Matters related thereto
Roy Morgan has spared the government a new set of poll results this week, presumably holding over last weekend’s face-to-face results for a combined two weeks’ result to be published next week. So here’s some stuff that has accumulated during my recent period of indolence:
• The federal parliament’s Joint Standing Committee of Electoral Matters brought down its report into the 2010 federal election a fortnight ago. One noteworthy innovation is a less pompous report title, “The 2010 Federal Election: Report on the conduct of the election and related matters” replacing the traditional formulation of “Report on the conduct of the (insert year) federal election and matters related thereto”. Antony Green summarises its recommendations here; now that my holidays are over I’ll shortly get around to reviewing it and will have more to say after I’ve fully absorbed it.
• One of the majority report’s recommendations was that the federal government follow the example of New South Wales and Victoria in allowing government records such as drivers licences, vehicle registration and Year 12 school enrolments to be used to automatically update the electoral roll. However, this is opposed in the dissenting JSCEM report from the committee’s Coalition members, for reasons I do not find persuasive. Antony Green has reviewed the impact of such measures in New South Wales since their introduction last year, observing that only 12 per cent of the 70,000 people whose enrolments have been added or updated have taken the trouble to enrol the old-fashioned way for the federal electoral roll. His conclusion: “On the evidence so far, by the time of the next commonwealth election in the second half of 2013, there could be as many as 200,000 voters enrolled for NSW elections and eligible to vote at commonwealth elections who will be missing from the commonwealth roll or be enrolled at the wrong address.”
• Draft electoral redistribution boundaries have recently been published for both our nation’s territory parliaments. Antony Green surveys the results for the Northern Territory here and the Australian Capital Territory here. An ACT redistribution would normally be of minor interest, as the territory is only divided into three electorates for purposes of a regionally based system of proportional representation, but Antony asserts that in this case the changes are radical enough to be of substantial interest, and in particular to put at risk the fourth seat the Greens won at the 2008 election. For the Northern Territory, Antony has calculated new margins for each of the 25 seats, with the caveat that the enormous sitting member factors which result from pocket-sized electorates of 4000 to 5000 voters make party-based margins less reliable than usual.
• There has been much talk lately about the possibility of an incoming Coalition government calling an early double dissolution election should it meet Senate resistance from its efforts to abolish a carbon tax. Tony Abbott’s argument to those concerned about the resulting uncertainty and expense is that opposing its repeal in the Senate would be politically suicidal for a defeated Labor Party, a case pursued by Queensland legal academic James Allan in The Australian.
There was a fair bit of material I had been compiling on Western Australian matters to coincide with a looming quarterly state Newspoll, but I was caught on the hop when it was published a month earlier than I’d anticipated.
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Categories: Federal Politics 2010-, Western Australian Politics
Boerwar
It all falls into place. Despite Finn’s claim he preferred his “Living Doll’ my claim that Diamond Dogs are the must have accessory for Demon Dolphins is true. Mind you I had something a bit bigger than JT’s in mind.
by poroti on Jul 24, 2011 at 5:24 pm
canasta76 2310
That is very interesting. I know of some friends who have cancelled their subscription of the Brisbane Courier Mail and The Weekend Australian. It’s a start I guess.
I just hate the way the Prime Minister is treated with such disrespect. How she maintains her cool and treats them with respect is beyond me. I’m obviously not as strong and steely as her, and not a threat to her leadership!!! LOL.
by feeney on Jul 24, 2011 at 5:26 pm
What an odd thing to say. Why would the “Christian fundamentalism far-right” be so exercised in favour of “Norway’s accessible open culture”?
by William Bowe on Jul 24, 2011 at 5:27 pm
WRONG! I never blamed this crime on conservative Christianity, I blamed it on on a person who is a conservative Christian.
I think I have figured out why you are so confused; you can read but you can’;t comprehend.
I must admit I have no idea what Bolt’s religious beliefs are, but I won’t assert that he is an atheist!
OMG! It is pretty obvious that SOME of them clearly are!
No it doesn’t explain why you think we should simply ignore ONE causal factor without explaining why.
“Jewish atheist” WTF?
I think you don’t want to consider that 85% of what you write is nonsense.
You can support Israel without being an Islamphobe. You can be an atheist and support Israel. You can be an atheist and think that people should be free to pursue any or no religious belief, just as long as that practice doesn’t harm (broadly defined) anyone else. It seems this nutter in Norway didn’t understand any of these things, because he was too infatuated with his conservative christian world view that was ultimately based on a belief that his religious convictions were superior to those of people practicing other or no religious beliefs.
Thank you.
by ShowsOn on Jul 24, 2011 at 5:27 pm
Sorry, canasta76 2307
by feeney on Jul 24, 2011 at 5:28 pm
Boerwar
Shrunken testicles eh ? Isn’t that one of the symptoms of steroid abuse ,that and roid rage ? Hello hello !
by poroti on Jul 24, 2011 at 5:28 pm
Victoria the ETU are part of the coalition trying to destroy Construction in Victoria, they are the most out of touch union that I can think of, this is more of the same.
As to Hazelwood, the Gillard governent have been generous with the compensation with most of the money going to Victoria and have come up with a scheme that brings us into the international carbon trading system, allowing us to offset our carbon use at a internationally competitive price.
The Gillard Governement have given Hazelwood the best chance of survival in the short term. In the end however Hazelwood burns brown coal. Hazelwood makes no sense in a country that had gas and black coal resources to burn.
As I said, the ETU needs to think a little deeper. If they keep going as they are they will be the justification for further toughening of the IR laws and no one will have any sympathy for them.
by fredn on Jul 24, 2011 at 5:30 pm
If you are interested in explaining why events like this occur, why would you start by discounting any possible proximate causal factor?
by ShowsOn on Jul 24, 2011 at 5:31 pm
Early Newspoll Prediction:
Coalition 60
ALP 40
by evan14 on Jul 24, 2011 at 5:31 pm
poroti
Nah. His testicles were shrunken because he had gone for a swim in Port Phillip Bay. AGW did it.
by Boerwar on Jul 24, 2011 at 5:31 pm
Early Newspoll Prediction:
Coalition 90
ALP 10
by Centre on Jul 24, 2011 at 5:33 pm
Accidental Groin Wizening?
by BK on Jul 24, 2011 at 5:33 pm
http://bigpondnews.com/articles/TopStories/2011/07/24/Combet_lashes_out_over_criticism_of_tax_641998.html
by lizzie on Jul 24, 2011 at 5:33 pm
Hmmm.
Looks like equartorze is back.
Will the peasants take up the pitchforks?
by Boerwar on Jul 24, 2011 at 5:34 pm
Boerwar
Now that may be true but as Tony has freed himself from the surly bonds of reality I will continue to draw my very long bow. Steroids,gym junkies,shrunken testicles,irrational anger. It all fits together and “you know it makes sense”
by poroti on Jul 24, 2011 at 5:35 pm
Good stuff there from Combet.
by BK on Jul 24, 2011 at 5:35 pm
Are there penalties for not sticking to “truth in advertising”?
by lizzie on Jul 24, 2011 at 5:36 pm
Well, how about Bowling for Columbine?
Or the Hoddle St massacres in Melbourne?
by Gorgeous Dunny on Jul 24, 2011 at 5:36 pm
BK
What Greg Combat (sic) say/do ?
by poroti on Jul 24, 2011 at 5:36 pm
poroti
IMHO Mr Abbott is on a crusade against anyone else except him having any power.
Deep in your heart, you know it makes sense and it stands to reason.
by Boerwar on Jul 24, 2011 at 5:37 pm
Evan the concern troll 10
Sensible people 90
by cud chewer on Jul 24, 2011 at 5:37 pm
poroti
See lizzie at 2325 above.
http://bigpondnews.com/articles/TopStories/2011/07/24/Combet_lashes_out_over_criticism_of_tax_641998.html
by BK on Jul 24, 2011 at 5:37 pm
In the same article about Combet, Abbott is quoted as saying that chemists’ hours will be cut because of rising elec costs.
by lizzie on Jul 24, 2011 at 5:39 pm
Surely the ALP’s Primary Vote wont drop below 27% as it did for the last Newspoll???
But if it got to at or below 25% I’d say the knives would be brought out for some sharpening…
by Glen on Jul 24, 2011 at 5:40 pm
Surely you jest, lizzie!
by BK on Jul 24, 2011 at 5:40 pm
Well said Combet.
by Centre on Jul 24, 2011 at 5:41 pm
BK
Unlike Mr Abbott, I don’t make stuff up.
by lizzie on Jul 24, 2011 at 5:41 pm
Boerwar
Deep in my heart I do. However just as I am sure Tones knows in the deep and shallow end of his heart he is spouting crap I will continue to proclaim my belief in unreality.
by poroti on Jul 24, 2011 at 5:41 pm
So 27 will be ok but 25 not. Give me a break, this is BS.
by Gary on Jul 24, 2011 at 5:43 pm
Georgeous Dunny @ 2330
To which you can add -
The Queen St massacre
The Strathfield massacre
These and Hoddle St came just before Port Arthur so it kind of made Port Arthur the last straw that drove the new gun laws.
by bemused on Jul 24, 2011 at 5:43 pm
lizzie
Then that has to take the cake for the most ridiculous and unsubstantiated bit of fear mongering to come for those reptilian lips.
by BK on Jul 24, 2011 at 5:44 pm
I agree with whoever said above that the ALP has already won the policy debate on climate. Proof will be that Abbott will discussing climate policy at all costs, and proof will be forthcoming trust me.
The question is simply whether his GBNT anti-politics can be overcome. I dont know whether it can, but the govt has no choice but to try.
Here’s my only advice: fewer slogans, more explaining. With examples.
Why? Read Sun Tzu. Because Abbott doesnt explain anyhting. institictively aware they arenot his friend, he avoid details, and reaches for a slogan.
Dont be like him. Fight him on the ground he cant win – policy. Explain it. Patiently. Not in that “youre all dimwits” drawl either Julia. As you would to a backbench colleague. Punters are smarter than either side appears to think.
by lefty e on Jul 24, 2011 at 5:44 pm
Big business are wasting their money. It’s all coming in next year.
by Gary on Jul 24, 2011 at 5:44 pm
Gary you can’t have a major party on at or below 25% Primary Vote and sustain that…something would have to give either way IMHO. It would also signify a second new low vote for Labor.
If the combined Coalition vote was 25% surely I’d want something done and before it got any worse!
by Glen on Jul 24, 2011 at 5:45 pm
Glen, the only knives that are being sharpened are those against Abbott IF there are any sensible people left in the Liberal Party.
The Coalition and it’s supporters are desperate for any distraction to the government from doing its job.
by Centre on Jul 24, 2011 at 5:45 pm
that was
“Proof will be that Abbott will *avoid* discussing climate policy at all costs, and proof will be forthcoming trust me….”
by lefty e on Jul 24, 2011 at 5:45 pm
No abbotts testicles are shrunken from sucking too many lemons lol
by canasta76 on Jul 24, 2011 at 5:46 pm
It is my understanding that a judge in Australia can only “recommend” that a prisoner should never be released.
Once in prison it’s up to the particular parole board as to whether he/she is ever released – the sentencing judge’s comments being persuasive, not binding.
The rationale behind this is that if a prisoner has no chance of release, he/she has nothing to lose & therefore is a danger to other prisoners and prison officers.
Most states, however, have legislation to retain a prisoner indefinitely if they present a danger to society – usually child sexual offenders. But such applications are thoroughly investigated by a supreme court judge and are routinely reviewed.
by charlton on Jul 24, 2011 at 5:46 pm
lizzie
Ah ah . They are not chemists they are pharmacists. The difference being chemists only get paid pennies. A chemist mate of mine who married a recently minted pharmacist insited that when the kids come along he is going to be a househusband. Not becuase of his snag tendencies but his discovery of the nice little earners pharmacists are on to.
by poroti on Jul 24, 2011 at 5:47 pm
This is funny because some here argue that Labor needs the catchy, easy to understand one liners to get their message across.
by Gary on Jul 24, 2011 at 5:47 pm
GD
Those were spree killings. There have been oodles of spree killings in the West but this is the first “hate” spree killing I can think of, as in it was brought on by and targetted a particular group.
SO
Bolt is an atheist.
by Diogenes on Jul 24, 2011 at 5:47 pm
Can someone explain to me the state of play regarding the pokies legislation?
by cud chewer on Jul 24, 2011 at 5:47 pm
It means you can’t figure out why they are attacking you, they keep changing the posts.
First it is because you made a wrong guess, a capital offense; even when you say you are guessing.
Then they don’t like it when you call them on their bigotry. 911 happened because of a belief in Islam. Pure unadulterated Sh*t. “But hey, you can’t deny they were Muslim?” Don’t know your honour.
Don’t even know what drugs diog is taking. Don’t think he knows either.
Then they can’t explain why his ‘Conservative Christianity” is responsible for for his terrorism. It’s not terrorism apparently; it’s because his Momma never loved him.
Then the suggestion is that I am crazy not to know that Christians hated secularism. He apparently hated secularism. he killed those people because they were secular. Yeah right, the new downtrodden – secularist.
Then they suggest I can’t follow logic, because that is how they speak – logically. He is a Conservative Christian, he said so himself, he wrote about his beliefs. Have to assume causal relationship between his Christian beliefs and his murder of ….. Christians!! Logical! See? he is a Christian so he kills people who are probably Christian if they are anything. I get it! …. I think.
All I am saying is that he has posted prolifically on a Secular Website run by a journalist with a Left Wing Background. Generally his posts are supportive of the websites political views, especially regarding Islam (against), Israel (for), homophobia (against), Rascism (against) and democracy (for, but Muslim are incapable of it). That it is not unreasonable to link these attacks on the labor governments general support for justice for the Palestinians (Oslo Accords, support for Unilateral Proclamation of a Palestinian State), and the call (Weds) of the Labor Youth Movement for a Boycott of Israel (Thurs)
Instead of addressing this, which is the essence of my posts, I have had a stream of circular red-herring attacks that have the effect of escalating the rhetoric and muddying the waters.
I get incredible statements that suggest Islam and Muslim beliefs were responsible for 911. suggesting that calling this for the rubbish it is is somehow offensive. neo-con boilerplate and other sort of irrelevant nonsense.
by JohD on Jul 24, 2011 at 5:48 pm
You can if it’s 2 years out and the very thing that’s causing these low numbers is yet to become reality. The fear campaign is still going and still being felt out there. There’s no knife sharpening. That’s your wet dream.
by Gary on Jul 24, 2011 at 5:50 pm
You can also add Mod LIb, Rummel and Evan 14 to that list.
by Frank Calabrese on Jul 24, 2011 at 5:51 pm
BK
http://bigpondnews.com/articles/TopStories/2011/07/24/Chemists_to_suffer_under_tax_-_Abbott_641911.html
A more detailed version of Abbott’s visit to a pharmacy. Admits that prescriptions costs can’t rise because govt caps them. Has to find a problem, so – hours will be cut.
by lizzie on Jul 24, 2011 at 5:51 pm
cud chewer
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-07-13/clubs-rally-poker-machine-reform/2792374
by victoria on Jul 24, 2011 at 5:52 pm
And people ask why we need a media inquiry here.
by smithe on Jul 24, 2011 at 5:52 pm
JohD
I suppose it was a pure coincidence that all the terrorists who carried it out were Islam extremists?
by Diogenes on Jul 24, 2011 at 5:53 pm
lizze
The man has no shame!
by BK on Jul 24, 2011 at 5:53 pm