadians and Americans should brace for $2.25-a-litre gasoline, or about $7 a gallon, by 2012. That’s nearly double the current nationwide average price for regular unleaded gas of $1.23. The price will top a record $1.40 this summer as it starts its climb, Mr. Rubin said.”
2012 isn’t as far away as some people act…
“People will move closer to where they work.”
If someone could explain how this might happen in Australia without massive massive cultural change I’d be obliged? With a bit of luck the farmers will get some of their land back in the next 20 years I reckon.
“History will record Downer as Australia’s longest serving but least significant foreign minister.”
Absolutely!
286
Thanks BB.
seems like he’s keeping plenty in reserve
Public transport will HAVE to become more important.
One way would be on main roads leading in/out of CBDs have a bus-only lane then ru frequent trolleybuses.
trolleybus?
Look here;
http://www.tbus.org.uk/article.htm
http://www.trolleybus.net/
The hybrid version of trolleybuses can run without even overhead powerlines which is the only infrastructure needed, so way cheaper than electric tram and train!
Secondly, they are very comfortable, with an incredibly smooth ride. I remember riding the Trolley buses down Port Rd to the QEH in the 60s. Their 100% flat floor makes them easy for mothers with prams or shopping trolleys etc.
In the newer outer suburbs trolley buses could collect passengers and run them to nearest railway station or shopping centre etc.
Still using fossil fuel but at a very high efficiency! And a trolley bus stuck at a red light or traffic jam would use hardly any power! Unlike the cars inching along in front of my Duthy St shop in the morning, belching out pollution and global warming gases!
Hehehe I love Pies calling for a minibudget.
Sure thing Pies, will only take me 5 minutes to work out a half trillion dollar mini budget. I mean, geez, does Pies ever engage brain b4 putting pen to paper?
290
what brain?
It was dissolved by mysterious white powder wasn’t it?
Tell you what though, some sizzling intellect in either SA or Natl Transport Dept has worked out a scheme to make it harder to use minor roads (like Duthy/George St in Unley, SA) so forcing traffic onto major roads.
Of course, no work is done to make Fullarton/Unley/King William/Goodwood Rds wider, thus ensuring smooth, fuel-efficient traffic flows! No public transport improvements either!
I have taken advantage of Duthy St being a carpark 7-9.00am weekdays by making up a heap of posters and sticking them in my window
BB 286 and Thomarse 288
“…like most small men in search of a big idea…”
I liked Rudd’s very apt Downer put down. It would not surprise me if Dolly becomes obsessed with creating a myth that he was a great statesman. Lots of spare time and lots of long lunches tends to do that.
So what can be said about his indelible mark on Australian and world history?
It reminds me of Gough Whitlam’s party trick at the time of Chamberlain’s appeasement with Hitler in Munich. He used to hold aloft a roll of toilet paper while quoting Chamberlain’s words thus: “Peace in our time. It bears his mark and mine.”
A small man in search of a big idea indeed! I guess you call it hubris.
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,15332416-7583,00.html
What I don’t understand is how Menzies could stay in London for six months expecting to become UK Prime Minister??? i mean, not even a member of the House of Commons? And what was he going to do if he was put in charge???
Curtin was dead right not to enter a national government!
And the way Menzies worded his declaration of war on Germany “The UK has declared war on Germany and consequently Australia declares war on Germany” arse kissing even there! He could have listed Hitler’s crimes as reason for declaring war!
Maybe it’s the reverence of ANZAC Day but watching Rudd yesterday at the HMAS Sydney service and again this morning in Canberra he seems to have an aura of peace, love and tranquillity about him. It’s so nice not to have Howard’s small mindedness and nastiness and bigotry anymore.
It is also nice to have some decent human beings in goverment again. I was impressed by Joel Fitzgibbon’s speech at Gallipoli, down to earth, fair dinkum and no BS. But the surprise for me is Veterans’ Affairs Minister Alan Griffin who spoke at Villers-Bretonneux. I hadn’t really heard much of him until now but his speech was brilliant and moving and he finished up by speaking fluent French thanking the people of Villers-Bretonneux for keeping their promise of 90 years ago to look after the fallen Aussies buried there. Downer could only wish his French was a fraction as good.
This is why I like and really respect Kevin Rudd http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=262976
It is great to see ANZAC day not being used for political ends as Howard was ever keen to do.
When you live in a country like China (as I presently am) and reflect on ANZAC day you realise those that sacrificed their lives, their youth and their health defending Australia are true heros in every word. May their spirit never die and may we never forget we owe our very precious Aussie way of life and democracy to our brave diggers. Today I am very proud to be an Aussie.
Lest we forget
Mick, ex RAAF, Dongguan, China.
BB
You missed this pearler from Downers speech.
‘In the Vietnam era, the war was lost – not on the battlefields but in the media and in the university campuses.’
Reminiscent of Adolphs speech re WW1, we didn’t lose the war in the trenches, we were stabbed in the back by the J’s at home.
Vera #297
It is indeed very appropriate that there was a dawn service in France to remember a previous generation of Australians who fought so bravely and effectively on the Western Front during the Great War, but I regret to observe that your partisan political perspective on today’s Anzac Day commemorations (whether or not ‘decent’ people agree with that perspective) was a very ’small minded’ contribution.
Pages: « 1 … 4 5 [6] 7 8 … 10 » Show All