Essential Research: 58-42 to Coalition
This week’s Essential Research poll gives Labor its worst result since the company opened for business in 2008: a primary vote of 29%, down two points on last week, and a two-party preferred deficit of 58-42. The former is particularly alarming for Labor, as Essential typically has Labor’s primary vote a few points higher than the phone pollsters. The Coalition and the Greens are steady on 50% and 11%.
With respect to the economy, 66% allowed that it had performed better than other countries’ over the past few years (although this was down from 70% in August last year), with 15% believing it to be worse (up from 10%). In the event of another global financial crisis, 42% would better trust the Liberal Party to deal with it than Labor, on 25%. Forty-six per cent anticipate the economy will get worse over the next 12 months against 23% who think it will get better (the figures when the question was asked a year ago were 37% worse and 27% better).
Sixty-two per cent believe a politician accused of an offence should stand down from their positions, against 27% who believe they should be allowed to continue. Questions on banking suggest the public to be well to the left of the elites on these matters: 55% would support the establishment of a government-owned bank, 74% forcing banks to charge rates in line with the Reserve Bank, 81% capping chief executive’s salaries, 92% limiting bank fees to the costs of the service and 59% a super profits tax on banks (the numbers opposed were respectively 23%, 16%, 12%, 5% and 21%). Fifty-nine per cent would support a levy on large transactions of currencies, bonds and shares, with 16% opposed.
Categories: Federal Politics 2010-
I sensed that Reith has little time for Kroger, the way he said that Kroger’s influence has dwindled to nothing.
by triton on May 10, 2012 at 9:22 am
triton
Maybe Kroger backed Abbott’s move against him in the Presidential race of the Libs
by guytaur on May 10, 2012 at 9:24 am
I see the PM is taking more PB advice and rubbing shoulders with the people.
http://yfrog.com/h272wagj
by bluegreen on May 10, 2012 at 9:24 am
Bongiorno on 702
by guytaur on May 10, 2012 at 9:25 am
Henry – I missed that bit but will expect the same response from Uhlmann next time he’s interviewing an Oppn pollie who is bucketting the PM.
by BH on May 10, 2012 at 9:25 am
Agree, Ted Mack is a top bloke.
Pity he resigned from the HoR – he did so to avoid qualifying for the Parliamentry Pension.
Hockey won the jackpot lottery as a result.
Ruawake tells a story of having run-ins with Ted, parking his car in front of Ru’s place in McLaren Street years ago.
Ted would have been Mayor of North Sydney at the time.
by dave on May 10, 2012 at 9:26 am
For Kezza and her good suggestion last night, plus of course William for posting the link
Mari R @randlight
@MikeKellyMP All the best like this? http://www.nickyhager.info/crosby-v-hager-defamation-proceedings-as-political-weapon/
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10h Mike Kelly MP @MikeKellyMP
@randlight thanks, much appreciated.
by mari on May 10, 2012 at 9:26 am
guytaur – can you report please.
by BH on May 10, 2012 at 9:26 am
I have to say that Obama’s comments were mindblowing last night given how cautious he has been for so long and given the us politcal context
by bluegreen on May 10, 2012 at 9:26 am
by guytaur on May 10, 2012 at 9:27 am
@bluegreen/5108
He did state why that was the case.
by zoidlord on May 10, 2012 at 9:28 am
It must be true then:
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CDsQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theaustralian.com.au%2Fnational-affairs%2Fmichael-kroger-spills-beans-on-peter-costello-tilt-at-return-to-politics%2Fstory-fn59niix-1226351469620&ei=4vuqT-KQA83qmAWF_9zhBA&usg=AFQjCNHxWMD_m_6O8N5XC5Zdxl4cOCMqIA
by The Finnigans on May 10, 2012 at 9:28 am
by guytaur on May 10, 2012 at 9:29 am
by guytaur on May 10, 2012 at 9:30 am
One for BK if he’s still around. From the VexNews site 19/3/2010:
“Bronwyn Bishop Endorses Sophie Mirabella For PM One Day”
All BK’s fantasies come true with the PA as PM, and KOD as Deputy.
If that ever happens though, I’m moving to Somalia.
by Dan Gulberry on May 10, 2012 at 9:30 am
by guytaur on May 10, 2012 at 9:31 am
Obama’s stance on same sex marriage.
Heard comment this morning that Obama’s “I have changed my mind” may or may not buy him votes, but in USA marriage laws are ruled by the States.
In Oz, a statement by the PM would be taken as a “promise” as marriage laws are Federal.
by lizzie on May 10, 2012 at 9:32 am
If this was a majority government, Gillard would have cut Thomson loose ages ago, but she needs his vote – that’s the dilemma facing Labor.
by Thornleigh Labor Man on May 10, 2012 at 9:32 am
It is just one horrible mess and can’t see it getting any better, I will be there when (most likely) not if are called in June, fortunately on one of my favourite islands, not Athens.
Also have tweeted re Adam Spencer giving interviewing lesson, perhaps Chris U could be a potential student, other tweeters could follow and add?
by mari on May 10, 2012 at 9:33 am
Congratulations to Obama for his comments on same sex marriage. He did it with such style.
Julia??????????
by MTBW on May 10, 2012 at 9:33 am
MTBW
President Obama is just one cool cat.
by guytaur on May 10, 2012 at 9:34 am
guytaur
Couldn’t agree more!
by MTBW on May 10, 2012 at 9:35 am
Dan,
I am sitting here in hysterics. SM as PM, KOD as deputy. They’ll make to many enemies on the way up to ever get the numbers, but if they do can you make room in your suitcase?
by Space Kidette on May 10, 2012 at 9:36 am
@TLM you want a 1 party country – don’t ya.
by zoidlord on May 10, 2012 at 9:38 am
702 More Thomson news. Attack coming from local council in Dobell. Not Labor.
by guytaur on May 10, 2012 at 9:39 am
shellbell
He’d have to strongly consider cutting and running.
by Diogenes on May 10, 2012 at 9:39 am
guytaur
I dont understand what you mean?
by victoria on May 10, 2012 at 9:40 am
guytaur
When Obama was making his comments and mentioning the Military I wondered what that will mean for Bradley Manning. We were treated to comments that he was “gay” as part of the rationale for the treatment he received. May not change anything but at least that the “gay” tag won’t have the same influence anymore.
by MTBW on May 10, 2012 at 9:41 am
victoria
Which?
by guytaur on May 10, 2012 at 9:41 am
guytaur
Once you are under attack from an agency, you become a magnet for everyone with a gripe, fair or foul
by shellbell on May 10, 2012 at 9:41 am
vic
Thomson’s local council meeting apparently broke out into a brawl last night over the Thomson issue. Some Councilors very unhappy and wanting him removed as a Rep for their area others were not having any of it.
by MTBW on May 10, 2012 at 9:44 am
Wyong Council. Passed motion against Thomson.
Missed as lot of detail we should hear more through the day.
702 Spoke to independent Councillor Greg Someone.
by guytaur on May 10, 2012 at 9:44 am
Dio
I cannot imagine what is like for anyone with a young family to receive a letter from lawyers saying this is how much you will need to give us to act in your defence when the ‘how much’ might be the value of the house Thomson is standing in when the letter arrives.
by shellbell on May 10, 2012 at 9:44 am
Bronnie is such a good judge of character. Does anyone else remember Bronnie being wined and dined and carted around to society do’s for a long time by a bloke who was head of the NRMA and was found (allegedly!) to be hugely misusing members’ funds. The romance broke up – poor Bronnie, such judgment.
I can’t remember his name otherwise I’d google it to see whether he escaped criminal charges.
by BH on May 10, 2012 at 9:46 am
shell
Yes indeed which is why I consider Thomson would want this all over with as soon as can be for sake of his family and himself. Not guilty or guilty.
by guytaur on May 10, 2012 at 9:46 am
Bring Back Cossie, at least he is nummerate, unlike the economic innumerate illiterate @TonyAbbottMHR #auspol
by The Finnigans on May 10, 2012 at 9:47 am
http://www.abc.net.au/am/content/2012/s3499515.htm
text & audio
by Leroy on May 10, 2012 at 9:50 am
ABC local said this morning it didn’t even get to a vote so something wrong and the independent fellow was belly aching about it
by mari on May 10, 2012 at 9:51 am
mari
As I said I missed a lot of detail. The Independent guy was talking about things being on party lines which is why I thought it did get to a vote.
by guytaur on May 10, 2012 at 9:53 am
Shellbell @ 5132
I imagine that it’s exactly the same as for anyone else in the community but in Thomson’s case, the first few hundred grand has been out of your pocket if you’re an ALP member. It’s tough if you’re innocent but our justice system isn’t perfect and he may then be able to get costs. If he’s guilty then …..
by Mick77 on May 10, 2012 at 9:54 am
Hopefully for once ABC reports are correct?
BTW my suggestion on Twitter re Chris U getting interviewing lessons from Adam Spencer seems to be catching on
by mari on May 10, 2012 at 9:57 am
She doesn’t agree with the idea – that’s fair enough and she gets credit for being honest about the matter.
by Tom Hawkins on May 10, 2012 at 9:58 am
Leroy
I said yesterday that Abbott should have lodged a motion to censure Thomson yesterday. Probably would have won.
by bluegreen on May 10, 2012 at 9:59 am
mari
Good glad to hear about twitter.
I did find some background on Wyong Council and this particular councilman on 7.5
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-03-20/thomson-under-fire-over-failed-jobs-project/3902110
by guytaur on May 10, 2012 at 9:59 am
grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr Telstra being foot in floor with my freaking bill, basically paying me to fix their network and their technician so they don’t have to pay the guys.
Well off to a complaint to TIO and ACCC.
by zoidlord on May 10, 2012 at 9:59 am
Shellbell,
Regardless of Thomson’s actual innocence or guilt, I am getting very concerned about trial by media, by govt, by local govt and political opponents.
I believe in the principle of innocent until PROVEN guilty, separation between state and judiciary and following legal process. It may not be perfect but it is the foundations on which this country is built and trashing these conventions sets a dangerous precedent.
by Space Kidette on May 10, 2012 at 10:00 am
guytaur
Sorry had to step out. Just wanted clarification on the Council stuff re Thomson. Reading further posts has helped. Thanks
by victoria on May 10, 2012 at 10:02 am
1. From memory, you’d have to be a member, “of good standing” (long service, paid all fees), of a TU affiliated with the ACTU and ALP. The probable source of your legal fees would be relevant union’s legal defence funds. Whether the ALP/ ACTU/ relevant union continues to pay Thomson’s legal fees will depend on the wording of the HSU’s contracts with the ACTU & ALP.
BTW, in reality, through union dues and union affiliation, membership of the ALP is huge, and many labor voters don’t see any reason to pay party membership twice
2. Most unions covering members who might be subjected to lengthy and expensive legal cases (eg teachers, nurses & other medical staff, children’s services inc counselling etc) have huge legal defence funds, some invested in the short term money markets, most safely in government bonds, property, ‘blue-chip’ stocks and bonds, and some riskier short-term investments.
3. Since such unions & their legal defence funds are “must haves”, the percentage of possible members who are union members is very high – one reason PS unions, and their private counterparts, now dominate the ACTU. Given such unions, for the most part, represent people with (or enrolled in) university degrees, they have become increasingly formidable, able to call members’ resources (eg research, recruitment).
4. Well-run state and national unions are Big Businesses, with big investment portfolios; one of the reasons so many “union bosses” (eg Combet, Shorten, Crean, Ferguson) enter Labor politics with better connections with Legal firms, Business and Financial Institutions etc than the Liberals, and a high degree of financial acumen and legal competence.
5. That financial acumen is the reason many of them could buy & sell their Coalition opponents; the Lawyers, esp the government’s high-flying women barristers, why the government is so well prepared, can out-gun the Opposition in debate, and is so skilled in legislative drafting.
by OzPol Tragic on May 10, 2012 at 10:03 am
SK
Agreed. The term lynch mob comes to mind. If the govt held a majority, Thomson would not even be an issue. This is politics at its dirtiest. That is why I am damn convinced Slipper was a set up. I so want the coalition to get pinged big time. They deserve to go down.
by victoria on May 10, 2012 at 10:05 am
[guytaur
Posted Thursday, May 10, 2012 at 9:59 am | Permalink
mari
Good glad to hear about twitter.
I did find some background on Wyong Council and this particular councilman on 7.5
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-03-20/thomson-under-fire-over-failed-jobs-project/3902110
Interesting looks like Dougie boy had a good thing going and isn’t happy it has gone
by mari on May 10, 2012 at 10:05 am