The latest fortnightly Newspoll has given the Coalition its best result since the election of the Rudd government, with Labor’s lead at 53-47 – its narrowest since the 52-48 election eve survey, and essentially the same as the actual 52.7-48.3 result. Labor’s primary vote is down two points to 41 per cent, the equal worst result since Kevin Rudd became leader (the other occasion being October last year, shortly after Malcolm Turnbull assumed the Liberal leadership) and solidly below the 43.3 per cent election result. The Coalition primary vote is 40 per cent, the first time this figure has had a four in front of it since the election.
A somewhat different story from Essential Research, which for the second week in a row finds Labor gaining a point on two-party preferred, their lead now at 57-43. Also featured: perceptions of the government’s handling of the financial crisis (good), expectations of Australia’s economic performance over the coming year (mixed but somewhat optimistic), reaction to Joel Fitzgibbon’s resignation (muted), whether the Greens should support the emissions trading scheme legislation (yes, sort of), whether unions should campaign for more industrial relations reforms (ditto), and whether the government is doing enough to support working people (lineball).
UPDATE: Newspoll graphic here. Explanations for Labor’s decline evidently can’t be laid at the feet of the Prime Minister, who has gained two points on approval (58 per cent) and dropped two on disapproval (31 per cent). Interestingly, Malcolm Turnbull’s ratings have continued to rebound: his approval is up a handsome four points to 44 per cent while his disapproval is down three to 37 per cent, his best set of figures since early February. Preferred leader is basically unchanged with Rudd on 57 per cent and Turnbull on 25 per cent (up one).
3,568 Comments
I remember that Howard would often go behind the ALP but then come back…
It is strange to have one side stay ahead for so long as you say Adam…
Trouble is you get a good poll but Malcolm has nothing to run with this week in Parliament to capitalise on the good numbers…
like i said on the other thread, Talcum has actually learned to shut the hell up for a few minutes here and there – & its done wonders for his numbers!
Glen, your side is running on:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bww2prhAWEA
Hopefully he will continue then lefty e….
Maybe this Ocker stuff has bitten lol!
53/47 after the GDP numbers.
Poppycock.
Further to the previous thread on my comments on the Four Corners show, I only read earlier comments that the privatisation had been done prior to Labor coming to power later. Therefore I retract that bit of y post 869.
However the rest stands – WA Labor had years to get this issue fixed, and ample warning. The minister virtually admitted that she didn’t act because she didn’t think most people cared. In other words, she didn’t care unless it was a high profile interview. Another way of saying that is that she had no personal interest at all. She seemed more sorry for herself than the deceased.
I wonder which guru of the media will be the first to nominate that? Milne? “In a forthnight where we realised we didn’t really know just who the Prime Minister was…”
Glen @1
I think it will be a measure of Malcolm’s ability (or not) if he can find something credible to run with to “capitalise on the good numbers”.
If the Libs are getting some breaks they need to make the most them. They must be having the best week since getting dumped into opposition! Poll numbers as good as they have ever been, and the most destabilizing influence on their party declaring he is no longer a factor.
I have to make a post on Cossie exiting.
1. Congratulations to Ruawake and Gary Bruce. You guys were right, I was wrrrng (incorrect). Gary, crowe tastes like sh!t.
2. I am flabbergasted that anyone with even the slightest desire to become PM would not have a go and contest an election.
3. Howard was right all along. Cossie did not have it in him.
Spare a thought for the Iranian protesters who are currently holding a rally, even though the Government has explicitly told them that it is illegal:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8099952.stm
We are all so lucky.
I’m a bit stunned by all the comments looking to allocate blame.
Surely the real issue is how quicly and how visibly the State Libs will act to fix this
For example: 100 transport vans at $2,000 per aircon unit. Cheque gets written tomorrow morning, 5 vans upgraded per week in some workshop somehwere
are you out there Barnett??
We need leadership and action on this issue tomorrow morning!!!! Fix this .
The who/when discussions are for historians
Why would the government have lost so much support in the last fortnight?
Surely it’s not just because of Rudd’s “Ockerisms”?
And, I must concede Costello was gracious today, all the best to him and his family.
Polling is not an exact science. Polls move around. Labor is ahead. Relax. Go to bed.
Mr Squiggle why are you stunned? I’m a bit stunned something that bad happened several years after the Broome incident and the minister and departmental head weren’t sacked within days. It isn’t history till the trials are over, and there should be a few.
You are right about the urgency though. With the current spare capacity in the vehicle market it should be possible to fix this within weeks not months.
The only response so far from the WA Libs is a possibility of an ex-gratia payment to the Family, and the possibility of GSL losing the contract when it comes up for review next year – oh and GSL promising to stop road transport with Air transfers IF the contract is renewed.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/06/15/2598553.htm
We won’t know if this is the “new order of things” or not for a couple of Newspolls yet. Usually a drop in PV like this can be sheeted home to a certain policy or event. I’m struggling to think of one that’s happened in the last two weeks that would see such a drop but there you go.
At 53/47, Cossie will probably show up drunk in parliament tomorrow
50/50 if Tuckey and co departed
Could the endless media bashing of Rudd and the government be starting to have an effect? It’s particularly bad on radio in Sydney where I live, wall to wall pro-Liberal propoganda.
Glen: a few of the other old timers should follow Smirky’s example, Ruddock especially.
Believe me Centre, I know. LOL. I’ve eaten plenty.
I’d be interested to see some state by state breakdowns, N.S.W in particular might be dragging down Labor federally(WA too, for that matter).
Those of you who read The Australian might like to report here tomorrow morning about how they report Gillard’s devastating attack on their lies about school funding in QT today.
*Gone*
Apparently Rudd is still a mile ahead of Turnbull as preferred PM, so I don’t think it is a “hate Rudd” thing.
my post at #11,
Apologies to my fellow bloggers – but this issue has really p1ssed me off
I was in the back of a divvy van myself once (many years ago now) for probably 10mins, and do you know what the strongest smell was?
my own sweat…it put me on my best behaviour for years after
53 is a horrible result for the Liberals. We are almost in a recession, and yet the Government has a swing to it compared to the last election.
Primary vote for Labor is lower than at the last election though. However with 40% PV the Libs can’t hope to win an election and your point still stands Shows.
And as Margaret Quirk pointed out, convincing Cabinet for extra funding to improve prisoner transport was the stumbling block – can you imagine the outrage from the flog em and hamg em brigade when you say that you want to IMPROVE Prisoner Welfare when transporting them ? It is not a political vote winner.
Also, I found that the actions of Laverton Police and the JP in this matter didn’t help either and that there is indeed a racial aspect when dealing with some prisoners, especially for relatively minor incidents.
53 is a landmark newspoll for the libs/nats.
If you allow for a small amount of narrowing during a campaign, this newspoll is the first to show that the next election could reduce the ALP majority.
I wouldn’t be too concerned about this poll. It still could be MOE. Even if not, Labor’s polls will improve with tax cuts on July 1 and the economy startign too improve. that being said, even when you are governign well, it doesn’t pay to look too smug.
There are only two problems with this theory. Firstly, the Libs PV has also gone backwards from the last election and secondly why would there necessarily be a narrowing toward the coalition and not the government?
I would expect a narrowing regardless of who has the upper hand
numbers in excess of 53% just don’t seem right at a federal level
30 Mr Squiggle – Oh and there was one more major problem with it. How does a Newspoll 18 months out from an election indicate anything about what will happen at that election?
Frank C
And isn’t this a fine example to illustrate the role of government? Good government does not make every decision based on whether it is a ‘political vote winner’, on the way catering to the most ignorant and prejudiced elements in society. Proper governments do what is right, and are prepared to explain why it is right, ‘political vote winner’ or not. As we know here, the big parties these days have totally caved in to polls and the need to snatch every imaginable demographic from the other big party, regardless of how obviously putrid some groups’ world views may be. As a result we have, for example, unseemly ‘law and order’ auctions in the states election after election. No-one in the major party leaderships has the guts to say out loud that increasing penalties and the misery of prisoners helps nobody, and puts society more at risk.
For this low pandering, because of nothing more than craven fear of the ignorant voter, to get to the stage where lives are not only put at grave risk, but are actually lost, as in WA in this instance, should not be acceptable to anyone. If anything should be the subject of a Royal Commission, that should.
I agree JV.
Put this another way: if this sort of incident had happened to an Iraqi prisoner under Bush what would we have said? You can’t have one standard for their side and another for yourselves.
Socrates
Indeed. Also, the concept of privatising state facilities with a sensitive purpose to avoid blame is another emerging aspect of government behaviour these days too, and that is a most unsavoury element of this WA situation. We saw thaat in Iraq, wiht private groups doing the dirtier work to put up a barrier to government responsibility. The Howard government of course did it with detention centres. I’m sure there are many other examples locally. The NSW government is about to do it with the Sydney harbour ferries, because they can’t manage them properly, and have been getting flack for years over it. So much for the grand traditions of ministerial responsilibility.
About to do with the prisons as well.
I swear, they’re having the worst luck.
The day before they announce a roll out of Tasers, someone in Queensland is kill and there is an inquiry into their overuse in an incident in Sydney.
During their attempt to privatise electricity, evidence emerges that it hasn’t achieved it’s goals of increasing competition in the market in Queensland.
During their attempt to privatise the prisons, another scandal emerges over pathetic treatment of prisoners by private contractors.
One would think that these were more than coincidences. Poor policy even.
And the Wa Libs haven’t ruled out not privatising the New Derby Prison and another proposed new Prision either.
No 38
Oz, privatisation is the only way to evade the strangulating grip of the unions in NSW.
But don’t you agree that you are displaying hypocricy in that last statement, while tut tutting the treatment of Mr Ward by blaming everyone BUT the Privatised operator ?
No 41
Frank, I never said the private company wasn’t at fault.
Bulldust, you went out of your way to blame Margaret Quirk and the Department and you downplayed the Private Operator’s role in this matter.
GP, may I remind you of one such post ?
Massive pro-reform illegal protest currently taking place in major Iranian cities.
Live blogs:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/06/13/iran-demonstrations-viole_n_215189.html
http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/
http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/blog/2009/jun/15/iranian-elections
Twitter feeds:
http://search.twitter.com/search?ands=&from=&geocode=35.7061%2C51.4358%2C15mi&lang=all&near=Tehran¬s=&ors=&phrase=&q=&ref=&rpp=25&since=&tag=&to=&units=mi&until=&within=15
http://twitter.com/BBC_HaveYourSay
And for those who are interested, this is the Coroner’s Report.
http://www.abc.net.au/4corners/special_eds/20090615/ward/ward_finding.pdf
Mr Squiggle at 26. Coming home from a young Liberals’ convention were you?
Fulvio,
Do you have a comment on last night’s Four Corners ?
Oh and for those baying for Margaret Quirk’s Blood, here is the FULL extended interview.
http://www.abc.net.au/reslib/200906/r385585_1799806.asx
Frank, I worked for the Aboriginal Legal service for a couple of years in the mid 1970s, part of that time servicing the Laverton/Leonora area, based in Kalgoorlie. This was in the immediate post Skull Creek Royal Commission era, and relationships between the Police and Indigenous people and their advisors were at an all time low.
It was hard.
At that time I came across many good people trying to do their best to ameliorate conditions for the Wongi and Pitjinjara peoples of the area. Not least amongst those who cared and gave freely of themselves for the cause were many Liberal Party supporters and members such as Robert French, now High Court Chief Justice, Chris Ellison and Fred Cheney.
I therefore don’t think having the compassion and motivation to help the disadvantaged and the oppressed is something that can be measured along party lines or is confined to any particular side of politics.
I do think that there are people in this world who through ignorance, intolerance, prejudice and indifference, are capable of immeasurable cruelty.
It was people of such mindset that I and many others from both sides of the ideological divide battled with. I like to think we all made some little difference at the time.
Bad, stupid and unthinking people exist, and from time to time horrific incidents like the Ward occur, no matter how good or well intentioned those in leadership positions are.
The reality is, our society in the main is unconcerned about the plight of most of these people and treat them with contempt and indifference. Politically, any Government which tries to help at best recieves no recognition, and at worst is criticised and derided.
It’s everybody’s fault, mate. Trying to apportion blame is like throwing stones at a mirror.
Now that the Iranian elections are all done and dusted, can we all stop with this pretence that the people “actually” running that country have any interest in democracy, have any interest in the rule of law, have any interest in the the people of Iran. It is entirely self Interest that these Mullah’s have manufactured this elections outcome. I’m sorry to say this but, Any Olive branch to this regime is completely futile, It is time we acknowledge the current regime in Iran is entirely Illegitimate. As such they can never have Nuclear capabilities. And as such all actual and suspected Nuclear facilities in Iran should be eliminated immediately. As I write this I hope the people of Iran will overthrow the Mullah’s although I have very little doubt …
I remember that a good poll for Howard was around the 53-47 mark.
Umm William, Newspoll predicted 52-48 prior to the election…
Regarding the 53-47 newspoll. I think that the constant hammering by Turnbull and the Libs of the $300B debt and that 18months ago there was a zero net debt, has had an effect of some voters on Labors ability to handle the economy, it only takes 2% to make such a difference. Even though Labor and the Libs know that the Libs would have had as big or nearly as big a debt because of the GFC, which the Libs refuse to acknowledge and some voters believe that there is no GFC as we are not suffering the effect and of coarse the Libs and their supporters do not tell the voters that we are not feeling the effects of the GFC is due to the Stimulus packages put in place by the Labor Government. The Libs, Labor their supporters and us here on PB know all this Kath and Kim do not or take little interest in every day politics. This shows up in the PPM numbers still favouring Rudd.
However the 53-47 Newspoll is within the MOE and the Essential Research Poll showing a 57-43 to the ALP. Newspoll could be all noise or a rogue poll.
Exactly when was this Newspoll’s ringing around done? Only on the weekend 13/14 June? Or was some done the previous week, before last week’s good news?
Note the following on Oz Election Forums 06/06/09: [url=http://www.ozforums.com.au/viewtopic.php?pid=65106#p65106]Psephology:Not much going on around here.[/url] #2
So they did. Corrected.
It is very interesting to note that the person who labelled Kimbo as “no ticker” has now left politics with the label “no ticker” stuck firmly on him.
Cossie, you no aint got no ticker and life is very just.
Interesting that ABC Radio this morning isn’t saying too much about the Newspoll results, a little surprising, but there’s a state budget being handed down in NSW today, and the Iranian situation too.
Howie: “Peter, you are not the special one”. What about me.
Finnegans, well said!
BTW Our girl Hillary is doing a great job as Secretary Of State.
I thought it was Howard who labelled Beazley “no ticker”.
Cossie has no ticker, Sophie Mirabela has no grace.
Claims that Ahmadinejad came THIRD!! This one’s got life in it yet.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/iran/5540211/Iran-protest-cancelled-as-leaked-election-results-show-Mahmoud-Amadinejad-came-third.html
Inquiries into the CPRS came reported yesterday.
I haven’t read the economics committee one, but the select committee didn’t throw up anything unpredictable.
Labour said it should be passed in its current form.
The Coalition said it shouldn’t because of the economic context.
The Greens want higher targets and less compensation to EITE industries.
Xenophon wants higher targets, less complexity and for the Treasury to model other schemes and scenarios.
The Supreme Leader’s announced an inquiry.
Who cares, doesn’t matter who wins anyway, and Moussavi is not even that different to Ahmadinejad.
http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/06/15/iran.elections.analysis/index.html
Let’s go and bomb Iran if they don’t annul the election result.
Fielding’s not convinced.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/06/16/2599244.htm?section=justin
All in good time.
Psephos
Nuclear or conventional?
Evan dont worry in the next couple of years our good friend Bibi may do just that
Of course that would piss off the ‘moderates’ and enrage the hardliners there but hey…
Well, when he’s getting conflicting information from different scientists it’s not surprising that he’s not convinced.
Hello bludgers.
I found this in the news.com.au site and thought some of you may be as amused by it as I was…
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,,25638989-2,00.html
I just can’t figure out whether the author is being ironic or not. Surely they must be…
I suspect we’ll have a re-shuffle very soon…
Mr T has a lot more weight to push around his front bench…
You’d have to ask Bibi that, but I doubt Israel has enough conventional whack to get the job done.
Bibi wouldn’t answer. Israel doesn’t “officially” have nuclear weapons.
Unofficial nukes have much the same effect as official ones.
Diog, not content with your Tienanmen? Now you’re looking for your Hiroshima as well. Good for you.
And if Iran really is the one and only enemy of Israel…then 100 nuclear weapons *half of what they may have* seems reasonable to completed f a country up
I am sure he’d have support from his tolerant and conciliatory Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman
Hello, where is everyone?
Come on guys, it’s just one bad poll. There’s no need to hide. Let’s stop trying to bomb Iran and focus on the issue.
For the first time in, what three years, the Coalition is within striking distance. Just because we think that, finally, Shanahan might say something that is factually correct, doesn’t mean we should stick our heads in the sand.
What’s happened? was it the $300 billion debt? Turnbull’s prowess?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLv4mtwsRos&feature=related
Psephos,
Can you point me to the pages in the Oz where they highlight Gillard’s bollocking of their claims of misspending money on schools?
53-47 is not striking distance. Howard’s best polls were 53-47.
Even if the coalition get a few 50-50, 51-49, 52-48 polls, they’re still not a good chance of winning an election.
If the people want Mousavi, then that’s who they should have.
53-47 eh? Must be the dreaded narrowing!!! Next poll when it jumps back up I wonder what the MSM will say (or not say)?
Bob1234, I was being provocative to try and get a response. But it seems the PBs are sulking.
ShowsOn even if Mousavi wins it wouldnt matter a dime the Mullahs have all the real power in Iran…better to have Ahmadinejad because eventually Israel will say enough is enough and Obi wont be able to hold Bibi back
GG, I don’t read The Australian.
Who’s hiding?
Another “most trusted” survey. Politicians come behind professional footballers, sex workers, psychics, real estate agents and even behind journalists.
http://www.readersdigest.com.au/life/australias-most-trusted-professions-2009/article142043.html
Dario, no one in particular .. but it just seems everyone is avoiding the poll numbers today.
Seems Malcolm is way down the ‘trusted’ list
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574,25643619-29277,00.html
LABOR IS AHEAD. LABOR HAS ALWAYS BEEN AHEAD. LABOR WILL ALWAYS BE AHEAD.
LABOR IS AHEAD. LABOR HAS ALWAYS BEEN AHEAD. LABOR WILL ALWAYS BE AHEAD.
LABOR IS AHEAD. LABOR HAS ALWAYS BEEN AHEAD. LABOR WILL ALWAYS BE AHEAD.
LABOR IS AHEAD. LABOR HAS ALWAYS BEEN AHEAD. LABOR WILL ALWAYS BE AHEAD.
LABOR IS AHEAD. LABOR HAS ALWAYS BEEN AHEAD. LABOR WILL ALWAYS BE AHEAD.
LABOR IS AHEAD. LABOR HAS ALWAYS BEEN AHEAD. LABOR WILL ALWAYS BE AHEAD.
“At the other end of the trustworthiness scale, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd came in in 64th position, well ahead of Opposition Leader Malcolm Turnbull in 94th”.
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,25643619-5005961,00.html
How so? I just posted a comment on them. What more are we supposed to say? The Government is DOOMED??? lol
Ok I get the point … we don’t talk in-depth about the polls anymore.
Great.. let’s talk about Iran again
Its all OK. 53-47 still same (or better) as election result anyways. Lets wait for a few more before we start worrying.
Always interesting that whenever a decent poll result comes out for the coalition, AM bring out the CEO of Newspoll for comment. No prizes for guessing if we will hear from him if the next result swing back to the ALP.
But what is the point we all know that Morgan, AC Nielson and Essential Research are all biased towards the ALP so of course their numbers might get back up to 55-45 but if Newspoll continues to go down then ill be a happy man
Adam i wouldnt get worried just yet…
Given that most of the volume on here for the last week was a s**t fight between the ALP and Greens… probably not.
Nielsen is biased to the ALP Glen? When did that happen?
Yes last Nielsen was 53-47
Glen, didn’t the last ACNielsen poll show a similar result to Newspoll?
What your basically saying is that you only trust one poll. Why? So you believed all those Newspolls that had Labor miles in front?
Glen doesn’t believe anything. He just makes stuff up on a day-by-day basis to suit his argument.
Well i forgot about that last Nielsen but I stand by my comment…
But in my list of biased polls in order from biggest to least…
Essential Research (why do they bother?)
Morgan
Nielsen
Newspoll
Galaxy
Glen,
I would have thought the best polls for you were the 96, 98, 01 and 04 elections.
So Galaxy if least biased towards the ALP, is it the most biased towards the Coalition?
Galaxy is worthless until they start polling more often
The Advertiser frontpage headline on their website:
THE HONEYMOON’S OVER
http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,25643454-5006301,00.html
lol
Most likely Benji
Dario – i tend to agree with you there.
GG also 49, 66 and 75
And 66% of the voters in the webpoll reckon the coalition can win the next election HAHA
You remember ‘49 and ‘66 clearly do you Glen?
The Young Libs hard at work.
Please Broughy dont let us down
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/06/16/2599276.htm
Former federal cabinet minister Mal Brough now lives in Melbourne but says he has not considered nominating yet because he had expected Mr Costello to renominate.
“I’m still digesting what Peter has done. It certainly was not on my radar at all,” Mr Brough said.
“I won’t add to any of the speculation but if people are bandying my name around I guess that’s something to be pleased [with], that they would think that I’m worthy of consideration for such a blue ribbon seat.”
You know how bad the polls have been for the Libs when you hear them crowing about a poll result ata door stop that would still see them being well defeated, just not obliterated.
Yeah, it’s like only being down by 4 tries at half time after originally trailing by 6
I note that the NSW and Qld budgets will be covered by Sky News Business channel at 12.00 and 2.30 today respectively. I might give them a squiz. It will be the second last budget for Labor in NSW before they hand it over to the children.
Oh the irony! ‘Poor’ Steve. One of your best Bob.
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574,25643871-29277,00.html
No 50
Well said Fulvio.
No 116
Idiot Roosterdal will of course offer nothing new, a higher deficit and some much needed pork for Balmain.
No 113
Looks like the stars aligned just right for Brough. He should see the nomination for Higgins forthwith.
No 120
He should see = He should seek
120
Of course he’s moved to Melbourne…there is a blue ribbon seat available…and the only other candidates are Hacks…Broughy needs to take the bull by the horns…I’d feel much better about the Libs if we had Broughy on the front bench…
120 Generic Person – Yes he can take his seat on the opposition benches after the next election.
The Liberals will spend less time on the opposition benches if Brough is back on our team…
Let me put the “kiss of death” on Brough though. I actually don’t mind the bloke. He’d be a beacon of light in a very dark place (the opposition party room).
No 123
I wouldn’t be too hasty in proclaiming that your lot will still be in government.
One swallow doth not make a government.
http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/liberals-risk-losing-costello-seat-in-byelection/2008/02/20/1203467183381.html
Seems Mal has been after Higgins for a while…
“Mr Brough spoke at a Higgins 200 Club last year and impressed his audience.”
“Ross Liebmann, patron of the Higgins federal electorate council, said if Mr Brough decided to throw his hat into the ring he would be “a welcome contestant. He had some good ideas — he’d be the type of person who’d be strong enough to follow his convictions”.”
126 – Do I detect hubris after one poll showing the Libs would only be well beaten rather than being obliterated. Oh dear.
No 129
Me? Hubris? Oh please Gary. I’ve listened to enough hubris from you lot over the last few years to know that I’m as far away from hubris as possible.
Dean Laidley sacked – very unfair IMHO
It’s quite amusing isn’t it! lol
-such humility, GP!
NSW cuts home stamp duty
http://business.smh.com.au/business/home-buyers-stamp-duty-surprise-20090616-ce1w.html
Brough comes across as arrogant and rough. Without the B he’s rough anyway!
But I suppose he’s the best chance the Liberals have in an extremely shallow pool.
Whatever happened to not flying in candidates to seats anyway? Or does that only apply to Labor?
No 135
He flew to Melbourne on his own volition.
We need to copy Labor about flying in candidates…it worked for them…
Dean Laidley has been hard done by the club (North) is broke and his list is poor…
On Friday last, the Organ recital at the Sydney Opera House was postponed,
because the air inside was too cold and dry for the instrument to be
played ‘tunefully.’
On Australia Day last, an Aboriginal Elder was slowly boiled to death
over a period of four hours, in the back of a van where the inside temperature was 56 degrees.
He had no water, food,toilet or air conditioning,and incurred third
degree burns from the heat of the metal floor, before he died a slow
and agonizing death whilst being transported the 400k’s to Kalgoorlie.
The van was driven by two security guards, who had the air-conditioning
turned on in the front of the van.
After the man’s death,The CEO of the Company who supplied the van to
the WA Dept of Corrective Services,and who had been repeatedly warned
that the vans were not suitable to transport humans in, knelt in the
grass and said he was sorry to the Aboriginal man’s family.
The Minister for Corrective Services cried on TV, and said she had been
aware of the problem for some time, but nobody in the Cabinet Room
seemed interested in fixing it.
The grieving family of the dead Aboriginal man have asked for Justice
Justice for this man’s family, would be the Minister for Corrective
Services, and the CEO of the Company employed by the WA Government
be placed in the back of the same van, and driven from
Laverton to Kalgoorlie in forty degree heat with no water,food or
breaks for toileting, and no means of communicating with the guards in
the front of the van.
If by chance they survive the trip,the Minister would then be deemed
fit to serve in Government, representing the majority of Australians,
and the Owner of the van Company,would be fit to tender for
transportation of prisoners.
If they don’t survive, the family of the dead Aboriginal man could then
kneel in the grass, and say sorry to their families, for their loss.
Injustice would be for either of them to remain in their present
positions,continuing to collect fat pay packets from the WA government
whilst carrying out their respective duties at the tax payers expense,
in air-conditioned comfort, all for the price of an apology.
Until this country gets people in Government who are capable of getting our Human
Rights issues in order, we are nothing.
Bring back Mal!!
No 137
Yes, ultimately, if we want to renew, we may need to fly in candidates. But that’s only going to happen if there is a pretty good chance that we’re going to win. Rudd was way ahead in the polls for much of 2007 so the candidates he flew in were happy to join in.
On the House program today:
Aren’t they taking a big risk scheduling Pyne to speak _after_ question time?
Not sure it was covered yesterday – but how ridiculous is the NSW Government’s decision to declare a ban on foreign imports for government purchases. Rank idiocy that even the QLD Treasurer and the Foreign Affairs Minister were critical of.
Triton – does that mean they are going to waste QT or will it be after QT.
I’d be happier if it were 55-45 but on the positive side it’s better for Labor if they were kept on their toes.
Flying in candidates only works if people are ravenous with the government – like after 11 years of Howard, and WorkChoices.
People aren’t anywhere near pissed off with Rudd.
#141
IIRC what usually happens is that they hammer the government with questions on the subject and then cut QT short, say after 1 hour, with the matter of public importance.
138 of course but what I will be most unhappy about is that we give seats like Kooyong, Bradfield, Wannon, Higgins to Party Hacks…if we do that we’re a disgrace and deserve to stay a beaten political party…
We need talent, we need youth and we need people with good experiences to bring to politics…
It will be a disgrace if Brough isnt given a safe seat. If we dont let people as talented as Brough back into Parliament I will be most unhappy.
I know Labor have this problem too because at least 30 of their seats are taken up by Hacks who offer nothing to Parliament…
Here’s the thing – clearly they know that economically and strategically it’s a bad idea. There must be a political reason (I did notice they daily terror was fairly excited about it). Is rank, xenophobic protectionism still popular?
http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,25641588-953,00.html
Peter Costello to quit politics; Mal Brough may replace him
The Draft Mal campaign has already begun by the media…
#144 Glen
You don’t want too big an an oversupply of talent. There are only so many jobs to go round so you only get a restless backbench if they aren’t mostly hacks.
But that is really sad isnt it ???
Plus if these people are coming in they’ll need a few terms to build up their parliamentary skills so there should be enough spots to fill..
I dislike hacks…if you didnt know already
We could have a party hack like Sheezel in Parliament or Mal Brough now only a Hack would think we should have Sheezel…
Don’t think they really need to worry about that yet Triton.
Can anyone explain why there was such a large swing against Brough at the 2007 election? Something like 8%. Several quality Liberal MPs kept their swings to below 2%, some even gained. And this isn’t including WA.
Glen,
I know you are excited at the prospect of Brough (a politician so good that even his electorate voted against him). However, I would have thought the Liberal pre selection processes make it virtually impossible for him to win given the primary role of the local members. I’d say it is far more likely that you’ll end up with a parochial local than a carpetbagger from far away.
Perhaps he could do a Turnbull stack. But, I doubt he is financial enough.
Also, note that Shardey has pulled the pin in Caulfield and there is speculation about MLC Andrea Coote.
Seems like a bit of politician churn in the Higgins area.
Sorry, Brough suffered a 10.32% swing, one of the biggest in the country. Within the top five of Australia’s 150 electorates actually.
Which candidates did we fly in?
It was only a 7.3% drop in primaries bob…and a 10% 2PP swing…
“Loses all the rural areas north and west of Caboolture, gaining newer housing estates in the south around Dakabin, Kallangur and Mango Hill. The Liberal margin declines from 7.7% to 6.7%.”
http://www.abc.net.au/elections/federal/2007/guide/long.htm
+ the swings were heavy in QLD thanks to the Rudd factor…
Flynn a 7.9% swing
Forde 14.4% swing
Leichhardt 14.3% swing
Lindsay 9.7%
Petrie 9.5%
Corangamite had a 6.2% swing to the ALP…
Deakin had a 6.4% swing
Dobell had a 8.7% swing
Eden-Monaro a 6.7%
Makin 8.6%
This is a little off-topic, but I thought you’d all be interested.
Do the Labor supporters here agree with the changes the Govt has made to the solar rebate scheme?
There’s a rather scathing review of it here:
http://bravenewclimate.com/2009/06/14/solar-credits-just-bad-policy/#more-1469
Surely the Govt can do better than this…
Glen
If he was as good as you make out, he would not have had his pants pulled down so badly.
153 Combet?
Wow – do you guys realise that Mr Turnbull is less trustworthy than the journos.
6% trustworthy as against 9% for print journos.
oh come on he got redistributed…had probably one of those lame but effective Your Rights at Work campaigns going strong up there too and add to that he had the Kevin Rudd factor to deal with…
GG alot of people had their pants pulled down badly on election night 2007 not just Brough…
Astrobleme – I heard a solar panel small business bloke on ABC “Australia Talks Back” last night.
He said he wasn’t worried about the early cutoff by the Govt. – if people hadn’t ordered by now then they were slack.
He also said the credits were a better idea. So who do we believe.
Kit.
One of the reasons we dont talk in depth about polls is that they keep showing the same thing, within 3%.
How many ways can you say that the ALP is still going well and is pretty much still in honeymoon territory?
It just gets boring.
BH
Did you read the link?
It’s the multiplier effect that is weird. Why is 1MWh of solar worth 5MWh of renewable energy?
Glen, your spin means nothing. Brough suffered a two-party preferred swing of over 10%, which was in the top five of Australia’s 150 electorates. Redistributed or not. WorkChoices or not. Queensland or not.
Top five of 150.
Over 10%.
Brough is rough and arrogant. The people overwhelmingly voted him out.
BH
I should say I am ok with them cutting the rebate and replacing it with a renewable energy certificates. I was over the threshold of the rebate, so I couldn’t have received it. I am better off with the certificate system. The problem is the bad accounting method they use that says that 1 MWh of solar form someone’s home is somehow worth 5MWh.
#149 Winston re: Oversupply of talent
No, but I was actually referring to Glen’s claim of 30 hacks in ALP seats. I think the government would rather have hacks than restless Paul Keatings filling up the backbench.
Oh Glen, here you go. Redistrib for Longman.
http://www.abc.net.au/elections/federal/2007/guide/long.htm
Astrobleme – I haven’t had time to read your link yet but I will later.
Must admit I was listening to ATB between 3-4 am today and there were many comments on just that point you have made. Unfortunately in my tired state I didn’t really understand it.
Will try to when I read the link. Thanks for it.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mal_Brough
A round peg in the square hole of gentry Toorak? You’re kidding me.
oh dear, 96% of people on Skynooooows poll dont give a shirt about Cossie’s retirement. A legend in his own mind.
Because giving people their own solar panels is better politics than just building some kind of RE plant in the middle of no where.
The solar credits thing is another example of how when a government screws up their policy and refuses to accept it it can actually be worse than doing nothing.
The Brave New Climate post is pretty complicated but there’s more clarification in the comments if people are confused.
Oh and Glen, Brough’s swing in Longman was post redistribution. If you don’t factor in the redistribution, he suffered an 11.23% two-party swing.
So, a 10.32% two-party swing, post-redistribution. In the top 5 of Australia’s 150 electorates.
The people acted accordingly with rough Brough.
Hope brough stands in higgins. Bring it on
Oz,
Better politics is exactly right. Sadly the Govt is focussed on the politics of AGW rather than genuinely attempting to do something about our CO2 emissions.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/06/16/2599657.htm
Idiot.
Bludgers, this analysis might be of interest.
A four by four comparison.
http://www.ozforums.com.au/viewtopic.php?id=5708
Re the hacks vs useful types debate. The points are valid, but proceed along the misplaced assumption that the hacks know they are mere hacks and timeservers. I’m quite sure that most MPs see themselves as senior ministers and even potential PMs, at least if the planets aligned. I’m certain that every single MP has ego to burn and is highly impressed with their own abilities. So the hacks are just as likely to become restless as the talent, if possibly over smaller spoils – committee positions, overseas trips, etc. And at least restless talent has a potential outlet by impressing the party room by making useful contributions other than on the frontbench.
The Libs are likely to have less than 60 HoR MPs in the next parliament, and the Nats can’t be relied upon to produce anyone useful. On any view, that’s not a huge restless backbench, particularly if there’s an element of generational change. Parties are better off getting talent into parliament and worrying about leadership tensions later.
If you ignore all this and go ahead and pick a seat warmer in a safe seat, they’d better have good fundraising ability, or be bringing some useful specialist knowledge or ability (nb. knowledge of how to stack a branch and do what one is told in internal party machinations is not useful in the relevant sense). It might also help if someone tapped them on the shoulder before preselection, and told them what their future is likely to hold…
Marginal seats are a bit different, and Pat Farmer types confer a clear strategic advantage, even if they are complete dingbats.
psephos,
Bernard Keane gives you the anser about the Ozz’s response to Gillard’s bollocking yesterday.
http://www.crikey.com.au/2009/06/16/julia-gillard-gives-the-australian-an-f-on-education-reporting/
“Opposition Leader Martin Hamilton-Smith has been forced in State Parliament to withdraw accusations of corruption against the Treasurer and the South Australian Government.”
Thats going to help his credibility…
Thanks GG, and by a strange coincidence, Gillard is giving The Daily Liberal another serve even as we speak.
….The Daily Liberal. Thats got a far better ring to it than OO.
The Daily Liberal it is from now on
(Isn’t that also the name of the newspaper in Dubbo ??)
The questions leading to the “matter of public importance” begin. I’m not sure that asking Julia a series of questions is going to make the Opposition look good.
Pyne is now whining about something.
Pyne is getting the mother of dressing downs by the Speaker.
Pyne doing his best to get chucked out again.
Pyne keeps going on about gagging eh? Kinky little bugger. He better be careful or he will end up doing a ‘David Carradine’
http://www.news.com.au/business/story/0,27753,25644615-31037,00.html
Julia must shake with trepidation when Pyne addresses a question to her.
Or does she lick her lips?
I hope Costello tugged obsequiously enough at his forelocks as he discussed possible EmploymentChoices with his prospective employer.
Julia mention us Maoists! HOORAY!
Julia dealing with pyne and brony bishop without missing a beat
Point of Order from Bronwyn Bishop. Julia said it was nice to get a contribution from the future of the liberal party
Priceless!
Peter Costello may not wait until election
http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,25644595-5003402,00.html
I’m told that Pyne has a manicurist’s appointment every day at 3pm, so he gets himelf chucked out every day so he can keep it.
I doubt Mal Brough will ever stand for public office again.
Bob at #188
Kevin Rudd owes Julie Gillard much more than $20 bucks
What kind of a heartless idiot is Peter Dutton?
Stephen Smith is trying to communicate the Government’s position on the sham Iranian ‘election’, and yet Peter Dutton sits there interjecting!
Oh my dear, now Dutton takes a point of order!
And another one!
Jenkins should name Dutton.
I think there is so much rage in dutton – one day he is really going to lose it, big time.
It takes a lot to get Smith fired up like that. I wonder what Dutton was interjecting about.
The opposition is like the black knight. They keep asking Julia questions, she keeps cutting off their limbs.
Bring back Jodie!
Dutton seems to forget he has a 0.1% margin, he should be out door knocking not embarrassing himself.
#199 dave
Yes, his manner always give the impression that there’s extreme anger in there that he’s keeping bottled up.
It was “who cares” when smith was outlining the violence etc going on
Is Dutton related to Barry Hall ?
warren truss trying to argue with julia – will they never learn.
She is way beyond his league.
Pyne has raised an MPI – he will lead with his chin and Julia will give it the jab it deserves.
He lost any vestiges of respect when he called Mr Rudd “the pig of Australian politics”. What a bitter loser.
This MPI is not going to end well for the Libs.
Pyne’s confected anger in delivering the MPI is cringeworthy and reminds one of high school debating
Turnbull must have decided to give Pyne enough rope this week.
Pyne and Dutton are gifts that just keep on giving for the Labor party.
And Mal Brough is definitely not the bright future of the Libs, whatever Glen may think.
If Turnbull rearranges his Shadow Bench then Pyne will be gone. He is an embarrassment to all.
Abbott might be a likely candidate to take his place.
I heard the Principal of the Hastings School on ABC Regional this a.m. He said he has a builder mate who could do the building cheaper.
He also said NSW Education Dept. says he can apply for a local builder to do the work. Work is overseen by a Regional Co-ordinator tho.
He was raving on to the ABC presenter and I couldn’t work out why she didn’t ask him to contact Gillard’s office direct.
May be a National Party bloke.
No 213
A Labor Hack is not an authoritative voice on the future of the Liberal Party. Labor Hacks have a penchant for meaningless blather, to their discredit.
Yep, let the liberal hacks run their own party – they are doing a GREAT job!!
Tom
Sorry, GP, but I am not a member of the Labor party, or in anyway associated with them or the unions. I have voted against Labor (including for conservatives) on previous occasions. Unlike you, I am not a rusted on supporter of any political tribe.
If you believe that Pyne, Dutton, and Brough are major election wining assets for your side, then all I can say is enjoy being in opposition, coz you will be there for a long time to come yet.
As do Liberal hacks like yourself GP.
GB there are enough Liberal Hacks to think of good ways of changing the Party for the better without listening to tripe from various left wing Hacks on PB…
Could be some reform on ACT self-governance.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/06/16/2599479.htm
And Glen’s definition of ‘left wing’ would be…?
Liberal Great White Hopes and their margins:
Dutton: 0.1
Pyne: 01.1
Keenan: 01.3
Brough: no seat
Anyone who does not vote Liberal…
The Member for Gippsland said it takes 4 hours to drive from Sale to Orbost. What is he driving? Surely its 2 hours max?
adam if they werent swept aside in the landslide of 2007 they wont lose this time around…after all the swings wont be on and they’ll get back the protest vote they lost last time around…
I wouldnt cry if Pyne lost but I’d be unhappy if Keenan or Dutton lost…but then again there are enough Hacks in QLD and WA who should give up their seats for them…re:Washer, Tuckey, Somalay, Slipper…
Sure it wasn’t Bob Brown talking about cycling?
The only way you will get Tuckey out of parliament is in a pine box
Bob Brown banging on about the banks in the Senate. He sadly undermines his own credibility when he talks about economics, which he clearly knows nothing at all about – all he can manage is old-fashioned marxist populist claptrap.
I still reckon Tony Abbott will lead the Libs after Turnbull.
Rua that is pure claptrap…
Tony Abbott should be thinking about when he should retire….
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/06/16/2599741.htm
Three arrested over Moran murder. It’s pretty obvious who the 64yo woman is.
For the non-Melbournians among us, who is the 64yo woman?
Glen
Did you hear him today? He still has leadership aspirations, in the distant future. Now what does that mean?
It is a rallying call to the anyone but malcolm faction.
It doesn’t matter. Mal will either win the next election and be safe or lose and quit. Then there will no Kim Beazey for the Libs to turn to.
The last of the Morans
http://www.theage.com.au/national/judy-moran-arrested-over-des-moran-shooting-20090616-cf93.html
good riddance to bad rubbish I say
Phil we have Hockey???
Adam, personally i dont see why we should give a rats arse about this…
Let scum kill scum so long as they dont kill innocent people I say.
Hockey’s a nice guy but I don’t think he has, well, the ticker, as they say. (I use ticker as an all encompassing term for ‘what it takes to win’)
Phil he gets angry easily at least in question time
and he can get emotional re: Sunrise Election coverage 
I’d give Joe a shot after Malcolm because who else is there?
People Skills.
Tony would get 3 votes…
1 from himself
1 from Alex Hawke
1 from Sophie Mirabella
No Way!
Mal Brough coming in as the Member for Higgins could get the job
Glen, don’t get me wrong, I think that Hockey could well be the leader of the Liberal Party, but I can’t see him winning elections. He’s a Kim Beazley for mine – and I don’t mean that in a bad way. I like Hockey, but I don’t think he can win an election.
Perhaps Phil Perhaps…
We’ll soon find out if that is the case if the Libs are ahead 53-47 with 3 months to go before the 2013 election
Tony Abbot can’t be an effective leader until he changes his communication style
He’s absolutley perfect as a head kicker, and as a key player on the front bench, but he’s not quick enough to be a leader. Takes too long to get a point across
Dutton is a disgrace
Pyne is a tool
Hockey is a windbag
I guess that leaves Malcopops for Glen and his mates.
Quite amusing.
http://www.theage.com.au/national/gillards-parting-serve-for-costello-20090616-cgbz.html
I know people who always vote incumbent. You’ve also lost the people who voted Liberal simply for Howard.
Gary Morgan gives Newspoll a serve, disputing its results today.
http://www.roymorgan.com/news/polls/2009/4390
“The latest telephone Morgan Poll released on Friday June 12 and conducted last Wednesday/Thursday (June 10-11, 2009) shows ALP two-party support (57.5%, up 3% from the telephone Morgan Poll of June 3-4, 2009) clearly ahead of L-NP support (42.5%, down 3%).
Backing this clear ALP lead is the latest ‘face-to-face’ Morgan Poll for the weekend of June 6/7, 2009 ( not yet released) which shows ALP (57.5%) cf. L-NP (42.5%). The complete ‘face-to-face’ Morgan Poll Federal voting intention conducted the weekends of June 6/7 & 13/14, 2009 will be released this Friday.
Both Morgan Polls show a very different result than today’s Newspoll (conducted last Friday to Sunday, June 12-14, 2009) which shows L-NP support up 2% to 40% and a softening in ALP support (41%, down 2%). On a two-party preferred basis Newspoll show ALP support has fallen 2% to 53% while L-NP support has risen 2% to 47% – the closest two-party preferred results from Newspoll since the last Federal Election in November 2007.
It is hard to believe today’s Newspoll result when compared with the latest two Morgan Poll results.”
That’s because Morgan polls are useless!
Cry Baby Gary!
@243
“Tony Abbot can’t be an effective leader until he changes his communication style”
Abbott is far too set in his ways, is far too divisive, and has way too much baggage. And he knows it. Furthermore, the wiser, harder heads in both the Liberal and Labor camps know it too.
Abbott’s comments about his leadership ambitions are just his way of letting that unrealistic ambition quietly slide off into the deep, deep blue, never to be seen again.
Off topic a bit.
The Rudd Government Internet Filter leaks show a internet gambling company Betfair that is registered in Tasmania to provide gambling services. This is on the leaked lists (which I have not seen, because that is illegal) and may or may not be correct (who can tell?).
There is the obvious problem of blocking a legitimate site that actually pays Tasmania to provide gambling services to Australia and it seems a bit odd that the Tasmanian Greens in their Gambling Policy mention only one company by name…
Yes, they single out Betfair. They don’t mention any other companies just Betfair.
http://www.tas.greens.org.au/policy/2006-Tas_Greens_Policy-Gambling.pdf
There are a few odd things about the latest Newspoll.
It was advertised as being available at 10:15 on the Australian’s website.
It was almost ignored by the ABC News. (Not AM or TWT)
Journalists on Sky were saying it may be a rogue poll.
Not saying Newspoll is incorrect – just that these things have not happened before.
Ru,
The Libs have also not been crowing too hard which might indicate the numbers are out of synch with their internal polling.
The poll is also in the opposite direction to ER and Morgan polls allegedly taken at the same time.
Like you said, it shouldn’t be discounted at this time. However, wait for the next cycle to confirm any trend before jumping to any conclusions.
No 248
Too true. Morgan has had a pro-Labor bias for donkey’s years.
No 252
GG, we never crow too hard about polls. The only one that counts is election day.
No 235
Adam, anything that gives less oxygen to the pointless nightly current affairs shows is a good thing. Good riddance to Moran and her conga line of criminal suck holes.
GP,
Tell Brendan Nelson that!
Crowing probably was the wrong word. Their body language and rhetoric is very subdued and half hearted. Not the mannerisms of a group of people who think they’re on the up.
No 256
GG, if anyone seriously believes Labor could get between 58 and 61 percent of the TPP, they are dreaming.
Rudd’s landslide only gave him 52.7%, and the extreme events of 1975 only gave Fraser 55.7%.
GP
They call us crowing over 53/47 and yet they’ve been crowing about how the natural state of affairs is 60/40 2PP this will never happen in an election for either major party…they are living in la la land if they think this will occur IMHO.
Criticising Morgan Polls is unfair and unfounded.
Its final phone poll for the 2007 election found:
Coalition primary support at 41.5% while ALP support at 43.5%.
Election result was Coalition 41.8% and ALP 43.4%.
That’s pretty good, don’t you think?
No 258
Exactly right. It beggars belief that they could accuse us of crowing, when they’ve been engaging in hubristic crowing since December 2006 about these polls!
1966 56.9%
1943 58.2%
SA 1993 61.0%
Those were under extreme circumstances…
1966 – Vietnam War
1943 – WW2
SA 1993 – Corrupt ALP government.
No 261
bob1234, that you have to go back more than 40 years for such a result indicates how very rare they are. Also, we were in the midst of a war in 1943, so that is not comparable. State polls are also irrelevant.
Rua went:
Slowly being educated, sick of being wrong.
The State Bank collapsed, Bannon/Labor weren’t responsible but they took the anger for it. They most certainly weren’t corrupt.
Support for the Vietnam War wasn’t an “extreme circumstance”. But the point is that these margins are possible, albeit unlikely.
[bob1234, that you have to go back more than 40 years for such a result indicates how very rare they are. Also, we were in the midst of a war in 1943, so that is not comparable. State polls are also irrelevant.
Hardly. What it shows is that landslides of that magnitude are possible. Unlikely as it is.
Yep, read them and weep.
In today’s Crikey:
Who cooked up this ELF (Earth Liberation Front) hobgoblin? by Guy Rundle.
http://www.crikey.com.au/search/%22Who+cooked+up+this+ELF+hobgoblin%22
Anyone care to comment?
To put things in perspective the Libs need 50.4% of the TPP vote to secure a majority in the HoR.
Not going to happen
Still we only need like a swing of 2% across the board to cause Ruddy big problems…lol
I should point out that John Roskam would also be a good candidate for Higgins. Confident speaker, good track record on policy with the Institute of Public Affairs, not a hack. Also younger than Brough.
No 271
Anything can happen. And 50.4 is certainly much more probably than 61.
No 274
probably = probable
Goodness Gracious Me, Cosssssie has been “bought” by the Ruddster. They met yesterday to discuss possible future job for Cossssie. Money talks, happy happy talk.
Glen, Don’t work yourself up in to a lather now.
I thought today in QT the opposition had a bit of a spring in their steps.
It appears to be spreading – glenn & gp are showing the same symptoms
Im not steve I am merely pointing out fact.
Whether or not it will happen is another matter entirely…
GP ideally it would be between Brough and Roskam but the Hacks and Costello himself have a lot of power to determine who gets the seat
Another “screw you” from Cosssssie to his fellow Liberals who screwed him.
No 276
Actually, I commend Rudd for keeping an open mind.
P @ 270,
Yes I would, some people (cough!.. Rundle) need to be a bit less subtle…
#281,
There will always be more jobs for the Liberals under Labor
No 279
Costello should make sure his seat isn’t given away to a hack. If he has any sense he’ll put a good word in for Roskam or Brough.
cheers Aristotle, very interesting
GP trouble is most of the Costello/Kroger candidates if not all are Hacks so it doesnt seem likely im afraid…
Glen
Do you think the Vic Libs would give a crown jewel seat to a Qld’er? You may not believe me but Brough has had a gutful of politics.
He lives in Melbourne now…
At least we’ll never hear of GP or Glen complaining about candidates from outside of the electorate again from either party.
So does Brumby – and his chances of getting preselection in Higgins are better than Brough’s.
Maybe just a gutful of Qld LNP politics. I think he’s still arrogant and vain enough to have a got in Higgins.
The Libs will be very lucky if Rudd doesn’t increase his majority in 2010. The timing will be perfect since the Rudd recovery will be well underway, and the Libs will be shackled to the corpse of WorkChoices and carrying the stigma of having voted against the stimulus bills that saved Australia from recession.
That right It’s Time, why else would he have moved to Melbourne to a state where there is still a Liberal Party???
I think Mal wants another crack and I wouldnt put it past him having a go at Higgins…
No 292
Pseph, an extra few hundred thousand people will be out of work by the next election on Rudd’s own figures, so I wouldn’t be so cocky.
And as long as we’re better off than other western democracies, Rudd has nothing to worry about.
Tell that to the people who have lost their jobs bob…
No 295
A person who has lost their job doesn’t care about overseas circumstances. They care about how they’re going to put food on their table and pay the mortgage.
Pegasus
I wondered if it was a hoax. I haven’t seen any evidence that it actually is though. We’ll probably never know. Given the Lindsay pamphlet scandal and the fake emails to MHS almost anything is possible.
So the libs are hoping for high unemployment to win the next election. Sorry guys its not going to happen.
Still we only need a swing of 2% across the board to reduce you guys to 51 seats..
Though I owuldn’t put much store in either cases happening.
They don’t lose the ability to use their brains though.
Hmmmm, Singapore is going to leave us for dead.
Now your ADSL2, you are lucky to get 10Mbps and the new Ruddnet is promising 100Mbps by 20??.
http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_391045.html
No 302
Conroy’s stuffed around with broadband. Wasted a year on his useless Request for Policy.
Indeed Grog it is a fine line…
Pity our landmass is slightly larger than Singapore’s though Finns. Who wouldn’t want to own the Singapore NBN?
Yep – a complete amateur, only one year!!! Just think of the years Coonan was able to stuff around for; he’s got a long way to go!
No 306
At least Coonan’s policy was going to deliver faster broadband years quicker to disadvantaged bush areas.
Singapore is smaller than the ACT by 200 sq miles. So it means nothing.
If you want to feed your political goals off people’s suffering, that’s your and GP’s problem.
Rudd will continue to act in the national interest and keep Australia better off than other comparable economies during the global recession.
To be blunt about this, most of those losing their jobs are young unskilled working-class males, who live in socially deprived areas and thus in safe Labor seats. This is the group who always lose their jobs first in a downturn. Even they turn against Labor – which they mostly won’t – it won’t make any electoral difference. But of course, as everyone knows, unemployment would be much worse without the Rudd stimpacs, and this issue will gain us more votes than we lose.
GP 307
Is that realy true? Did anyone actually put the cash up to deliver Coonan’s policy in the bush? Broadband to the bush is never going to be commercial without govt capital or the right to cream off profits and underinvest in the cities. That is why our current system is so undercapitalised.
SNIP: See article 2 of comment moderation guidelines – The Management.
No 311
Coonan put up $958 million, Optus/Elders, an additional $1 billion for WiMax for the bush. Conroy cancelled it when he came to office.
Sorry I was wrong Singapore is 710.2 km² the ACT is 2,358 km²
Further to Psephos 310, why would that demographic (young unskilled males) vote against the governmetn, when the opposition is still ideologically wedded to Workchoices? It would be like a financier voting for someone who wants to stamp out tax avoidance.
GP 312
I said “to deliver Coonan’s policy to the bush”. I haven’t heard any independant expert say what was on offer was anywhere near enough to deliver “the Coonan vision”. How far would that amount ($2bn) have gone? It is less than one 20th of what Rudd is providing for the NBN.
Australia has crap internet infrastructure – the only people to blame are the guys who were in office for the last decade.
Indonesia leaves us for dead.
No 315
Yes, of course it is less than a 20th of what Rudd’s putting up. Coonan’s plan was for wireless, not fibre and thus many times less expensive. And yes, $2 billion was more than enough. Telstra built a 99% population-coverage HSPA 3G network for $1.1 billion.
No 316
Rubbish, ruawake. Telstra’s NextG network is the best of its type in the world. We are ahead of the curve.
The people who say otherwise are those who use silly comparisons to South Korea, Singapore etc – all of which are countries which are but a fraction of the size of Australia.
A dream at best. A crock at worst.
GP
I can’t get NextG, I can’t even get ADSL2. In fact I can’t even get mobile phone coverage.
To be fair it is because the nimby Greens won’t allow the infrastructure built because they think their kids will grow two heads.
No 319
LOL. How convenient. Now the bush has to wait 8 years for anything.
No 320
The Greens are obviously idiotic.
Socrates, of course that’s right. The young and the unskilled suffer the most from unemployment, but they also suffered the most from WorkChoices, and they would only vote for the Libs if they thought they would do better under a Lib government, which very very few of them would think.
Recount in Iran.
http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,25646262-5005962,00.html
Psephos
It’s not just the unskilled newly unemployed worker who will be unhappy though. They will have friends and family who will see their plight. On average, these significant others will be Labor voters but some might be swingers.
Diogenes:
With any luck the end of the theocracy in Iran will come soon – if not from the Iranian people, then from those who will not allow the mullahs to get nukes
Speaking of jobs, the libs again vote for higher unemployment.
http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/ruddbank-voted-down-in-the-senate-20090616-cgff.html
DD trigger? Libs impeding business and jobs?
TWTSTB:
I watched your epononymous film the other night. A more annoying ending to a film I have rarely seen!!!
Well the I see the senate voted down labor party support for the property sector, morons.
Now labor can blame falling commercial property prices on the Liberals.
Dick Smith was a fool for bailing out this dill.
Great first hand account of yesterday’s protest in Tehran:
http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/fisk/robert-fisk-irans-day-of-destiny-1706010.html
And the Greens, what is Bob Brown doing? Stooopid twerp. Do all Tasmanians have the Harradine gene?
BB should do us all a favour and not stand at the next election…
GP, according to Glen, Helen Coonan got the best economic credential after Cosssssie. So her NBN mst be good then.
Any claim that young unskilled males have been the first to lose their jobs in this recession is wrong
This is a global financial crisis and the first companies to cutback jobs en mass were in the finance sector….
followed by companies that were starved of operating funds by the banks
Finns Cooooooooooooooooooonan is a light weight and she only has her job because of her experience as a Cabinet minister and shes a Turnbull hugger…
I think our NBN plan was better for the Bush than Rudds but we could be spending the money on Rudd’s schools second hall on the NBN…
Odd for one polling company to comment on another isn’t it? Morgan was I think just pointing out that the current Newspoll is likely to be a rogue. They really should add that rogues do come along every so often and is nothing to do with the polling company changing its ways.
I also have no problem with Morgan’s face to face since poll figures today will not be those on polling day a long time away. As long as they are consistent they all add to the picture of where the momentum is which is the important picture at present. I had a feeling the Morgan’s f2f picked up movements earlier than the others.
Mr Squiggle
We weren’t saying that unskilled males were the first to get sacked, but they are the ones who are likely to get sacked from now on as unemployment increases.
No 327
Ruddbank is a waste of time.
Dio #338 – OK, thanks, I’ll go back in my box now
I doubt Rudd would fight an election on the Ruddbank bill – it’s too technical. The only possible triggers are the health insurance bill and the CPRS bill. I’m certain Turnbull will eventually pass the CPRS bill. He will find it harder to back down on health insurance because the private health funds and the doctors’ union virtually own the Liberal Party.
Just watching a docco on singapore gardens on Foxtel. In it the host said Singapore is 270 square miles. With Australia at 3,000,000 – Singapore is one hundreth of one percent the size of Australia – I don’t think 10gbps average is anything to be ashamed of for this country.
LOL! This coming from a guy that supported the Howard government, who put a tax on unflavoured milk for the first time in Australian history.
Generic Person
We will see, if your right the stupidity of the Liberals will not mount to a hill of beans, if you are wrong the Liberals are going to look very very stupid, a lot very fast back tracking will be required.
Brilliant analysis GP.
Generic Person
We will see, if your right the stupidity of the Liberals will not mount to a hill of beans, if you are wrong the Liberals are going to look very very stupid, a lot of very fast back tracking will be required.
BB, size does not matter.
No 343
What has that got to do with the price of fish?
No 349
Rudd thinks he’s the king of the world, that the money he’s spending will never run out and will never have to be repaid. We don’t need a government-owned bank throwing its weight around.
Interesting debate on whether the rich/poor divide. The affirmative team, which argued that only the rich will feel at home in 2020, lost.
http://media.smh.com.au/world/iq2-debates/debate-australia-for-the-rich-only-368652.html
#349 – he is.
Landeryou’s contenders:
http://www.vexnews.com/news/4866/game-on-cossie-keeps-them-guessing-to-the-last-minute-as-the-war-for-higgins-begins/
No 352
LOL – in his own little world, perhaps.
And this calls for a song
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLPDspFxdNU
No 356
May I suggest another?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXs8OS6EdAE&feature=related
Actually, this is more appropriate: reshuffling the deck chairs on the Titanic?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0n1iluWl5js
GP, time for nappy change?
This is more appropriate for Costello…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1oNYDEcAxg
349-358
Eight posts by the same person. What is this, the Geriatric Liberal (tautology) show?
cuppa,
He’s excited! Turnbull no longer has anyone to blame his poor ratings on. His excuses have left the building.
gg, maybe he need to take his dressing gown and slippers and have a good lie down.
Cuppa leave the personal attacks on people at the door.
Be glad you have people like GP and myself to kick around during a debate on the polls and elections…
No 363
Who said dressing gowns and slippers were only for old people?!?
No 364
Cuppa’s just burning about the fact that he has nothing else to say.
Craig Thompson MP: Gimme More? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3ceCMpPJgc
GP @ 365,
Certainly not Freddie Mercury
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYYL1vybRU4
Psephos
The ETS would be a much better trigger. He went to the election promising an ETS and promising not to dump the health rebate. I think he wouldn’t want to dissolve Parliament because it wouldn’t pass legislation that he promised he wouldn’t put forward.
No 368
Ah, Queen. Love ‘em to death.
What the hell is this?? Is this a covert plan to allow John Hill to bulldoze the RAH because it’s got people with swine flu in it? Why do they need the power to destroy buidings?
http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,25644934-5006301,00.html
GP then he knows he’s lost the argument…
Ill have my slippers and dressing gown on before long
Turnbull Re-shuffle…
Malcolm Turnbull (OL)
Bishop – Foreign Affairs (DOL)
Hockey – Treasurer
Keenan – Education
Ronaldson – Special Minister of State
Scullion -Human Services
Hunt – Climate Change, Environment and Water
Dutton – Health
Robb – Finance
Billson -Defence
Morrison -Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy
Pyne – Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs
Abbott – Employment and Workplace Relations
Minchin – Energy and Resources
Brandis – AG
Stone -Immigration and Citizenship
Ciobo – Small Business, Independent Contractors, Tourism and the Arts
Abetz – Innovation, Industry, Science and Research
No 371
Dio, seems sensible to me. Millions of animals were killed to prevent the spread of foot and mouth.
Glen,
Two women and Pyne. That’s not going to appeal to the 21 st Century electorate
GG we’ll have Sarah Henderson in soon enough
If there are none talented enough then no big jobs for them.
We havent got many talented females on our side of the house we need to bring in more by dumping useless bench warmers…
No 375
Looks like the ABC did produce some righties after all.
GP
I can see the animal argument but the buildings?
On a totally unrelated topic, it turns out that conscientiousness, socio-economic status and intelligence are about equal in determining what your status will be in life (which is bad for me because I am bone-idle lazy). It begs the question though why we are less upset by being called lazy than stupid. Suggested reasons are offered here but I like the one which answers the question by quoting a T-shirt.
http://www.overcomingbias.com/2009/06/lazy-hurt-less-than-stupid.html#comments
Thankfully yes GP…
Shorten’s comment on Pyne nailed it…’the Jedi knight of interruption’
Glen, where is Grace Kelly of Libs Sophie Mirabela? She deserves to look after the Indigenous Affairs.
Pyne has been woeful…but that’s what you get for not letting him on the front bench till 2009
Bring back people skills
Pyne rescued from being savaged by Gillard
Keenan shifted out of IR where he was invisible
Abbott given a real man’s portfolio
Robb buried in finance
Hunt given all of climate change – a signal that they will cave on this
Coonan dumped?
I would refuse to go on TV with Pyne unless the station agreed to have a microphone mute button to cut out Pyne when others were talking.
No Mrs Mirabela is not a person i consider of any quality for the front bench…
I rate Eric Abetz above her
Where’s Senator Johnson? He’s quite smart?
Coonan is dumped Adam and the able sleeping pill Robb to take her role
IR is a dead issue so it is better off with Abbott who can spend his time as MofOB replacing Pyne…
Education would raise Keenan’s profile and the other young Turk Dutton to keep his position.
LMAO
Glen,
Labor will help you get rid of those useless benchwarmers by defeating them in the coming election.
I sincerely hope you convince the Liberal hierarchy on your token women Ministry.
Where’s Senator Johnson? He’s quite smart
Johnson is invisible…
As soon as Rudd shifts Defence into the Senate, Turnbull shifts it back to the Reps!
GG id rather choose people for front bench roles based on whether they can do the job than whether or not they have something between their legs
Most Senarors are invisible. Johnson is a solid performer.
What about Barnaby and Warren Truss? Couldn’t have Coalition Unity without them.
I dont consider them worthy of a mention those traitors they ought to just join our party and be done with it.
No 379
That’s rich coming from the Jedi of Imbecility.
Adam then give him human services off Scullion….
So who has been promoted to replace Coonan?
Jack the Insider gives his Insider’s guff on Brough:
http://blogs.theaustralian.news.com.au/jacktheinsider/index.php/theaustralian/comments/member_for_higgins_will_not_resume_his_seat/P50/
No 381
Hey Glen, put me on the “bring back people skills Abbott” list as well.
I’d promote Fierravanti-Wells, she seems capable.
Billson goes to Defence
Morrison comes in too for McFarlane
Glen, have you checked whether it was still there?
No 400
She can be Shadow Minister for the Abolition of SBS. That has been her pet policy since forever. At least she likes bringing it up at each address to the YLs.
GP she sounds like a Hack…
I’d agree with her. SBS is state-subsidised entertainment for inner city yuppies.
Has good docos mind
No 405
It has good coverage of soccer, which I like. Otherwise it’s the channel for tits and bums.
If you want docos or soccer you can pay for it on cable.
No 408
I do have cable, but Foxtel doesn’t have the rights to the World Cup.
The reason is the stupid anti-siphoning laws which prevent pay TV getting much exclusive sports coverage.
Isn’t Connie F-W a monarchist as well as one of those dreaded culture warriors? Are you just taking the p*ss, Adam?
Glen,
If he can sort out his financial troubles this bloke might be an up and comer for your Ministry. At least you’ll know if he has anything between his legs and has never been known to say a word out of place.
http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/money/story/0,26860,25641355-5015795,00.html
Yes of course she is. I didn’t say I agree with her politics. I said she seems a capable person.
Glen: I suggest you bring back Tuckey and Bishop to your shadow ministry LOL
No GG i think Fat Cat would probably suit the political philosophy of our party than HBB…
Adam 413 i think she’s a Hack…
No 414
Tuckey would be better than Pyne as MOB. That is how pathetic Pyne is.
No 411
Labor has plenty of culture warriors itself. Don’t get too cocky my quaint friend.
Pyne is certainly no match for Julia!
And he has had experience hanging around John Howard, though I wonder if Howie’s lack of economic nous was a factor ?
I actually watch the Senate, Glen. I don’t think she’s a hack, a word that gets thrown around far too easily IMHO. And I don’t see who else you’d promote to replace Coonan, assuming a woman is needed. Kroger, Cash, Boyce, Mary-Jo Fisher (the Mad Librarian)? I don’t think so.
@413 Capable of what? I’m a great fan of culture warriors as they all keep us amused, but this person seems to spend her time boring the t*ts off everyone else by constantly harping on about all of the deceased Italians she knows. There’s probably a bucketload of them stacking up these days.
But Fat Cat has skeletons in his closet
http://www.flickr.com/photos/watvhistory/3529819309
Does Cossie know how to grow carrots?
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/06/16/2600153.htm?section=justin
Adam if you demote a woman you dont need to fill her job with a woman.
Women need to get jobs based on their ability not based on their gender, affirmative action is left wing claptrap and it is degrading to women.
If you watch the Senate unlike myself then i would believe what you have to say rather than conjecture in PB.
No 421
Now now Mark, we had ALP true-believers herewith proclaiming how much “talent” Mark Arbib had.
Very clever of Rudd to consider offering Costello a job, that’d put the Liberals in a spin.
No 424
Glen, you’re too right on affirmative action.
No 426
Doesn’t mean Costello will become an ALP mouthpiece. After all, this is the father of workplace deregulation.
GP, I think you and I both agreed on Arbib’s complete lack of “talent”, physically speaking. Then again, I was on my “Greg Combet’s a spunk” rant, so what would I know?
Look what happens when you get affirmative action on the ALP side…
Jenny Macklin – an ex-communist Hack…woooow soo much talent there.
Kate Ellis – wow she’ll be PM in nooo time at all *she cant even get her lines right*
Nicola Roxon – a light weight failed with alcopops, failed with swine flu and hasnt said two bobs on hospitals and playing the blame game.
Tanya Plibersek – airhead who has been invisible….
Justine Elliot – who???
Penny Wong is barely capable and has made serious errors with the ETS but she’s better than the rest of that lot IMHO though i am not a fan of hers…
You could always promote Guy the Jesus-botherer Barnett or Gruppenfuhrer Cormann I suppose, but I don’t think you’d like the results.
Or Chris Back
Glen, you forgot the evil one – The Guillotine!!! Completely useless, don’t you agree?
Is it just me, or do these foreign students come across as just a bunch of whingers. They act as though they are doing us a favour and getting nothing in return. If you don’t want a degree, why come here?
Oh well almost in the same league as Pyne
No but seriously Gillard and Wong are the only 2 id have if I were Rudd.
Who says they don’t want a degree?
Point is, they want a degree, but they don’t want to be subject to racism.
Golly, I say something mildly complimentary about a Liberal and all I get is bullsh*t. I should know better.
And who has failed on alcopops? It’s been a political disaster for Turnbull, and all for nothing because now he’s going to back down and pass it.
*exits*
Where is the racism?
That’ll teach Adam about being nice to Liberals.
NEVER BE NICE TO THE LIBERALS!
and…
Never be rude to an Arab,
An Israeli, or Saudi, or Jew,
Never be rude to an Irishman,
No matter what you do.
Never poke fun at a N*gger,
A Spik, or a Wop, or a Kraut,
And never put down…
Glen, Plibersek is very good and Roxon is well respected in the health community. There’s not much she can do about a major virus-with-mutant-animal-gene-PLAGUE!-shock-horror-pandemic-end-of-the-world situation.
I’ll reserve my thoughts on Elliot. Hoping to interview her soon!
It’s the only channel that plays Wong Kar-Wai, Hou Hsiao-Hsien and Abbas Kiarostami films. It should be retained for that reason alone.
Oh, but there should be a law stopping it playing adverts during films.
Which were introduced by the SBS Board during the Howard Years, and whose members included at the time a certain LIberal supporter Carla Zampatti
ahh yes the evil brethren-howard-zampatti triumvirate
ShowsOn, you forgot Inspector Rex. The sole reason for the existence of SBS, now that Mary Kostakidis has left.
“Tanya Plibersek – airhead who has been invisible….”
Umm, I’ve attended approximatley 9 “big deal” conferences etc over the last 12 months, Plibersek(who I don’t like) has been at four of them
Hardly “invisible”
Anonymous Senator survey:
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,25647653-662,00.html
Any money bet that was Fielding.
SBS has the only decent international news service in Australia.
Open warfare has erupted over Cossssssie. Pyne Vs Abbott, the two equally headline seeking media tarts. It’s going to get worse as Cosssssie has been bought with ten pieces of silver by the Ruddster.
PJK got the Reserve Bank in his pocket, now the Ruddster got Cosssssssie in his pocket. there is one consistent thing about Cosssssssie, he likes to be handed job on a plate.
http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/good-lord-at-this-rate-hell-be-back-in-a-few-days-20090616-cgkt.html?page=-1
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/national/national/general/costello-may-cross-floor-for-labor-job/1542689.aspx
Possible reward jobs for Cossssie being a good boy:
Ross Gittins slams Hockey.
” In seeking to capitalise on the Commonwealth’s rate rise, Joe Hockey went beyond the pale. “If Kevin Rudd is going to borrow up to $3 billion a day, it’s inevitably going to put upward pressure on interest rates,” he said. The Government’s “borrowing binge” had directly contributed to the Commonwealth’s increase.
In his anxiety to score a point against the Government, Hockey was willing to reinforce the mistaken and damaging notion that interest rates are on the way up. And to convey the impression that this minor rise is just the first of many, Hockey was willing to bamboozle the public with a patently false economic argument. His argument about the effect of government borrowing on interest rates is simply wrong.
If we lived in an economy cut off from the rest of the world, where the only money available to be borrowed was our own savings, then borrowing by governments would indeed put upward pressure on the interest rates you and I pay. But for at least the past 25 years, we’ve lived in a world of deregulated and globalised financial markets, in which our banks and big companies can and do borrow heavily overseas.
In that vast, global market, our Government’s borrowings are a flea bite, quite unable to influence the level of global interest rates.
If the Opposition persists with such destructive and dishonest arguments it risks the public concluding it’s willing to wreck the economy it seeks to govern.”
http://business.smh.com.au/business/early-rate-rises-threaten-recovery-20090616-cghe.html?page=-1
Ross Gittins – you can always rely on him to be sensible and informative.
Wish the silly young journos and TV hosts would take heed of what he says instead of continuing with some of their ridiculous questions.
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25648364-5013871,00.html
Mal Brough considers a tilt at Higgins
“I will think about it over the next few days,” he told The Australian.”
BROUGHYS BACK!
But do the good burghers of Higgins want him, Glen
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25648364-5013871,00.html
It appears we want someone who can fundraise and those hacks cant do it like Mal can
“While Mr Brough, who lost his Queensland seat in 2007, is from outside the electorate, he is regarded fondly within the Liberal Party for radically changing Australia’s approach to indigenous affairs through the intervention.
News of the former army officer’s possible candidacy comes as Liberal insiders revealed Mr Costello’s departure would leave a hole in the party’s fundraising capabilities. “
Glen, stop thinking rough Brough is your saviour. You once said the same of Costello. Costello suffered a 1% two-party swing in 2007. Rough Brough suffered a 10.32% two-party swing in 2007, 11.23% if you don’t include the redistribution. His seat was in the top 5 of all 150 seats of highest swings.
He’s a failure.
SBS is an important channel and community service. When I’ve worked with public housing tenants, a lot of the older ones whose English is not great, the only thing they look forward to each day is the Russian news (for example, where I work) on SBS each day.
Just because you can’t understand it, doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be there (a mantra that Libs country-wide should take note of over several subjects).
457 – Bob, Mal’s seat was always going to swing more than an inner-Melbourne seat. If he wants to have a shot at Higgins, good for him. I don’t think that a big swing makes you a failure. Jim Snow was never a failure to me.
bob cry me a river…Brough is Best!
Viva Mal Brough!
Viva Liberal Party
Yep I agree- leave SBS alone. You don’t have to be ethnic to appreciate it.
SBS news is the only place to get world coverage if you don’t have paytv. And Karen Middleton is fair to midling with her political commentary.
ABC news is becoming too tabloid.
Who will the ALP put up in higgins?
You said the same of Costello. Brough like Costello appeals heavily to your core constituency but nothing more. This is why you are delusional.
Like it really matters…
No i didnt bob1234….
Brough, like the rest of his mates, will be given plenty of time in opposition to mature.
Glen, your reputation as PB’s chief VI is increasing.
Most likely GB but at least Brough was a talented Minister and is not a Hack unlike 95% of those likely to nominate for Higgins…
Wellk said GB – but could he hack opposition. He’s a frontend bulldozer and will want Turnbull’s job immediately.
Eric Abetz asks the awkward questions of Bob Brown regarding the Greens scam of the gullible.
http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?id=2009-06-16.194.1&s=speaker%3A10003#g194.2
Brough was Ok but standing out like a beacon among that lot is really not saying much I’m afraid. He wouldn’t make the “second eleven” in today’s Labor Party.
What a pile of rubbish.
Bob you are intitled to your opinions…
GB if you think Brough is not better than Baldwin, Pyne, Dutton, Ciobo, Stone et al then really take a good look at their CVs and compare them to Mal’s
*departs*
Gawd Glen – I’m agreeing with you for once. He is better than the mob you mentioned but still needs a ‘modesty’ transplant.
Saw another one similar to Pyne this a.m. on Sky. What a smug little bloke Briggs is.
I’m a South Aussie but something has been put in the water since I left. The Libs are appalling types over there now. What is going on.
I grew up in Tom Playford’s back yard – he would be turning over in his grave to see that mob of pansies.
No 471
Gary, the only people with mild talent are Gillard, Tanner and Rudd (maybe Combet and Faulkner too). The rest are not really worthy of mention.
I agree Brough is better than those you mentioned, but that only speaks volumes about the shallow pool in the Liberal Party. Those you mentioned are very awful, Brough is simply awful.
Glen, I do.
You maybe right but Brough would be standing behind “the rest”.
470 – GG, Eric Abetz is to me in the worst half dozen of parliamentarians. He’s an absolute fruitcake.
Glen,
Agree about Baldwin. My local member and a complete waste of space. Would rather have Brough than him
Abetz is causing heaps of trouble for the Libs with his comments about Bob Brown.
It’s not only the Greens who have time for Bob Brown.
I still wonder why Glen hasn’t retracted his comments on rough Brough in Longman. 10.32% two-party swing post-redistribution, 11.23% two-party swing pre-redistribution. At the top 5 of 150 electorates with the biggest swings, the electorate came at rough Brough with baseball bats.
Bob Brown just missed a vote, which enabled some amendment to pass by 1 vote. Brown has requested a re-vote and Abetz is presently giving him a thorough dressing down over past comments by Brown when a coalition senator missed a vote.
Benji – I sympathise with you mate. He’s my member too and I am embarrassed by him most of the time.
We have to work harder in 2010 to get rid of him. I’m already saving up for a pair of ubeaut shoes to pound the pavements for whomever Labor puts up against Baldwin.
Was was the bill Triton – dialup so too slow to have it up on computer and I’m not close to the telly.
Sorry Triton – I meant ‘what was the bill’.
No 481
Bob1234 – it was lost in the overall anti-government swing of the election.
phil.
Nice, thoughtful comment. On this occaission Abetz has exposed Brown’s naked manipulation for what it is.
Brown missed a division and is now being lectured for hypocrisy.
No 482
And so he should. There was outrage when the Coalition made a similar mistake. Seems like Bob loves his double standards.
I said it for you GG.
Glen’s gushing reminds us that Liberals always seem to need a Messiah, a Saviour.
You see further evidence of this in the way they will not naysay Howard, even though he personally almost wrecked the Party.
Andrew Elder, newmatilda.com, 26 February 2008:
http://newmatilda.com/2008/02/26/mutineers-howard
Their propensity to blind adoring hero-worship, while touching, reveals a deeps-seated insecure vacuity.
No 491
Cuppa, save us the hypocritical invective. The ALP were a bunch of dunderheads before Rudd saved them from another three years of oblivion.
Psephos – what was the vote for – was it important.
Cuppa, you could say that about all parties, really.
#484
If I’ve read the coalition amendments document correctly it’s something about “award modernisation request” for the Fair Work bill. Beats me what it’s about.
Senators lined up to stick the boot into Brown. McDonald mentioned “sanctimonious hypocrisy” and then Fielding let fly.
Phil
Maybe. Maybe not. Is Rudd seen by Laborites as a demigod? I doubt it. Do Greens fall at the feet of Bob Brown to worship him? Did the Democrats fawn at the toes of Natasha?
No 495
Good on them. It’s nice to give Brown a taste of his own medicine. The guy is perpetually indignant.
No 496
Cuppa, Howard brought the party out of 13 years of oblivion. It is natural that he will command huge respect and authority in the party room. However, that did not preclude a challenge to his leadership. Costello was not willing to damage the unity of the party for his own personal gain.
Triton – thanks – will probably be all over MSM later.
Bit rich for Fielding to weigh in tho – can’t wait to see the back of him.
Top 5 largest swings in 150 divisions.
I also note the Liberal moderates had a very small swing against them or infact a positive swing.
One of Brown’s failings is that when he tries to “play tough” he comes across as petty and sanctimonious, so other Senators don’t give him any latitude when he slips up. He brings this on himself. He should stick to the issues on which he has the moral high ground (of which they are many), and not try to play the tough guy.
GP,
Yes, I see that. But Rudd brought Labor out of 11.5 years in the cold, yet he doesn’t appear to be sanctified by Laborites the way Howard is by your mob. Look at Gushing Glen here. Poor guy can hardly contain himself, so ecstatic is he at the prospect of a new Saviour.
I use terms such as worship, saviour, messiah intentionally. The fervour strikes me as alomst religious-like in its intensity. Rewind the clock a few decades, and this was the mindset that enabled far-right types such as Hitler.
BH,
Hopefully redistribution in NSW will see Paterson pickup all of Maitland including Rutherford, as it used to be prior to 2001. That would see the end of Baldwin.
The re-vote is tied so the amendment, whatever it was, has been rejected.
Proceedings are given here if anyone’s interested:
http://www.aph.gov.au/Senate/DynamicRed/
Rudd is seen pretty highly and would be seen more of a demigod if he had more, well, personality. As for Bob Brown and Tash, yes. It’s natural to focus on a leader, especially a charismatic or strong one. Howard was strong, he was just strong in a way that I disagree with.
503 – Give Rudd a while, if he rules for 11 years he’ll be a demigod to Laborites. Howard was downright despised by a lot of Libs after 2 years (gun buy-back)
In more important news Rove and Tasma got married!!! awwwwwwwwwww
Mal who?
And he can say what the and we’ll all have to chuckle politely. Tasma sounds like the name of a car.
No 503
Cuppa, you do yourself a disservice by using Hitler to expound your argument.
Glen is not gushing over Brough. He’s merely stating a fact that the party would be better served by someone with his experience and nous than some useless, but loyal, hack.
No 507
The sensible Liberals, like me, respected Howard for having the courage to toughen up gun laws.
Nah, he’s gushing
No 506
Yes, you’ve hit the nail on the head phil. It’s Rudd’s lack of personality that stands in the way of him being perceived as a demigod. Contrast Rudd with Keating and you’ll know what I mean.
Apparently Glen and Mal had a secret wedding in Broome just after Rove and Tasma….
Dario let’s look at facts…
ALPers backed Greg Combet to take Charlton over a Hack in Ms Hoar…
I dont see the difference in supporting Brough over some factional Hack in Higgins…
I dont regard one person as a saviour of the party but the party would be better of with Mal Brough on our side in Parliament.
Lets see, recession likely avoided, Economy best in OECD.
However ‘Rudd lacks personality’ . Damn him to hell.
No 515
Hear, hear.
No 516
Egregious debt, hundreds of thousands out of work, nothing to show for it.
GP,
Do you think the GFC is a myth?
The more I read this story, the more I want to throw up.
http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,25641913-5001021,00.html
511 – I assume that you live in the city though GP. I was living in the country when that happened and some people, natural Lib or Nat voters, were very unhappy. It was a brave thing to do.
No 519
No, but I think silly amounts of debt will not protect us from an inevitable recession.
No 521
They were unhappy, but as I recall (correct me I’m wrong), they could still retain possession of firearms for farm use.
520, why? was he your boyfriend too?
I understand that the Higgins electorate Conference at the end of July will have a “special guest speaker”
Mr Andrew Bolt
Why wouldn’t the stimulus of extra public spending reduce the depth of a recession?
Mao, I’m not saying that having an interesting personality is a prerequisite for being a good PM, it just helps if you want to be worshipped by your party. For the record I think Rudd is doing a pretty decent job.
Well GP one thing is for sure we’ll again have to pay off Labor’s debt whenever we win back power…i dont think Rudd and Swan know how to balance the books….
#525
now that is hilarious.
No 524
Mao, no. The thought of a 12-year-old being pregnant is just sickening.
Zombie, ordinary and tasteless. God knows there is enough in GP’s Talking Points to attack him on.
530
Hear, Hear, GP what has this country come to?
523 – I’m not totally sure, but I think it limited the number and type of guns that one could have, even for farm use. (no semi-automatics if memory serves, but I’m sure others on this forum have a better knowledge)
That would be a first for you Glen
No 525
Janet A would have been a better choice.
“Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown says former Minister for Forests, Senator Eric Abetz, should reveal, and pay back, the cost to taxpayers of his use of office to hire barristers for federal intervention in the Wielangta case in the Federal Court.
Senator Brown said the cost would be huge. The initial court case was against Forestry Tasmania, not the Commonwealth, but in August 2005 the Howard government and state government applied to intervene in the case in support of Forestry Tasmania.
“Senator Abetz has used parliament to attack my role in defending the Wielangta Forest in the courts, and fund raising to enable this action. But Senator Abetz has an equal and opposite responsibility. Abetz should reveal the totally unnecessary cost to the public of the federal invention on the case which he hosted, and then repay the money – though a public appeal if he wishes,” Senator Brown said.”
Touche.
#535
that’s even more hilarious
No 531
Too true, Fulvio. And you would know very well given your past history working with disadvantaged Aboriginal communities in WA.
… except for new school buildings, bridges, repaired road black-spots, highway improvements, community halls and facilities, ceiling insulation in homes across the continent … people in employment constructing the above, others in supporting employment, the boost to economic activity in communities from the outback to inner metro areas, the income tax revenue going back to the commonwealth. Nah, nothing to show for it whatsoever!
No 536
Bob Brown is an idiot, as usual.
GP,
A peak of 13% of GDP as the debt proportion of GDP is neither egregious nor excessive when compared to major western economies. The Liberal position on this has been debunked by every thinking economist. Repeating your mantra does not make it true. It just makes your position juvenile.
There’s a reason that Rudd and the Government are so popular. They take good advice and people see them getting on with the job of governing the country in a tough environment.
Most people who have ever had a home loan can spot the pathetic nature of the Libs debt arguments any day
No 541
Peak debt of 13% is massive compared to ZERO net debt we had previously.
No 542
Government debt is not the same as a home loan. A home owner is responsible for their home loan. Taxpayers are responsible for the debt and the annual multi-billion-dollar interest bill.
A someone once pointed out here on Poll Bludger, that’s like a person on a hundred grand taking out a 13,000 dollar loan to build a shed. Hardly the end of the world, except the unconscionable Liberals would try to scare dimwitted voters into believing it.
ZM,
Reads like more whining from Brown because he is under pressure to be acountable for his dodgy fundraising scam.
Iran’s most senior cleric says the election was rigged. This one’s not going to go to bed.
http://www.mcclatchydc.com/iran/story/70155.html
No GP, the government is responsible
In Canada it is the conservatives in power borrowing to protect their economy against the GFC, while it is the lefites in opposition raising a scare over “the debt”. I guess it’s just what any sensible government has to do, and what oppositions (because they’re oppositions) must oppose.
Wow, things are getting to revolutionary levels over there now
No it’s not. Even allowing for the spurious analogy, the Government’s revenue is not the same as the GDP.
Benji – I’m at the other end to you. Do you think it is likely to be realigned. Hoping not.
True. Federal Government revenue is around 30% of GDP I think. However, governments get much better interest rates than we do.
The New Kids on the Block Australian Tour has been cancelled.
http://www.undercover.com.au/News-Story.aspx?id=8548
This is a bad thing?
Dr Phil is definitely coming here tough.
Dario
Governments also have much less discretionary spending than we do. If we want, we can tighten our belts and save pretty easily. It’s much harder for Governments to do that. Although I accept that their revenue can also be increased more easily than ours can, unless we rob a bank.
#540, it’s your idiot now. As your side has gotten into bed this idiot over the blocking of the Ruddbank Bill. It is obvious now that the Greens and the Liberals are anti jobs.
Anti jobs? I think that this forums average intelligence is above terms like that.
http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-business/economy-has-passed-the-worst-survey-20090617-chbh.html
No 557
We do not need a Government-owned bank to protect jobs.
Well, there’s another DD trigger waiting in three months.
Odd as its seems, Mia freedman makes an interesting point on the 12 yr old pregnant girl story. I don’t know if I totally agree with her.
http://mamamia.com.au/weblog/2009/06/a-12-year-old-girl-is-pregnant-why-is-that-docs-fault.html
Take out two words – “owned bank” – and you have the true conservative philosophy.
Tom
#558, you are obviously new here. i forgive you.
Actually that would be more of a randian libertarian position Tom.
It’s Generic Person who drags down the collective IQ of this board.
Finns
I’m totally ignorant about the Ruddbank. What is it and why would we want it? You have 100 words.
#566, i was just try to be kind to my nappy friend.
A job for the good boy, Cossssssie.
There you are the magnificent 7 words. Is that good enough for you Herr Diog?
A line of credit from the government to the construction industry, as international funding in Australia has dried up due to the credit crunch
well a bit of it is from the government, the rest from the big four banks.
#570, you are just too kind.
GP and other Liberal hacks here continually display their economic illiteracy just like motormouth Hockey. (Cf. my post @ 452, “Ross Gittins slams Hockey)
Dio
Construction finance is often a big issue for major projects. If you are building a billion dollar freeway or shopping centre and only get paid in stages, you may hold up to $200 M in debt at times, and need to borrow that money to pay the workers to finish the project, at which time you pay back your debtors and hopefully make a profit with the change. So most building contractors have substantial lines of credit. If banks close up credit lines then RuddBank is needed to prevent that closure stopping other activity.
Liberal economic vandalism will always be higher under Labor.
Heard that the Property Council (Commercial construction mob) begged, pleased and went on bended knees to Bishop, Hockey & Turnbull to get the Ruddbank passed.
No go, said the Libs – so that means the Libs will not be able to go cap in hand for funds for the next election to the construction mob.
The funds were only going to be available to certain firms on the approval of the 4 Big Banks so deadbeat builders would not be eligible.
It was to make sure that commercial building sites could go on during the credit crunch.
I love how Greensborough Growler has the plumb the depths of the Liberal Party (bloody Abetz! lol) to find someone to support his position.
Half-half, no?
The Liberals werne’t going to vote anyway, The Greens wanted the salaries of executives of companies benefitting from billions of taxpyayers dollars to be capped at the tiny figure of $1 million.
Does anyone think that companies being aided by the taxpayer should be able to pay their executives whatever they want?
Actually, to rephrase: If Kevin Rudd was to back up his statements that executive salaries were “obscene” by capping the pay of executives who are taking advantage of taxpayers money, would anyone here disagree?
BH,
ALP submission has Paterson covering Maitland, taking out Gloucester while the LP submission adds Muswellbrook, Singleton and Mudgee, while taking out Nelson Bay, Raymond Terrace and Maitland!!!
I also don’t see the problem with that other proposed ammendment to ensure half of the board was government appointed to reflect the nature of the funding. Not sure if this got up though.
#574, you are the kindest.
You see Herr Diog, all i have to do is sit and ponder under the Knowledge Tree and the apples will fall just as predicted by Newton.
Benji – does that mean that Forster will go into Lyne?
No 579
Only the low-hanging rotten apples, of course.
No 562
She has a point about blaming DOCS. It is inevitable that they will prioritise more severe cases.
My point was that it is a sad day in this world when a pre-pubescent child becomes pregnant due to parental neglect.
GP 581
Thanks for that. How many construction projects have you managed the finance of?
They don’t believe in collectives. It’s every man for himself and bugger the rest of yas!
No 583
My extended family is involved in commercial and residential construction and they’re sources of funding a reasonably secure.
No 585
they’re = their
No 584
Collectives give rise to groupthink. Who would want that?
BH,
No. ALP proposes Gloucester LGA and Bulahdelah move to Lyne. Tuncurry and Foster would stay in Paterson on community of interest grounds.
But the committee may do something completely different, like they did in 2006.
Is it coming from Napoli?
Zing.
Don’t tell Frank, he won’t get the joke and think I’m slandering all Italians.
No 589
LOL
No 585
Another silly mistake
a reasonably secure = are reasonably secure
Soc, well asked. If i recall, i also asked GP once as to how many startups has he done. Obviously, none. He’s still in nappy.
#589 – That’s Amore
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aS6-b7CONDI
Collective activity is what transformed Australia from a wild and rough island into one with roads, schools, hospitals. Collective activity makes a defence force possible, enables a society and community spirit. Yes, it’s truly evil stuff.
No 592
Finns, the Government doesn’t do anything to support jobs. People, like those in my family, who run SMEs are the ones who take the risk, take a chance and create jobs.
My salute to your family. We are in the same boat.
But what I want to know is YOU. What risks have you taken to create job and business?
So the stimulus doesn’t support jobs?
Regarding Ruddbank, I agree with teh greens idea to limit executive salary levels, which I have expressed concern about many times. However they should not have voted against the bill if they couldn’t get that. This this was not the US govt bailing out failed banks.
Ruddbank is aimed at loaning working capital to otherwise viable projects that are being denied construction finance. As long as the project is based on a binding contract with a buyer at the end of it that should be fine, and the taxpayer can expect to see their money back with low risk and some interest paid. Meanwhile thousands of people don’t lose their jobs. As long as the loans are publicly listed so no secret slush fund is developed, I see no problem with Ruddbank at all.
No 596
I’m still studying. But I’ve been intimately involved in family business since I was a child.
You’re the last person I need a lecture from about risk.
You can almost say the Big 4 are now the Ruddbank because the Govt guarantees their borrowing with the Govt credit rating. So another guarantee to the construction is nothing different, it is just another form. i dont see why people got so excited about it.
Thanks to everyone but Finns for the Ruddbank explanation.
#599, you just make sure you pass the exams and be nice to your Mum.
This is a good point.
Diog, you dont think any explanation from me. i know you too well.
you dont think = you dont need
No 598
I would like to see evidence that there is a need for the Government to give these banks more money and more guarantees. They haven’t.
These banks are practically the most profitable in the developed world at the moment. They do not require additional assistance over and above what has already been given.
No 602
You’re also the last person I need patronising from.
#607, yes you do, especially be nice to your Mum.
Oz,
It must be wonderful to live in a cocoon. I regularly post links to people and groups that I don’t always agree with but who make a relevant point on a particular issue. Abetz is a case in point.
However, as always with the Greens, you play the man when the criticism is too hot to handle. Brown and his Greens cheer squad should address the substance of Abetz points rather than resorting to mindless abuse.
GP 606
You missed the point. Ruddbank loans money to companies for specific projects, not to banks. Don’t forget to read the exam question.
No 610
.
And there is even less evidence that we need that.
When it comes to likes of Eric Abetz, I will gladly “play the man”.
Further humiliation for MHS in SA.
http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,25648147-5006301,00.html?from=public_rss
Watching a repeat of Lateline….Leigh looked saucy last night.
#615, focus on youur exams. she tried too hard to look like Juanita Phillips.
Oz,
So you agree with Abetz?
“The fact is Senator Brown’s legal challenge lost not on a technicality but on the law. Remember the law? It is what everyone else has to abide by unless, it seems, they are a Green crusader”.
No 615
Juanita can look stunning when she doesn’t where here nanna outfits.
No 617
where = wear. Stupid automatic spell checker.
Here = her 617
#619, they should put the Member for Bass back to where she belongs, behind the PM. It’s just not the same without those soulful eyes during QT.
This should get the old Labor vs. Greens thing fired up.
http://www.crikey.com.au/2009/06/17/rundle-forget-the-alp-time-for-a-greensunions-unholy-alliance/
No 621
Is Guy Rundle a supporter of corrupt and violent union behaviour? What a surprise.
Sigh. Can you point out anyone here who said Brown is above the law? No, because no one has.
What’s been pointed out to you, several times, is that Brown actually won the case *on the law*. Your precious Abetz’s lord and saviour John Howard changed *the law*, and a result Brown lost on appeal. This is within *the law*, even though I personally find it objectionable, but I still believe that since this is *the law* and Brown knew it was *the law* he should pay.
Sad that supporting the principle of “everybody is equal under the law” is now being equated to supporting violent crime.
Sadder still that the same argument being pushed by the Liberals is also being pushed by Rudd and Gillard.
Ah well, the unions shouldn’t complain. Labor is better, on aggregrate, than the Liberals.
Anybody mentions HIH???
She’s pregnant, GP, so she can hardly be pre-pubescent.
No 624
Oz, the High Court itself has recognised that there is no such principle.
I didn’t say it was a law, or an enshrined right.
A principle is distinct from those, in my opinion.
Murray Wilcox QC said the following on the matter of compulsory interrogation:
Oz, do you agree or disagree with the independent judgment of Wilcox?
http://www.workplace.gov.au/NR/rdonlyres/0B44B3D3-9ABD-4F4A-94FE-866F9ACDB2A6/0/WilcoxReport.pdf
Careful Oz, “principle” is a four letter word to some Liberals. Then again, so are “Rudd” and “Swan”
“She’s pregnant, GP, so she can hardly be pre-pubescent.”
ROTFL thanks Polyquats, I missed that one! GP let me guess, you are studying law, not medicine?
Indeed. These are not handouts, they are loans.
Last night Glen posted (at 370) a list which he described as “Turnbull reshuffle”. I assumed that he was reporting an actual announcement by Turnbull. Yet there is nothing about any reshuffle in today’s news. He said that Coonan had been dropped from the frontbench, yet two hours ago she was still shadow minister for finance. Where did Glen get this list from? Did he make it up?
Of course I did Adam as if I am a Liberal insider…
I merely made up a list of who should be in and who should be out and apologies for not making that clear Adam and for forgetting some portfolios…
LOL Adam.
That was a hypothetical list put forward by Glen, based on what he wanted.
I thought everyone figured that ou.
*out.
Hahahaha, didn’t send you off on a wild goose chase did he Adam?
How many SMEs in a Shopping Mall that, potentially, have been destroyed by the rejection of the Ruddbank Bill?
#636
Too bad too. The member for Dickson livens up the place. And he won’t be there to receive any barbs that Roxon might have in store later.
oh dear.
No 638
None. Ruddbank is an obscene waste of money. In fact, the terms of the agreement and what it is supposed to solve are so vague as to be a joke.
Thanks Glen. I guess I should know better than to believe anything I read here. I thought by the way it was quite a good reshuffle – I hope some real Lib insiders were reading.
Both ‘wear’ and ‘where’ are correctly spelt. More a case of the stupid poster than the spell check. You’ll lose marks in the exam for that.
Well, you would if I was marking…
Tom
No 631
Ok, I’m not a doctor, never have proclaimed that I am one. But at 11 years of age, the reproductive system is barely developed. Now that she’s pregnant, obviously the body can change quickly.
In any event, she’s still a bloody child that should not be opening her legs and bearing children.
Thanks Adam now if only i could get that list to Malcolm T???
Malcolm is getting a hard time in QT over his past activities.
Let me guess the ‘rain man’?
You’d think he’d be going for broke now that he’s got nobody behind him with a knife and coming off one ‘good’ poll…
Craig Thompson, member for call girls, asks a dorothy dixer.
Question Time: Apparently Mission Australia is a shadowy ALP front. The Libs have lost it, If they ever had it.
No, it was about a company of which he was chairman engaged in illegal predatory logging in the Solomons.
Tanner is an embarrassment Today.
Myer CEO:
Mr Brookes says the stronger than expected performance has been assisted by the second round of Federal Government stimulus payments.
“We have also observed a greater impact from the second Federal Government stimulus package, particularly in many of our suburban and regional stores,” he said.
He certainly embarrassed you lot
No 652
If the Government wanted to bail out Myer and Harvey Norman, he should have directed the billions directly into their bank accounts.
#654
No, that wouldn’t have supported jobs.
I’m waiting for the Gillard Question. The DPM is looking particularly carnivorous today.
No 655
It would have supported jobs at Harvey Norman and Myer. That’s effectively what you’re arguing whenever you quote comments from their directors. It’s the Myer Stimulus Package, at the cost of $23 billion to Australian taxpayers.
It’s because Liberals don’t understand why economic stimulus works that makes them completely irrelevant in what to do in tough economic times. GP, Glen, all Liberals including MPs are hopeless when it comes to this.
No it wouldn’t GP. You have no idea what you are talking about.
No 659
Why not?
“Why has the Member for Flinders been neutered?”, asks Rudd. I was wondering that, too.
#657
Businesses such as Myer and Harvey Norman typically make their money by selling goods, which requires staff. If they instead made their money by having the government pay them directly then the staff become redundant. Of course, they could receive free money _and_ sell goods, but without the stimulus payments to people who spend them at those businesses, staff would probably have to be cut.
Because business operates on supply and demand. If consumer demand falls, business will cut jobs to match, even if you give them a handout. They’ll just pocket the money and pay off debt.
It’s the Julia v Christopher show, a daily event at 3pm on sitting days
More like the Julia mauling Christopher show.
Bring back the doberman. Pyne’s imbecility is an embarrassment.
Combet, the blackmailer, is up on the dispatch box. Snooze time.
http://www.news.com.au/business/story/0,27753,25649832-31037,00.html
GP – what are you doing? You are blogging almost day and night.
My grandkids (who are at Uni and probably your age) don’t have time to do that with all the study they are coping with to get good results. Plus they work part-time for a bit of extra money and independence from their parents.
You need to smarten up a bit.
GP #644
A 12-year old is so underdeveloped that the doctors involved will have consdered the question of a termination
The humanity!
It’s called the freaking multiplier effect. Read an economics book.
My favourite Daily Tele comment on the matter:
So very Tele. Always about the tax dollars.
I love the concept that an 11 year old is devious enough to get preggers in order to steal tax money!
No 672
The multiplier effect of the Government’s measures is 0.6. A lot of bloody debt for a piddling multiplier.
No 670
Frankly, I’m surprised they didn’t recommend termination. Well, if they did, it certainly hasn’t been publicised to my knowledge.
No 669
BH, thanks for your concern, but I’m fine.
GP, what portion of the debt in terms of % of GDP is stimulus handouts?
No 678
Government Revenue does not equal Gross Domestic Product.
I think the main risk for a girl that age is an underdeveloped pelvic bone structure, which is not a factor if a C-section is available (which it would be)
Pick a measurement you want and give us the answer then
No 680
Even more sickening that the girl will require a Caesarian.
You’d be surprised GP. They are pretty common these days.
There are lots of inceased risks to a 12 yo who is pregnant. Placental abnormalities, pre-eclempsia and low birth weight baby are the main ones. She may well need a Caesarian section but the baby will probably be small so she might not. She (and her parents) would have had those risks explained and they would have made the decision not to have a termination.
No 683
I know they’re common for adult pregnancies. It’s just shocking that a child would need to go through the ordeal.
Tony Abbott is being so nice lately. Nice to Julia Gillard, nice to Jenny Macklin, and last night he was saying nice things in parliament about the budget measure to raise the retirement age.
Some might say the ordeal of a caesar is actually less, especially with a posterior birth
I imagine Abbott has had it drummed into him that if he wants to be a leadership contender – which on the basis of his experience he ought to be – he has to overcome his reputation as Mr Can’t Cope With Women, who have had the vote for quite some time now.
Or maybe Abbot is angling for a government job when he quits Parliament, a la Costello, and realizes he’ll be well past retirement age (or dead of old age) if he waits for his lot to get back in.
I think that’s less likely.
At least Abbott has a Bachelor of Economics – maybe that is why he is not in an shadow economic portfolio?
What’s less likely, that he wants the job, that the Libs will be a long time out of office, or that he still has aspirations of taking the leadership?
Abbott said yesterday that he still has leadership aspirations – why would he say that?
Curses, I’m wrong again!
My local member -Keenan- is a bumbling drone. Didn’t Glen and/or GP promote him as young Liberal talent? God help them!
The only two places in Aust that Abbott could win a vote is Warringah and the Melbourne Club. No woman away from the north shore would ever vote for him.
I think it’s unlikely that he want a job from Rudd if he leaves politics. (I also think it’s unlikely that Costello will get one, but who knows?)
I’m sure Abbott still sees himself as a future leader, and in some ways he’s entitled to. He’s only 51, he has held senior portfolios, he speaks well, he has genuine convictions. His problem is that he comes across as a deeply unlikeable person – arrogant, rude, vicious and insensitive, particularly when dealing with powerful women like Gillard or Roxon, which he obviously has some kind of problem with. If he has been taking advice since the election, he will have been told that this is his most fundamental problem and he has to deal with it.
Psephos,
He’s also erratic. One day he’s lecturing one and all about making Parliament and public life more kind. The next he resorts to bastardy and barbs to exploit a perceived political advantage.
His policy wins as a Minister were rare. He was really just Howard’s bovver boy. He’s made the careers of Gillard, Roxon and Macklin because of his inability to deal with assertive women.
Yeah, too much baggage I think
Ozymandias, my local member is Jensen.
At least you have the possibility your bumbler may lose his seat at the next election.
I am reduced to having to rely on his own Party branch disendorsing him again in favour of another CC denialist.
FMD
http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/minutes-spent-on-one-second-debate-20090617-chmu.html
All prerequisites for a rabble leader.
How long has the ABC been advertising? First on buses and now on crikey banners?
No 701
Anything which gives the Australian people an extra second of relief from Chris Evans is good policy in my view.
Harking back to the Tas State election 06 here’s the first 3 minutes of The Greens Putt’s 45 minute diatribe. http://www.abc.net.au/reslib/200603/r78714_225488.mp3
Now that’s politics raw style!
Sense and sensibility:
http://www.smh.com.au/national/gangland-widow-judy-moran-is-refused-bail-20090617-chhd.html
No wonder Generic Heffalump is having trouble finding employment.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/06/17/2601052.htm?section=justin
HuffPo has done a great job covering the Iranian election, although William tells me I’m silly for reading it. The Assembly of Experts have called an emergency meeting. They have the power to remove Khameni but the reason for the meeting is unknown.
There wa a shift in Govt. tactics today. They are going after Turnbull – Rudd said something about HIH and hinted that he was leaving that for later.
Tony Bourke gets a question about Silvania Forest Products. The gloves are off.
Surely the statute of limitations is up on the HIH thing.
It may still be back in the courts next year, the out of court settlement is not a done deal.
About time! The claim is always made about Kevin Rudd, but Turnbull’s the guy who’s had a dream run, from the government and the media.
Abbott is out of the genuine leadership stakes, and was never seriously in it.
He does not have sufficient support in the broader community, never has, and never will.
No 712
No adverse findings were ever made against Turnbull. Rudd just wants his share of the blood after Fitzgibbon’s slaying.
You’re not wrong
No 713
Similar things were said of John Howard 20 years ago until he led his party to 4 election victories.
Cuppa
I would expect a headline in the Australin tomorrow saying “Turnbull made $25 million clear felling Solomon Island.”
Won’t hold my breath.
Ru, Dario,
Their ABC had a hagiography corner devoted to their man on the front page of ABC News Online on 9 June. The heading read:
Then, along with a photograph, the text read:
Groan. The bias could not have been any more blatant.
QT would be far more boring without the daily inanity from Dutton, the Member for Dickson. How on earth this tool continues to stay on the Liberal front bench is beyond me!
Yes, Tony Burke tipped a nice fat bucket on Malcopops today, Generic Person would have hated it.
Dutton is the lowlife who called the Prime Minister “the pig of Australian politics”. This coming from an ex-copper, and member of the party that worships someone even they refer to as a rodent.
No 718
Cuppa, I struggle to see any bias in what you’ve just quoted. If Malcolm Turnbull has indeed been described as such, and the ABC has merely reported it, then there is no bias.
Just front up and admit that you want the ABC to be a Government mouthpiece.
No 720
Tony Burke is another Labor dunce.
No 721
Rudd has been a toxic, feral boar since forever.
Generic Person: compare Dutton with Bruce Bilson(a gentleman). Bilson asked Gillard a decent question today, without all the sneering of Pyne/Hockey/Dutton.
The member for Dunkley is one from your side who I respect.
I don’t follow the Parliamentary broacasts much, but if a genuine question is asked by the other side, no matter who’s in Government, is it generally answered properly in question time, or is it always an opportunity for one up manship?
Seriously, over the last 40 odd years, whenever I have heard snippets from QT, the answers have always been very funny or infuriating, depending on who’s in power, but very seldom informative.
When the media was paying out … and paying out … on Rudd for berating a member of the Defence Force aboard a plane, little was made of this:
http://www.2ue.com.au/the-rise-and-rise-of-the-combative-malcolm-turnbull/20080916-4hej.html?page=single
Radio 2UE, 16 September 2008
When are they going to go after the Liberal guy for the same thing they crucified Rudd for??
Let’em go after Malcolm. It’ll just feed in to the perception out there that Rudd is a nasty little grub and not at all the kind of person the electorate thought it was voting in as PM.
No 727
Problem is Cuppa, Turnbull doesn’t tell off public servants for bringing him red meat instead of white meat. He isn’t that vacuous.
To be fair to the ABC
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/06/17/2601116.htm
“Turnbull under fire in dramatic Question Time”.
To be conttinued…
Much was made by the media of the Liberal Party’s talking point about Mr Rudd using someone’s secondhand old ute. So I’m wondering why this is or was not a major story …
The Age, 24 February 2009
http://www.theage.com.au/national/police-reopen-visa-probe-20090223-8fvf.html?page=-1
http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/obama-set-to-unveil-financial-supervision-reforms-20090617-chqf.html
Turnbull of the Terrifying Temper would have just done the Liberal thing: had the hapless employee dismissed on the spot without recourse. Liberals call it Work”Choices”.
No 730
Obviously those investigations have not revealed anything material otherwise heads would be rolling.
Cuppa, you can bring up any amount of old newspaper articles, you can even talk about Sir Henry Parkes and the prophet Moses, but it simply won’t change the reality of Rudd’s piggish behaviour.
No 732
The terrifying temper you speak of is mythical conjecture.
Says the Generic Heffalump who says at various times”
Does anyone else think Turnbull bears a striking resemblance to a photo shopped Montgomery Burns?
So GP, you have evidence to support this? Make sure that it is more reliable and trustworthy than the material linked at #727. Or is this just your uninformed opinion?
“Excellent”
An example
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JmylSHuPvg
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24237106-601,00.html
Described by a victim as literally “terrifying”, it is definitely piggish and boorish behaviour from Turnbully of the Terrifying Temper Tantrums.
Or is the resemblance magnified by the similarity of their lifestyle and social policies?
Careful, the Heffalump will now bring up Tim Costello’s Childhood and how he bullied Peter
GP your posts today are well below your usual standard. Just saying “Labor Minister X is an idiot” in response to everything anyone says doesn’t really cut it. Do you actually know anything about the Solomon Islands logging matter, for example? These are serious charges if substantiated – namely that Turnbull made a personal profit of $25 million dollars through a vandalistic strip-logging operation in the Solomons and also engaged in rax evasion.
Obviously GP is having a bit of infant like fun. Surely he knows Burke is a better chance at becomming PM than anyone in the entire current Liberal Parliamentary Party.
He has spent the last 18 months slaughtering the National Party (ok fish in a barrel I know).
Don’t you mean Tax ?
Why is Nicola Roxon looking like Prince Valiant?
http://content.expressen.se/blog/17/47/81/ninnibeth/images/Valiant.jpg
Ah yes, she is donning the right gear to fight the swine flu’
Generic Person, you are SO SPOT ON!!!!!!
“rax evasion” = tax evasion
No 742
This is what Turnbull said in 2004:
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/09/30/1096401687340.html
About what? When? Where? How?????
No 746
Brenton, I appreciate your kind words.
Obviously Malcolm wasn’t so concerned as to not take their money though.
Grog
I think that might be Brendan Nelson posting, heavily disguised.
Believe me Zoomster, Nelson would not go around praising anyone defending Turnbull.
No 708
HuffPo is a whingeathon for Arianna. She went through a troubled divorce and is now taking it out on the Republican party.
Yeah well done GP, great analysis of the Huffington Post given 708 doesn’t mention the Republican Party at all, and is about the Iranian election.
Watch it, fellow bloggers. we know who you are. especially GP.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/unmasked-police-blogger-escapes-further-action-1707169.html
GP’s opinions and assertions are brought about by immaculate conception, unsullied by dirty facts or reality.
Poor old Geriatric Pensioner doesn’t appear to know the difference between the truth and stuff that’s made up. No wonder he idolises Honest John.
Nevertheless GP is right. When she was Arianna Stassinopoulos she was a mad right-winger, then she married a dreadful Republican billionaire Michael Huffington. When he failed to be elected to the Senate in 1994 despite spending $28 million of his own money, she dumped him, and suddenly popped up as a liberal Democrat. I enjoy HuffPo but I don’t take Huff herself very seriously.
Pretty scary verdit Finns.
So long as nothing said is defamtory, or divulging of in-confidence information, I see no reason why posters cannot stay anonymous.
Nore most of the “celebrity” bloggers there – but it is a good source for links to stories.
I wonder how he feels about the fact that Rudd showed more class at Costello’s leaving than did Howard?
Any Canberra Bludgers off to the mid-winter ball??
GP
Turnbull was chairman of Axiom Forest Resources before the strip felling in the Solomons. The Solomon Times makes accusations that Forestry companies have bribed local officials and influenced elections.
Labor just gave him a warning shot – my guess is there will be no more Ute questions.
The mobile phone will turn out to be the most democratic piece of appliance ever invented. Just wait for the internet/web access to be ubiquitous and affordable. All other media will be swept away.
I still haven’t located Shanahan.
Any sightings lately?
No 758
Cuppa has run out of things to say, articles to quote. He’s obviously lost the battle of ideas.
Or maybe he has work to do …
No 763
ruawake, clearly the ALP is steel reeling from the slaying of Fitzgibbon, so it’s looking for blood in the opposition. The accusations were baseless in 2004 and remain baseless now.
No 765
You people constantly berated Shanahan, and now you’re suffering withdrawal symptoms. LOL
Reminds me of the outpouring of grief when I was banned last year.
No 768
Oh dear, another embarrassing mistake.
steel = still.
Don’t worry GP – we are used to them.
every blog needs a whipping boy, GP.
anyhoo must go for the night.
Huffington Post is currently providing some of the best coverage of the Iranian protests via this thread:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/06/13/iran-demonstrations-viole_n_215189.html
It now has over 31,000 comments.
Of course, that didn’t stop Republican spokesman Rush Limbaugh from accusing the Huffington Post of ignoring the Iranian protests:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/06/15/rush-limbaugh-accuses-huf_n_215882.html
In a major tragedy for our hysterical media, “Swine flu ‘less deadly than expected”. Apparently few have been afflicted and even fewer have died.
Media proprietors were heard to grumble that, “this just will not do”.
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,25650887-5005961,00.html
Certainly he and others can comment on criticise their own. What legitimate ‘further’ action could ‘they’ take?
I am confident I can say without fear of contradiction that Rush Limbaugh is a first class pig. Because it is true.
For those looking for the next internecine Liberal stoush, Tony Abbott is stalking Christopher Pyne. Now that Costello has left the building, what does Pyne offer Turnbull in terms of protection.
Abbott wants the MOB job and Pyne has not exactly shone. You can hear in Gillard’s tone she would prefer a more challenging lunch.
http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/good-lord-at-this-rate-hell-be-back-in-a-few-days-20090616-cgkt.html?page=-1
Well it looks like the share prices in property trusts collapsed today, now I wonder why that would be.
The question is will labor put Rudd bank up to the senate again, for the pleasure of watching the liberals blink, or will the let it slid so they have something to beat them around the ears with at the nest elections.
fredn,
Do you have a link?
Lindsay Tanner sees Hockey and Turnbull under increasing scrutiny now that Cossie has departed. Hockey is clearly a weak link in the Government’s assessment.
http://blogs.watoday.com.au/business/lindsaytanner/2009/06/17/turnbullhockey.html?page=fullpage#comments
http://au.finance.yahoo.com/q?s=^AXPJ
Biggest fall of any sector.
It’s been awhile since I have been to a Mac restaurant. But i didn’t realise the foods have gone so bad.
http://www.smh.com.au/national/mcdonalds-siege-ends-gunman-held-20090617-ch2k.html
Is Brenton the work experience kid?
ShowsOn
I agree. The live blogging at HuffPo on Iran has been brilliant. It’s been the best way to keep up with what’s going on. It shows what new media can do and why newspapers are becoming redundant.
“Liveblogging The Uprising” is loaded. The coverage has been alright, but I prefer news, whether it be from traditional sources or blogs to be more independent and balanced.
Did anyone else watch QT today and the report from the ex-priest (meddlesome, mostly) Uhlmann on ABC TV News? In my view, the report from Uhlmann bore no resemblance to the QT I watched. It seems to me that at least blogs allow some different percolating of what’s being presented to us. Uhlmann is envy driven (because he’s a failed pollie) at the very least.
Oz
I don’t think any news is unbiased. All humans are built with hundreds of biases. I’m sceptical of everything.
This doesn’t prove the Iranian election was rigged but Mohsen Rezaee’s absolute vote goes down over a 4 hour period on Iranian state TV by 45,000. The numbers add up so it’s not a simple typo. It’s a bad look.
Then again, the ABC had the Libs winning on their bottom-of-screen seat count in Nov 2007.
http://loft965.com/2009/06/17/picture-that-proves-iran-election-rigging/
Of course not. But The Huffington Post doesn’t even pretend to be. And it’s so closely tied to the American establishment that it’s opinions on Iran have to be taken with an enormous grain of salt.
Also, just because there’s a screen grab on the internet doesn’t mean it’s what happened on the night. There’s been a lot of fake documents floating around to do with Iran lately.
Geez, I feel like an apologist for dinner jacket.
Oz
Perhaps we should get the guys MHS used to check out his “Scientology bribe” papers on Mike Rann to sort out the truth for us.
> Back from rather excessive hacks’ dinner, celebrating today’s highly successful “Pearl Harbor” on Turnbull. And there’s plenty more where that came from. Labor’s tactic over the last few months has been to prepare for the Second Coming of Chicken Man, but now that he has done a runner, Turnbull is the target, and the blowtorch will be held to his goolies for the rest of the session.
I did have to laugh at this. Did we look like we were reeling today? Fitzgibbon is no great loss, and deploying Faulkner, Bowen, Arbib and Clare has strengthened the line-up considerably.
And memories of Albo in the oopisition.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Snh1-p1G-H4
Evidence of the Liberals good financial management.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/06/17/2601207.htm
The Liberals started flinging mud at Rudd, Labor has every right to retaliate, and once they’re finished with Turnball, I hope they move on to Hockey and those creeps Pyne and Dutton.
Great news.
http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-sport/socceroos-beat-japan-cahill-scores-two-20090617-chyw.html
Cahill you bewdy, 69,300 odd at the G including myself and if the MCG doesnt hold the world cup final if we get it, then it would be a disgrace
No 796
Cahill was outstanding. I’m glad he gave the Fox Sports interviewer the snub because the media slandered him all week – baselessly.
No 797
Got to hand it to the Melbourne people – at least they can provide a decent pitch. Stadium Australia’s pitch was third-world quality last week.
Sport will always be better in Melbourne.
In breaking news, Justin Madden to run for Essendon.
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,25652254-2862,00.html
The libs have gone back to the future by pre selecting Barresi for Deakin. Howard for Bennelong?
http://www.vexnews.com/news/4949/deakin-phil-barresi-comfortably-wins-liberal-preselection/
It was either Barresi *who shouldnt be the candidate* or some right wing nutter…
Still Barresi lost his seat and he’s a hack…surely there was better qualified people to run for the seat, plus Barresi is a hack and has no prospects of joining the front bench…he’s just a seat warmer.
No 801
Who cares about AFL? Inconsequential sport on this momentous evening for the Socceroos.
Glen,
Doesn’t auger well. How soon before we have Bronny Bishop as Opposition spokesperson on Sport?
Wilson Tuckey as spokesperson for Aboriginal Affair?
I think that the Greens vote in Essendon at the next state election but the Greens will still come third but I would not mind if there was an upset other that the Libs winning.
Tom,
Any chance of an English translation.
Agreed GP! Glen, if you were at the game, did the Socceroos play well? On the news highlights they seemed to have created a few chances, apart from the goals.
Yeah I was there bloody cold mind but it is Melbourne
They were good for the first 15-20mins then Japan had all the run and looked good scoring at the 40m mark some 7ft tall Jap scored a bewdy with a header…
We just came at them in the second and Cahill did the rest
No 809
I know this is Alan Jones, but he totally and correctly berated the Daily Terror’s editor for totally fabricating a story about Cahill’s alleged drunkenness.
http://www.2gb.com/index2.php?option=com_newsmanager&task=view&id=3817
807
Sorry, there was meant to be the words “will rise” between Essendon and at but I forgot to type them. I must try and proof read my post more.
The Greens will create clones of Adele Carles which will result in inner city ALP Seats going Greens despite the fact we’ve been smoking the Wacky Tobaccy for too long
GP,
Thank goodness that Jones is unwell. Otherwise that editor would have been eaten alive.
Pretty easy to see why Cahill was uncooperative with the media tonight after the game.
No 813
Yep. There was no need to call Cahill a drunken disgrace. It was a face-saving exercise for the NRL and it was completely fabricated. The DT should be ashamed.
Found this collection of Ads from the 1990 Federal Election Campaign.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtf3KUWjs5c
John Howard 1987 election Ad.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HokVECktpTo
Heh that was a blast from the blast.
Gawd they were bad.
Yeah, and that ALP ad aimed at Greens and Deomcrat Supporters will most certainly raise the ire of a few Green types here
LOL liked Hewson’s anti-handout mentality.
http://english.aljazeera.net/focus/2009/06/200961781431119985.html
Good article on the situation in Iran.
http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/committee/climate_ctte/submissions/sublist.htm
Over 8,000 submissions. That is alot. Many good ones amoungst them. We need a carbon tax and higher targets. I endorse the contents of this one.
http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/committee/climate_ctte/submissions/sub608.pdf
This guy is reading my mind! Fucus on consumption!
Is this true? Can Aussie products be exported and then re-imported to avoid the ETS? If so, then thats pretty bad and it might well be “economical” for some companies to do that.
I’ve gotta read through more of these – bound to be baried treasure!
From the same submittion.
I wish the pollies would start talking in such a way. sigh…
#804, GP – didn’t i say to you this could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship?
Especially that sleazy sport called Thugby League.
For GPs finance education, here is the first evidence of the damage caused by cancelling Ruddbank:
http://www.theage.com.au/national/fire-sale-warning-over-ruddbank-20090617-chw0.html
This bill should be sent back to the Senate at the earliest possible opportunity.
Heysen Molotov
Some of the submissions are great, and go pretty in-depth in describing the problems with the CPRS. The CPRS is incredibly complex, and the (enormous) problems in it aren’t that easy to communicate.
That’s why it’s easy for Wong to get away with it using catchphrases like “This will put a price on carbon for the first time” which just treat everyone like an idiot.
Apparently it won’t be sent back till October.
Oz, which part of the statement “This will put a price on carbon for the first time” do you disagree with?
A carbon tax does not guarantee reductions in carbon emissions. Fail.
Re-read my post, I’m doubting that it will put a price on carbon.
But it’s like one step forward, fourteen steps back.
The whole point of a carbon price is for it to allow the market to transition to from an emissions intensive economy, to a low-emissions one. Nothing in the CPRS ensures that this will happen in Australia, a point that investment companies (whom a carbon price is generally targeting) readily admit. This is simply one problem, to do with the carbon price. There are so many other huge flaws in the legislation. I’ve tried to point them out the last few months, but probably failed in doing it properly. A lot of the submissions do a better job than I.
But it really shouldn’t be surprising that it’s rubbish scheme given the attitude of the government. Half the time we were trying to be persuaded that the government was going out on a political limb acting on climate change. Everyone knows that’s a joke. Climate change was a key issue at the last election and both private and public polling shows that it is refusing to go away.
Not that anyone else here will agree, and I’ll probably get flamed, but the policy was never about the environment but about wedging the Coalition and ensuring that Labor’s business mates and Australia’s resource based, carbon intensive economy were entrenched for many years.
The pathetic attempts to try and delude Australians into thinking that we can make significant cuts to our emissions without a pretty broad restructuring of our economy, which will mean some sectors shrink, is just sad, and holding us back from progress. The horse and cart analogy sums this point up well.
God I hate it when people say that. Ever been to the third world GP? I can tell you that their football pitches aren’t similar to Stadium Australia’s.
*I’m not doubting.
I dont mind political parties opposing government policy so long as they themselves have actually written and publicised their own definitive policy…
As far as i know Mute Hunt has no alternative policy and the Greens have no policy either and just bang on about having deeper cuts…
I hope this ETS fails in the Senate but I hope the Libs and others can come up with something better than just obstructing the Rudd Government…
Neither does the CPRS.
You do realise that the pricing mechanism in the CPRS is effectively a carbon tax, don’t you? What, with a price cap initially at $10 and then at $40.
I’m not completely convinced on either a tax or an ETS. I think a well structured ETS with high targets, less compensation and a high floor on the price of carbon is a good policy. But I like the simplicity of carbon taxes, and there’s some studies suggesting they are more efficient as well. The inability to quantify domestic emissions is pretty overstated, given the CPRS can’t do it either. And as long as you leave the tax rate open to change and monitor the impacts you can pretty accurately model were emissions are going. If you back it up by other policy measures like investment in renewable energy, public transport and energy efficiency then you can ensure significant cuts.
The neocon hive that is the OO may have finally decided (with some help from Rupert?) that their idiotic denialism on AGW has destroyed enough of their credibility – you can tell it’s reached that stage when people stop debating you and just laugh at you or ignore you (are you reading Senator Fielding?). Being ignored and dismissed is intolerable to them.
So! In the classic OO pattern, we will now see a new battlefront opened against the evil left / green eco-nazi / latte hugging / rainforest sipping / union thug / collective anythings /… in the field of……Education!!! TO ARMS!! Let the call go out across the land! We must stop any long term credit attaching to the ‘left’ from this nasty school building program! It must be destroyed and discredited! Liberal supporters, send us your stories! They don’t have to be accurate, we’ll print them anyway! It’s the volume of noise that counts with the punters, not facts!
I attended a (state) school fete the other day and there was a little exercise book where people could write in their comments about the displayed plans for the new multipurpose building. There was comment after comment along the lines of “Thank you, Thank you Mr Rudd”, “At last, a government that is putting money into education”, and “This is what governments should have been doing for the last fifty years – Go Julia”. Make no mistake, the neocons see this as an issue that can lock in labor votes for decades. The OO will be going all out to prevent that.
Sure it puts a price on carbon, but it only issues a particular number of permits to allow emission of a set amount of carbon. A carbon tax does no such thing. You could put out a carbon tax of $100 per tonne, but if certain companies decide it is better to pay the money than lower there emissions, you achieve nothing.
…or you just put everyone out of business
Excuse my ignorance, but what’s OO?
No 834
Totally agree. At my kids local public school people are happy to be seeing some new facilities being paid for by the governemnt, instead of having to be scrimped and saved for by the P & C.
Allbull on AM this morning, claiming that the coalition government used to vett the school spending more closely. Its true, the condition was the school had to put up a flagpole to get any money!
OO = Opposition Orifice (The Australian)
No 830
Come on phil. The pitch last week was joke. It was all chopped up and lumpy. Part of the problem is the fact that it is frequently used as a rugby pitch. But that is beside the point. The MCG was a mile in front in terms of quality. Even Lucas Neil said as much post-match.
No 838
Benji, silly names for pollies are banned by William.
No 841
Sorry if that offends. No comment on the flagpole then? Now there was a waste of money.
No 842
Doesn’t offend, but it’s fair game since I can’t call the PM Krudd.
s96 of the Constitution, determined virtually unreviewable by the High Court, allows the Commonwealth to grant funds to the States on any conditions which they think fit. The Commonwealth Government has been taking advantage of the grants power to control policy making of the States for decades, particularly since the first and second uniform tax cases.
aka The Daily Liberal
840 – Yes, I know, I’m not really picking on you or the pitch. It’s just my pet hate, as someone who’s spent a lot of time working in developing nations, when these stupid rich white people (again, not you specifically) come on the news and say ‘it’s like a third world nation.’
Oz @ 829
That’s true to a large extent I reckon, but the required world emissions plan can achieve its aims without any reduction in the resources sector in Australia, so there’s nothing for them to fear. It is only in the restructuring in some industries that political danger lies. However:
with and ETS we get more jobs right up to 2050; changes AMONG some jobs, but not losses OF jobs. This should become a mantra.
In the meantime, is the legislation to be introduced on Monday? Looks like the opposition will use a tried and true US technique to delay a vote in the Senate – and thus avoid a DD trigger. The milksop approach to important legislation:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/06/18/2601577.htm
And is there a shift in the hard line of the Greens’? Or not? This could possibly be construed as a potential face-saver for a last-minute acceptance of the legislation:
http://news.brisbanetimes.com.au/breaking-news-national/coalition-wont-rule-out-stalling-ets-20090618-cig2.html
No 845
Nothing wrong with being rich and white. But I accept your point.
No 833
Hear hear. A carbon tax would be much easier to administer and it could be applied progressively (with higher emitting industries being subject to higher rates etc). The money can then directly be reinvested by the Government in to solar, wind, nuclear.
The problem with an ETS is the fact that many of the technologies that we expect businesses to adopt to curb their spiralling emissions don’t exist or are not fully developed. Of course an ETS would fast-track their development, but ultimately the ETS will effectively act like a tax on business for its first few years anyway until cost-effective, reliable and proven technology comes on line.
Except it wouldn’t work, and wouldn’t interface with schemes in other countries
Shame Hunt wont write up a policy along the lines you suggest GP.
It pains me that the two of us could come up with more coherent policies than our current front bench…
The CPRS will provide an unlimited amount of free permits for some of our heaviest emitting industries, this same criticism applies.
And even *if* the free permits run out (I say if, not when, because I find it hard to believe that any government in 2009 that can’t break free of the greenhouse mafia will be able too in 2015) there’s nothing stopping those companies from just paying to buy offsets overseas.
So just like with a carbon tax, no quantifiable number of domestic emissions cuts.
No 849
How do you know that it wouldn’t work? The EU has had a carbon scheme for several years and it hasn’t worked. The pro-ETS brigade keep on saying that a market solution is the best way forward, yet it’s not a true market because they’re excluding sensitive industries (for strong reasons, I might add).
Even then, the market is only going to work if there are real alternatives to pursue once a price on carbon has been imposed. There aren’t a lot of real solutions. This problem, if it’s as bad as the scientists proclaim, requires large-scale investment to completely change the sources of energy that power our economies. That’s only going to come from heavy government investment.
Stadium Australia – a great place to play and watch AFL and NRL.
And I don’t think the soccer ground are unhappy either GP. They have to play their game to suit all types of fields.
Stop your Young Lib whining about it and get back to some study.
Is the goal to reduce emissions and transition to a low carbon economy, or to create a new playground for the shonks and the spivs that gave us the GFC?
No 850
The problem is that Turnbull doesn’t want to look like he’s adding more taxes yet if people truly believe in the dangers that climate change heralds and they truly believe in the urgency of a problem, a very, very significant amount of money is required to totally transform the way in which our economy depends on energy. An ETS is not going to bring these changes in fast enough. This requires Government action.
No 852
BH, spoken like a true, clueless anti-soccer person.
Unlike the other football codes, soccer requires a pretty high-quality pitch if you want a standard of play that’s higher than backyard soccer.
Frankly, for a nation that wants to host the world cup, Stadium Australia is the perfect excuse for us NOT to host it.
Personally, if Turnbull actually thought about this, i think he’d win the argument if he put his case forward logically and simply. A carbon tax makes so much more sense and John Howard proved that you can win an election on a policy platform of a new tax.
855 – from Goverment with a whopping majority. And a carbon tax is very different to your average ‘battler’ than a GST.
Labor calls bullshit on Libs pathetic scare camaign over debt and deficit. Mark Arbib telling it like it is.
http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/frightening-the-life-out-of-voters-debt-scare-campaign/?referrer=email
I look forward to today’s QT, what have they got to smear Malcopops with?
Why not make the carbon tax revenue neutral by cutting other taxes (GST? income tax) by the same amount. That way there’s a disincentive to not pollute (good for the environment, and the economy) as opposed to the current disincentive not to consume and to work (bad for the economy).
Then cut the $11 billion in subsidies to the fossil fuels sector and invest it in renewable energy.
Good energy policy policy 101 right there.
I’ve already explained the reasons. If you can’t be bothered reading my posts, I can’t be bothered re-writing them.
No 861
Dario, you’ve never explained anything.
855 Generic Person – How many seats did Howard lose at that election again?
I could say the same of you
Where can I tune into QT in HoR? Newsradio has been broadcasting the Senate lately.
Don’t worry GP I can now tell you. 18 seats were lost to Labor by the coalition. Hmm
No 863
How many seats did he win at the following election and the election after that?
No 866
No, the Government lost 14 seats.
vote1maxine, check this out.
http://webcast.aph.gov.au/livebroadcasting/
Add these up GP (867) then try again.
http://www.aec.gov.au/Elections/federal_elections/1998/hor/seats.htm
Irrelevant, those elections were fought on other issues. ‘98 was fought on the GST.
No 870
Labor gained 18 seats, but 4 of those were from independents.
We’re talking from one election to the next.
No 872
Gary, the question was “How many seats did Howard lose at that election”; I answered correctly by giving you the figure of 14.
Thanks GB.
Therese rained on the parade of the media lizards while Kate shaken and stirred their dry Martini. Bond, my name is Bond.
http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,25652473-5001021,00.html
Meanwhile back in Q, all the Liberals can serve up is Sophie Mirabela. Not fair, not fair at all.
At the bottom of that chart GP it reads -
So Labor over that term and at the ‘98 election gained 18 seats in total from the government from the ‘96 election.
A term and an election which was very much about the GST.
Finns elections arent a beauty contest…
BTW Kate Ellis couldnt hold a candle to Ali Moore
Glen, yes, try to tell that to Sarkozy. Anyway, your side aint got no beauties, so dont be jealous.
No 878
Or Juanita. Saucy minxes, they are.
Trubbel at Mill
I’ve noticed that too. They must have realised that Turnbull is going to end up voting for the ETS so there’s not much mileage in an issue both parties agree on. They have gone completely feral on the schools projects which is their headline on the dead tree version and currently online with Turnbull’s complaints.
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25654223-601,00.html
#879 – Juanita, yes, i understand the attraction of an older woman. “wink:
Well no but we’ll have Sarah Henderson before too long
BTW i think all this talk of Kate Ellis being the most attractive MP in the House is baloney the Member for Fremantle Melissa Parke is much more appealing…
http://www.news.com.au/perthnow/story/0,21498,25244277-2761,00.html?from=public_rss
This coming from the “Daily Liberal” which is running the opposition’s anti – stimulus package campaign.
Agreed Glen.
GB stop your whining about the Australian just ready the Age or Socialist Morning Herald.
BTW we are turning into the USA GB because we need only read newspapers that appeal to our own politics it is sad but true…
And boosted by Malcopos appearing on RN Breakfast which was rebroadcast on commerical news reports.
Haha they got Albo stepping in for Gillard.
“Settle down Christopher” – Rudd.
Glen
Actually, elections are partly a beauty contest. Studies have shown that you get more votes if you are attractive. It’s worth about 2%. The fact that it didn’t get Mia Handshin over the line against Pyne is a very strong argument that the Sturt election was rigged IMHO.
When Gillard is absent it takes two cabinet ministers to answer questions on her behalf.
Therese may have lost a few kilos, my main hope is that she has modified her dress sense.
Remember that outfit in New York with the frilly cuffs?
Christ, we nearly had a diplomatic incident on our hands that day
Sloppy Joe sent outside for one hour.
Teacher! Teacher! Cuppa used a rude name for Joe! That’s not allowed!!!
Yes I was punished earlier by the girlie swot, its not fair!
There’s a new book on this issue:
http://www.amazon.com/Going-Extremes-Minds-Unite-Divide/dp/0195378016/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1245301188&sr=8-2
Note, Obama has nominated the author to become a bureaucrat in his administration.
GB – are you watching QT. I’ve notice Hockey’s been twittering all this week in QT but is Turnbull now doing the same – he is fiddling with his mobile while Rudd is speaking.
Is that what we pay them for – to sit there and fiddle with their mobiles
WOW! My old primary school is getting a new library and the hall upgraded!
The hall was built as a S.A. government Jubilee 150 project in 1986. Good to hear it is now being upgraded over 20 years later.
I prefer the fake Joe Hockey twitter, it has gems like this:
http://m.twitter.com/JoetheHockey
Sorry Glen, New Kids on the Block have cancelled their tour:
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574,25654941-29277,00.html
It appears that since Costello’s departure you’ve all found who to direct your insults to on our side of the House…
Malcopos hasn’t updated his twitter since this morning.
http://twitter.com/TurnbullMalcolm
http://business.smh.com.au/business/business-confidence-bounces-back-20090618-ciq8.html
Classic from Tanner just now (directed at Abbott) – “I thought I told you to stay in the car and bark at strangers…”
lol
Good one Showson and true
Pyne is achieving the impossible today. He has become even more objectionable!
The Opposition is an embarrassment but, of course, the journos won’t see it like that.
The government is a disgrace for not answering questions. Albanese blabbered on about nothing. What’s even more worrying is that he has the diction and intonation of an overgrown baby.
Pyne kicked – about time.
Bye bye Pyne – AGAIN!
The opposition is a disgrace for turning the parliament into a circus.
Pyne (and any Liberal) should have his pay docked to the rate of one day for each hour his unruly behaviour causes him to be made absent from proceedings. He could look upon it as Parliamentary WorkChoices.
Mesma the next to be chucked out.
Go Bronnie!
That’s what all Governments do.
That’s what all oppositions do.
What was on the sign by Tangey – did anyone see it.
What was unparliamentary about Dennis Jensen’s sign?
Seriously, how many times can Pyne be chucked out before he gets disciplined by someone. If anyone else kept getting suspended for poor behaviour they would be looking at the sack. He wouldn’t be able to get away with that crap out in private.
What was on it GP
rofl a letter is presented which states a liberal member thanking he education minister for resolving a problem a week ago that was published in the daily liberal today, and then they get all narky.
tsk tsk
895 – I noticed that BH. It shouldn’t be allowed surely.
Dio the ALP were expelled far more during the previous Government. Pyne is certainly breaking no records.
Dont worry Gary, he’ll not be in the next Parliament
and about time…
GB – Maybe Psephos can let us know how many times Pyne can get away with being thrown out and Hockey for that matter. They must be adding up by now.
And I don’t think they should be allowed to twitter or use mobiles in QT. Heard that the gallery twitter with the Libs throughout QT. They think it is funny but I don’t.
It’s our money they are using cos we pay for their goddamn phones as well with their allowances.
Which miserly Liberal was it who was suspended for 24 hours?
BH if Rudd is going to spend 7-10mins answering each question then the Opposition should be able to do whatever they want to overcome that sufferance
You aren’t allowed to bring in communication devices into parliament, I don’t know who in the press gallery twitters from the house in QT.
Annabelle Crabb does “twitsard”, and Bernard Keane often tweets what’s going on but they do it while watching the live stream.
BH I think it’s great that people have real time access to their politicians. It’s the future.
The libs have surrendered on providing any alternative to running the econony
Glen, i’d take it as flattery. To me, it seems that in politics the insults are usually directed at those deemed threatening.
GP
If that’s true and it was always the same people, then I think it should slide although it helps explain why politicians are held in such low esteem by the populace.
On another matter, a commentator notes something that I’d thought about in Iran. There are about 32 dead protesters. They will all have funerals. The funerals tend to get messy and more protesters die at the funeral and so on. That’s what happened in the 1979 Iranian Revolution, which was led by several of the losing presidential candidates, so they know how to do it right. There’s a great book on it called The Shah of Shahs by Kapuscinski.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/06/13/iran-demonstrations-viole_n_215189.html
Glen – I well remember Costello taking ages to answer questions when he felt like it but usually the answers were for 30 seconds and the rest of the time was spent in virtriol against Labor.
What is good for the goose is good for the gander.
Annabelle is usually in the Gallery – or at least for most of the time.
Well there is a clear target now.
Who would bother targeting pyne or hockey or abbott – they target themselves just by opening their mouths.
Yo Ho it appears that the Rudd huggers are afraid of Mr Hockey and that is fine by me because he’ll be leading us soon enough…
Harry Jenkins has the patience of a saint, but even he is getting tired of the endless disuption and points of order from the Libs.
Glen and GP: your lot are a disgrace!
What’s the definition of “tool”? Christopher Pyne.
GP
I take it that this sentiment applies equally to past coalition governments and their PMs, e.g., John Howard.
Hockey is vaguely amusing, I’ll give you that much LOL
But what I’m really upset about?
Why have they moved the Member for Bass?
Jensen held up a sign saying “arrogant”.
#936, hear hear hear.
Glen – I love it when Hockey appears anywhere – as soon as he opens his mouth his sloppiness shows. He has trouble with the truth on most occasions.
Heard his debating in the House last night before dinner and it was woeful.
My other half, who isn’t really interested in politics, listened for awhile and was appalled but ending up laughing about Hockey. Said ‘Is that the best they can do for an economic response”. His reaction was a really big deal for an apathetic apolitical bloke.
Obama copies Gillard’s treatment of Pyne.
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25655104-12377,00.html
Oh for goodness sake…
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574,25655104-23109,00.html
Wong just gets worse and worse.
Wong’s cynical renewable energy play
http://www.crikey.com.au/2009/06/18/wongs-renewable-energy-target-play-and-other-cynical-disgraces/
BTW when the heck is APAC going to every state on digital television, why oh why does bloody NSW get everything first stupid Sydney first making sure Melbourne couldnt be the capital city so we had Canberra *rolls eyes* and now no APAC for yonks…and yes i am even thinking about paying for Foxtel but i doubt that would be worth it.
Christopher Pyne will always be kicked out under Labor.
Dario someone should tell those nobs that it was an insect for crying out loud!
Howard used to answer some questions with one word answers – no explanation at all.
Diog, you also just get worse and worse.
Serial pest thrown out of Parliamnet. Surprisingly, it’s not Pyne.
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,25655172-5005961,00.html
942- The government being cynical? That’s a good one. How about the opposition just pass the bloody thing.
What’s laughable is that some conservatives pick Pyne as a future leader of the Liberals.
Diogenes, don’t you know that Keane is a Green partisan?
Yeah, shame on them for sticking Jodie Campbell up the back!
What did she do to piss off Rudd?
GB
Yes the Government is being cynical. I’m sure the Liberals are too but that is another issue.
You’re a Hockey sticker are you Glen? I hope you’re right. He is woeful on detail. All show, no punch.
Well I’m not and I’m saying the same thing.
Oz,
Bob Brown must be going really bad if Piers Ackerman’s criticisms resonate.
http://blogs.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/piersakerman/index.php/dailytelegraph/comments/crusdaing_green_is_a_lantern_for_tree_moths/
WOOSH.
What happened to everyone’s sense of humour.
You can call it what you like. If it means getting the thing passed, then it sounds like a good idea.
BRING ON SLOPPY JOE, SAVIOUR OF THE LIBERAL PARTY!
LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL
If that’s a joke it’s a pretty good one. Unfortunately I don’t think it is.
I think the only thing Brown will be feeling is vindication, given his critics are the likes of Akerman, Bolt and Abetz. =)
Er, you realise that the government’s move just stopped it getting passed?
My future candidates for the Leadership of the Libs…
Hockey
Billson
Hunt
Morrison
Is Tanya pregnant again? if so, she seems to be pregnant often. how many kids has she got now?
http://www.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,,6677731,00.jpg
Presenting The Minister of Youth:
http://www.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,,6677722,00.jpg
Glen, just for you:
http://www.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,,6677743,00.jpg
The Three Obnoxious.
Glen, posted Thursday, June 18, 2009 at 4:03 pm | Permalink
“Dario someone should tell those nobs that it was an insect for crying out loud!”
You never know, Glen. It may have had a little white head and been calling, “help me, please help me!”.
Oz,
Apparently, Christine Milne upbraided “Bodgy” Bob over his fundraising activities.
Was Brown ever really likely to be bankrupted?
The CPRS sheme will not be passed next week. The issue is, will be defeated or delayed.
The Greens want it defeated, so do the Nats (but for different reasons). The Libs want it delayed.
If X and Fielding vote against it what will the Libs do?
All WorkChoices fans no doubt.
I meant the CPRS, not the RET
Was it Rudd being less than happy about Jodie’s (rather limited) display of cleavage a few months ago?
I’m not sure why I bother responding to you, Greensborough Growler, because you run away sulking everytime, but here goes.
I have no idea.
On one hand, you have documented evidence from Forestry Tasmania threatening bankruptcy unless Brown forks over $240,000. So the question comes down to whether or not Brown has a lazy $240,000 lying around. Now most people would find that difficult to believe. It’s even more unlikely given he previously had to raise hundreds of thousands to pay other legal fees and his traditional sources of fundraising were drying up. So as to whether or not Brown has hundreds of thousands spare and was thus not at risk from bankruptcy, I suggest no.
The only people questioning this (not that they are making claims and “alleging” information, nothing more) are Abetz and his cronies, Piers Akerman and Andrew Bolt. You can talk their word if you like, I don’t really mind.
Hunt just said the US ets legislation is the “Gold Standard” for an ets.
All the way with the USA. still lives.
It’s not going to help any of them get passed – it just now makes sure that the RET won’t get passed either. So no RET, no CPRS but the government gets more stuff to bludgeon the opposition with.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEvb4xVMP4g
972,
As opposed to not being seen by the Emergency Dept UNLESS you pay up first.
Oz,
“As Tasmanian Senator Eric Abetz told Parliament on Tuesday night: “Even then he did not detail donations for May to July 2008, nor has he disclosed donations received in the seven months since October 2008. There are up to 10 months missing. Clearly the Senator does not abide by the same accountability rules he so self-righteously insists be imposed on everybody else.”
At most it would seem that Brown might still need something in the order of $100,000, a sum not beyond his own borrowing capacity if he were to mortgage the farm he owns or should he retire in 2010 and take a life-time parliamentary pension.
In a roundabout fashion, Brown has conceded that his legal costs are covered by indicating that he will bankroll other anti-forestry campaigns, including a group of activists who chained themselves to machinery and blockaded the operations of a number of Tasmanian contractors.
Abetz nailed Brown on their plight when he told Parliament: “I wonder how many well-meaning people who gave to save Senator Brown from phantom bankruptcy knew their donations could be used to defend these irresponsible antics?””
Shame, Brown, Shame.
Which is what will get it passed. Eventually.
GP
Would you care to help a couple of US friends of mine who wrote:
“My husband and I retired early, in large part because of my diagnosis.
Our COBRA ends soon and we’re too young for Medicare. Conventional insurance
won’t accept us so we’ll probably both end up with a state of IL
insurance program that will cost around $1500/mo. for the two of us. ”
The joys of US Health non-care.
And what Oz and the others don’t realise that the Greens are absolute Hypocrites when they attacked Rudd over the loan ute, and Brown’s reasoning behind blocking Ruddnet when he cited he wanted some legislation to limit Corporate Donations, yet accepts a Corporate Donation from dick Smith.
How do you do that?
You think you’re on to a winner Greensborough Growler, which is what makes this so funny. But as Richard Farmer pointed out yesterday, you’re kidding yourself if you think people will side with lawyers and right-wing Murdoch hacks over someone who’s doing something to stop deforestation.
Oz
Bob Brown will lose nothing at all for his past, what he has lost is some moral superiority on donations in the future.
When there are donation issues in the political sphere in the future, I bet he will not be the Green Senator who comments.
I’m sure G.P. will appreciate that the World Bank has raised its predicted growth rate for China:
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25654939-601,00.html
So along with the Australian treasury, the IMF is the odd one out with their gloomy assessment of China’s growth.
i thought India is the world’s largest democracy.
http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Asia/Story/STIStory_392002.html
There is a double standard from some commentators about the ETS and RET. The Greens are being criticised for saying they want a big ETS target and are making it an all-or-nothing vote. They would prefer nothing to less than perfect. But that is exactly what Labor are doing by putting the ETS and RET together and saying it’s all or nothing. Getting a RET passed would be good even without an ETS but they would prefer nothing.
Major hilarity in S.A. politics, 17 out of the 22 Liberals want Martin-Hamilton-Smith dumped, but they can’t agree on who to replace him with.
This hilarious online poll shows M-H-S’s problems, in a field of 5 he is coming LAST:
http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/poll/display/0,22621,5040247-5006301-2,00.html
They are completely different bills, the senate can bring on the RET without the ETS whenever it wants.
The only thing they share in common is the fact the Liberals can’t make up their minds whether to support them or not, which is why the RET has been delayed until August so Turnbull can figure out how the hell to convince his party to vote for it.
If the Senate wants to “de-couple” the two bills they can. They could have done it yesterday instead of sending the RET to an enquiry.
ShowsOn may as well pick a woman…it is a novalty as tories dont generally have female leaders cept Maggie
I think Humphrey B. Bear is from SA, he is unemployed at the moment and may like the gig.
SO
That poll has to be stacked. I’ve never even heard of Mitch Williams. Who the hell is he? Evans was their best bet but he’s already dropped the ball once. Chapman is absolutely diabolical and would actually be worse than MHS. Isobel Redmond looks like their best option to me. They are in a whole world of pain.
Yeah Chapman will probably get the nod. Once she became deputy everyone just assumed she’d eventually become leader.
I think it would be funny if they gave it to Ian Evans, he was hilariously bad the first time around that he would be extremely entertaining.
Makes being a Victorain Lib just that little bit better ShowsOn
I’m still hoping for Ted to be taken out by anybody before the next election…
I’m getting sick of voting for losers
Glen
Easily fixed. Vote Labor.
Why?
They are worse than my mob only they’re in government