Newspoll: 59-41 to Coalition
Word on Twitter is that Newspoll has the Coalition’s two-party lead out from 56-44 to 59-41, from primary votes of 27% for Labor (down two) and 51% for the Coalition (up three). But for a 26% result in the September 16-18 poll, this would be the lowest primary vote Labor had ever recorded since Newspoll commenced in 1985. The two-party figure ranks as the Gillard government’s equal worst result, along with the poll of September 2-4. Newspoll hasn’t always reported two-party preferred results, but my own calculations tell me there remain unbroken records from the respective honeymoon periods of Rudd (63-37 in February/March 2008) and Howard (60.5-39.5 in April 1996). Julia Gillard is up a point on disapproval to 63% and steady on approval at 28%, while Tony Abbott is down two on approval to 33% and up one on disapproval to 55%. Tony Abbott has widened the preferred prime minister lead he gained in the previous poll, from 41-39 to 41-36. As always, the sample for the poll was around 1150, with a margin of error of 3%.
Categories: Federal Politics 2010-
While on the usual modus operandi of the Manager of Opposition Business, could Mr Pyne confirm how many of Harry Jenkins’ junior staffers email/mobile contact details he has obtained
by Laocoon on May 2, 2012 at 3:27 pm
Pyne didn’t just turn up in Slipper’s office to have a drink and discussion about sexual harrassment allegations with Ashby.
by Dee on May 2, 2012 at 3:28 pm
Drinking at work may be piffle for some. Don’t doctors in hospitals have long working days, ambulance officers have long working days; yet they manage without having to sink a few coldies to discuss business.
Alcohol abuse is a problem in society – go and sit in any A&E department on a Friday or Saturday night. Our elected representatives should be setting an example and not drink while at work. Ever.
by hugh moran on May 2, 2012 at 3:28 pm
Lyne Lady,@3143
Love Will for that comment.
by Schnappi on May 2, 2012 at 3:29 pm
He must have been buying.
by grey on May 2, 2012 at 3:29 pm
shellbell
Thanks for that example of security of costs
Another related question: as a matter of general law/public policy, is there any requirement of disclosure by a legal firm that it is acting on the basis of taking a percentage of any damages awarded?
by Laocoon on May 2, 2012 at 3:30 pm
Schnappi – apologies, I worded that poorly. I meant to say Pyne maintains he didn’t speak with Ashby about the matters Ashby has alleged against Slipper, but says even if he did, Ashby would be entitled to raise them.
That’s how I read it.
by Burgey on May 2, 2012 at 3:30 pm
hugh moran
So, if ever, is a politician off duty?
by Boerwar on May 2, 2012 at 3:30 pm
When they are overseas and have formal leave from the whip and the speaker and a stand-in minister or pair is provided.
by bluegreen on May 2, 2012 at 3:32 pm
whoops
So, when, if ever, is a politician off duty.
by Boerwar on May 2, 2012 at 3:32 pm
Burgery
OK,Seen
by Schnappi on May 2, 2012 at 3:33 pm
That is verboten for lawyers. Litigation funders, eg IMF, can do it.
In NSW:
by shellbell on May 2, 2012 at 3:33 pm
When they are overseas they are frequently on duty, be it on a study tour, or being part of some delegation or another at some meeting or another.
The stand in, or pair, merely makes it possible for them not to have to be at work at two places at the same time.
by Boerwar on May 2, 2012 at 3:34 pm
Please vote!
http://www.smh.com.au/polls/opinion/political-news/slipper-affair-20120502-1xypr.html#poll
by Dee on May 2, 2012 at 3:34 pm
what is abbott and pyne hiding
Latika Bourke @latikambourke
Opposition Leader Tony Abbott ends presser and walks away while journalist asks about Christopher Pyne’s involvement with James Ashby.
by Meguire Bob on May 2, 2012 at 3:35 pm
http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/political-news/government-claims-coverup-in-slipper-affair-20120502-1xyg2.html#poll
by joe2 on May 2, 2012 at 3:35 pm
Did Abbott answer any questions or did he do a runner after the first one?
by ruawake on May 2, 2012 at 3:35 pm
It doesn’t, Poss
by BH on May 2, 2012 at 3:36 pm
Oh, and is it just me or are the newspapers deliberately choosing photos that make Ashby and Pyne look alike?
by Danny Lewis on May 2, 2012 at 3:36 pm
Thanks shellbell – I thought it would raise some public policy issues!
by Laocoon on May 2, 2012 at 3:37 pm
Dee
74% yes
by Schnappi on May 2, 2012 at 3:38 pm
Sounds to me like he is preparing the grounds to change his story, once again.
by joe2 on May 2, 2012 at 3:39 pm
clarification on MP’s drinking at work. Ever probably should read when they are in Canberra and the House (or Senate for senators) is in session.
by hugh moran on May 2, 2012 at 3:39 pm
Hehehehe. Sorry, but I couldn’t resist it.
An anagram of ASHBY AND PYNE is:
HEY PANSY BAND :LOL:
by Danny Lewis on May 2, 2012 at 3:40 pm
Boerwar,@3162
Most are just a free juncket,usually called having a swan.
by Schnappi on May 2, 2012 at 3:40 pm
Here is a postscript to an earlier scandal.
http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/about-town/sydneys-best-gay-sauna-closes-20120502-1xy2p.html
by guytaur on May 2, 2012 at 3:41 pm
The lack of photo’s of Ashby is weird. There are two. Him leaving Newcastle Court, the white shirt over white T-shirt. And the Strawberry poisoning one of him squatting.
Did nobody else ever take a pic of him? I am sure the newspapers would pay for a recent one.
by ruawake on May 2, 2012 at 3:41 pm
You also get:
DENY PANSY? BAH!
by Danny Lewis on May 2, 2012 at 3:41 pm
DL
Ah a Classic
by Schnappi on May 2, 2012 at 3:42 pm
DL@3168
Ashby doesn’t look like a duck’s bum in convulsions.
Pyne with his angry pout always does.
by grey on May 2, 2012 at 3:42 pm
Time for Pyne to go to ground and get a manager.
by joe2 on May 2, 2012 at 3:42 pm
guytaur
The scandal was the channel 7 hatchet job on David Campbell
by shellbell on May 2, 2012 at 3:43 pm
Actually, it’s funny you should mention that because it reminded me of the one thing that is lacking in this story.
WHERE IS HIS FACEBOOK PAGE???
As soon as any sort of big story featuring a nobody breaks, the first thing the media do is regale us with things they “like” on Facebook, who their friends are and what they are twittering.
Are we supposed to believe that an ambitious political staffer does not have a Facebook page or a Twitter account?
by Danny Lewis on May 2, 2012 at 3:44 pm
i get the impression pyne and abbott have something to hide…
by Lyne Lady on May 2, 2012 at 3:45 pm
guytaur@3175
Cannot help myself,but that picture of the gay sauna looked like it was on a slippery slope.
by Schnappi on May 2, 2012 at 3:45 pm
Shell
Yes and this was the location of said hatchet job. Now closing. To the dismay of many in the gay community I am sure. George Michael enjoyed it on his stay here according to gossip.
by guytaur on May 2, 2012 at 3:45 pm
Just FYI to Bludgers… James Ashby’s Linked-In account only lists his job at Gowinta Farm (the strawberry farm that had the poisoning incident) and has him still working there.
by Bushfire Bill on May 2, 2012 at 3:46 pm
Schappi
IMHO, politicians should get overseas as much as possible so that they get a proper sense of proportion about what is going on o/s. They generally travel with at least some staff. Their phones, blackberries and the rest of that sort of stuff are buzzing all day long. It is the same when they are on ‘holidays’. It is cruel stuff. The power addiction helps but it is still cruel stuff.
My original point stands: it is extremely difficult to draw a line in the sand and say at this point in time someone working in or around parliament and at that point of time they are not. It would be extremely difficult, IMHO, to say when a person should, or should not be drinking at ‘work’ in that context.
by Boerwar on May 2, 2012 at 3:46 pm
I wonder if Peters of Kensington have acquired Ken’s of Kensington
by shellbell on May 2, 2012 at 3:46 pm
Hahahaha!
You also get:
A BAD PENNY SHY.
Certainly explains his reluctance to front the media …
by Danny Lewis on May 2, 2012 at 3:47 pm
Flip flop, flip flop – Wilkie spoke and Abbott got scared.
by BH on May 2, 2012 at 3:48 pm
Schnappi
A sticky end.
by guytaur on May 2, 2012 at 3:48 pm
Nah, he’s just ‘clarifying his position’ as usual.
by rishane on May 2, 2012 at 3:49 pm
Lack of photos no Facebook page and twitter account. DId Abbot invent Asbhy to set up Slipper??!!
by guytaur on May 2, 2012 at 3:50 pm
Re Ashby an Facebook et al
++++++++++
The Age reported that an IT expert had looked at the Ashby afair and had found that his Faebook and Linkdin sites had been wiped clean recently
What was there that he now wanted to hide I wonder ??
by deblonay on May 2, 2012 at 3:52 pm
BH 3190
All abbott does is flip flop to suit an audience,think the aussie icon “The Thong” should be renamed as the “Fiip Flop” ,in honour of abbott.his demise of course.
by Schnappi on May 2, 2012 at 3:53 pm
Yesterday Abbott gave the Perth answer, today he is giving his Hobart answer. He has 150 different answers for each electorate.
by ruawake on May 2, 2012 at 3:56 pm
The entry for Christopher Pyne in The Power Index is very revealing. I hadn’t thought of him as having so much power in the Libs, or so many contacts. He is apparently a great “socialiser” when he is trying to get things done.
by lizzie on May 2, 2012 at 3:57 pm
Tony again changing his story depending on whom he is directing his message.
Why doesn’t anyone call this what it is?
HABITUAL LYING.
by Danny Lewis on May 2, 2012 at 3:57 pm
Hugh Moran – I doubt you’ll ever achieve your alcohol free nirvana. I certainly hope you don’t.
It’s attitudes like yours that lead to me having to sit in my seat at the footy drinking weak beer out of plastic cups or thimbles of wine while right across the isle the boxes get full bar service.
Alcohol has and always will have a role to play in social activities, including after work drinks or during work drinks if one so desires.
by Compact Crank on May 2, 2012 at 3:57 pm