Are we Turnbull’s unpaid focus group?
After watching Malcolm Turnbull and his “Government” in action over the past five months, I have come to the conclusion that Turnbull is secretly using the voting public as one enormous unpaid focus group.
It all started way back when Tony Abbott was our Prime Minister. Malcolm Turnbull was well placed to be the communications Minister. He is a lover of Apple watches and he can rattle off with aplomb lots of social media apps. He probably has an app on his mirror to tell him if he is the fairest in the land every morning. However, despite all of this, he had a huge dilemma.
As we all know, Turnbull likes to believe he is the man of the hour, the champion of the people, that guy who gets everything right, the man who holds the adulation and love of so many fans. (Wait…Turnbull likes to believe he is Jonathon Thurston?)
Anyway, set your mind back just a little. Turnbull, as communications minister had to put out an inferior, rubbish, embarrassing FTTN NBN and blow the budget out to the GDP of a small country, all for good reason. The reason is that the Liberals needed an alternative model to Labor’s far superior FTTP NBN. Therefore, Malcolm thought he would just test his rubbish model out on a focus group aka ‘us’, add in a little spin and waffle about how Betacord is far more superior than blue ray; oops I mean how copper is far more superior than fibre; and we would buy it.
When ‘we’ (the focus group) started moaning and groaning about how crap his NBN was, and in the still of the night he stared at the laughter from online tech forums with tears in his eyes, the stress of it all started to show. One morning, he looked in the mirror and his app told him that Jason Clare was by far the fairest in the land. He knew it was all over and he had to do something drastic. He had to distance himself from the NBN.
How can the man of the hour be the same man who has the crap NBN and who is the subject of memes with tin cans and string? No, no, no that simply would not do. At least Abbott had a boat phone!
He had to get out of communications fast into a job that made him look good. He needed a job that allowed him to be flexible. One with enough scope that if he had to talk about something that made him look dull instead of shiny, he could brush that aside and talk about something else. With that, he eyed Tony Abbott with a glint in his eye. He just had to convince his party colleagues that he was the very model of a modern major Prime Minister.
So he did what any good innovator would do, he chose a tried and true product that the focus group liked but had become tired of and applied a little incremental innovation. All he had to do was to sell it to his party colleagues.
Malcolm had feedback that the focus group didn’t like the way the old Prime Minister model ummed and ah-ed and especially that time that he wasn’t saying anything (but you aren’t saying anything, Tony) or his inappropriate repetition of “But we have stopped the boats”. The focus group especially did not like any Captains picks.
The party colleagues insisted that the inner workings of PM Mark I stay the same and PM Mark II had to have the same values and beliefs as the old model, but it would be ok if Malcolm tinkered with the aesthetics.
So Malcolm hopped on a tram to take some selfies, chucked on an Armani Suit, put 200 million dollars in the bank and shifted some to an offshore account in the Cayman islands and the model was almost complete. To demonstrate the winning element of the new model, he slapped on a happy face, twirled his glasses a few times and with great anticipation he unveiled the clincher…never ending verbosity with an inbuilt thesaurus for all the synonyms a Prime Minister could use without sounding repetitive once. It was a done deal. With the help of a knife and a Bishop, the old model was sent to the backbenches and Turnbull was now the new Prime Minister Mark II.
So Malcolm turned to the Focus Group once again for them to evaluate Prime Minister Mark II. As confirmed by @Ghostwhovotes every week, the polls were in and the focus group gave the thumbs up. The media were so happy they were reminiscent of Magenta grabbing Riff Raff’s hand, twirling him around and yelling, “Malcolm is happy. The Liberals are happy, you’re happy, we’re all happy hahaha hahaha.”
After such a positive response from the focus group, Malcolm then became obsessed with using us as a focus group to evaluate so many things in the coming months.
He did this with so much excitement and relief because he has no idea how to make his own decisions. However, he became increasingly frustrated because no matter what he put before us, it was all nope, nope, nope from us. There was a small ‘yay’ for getting rid of knights and dames. There was also a huge sigh of relief when Speaker mark II turned out to be rational and level headed and did not take helicopter joy rides.
However, secretly copying a diary to bring down the speaker of parliament to topple a Labor Government, it was a nope from the focus group.
A Minister of Parliament drunk groping and kissing a female public servant in China, was a nope from the focus group.
Announcing, “there has never been a more exciting time to be an Australian” was a yay from most of us. However, repeated at the same volume and frequency of ‘we have stopped the boats’ resulted in a noise complaint and a subsequent thumbs down from the focus group.
Ministers grabbing the Baygon and spraying it in the PM’s general direction as they backed away and resigned, was a mixed response with many raising an eyebrow of suspicion as to what was going on.
A Minister under the guise of a private citizen signing off on a mining deal with a Chinese mining company and prominent Liberal party donor was a big, big nope from the focus group.
The focus group climbed bridges and towers and screamed nope, nope, nope and staged a protest outside of a hospital when he canvassed whether sending Asylum seeker babies back to detention was okay.
The focus group was split on a report of a political witch hunt, set up to destroy the party of the workers, led by a life-long Liberal party supporter who was allowed to assess his own bias. (The nopes were a lot louder than yays on this one, so this one is reserved for desperate situations only).
As the Prime Minister had no idea about economic reform, he decided to run an increase in the GST by the focus group. The results from the focus group were so poor and when he noted that they were listening to the Labor party, he has backed away from the GST like Voldemort backing away from Harry. Like he still intends to do the evil deed, he just has to wait to get Harry in a weak position.
Some of the focus group still have their head turned sideways trying to work out if the Unicorn selling is a possibility. Others in the focus group started designing unicorn memes straight away.
Prime Minister Mark II is now canvassing the focus group for the privatisation of Medicare and their personal medical records being handled by a private contractor, possibly an overseas company. The early data is that this is a huge thumbs down.
As Prime Minister Mark II is too scared to make any decisions of his own and he relies on the feedback from focus groups; here is a list of forthcoming ideas from the Turnbull’s ideas boom that we can expect in the near future.
A list of possible ideas for the PM Mark II’s focus group (aka us)
Should Anchovies on pizza cost extra?
When city Ministers visit country areas, should they wear a cowboy hat, or not wear a cowboy hat?
Is it ever OK for the Minister for women to scream like a banshee about ‘the sisterhood?’
Are socks with Sandals ever OK and should Barnaby wear them?
How often can one hear the word innovation before they start screaming?
If copper is better than fibre, should blue ray be made obsolete and should we return to Betacord?
If your sick mum cannot get access to healthcare, is that OK, if there has never been a more exciting time to be an Australian?
If PM Mark II does not make any decisions up to and including the election, is it because there has never been a more exciting time to be an Australian?
Should the Government put out a budget before the election?
Should unicorns be sold, or should they be a protected species?
Is it obvious that the treasurer is a dumb-arse who knows jack about economics?
When the camera pans to Prime Minister Mark I sitting on the back bench looking forlorn, have you felt, or slightly felt a left-wing condition called empathy?
What do you think of underdogs? Is it possible for them to win elections?
Is ‘Work Save and Invest’ considered a slogan?
How much longer can the Liberal party get away with blaming Labor?
Do Pyne’s glasses look dorky nerdy or nerdy hot?
If the Prime Minister who owns several houses and is worth 200 million dollars, does not approve of a policy that will let your children and grandchildren buy a house, will you accept that this is OK because it won’t be fair on the rich people?
With a Double Dissolution election now being suggested widely for July, I am sure the above and many more will be put to us aka the focus group for assessment between now and then, as it has become increasingly obvious Malcolm Turnbull is unable to make any decisions.
At a rate of zero dollars per hour, our pay for this focus group is less than the 47c an hour being paid to workers of the 7-Eleven Turnbull has a stake in. I think I had better get my union, (or is that unicorn) on to this!
Originally published on Polyfeministix
144 comments
Login here Register here-
Gilly -
Rossleigh -
Deanna Jones -
John Kelly -
Carol Taylor -
Douglas Pye -
Grant -
Trish Corry -
Steve Laing -
Trish Corry -
kerri -
Diane -
Trish Corry -
diannaart -
Shaun Newman -
Trish Corry -
Wally -
Carol Taylor -
heatherex -
totaram -
JeffJL -
RosemaryJ36 -
Trish Corry -
Backyard Bob -
Shaun Newman -
Shaun Newman -
Shaun Newman -
corvus boreus -
Shaun Newman -
rossleighbrisbane -
Henry rodrigues -
archiearchive FCD -
Trish Corry -
Trish Corry -
Backyard Bob -
Shaun Newman -
Backyard Bob -
corvus boreus -
Trish Corry -
corvus boreus -
Backyard Bob -
Kaye Lee -
cornlegend -
Kaye Lee -
cornlegend -
Shaun Newman -
cornlegend -
Kaye Lee -
Trish Corry -
Backyard Bob -
Backyard Bob -
Kaye Lee -
Kaye Lee -
Backyard Bob -
Backyard Bob -
cornlegend -
Backyard Bob -
Shaun Newman -
cornlegend -
Backyard Bob -
Kaye Lee -
corvus boreus -
Backyard Bob -
cornlegend -
cornlegend -
Kaye Lee -
corvus boreus -
Backyard Bob -
Trish Corry -
Shaun Newman -
Shaun Newman -
Kaye Lee -
corvus boreus -
cornlegend
-
cornlegend -
Backyard Bob -
Trish Corry -
Trish Corry -
Bighead1883 -
Trish Corry -
Trish Corry -
Trish Corry -
Backyard Bob -
Backyard Bob -
corvus boreus -
cornlegend -
corvus boreus -
Backyard Bob -
Bighead1883 -
corvus boreus -
Trish Corry -
Trish Corry -
Trish Corry -
corvus boreus -
Bighead1883 -
Backyard Bob -
corvus boreus -
randalstella -
Backyard Bob -
Wally -
Bighead1883 -
Trish Corry -
Trish Corry -
corvus boreus -
Bighead1883 -
corvus boreus -
Bighead1883 -
Backyard Bob -
Backyard Bob -
Backyard Bob -
corvus boreus -
Backyard Bob -
Trish Corry -
Trish Corry -
JeffJL -
corvus boreus -
cornlegend -
Backyard Bob -
Backyard Bob -
Trish Corry -
trishcorry -
Trish Corry -
Backyard Bob -
The AIM Network -
The AIM Network -
Carol Taylor -
Backyard Bob -
Trish Corry -
Backyard Bob -
Trish Corry -
Backyard Bob -
JeffJL -
corvus boreus -
Shaun Newman -
Shaun Newman -
Shaun Newman -
cornlegend -
Shaun Newman -
cornlegend -
Shaun Newman -
cornlegend -
Shaun Newman -
cornlegend -
Shaun Newman
Return to home pageNobody loves me, every body hates me, something to do with worms …
Governments should be able to float ideas, get criticisms and concerns, revise them and work until the concept is a good as they can make it, Unfortunately, the “Tony Abbott” approach of if they suggest it, we will oppose it has meant that we’ve grown used to a situation where every time there’s a new idea from a government, it’s attacked without any suggestion of working together for improvements.
We’ve lately moved on to the absurd situation where it’s the Opposition making the running on tax reform and the Government attacking everything they say, before adding but, of course, they’re considering everything.
Not content with just being negative, they occasionally come up with their own idea (such as the GST increase), have Tehan or some other non-entity issue a press release, talk about it, put it on the table, put their right foot in, pull their left foot out, put a minister in to shake it all about, then when it’s attracted a bit of criticism. have Malcolm announce that this idea was never seriously considered and why don’t we all just wait until closer to the election when they’ll have some policies on something.
The idea of actually arguing something because they think it’s worthwhile seems to have died with “Fightback” in 1993!
Great read, thank you.
Funny how the pressure of the top job begins to bear down on you, especially when you don’t stand for anything and don’t have a policy or a policy framework. All the eloquence in the world can’t hide veneer.
Trish, on the spin and waffle concerning the NBN. We are quickly learning that this is a Turnbull-tactic. Notice how quickly Turnbull bounded in to label Labor’s negative gearing plan as ‘crude’ and *shock* the value of your already well-churned inner Sydney or inner Melbourne superior lifestyle apartments might drop.
Whatever happened to reasonable Malcolm? The one who is supposed to dazzle us with his superior intellect. But no, straight out of the Abbott Handbook, a scare campaign based on no factual information whatsoever.
The military term … “Front and Centre” springs to mind … ‘ cept ” Centre” has been dropped, to the extent that ‘a toe in the water’ prevails when we all know that to ‘swim’ one must get ‘wet’ !
One thinks that M.T is in ‘front’ virtually all on his own, whilst the ‘kitchen cabinet’ is busily counting the cutlery and sorting the silver.whilst pondering the ‘household budget’ … food for thought?
Well, it fills in the time until the advertising onslaught ( heavily driven by clever media manipulation/psychological warfare) is unleashed on the unhinged (fearful) Australian public! … Chaos ! has always been the name of the game … ask any religious scholar!
Whilst over there in Iceland ? …… ? … they sorted the $$ MONEY $$ element …?? …
Excellent read ! Thank you
Hi Carol. It was nice to see that Shorten came out yesterday and said Malcolm has nothing so he has resorted to a Tony Abbott style attack dog campaign. People will notice this.
Nailed it. We have supposedly been having a public debate about the tax mix (though somehow doing this without any info from the government of what ideas they might actually back). Fortunately the opposition have provided an agenda to discuss. It is hilarious how dithery this mob are, but not unexpected given the total lack of ability to do any more than (often badly) follow the script provided.
Rossleigh so true. Malcolm spoke a lot about leadership when he first came into power and he spoke a lot about emotional intelligence. He appears to have an interest in management/leadership theory. The way he has to explain things to everyone gives me the impression however he is like a student who is repeating some type of rote learning on the topic. I do cringe at Malcolm. With regards to the leadership, it is as if he has gone “Oh Tony was autocratic leadership, I better not do that – what is the opposite?” So Turnbull has gone all out democratic leadership, seeking feedback from the people, rather than taking the lead and not using this feedback in the right way. It is cringeworthy to watch. However, all leadership styles have pitfalls and both Abbott and Turnbull do/did not appear aware of these.
Turnbull is on the wrong path. His style is consistent with trust and support in the initial stages, using his ‘charisma’ to win people over, but then people start to get restless as their “valued input” from his democratic style results in nothing positive and the leader is incapable of making decisions and leading. This is a two pronged sword because when you go with Charisma – people look to you more and more. People start to wonder what is going on. In other words, he has now fallen into the trap that the people are wondering if he has what it takes, or is he just in it for his own self interest. This is a pitfall of relying on charisma and sometimes it IS all that person has. I think this was also Rudd’s downfall and to a degree Abbott’s, in my own opinion – but happy to be challenged on that.
On paper, If leadership theory can be used to assess Turnbull vs Shorten, Shorten should win this. If Shorten can find his Charismatic period – something that will really bring the people with him (hopefully by at least 7 weeks before the election) – he will definitely win this.
Brilliant article Trish Corry!
You hit every nail right on the head. Lord Turnbull is indeed governing by poll. After all it was popularity that got him there so why not gauge actions or inaction by poll!
Not policy of course. Policy is a lefty conspiracy to benefit the serfs.
His comments yesterday on the value of your house going down betrays his elitist favouritism towards the wealthy investor and not the poor young folk just trying to get a home of their own. Turnbull and Abbott both seemed to think that all they needed was to get the job as PM and then the people would love them and all they stand for.
Any young person who votes LNP is a fool!
Great article, and particular kudos on getting the Rocky Horror, Harry Potter and Snow White references in there #wearenotworthy 🙂
Thanks Di You missed the Pirates of Penzance reference (The very model of a modern major (general) Prime Minister. It was not particularly a just a snow white reference – Jason Clare is indeed the fairest in the land 😛
Terrific work, Trish.
We really have to give this mob the flick out of office.
While I remain in favour of a more diverse senate and lower house – if I have to vote Labor (lower house) I will do it.
Turnbull – a perky Cos Lettuce on the outside, all limp on the inside.
Trish, you tell a good yarn, I’d rather deal with reality myself but, it was entertaining. If social media is any guide the LNP are heading south, no matter what Murdoch’s polls say.
Sorry Shaun, I have no idea what to comment back to someone who has debased my writing (which I always take seriously) to ‘a yarn.’
Regardless of the various writing styles authors on AIMN use to appeal to various readers and to approach various topics, there is always a serious message within.
Rossleigh
I agree completely with your comment, it is time that all members of parliament worked together to do what is best for the country. We don’t pay them to have bitch fights we pay them to govern.
Wally, same as yourself I always believed that those in parliament were there for the betterment of the country, even if I disagreed with the method they chose to do this. The Abbott years – years of No – changed that. It used to be (think of when Big Kim was LOTO): “Yes that’s a good idea, but we can do it better” or simply nick the other person’s ideas: think of when Costello was Treasurer and he pinched so many of Kevin Rudd’s ideas that the late, great Matty Price nicknamed Costello’s budget, The Ruddget. Certainly there were fear campaigns but nothing resembling the Abbott years. It seems with one stroke that Turnbull is saying No to any changes to negative gearing whatsoever as he has not come up with anything resembling any alternative.
A great article, and it is stating the obvious! Sadly I hadn’t figured that out for myself, so thanks for telling it like it is!
Wally:
“I agree completely with your comment, it is time that all members of parliament worked together to do what is best for the country. We don’t pay them to have bitch fights we pay them to govern.”
Nice sentiment. Unfortunately, we don’t pay them any more, even though they take their salaries from government. Their REAL pay comes from elsewhere and that is after they have done as directed. So just get used to the new reality and try to see how “we the people” can get the best out of this situation. And Trish is telling us that Malcolm is no different to Tony. It is the party and its policies that really count. But in a Westminster system that is what you would expect. The leader can only do so much, and in this case not much at all!!
@Trish 11:20am. Be known you are on notice. Saying nice things about Bill Shorten, not allowed on this site!
Good article (not yarn).
We need a new Constitution, a new voting system, a new government and the return of policies designed to help all those who GENUINELY need help.
In some countries this level of change has been achieved through revolution.
On notice for what? What is this garbage? Some type of threat?
Oh, Trish, do pay attention and up your reading comprehension skills.
BB, you may lack some comprehension skills yourself ole’ mate, Trish is a dreamer but her heart is in the right place.
Trish, it is far better to ignore these tory trolls and get on with the business of helping to elect a Labor government at the coming election.
Rosemary I couldn’t agree more, at present it is far too easy for the tories to meter out punishment on the poor for simply being poor.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3b/Paris_Tuileries_Garden_Facepalm_statue.jpg
Jeff, have it your way ‘article’ if that makes you feel better lol. We know Shorten is a dud, but we can’t change that, Trish is doing her best to campaign for a Labor government to replace this woefully inadequate LNP government, and that has to be a good thing.
People may find economist, John Quiggin’s recent blog interesting: http://johnquiggin.com/2016/02/20/another-fearless-prediction/
Trish, I’ll start by saying my allegiances are very Labor, but even if it wasn’t so I’d agree with you that we can get rid of this failed government. at the next election. Many of my friends and acquaintances who had voted against Labor last time around are very disillusioned and angry at the government’s broken promises and downright lies and now this PM who has no idea what he’s wants to do, and a Treasurer who’s even more economically illiterate, if that’s possible, than Hockey. Charisma will only take Turnbull so far, he’ll have to come up with some real policies. Thanks for the clarity of your article.
From where I stand, where the ALP used to be until it moved sharply right, I can still see them. The Coalition, on the other hand, is way over the right horizon and totally out of sight. I wonder if it is possible to employ a little Time Warping to bring Australian politics back to sanity? Which is not what I was going to say – I wanted to say that this is the best yarn, story, article or opinion piece I have read this year. After all, what’s in a name. This is brilliant. And PM Bill Shorten has a great sound to it.
Thanks Henry. I don’t trust Turnbull at all. He creeps me out to be honest. ScoMo is an absolute train wreck. I think a first term, first year economics uni student would do better.
Thanks Archie. If you haven’t read it, and can bear to read it, read the IPA ideas by John Rostrum and Chris Berg “Be like Gough” article. They set the task of Abbott to shift Australia significantly to the right.
Their theory (which I do agree with) is once something has been established as pushed to the left or pushed to the right and accepted by the public, it is so hard to shift it the other way. This is, they posit what Gough did. They wanted Abbott to do the same.
Our culture in Australia, I believe will only shift incrementally to the left with hard work and activism. It will take one hell of a leader for a radical shift. That person is a rare person who does not come along every term. But they will come along.
Labor is a social democratic party, not an extreme left party, however, the key to Labor shifting the focus to the left is to first off get them in power and encourage voters to decimate the liberals by putting them last.
My personal goal for this year is to advocate to Labor for them to change some of their welfare stances, in particular income management. I find it abhorrent, stigmatising, degrading and it has no place in our society.
I would like Labor to champion more social issues and that will not occur whilst the Liberals direct the narrative. That is my one criticism of Gillard. She allowed Abbott to direct the narrative. It is good to see Shorten now directing the narrative on Education, Health and Tax. Hopefully this will progress onto areas of importance that voters currently don’t see ‘as the most important issues’ due to how the narrative has been directed for at least six years.
Keep your eye on two people – Jason Clare and Evan Hughes (Turnbull’s opposition in his electorate) I see these two as unique people who just have that bit extra something about them. I think they will have a huge impact down the track. However, we can only wait and see.
Shaun,
What are you on about? Do you even see what I was referring to? Trish said this: On notice for what? What is this garbage? Some type of threat? The only person who used the words “on notice” was Jeff when he said, with obvious jocularity: Be known you are on notice. Saying nice things about Bill Shorten, not allowed on this site! Good article (not yarn).
I then suggested Trish ought try and pay attention, because that was clearly required. Get it? I sincerely hope you weren’t including me in your “tory troll” comment because if you were I am owed an apology.
My apology Bob, I got confused.
No sweat, Shaun, I know the feeling 😉
Trish Corry (12:29),
I think you mean IPA honcho ‘John Roskam’, who, in a funny little twist, chose Bill Shorten to be the best man at his wedding.
Yes, I couldn’t remember the exact spelling and was on my phone and couldn’t check, but yes, you have the right guy. Yeh apparently they have been friends since Primary School. I see it as no big deal. I guess we can’t just drop our childhood mates just because when we grow up our political ideals differ.
As I said, a ‘funny little twist’.
I do have other reservations regarding B Shorten, but now (with an election looming) is not the right time to raise them.
He is Labor’s chosen leader.
A list of possible ideas for the PM Mark II’s focus group (aka us)
Oh hell, who can resist a survey!
Should Anchovies on pizza cost extra?
More to the point, should pizza under anchovies cost extra?
When city Ministers visit country areas, should they wear a cowboy hat, or not wear a cowboy hat?
Yes.
Is it ever OK for the Minister for women to scream like a banshee about ‘the sisterhood?’
Isn’t that the first item in their job description?
Are socks with Sandals ever OK and should Barnaby wear them?
No and yes.
How often can one hear the word innovation before they start screaming?
Oh dear, as it turns out, once.
If copper is better than fibre, should blue ray be made obsolete and should we return to Betacord?
I don’t think the word “obsolete” means what you think it means. Now, prepare to die.
If your sick mum cannot get access to healthcare, is that OK, if there has never been a more exciting time to be an Australian?
It’s never ok to be sexist.
If PM Mark II does not make any decisions up to and including the election, is it because there has never been a more exciting time to be an Australian?
Firstly, stop referring to the PM as Mark; his name is Mal. Secondly, I don’t know what decisions PMs make at an election other than whether to buy Bollinger or Passion Pop for the after party.
Should the Government put out a budget before the election?
I’ll get back to that one when an election is called. Oh wait, you mean should the election be delayed so as to bring out a budget beforehand. Given who the Treasurer is, no.
Should unicorns be sold, or should they be a protected species?
False dichotomy. Protected species are worth shitloads.
Is it obvious that the treasurer is a dumb-arse who knows jack about economics?
I don’t know this “jack” fellow and I’ve never quizzed (or anything else) the Treasurer’s arse so I don’t know.
When the camera pans to Prime Minister Mark I sitting on the back bench looking forlorn, have you felt, or slightly felt a left-wing condition called empathy?
Stop calling people Mark! Geez. And I have not felt a left-wing condition called empathy because empathy is not a left-wing condition.
What do you think of underdogs? Is it possible for them to win elections?
I really don’t know; I’m a cat person. Ask me what I think about undercats…
Is ‘Work Save and Invest’ considered a slogan?
I hope so, given it’s a slogan.
How much longer can the Liberal party get away with blaming Labor?
That all depends on whether the sun’s rate of expansion remains constant …
Do Pyne’s glasses look dorky nerdy or nerdy hot?
Not sure, they just look like he should have gone to Specsavers.
If the Prime Minister who owns several houses and is worth 200 million dollars, does not approve of a policy that will let your children and grandchildren buy a house, will you accept that this is OK because it won’t be fair on the rich people?
I reject the first premise of the question. The PM is barely worth tuppence let alone 200 million. But I wasn't aware my children and grandchildren weren't allowed to buy a home. Good thing I don't have any.
I have reservations about all politicians but Bill Shorten has impressed me lately as have Labor’s policies. When thinking about Labor people to watch, Andrew Leigh is very impressive.
Kaye Lee,
Expect to see Shorten more visible as the Election approaches .
Two impressive ones for me are Stephen Jones and Terri Butler .
Terri, although a newbie, has held the ALP gay marriage position at the fore and will bring the cross-party same-sex marriage bill on for further debate and then a vote within the next few weeks
Look for Mark Dreyfus to be given a freer hand and Mark Butler doing more .
The build up has begun
I agree about Terri Butler. She doesn’t get flustered, nor does she get bulldozed.
on Stephen,
Clare O’Neil, Stephen Jones and Tanya Plibersek have been working on a Private Members Bill and testing cosmetics on animals will be banned in Australia, along with the importing and selling of some make-up that has been tested on animals, if their private member’s bill is successful
As well as banning make-up being tested on animals in Australia, the bill would aim to stop the importation and sale of new cosmetics and cosmetics ingredients that have been tested on animals
Expect to see a few private member bills come to the fore as the election approaches
Terri is a great Leftie, who could very well be future Prime Ministerial material.
Kaye Lee
“I agree about Terri Butler. She doesn’t get flustered, nor does she get bulldozed”
Damned right there, Terri is the flusterer and the bulldozer
and Shaun Newman , I agree 😀
I would be happy if makeup got banned altogether. This idea that we have to paint ourselves I find offensive. The amount of money wasted on the beauty industry is astonishing and the harm we do to people through ridiculous body imaging is enormous. Women are having things implanted and injected into themselves to try to change their body shape or to hide their age. Why? People tell me I would feel better about myself if I went and got my hair done, or had a facial or some such rot. What silliness. I feel good about myself when I help other people, not when I make myself pretty for them.
I hardly ever wear make up. Only for special occasions. I am so glad you have said this. Some things people say are so offensive “I’ve never seen you look pretty ever” on my wedding day is still my favourite.
Hmm, there’s another way to see the characteristics of not getting flustered and not being “bulldozed” and that’s being arrogant and dogmatic. For me Butler shows too many signs of those latter traits. Based on her Twitter behaviour there’s a large question mark over her for me. But, as with most things, time will tell. In a more general sense I think the current Labor crew has the makings of a quite decent Government. I won’t bother trying to compare it with the Coalition mob because I don’t think any legitimate comparison can be proffered.
It might just be wishful thinking on my part but I’m seeing what I interpret as growing signs that Labor feels it can make a genuine contest of this election and that the Coalition’s prospects are worsening daily. I may be wrong, but screw it, right now I need something positive to cling to.
Kaye Lee,
But don’t you see? You’re helping other people by making yourself pretty for them! In doing so you add to their overall aesthetic appreciation of the world and even I can’t make this shit fly ……. 🙂
Twitter should be blown up. I cannot comment on what goes on there but every time I have heard Terri speak, she has done well.
BB,
Aesthetics are not my best thing but I nevertheless cling to the belief that I am attractive.
I’m going to vote against the idea of a Twitter explosion. It would rain fecal matter for 3 months straight.
Oh geez, apropos of nothing, I’ve just discovered that Bernard Gaynor is the ALA’s Qld Senate candidate. It’s a little early for wine, but I need a drink …
Trish CorryFebruary 21, 2016 at 3:20 pm
‘I hardly ever wear make up”…. either 😀
Once again, given the convo has become random, is people power beginning to have an impact on Peter Dutton?
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/peter-dutton-baby-asha-wont-be-sent-back-to-nauru-20160221-gmzjbv.html
Kaye, I’m a seconder for that motion.
Trish Corry
Actually Trish the internet is a wonderful thing .
I pictured you and Kaye Lee sitting joyfully together getting botoxed and a follow up session of the one that makes people look like Tandoori Chicken as you chat mindlessly about Abbotts ever increasing bald spot
Damn, the illusion is shattered ,
bugger it, just back to dreams of Sophie making a comeback 😀
Cornie:
‘I hardly ever wear make up”…. either.
Bernard Gaynor: “I wouldn’t let a gay person teach my children, and I am not afraid to say it”
His latest post is…you guessed it…about halal food in the Army
Geeze Louise, I really hope people look into who they are voting for.
Andrew Leigh commendation noted. I liked his short, sharp riposte at the end of this bit of Turnbull waffle;
http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/malcolm-turnbull-taunts-andrew-leigh-20140604-zrxo7.html
Stephen Jones endorsement noted as well. This piece expresses some fine sentiments;
http://www.stephenjones.org.au/the_grubs_defile_our_trust_get_rid_of_them_08_02_2013
Terri Butler too. She seems to stand strong on principles, and had the gumption to ask Tony about his citizenship.
Ps, I found this site on parliamentary performance very easy and informative; https://theyvoteforyou.org.au/
Despite Twitter’s failings, if you follow the right people it can be a wealth of info regarding stories you might otherwise miss:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-02-21/asylum-seekers-leave-nauru-for-life-in-canada/7187416
Backyard Bob.
You know, that botox stuff is a 21st century miracle .
I sat with my youngest grand daughter and watched a whole hour of that family {name escapes me} who are famous for doing stuff all .
I thought they were well done electronic muppets.
It wasn’t till the end she told me they breathed .
So much botox, nothing moved, NOTHING
The money making mind ticked over , could I supplement botox for Viagra for blokes who need it {NOT ME !!!!}
Trish,
apologies for getting off topic on your fine article , but the old mind wanders 😀
back on song now
When I think of the qualities that attract me to a man, a botoxed penis does not pop up.
People who inject the neurotoxic proteins produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria into their faces for the sake of vanity include not just egotistic ‘Hollywood reality starlets’, but Australian politicians.
Tassie senator Jacquie Lambie’s enthusiastic endorsement of Botox extends into publicly embracing her addiction, and this backbencher secretly swears by it; http://independentaustralia.net/wordpress-opt/wp-content/2013/02/AbbottsMakover.png
Bernard Gaynor just Tweeted:
Shows the calibre of the man I guess.
The sad fact is, that is the argument from the Liberals (in a way) and I’m not happy that Labor agrees that this is a possibility. Labor can do better.
I find make up a waste of time on women, they should just go natural, they are either naturally beautiful or they are not, anyway it is the personality that attracts me.
Why thank you so much Kaye Lee.
Two things that concern me about Labor. We need a plan for the people who are currently in immigration detention and we need some form of federal integrity body. On the Coalition’s campaign about union corruption, Bill has done well with the line “We are against corruption. The Coalition are against unions.” He should back that up with more than union governance reforms.
Kaye Lee,
The statements of inaction by B.S. (+ others) regarding the notion/motion for a federal ICAC would be one of the ‘other reservations’ I alluded to earlier.
“I don’t believe the same case has yet existed to demonstrate these problems are prevalent in the national political debate in Australia…we are happy to sit down with him (TA) and work constructively in a bipartisan fashion to ensure we have the strongest possible defences against any perception of corruption full stop.”
‘Defences against any perception’? Those words were worse than weaselly.
It seems asylum policy is ever evolving
actually, the story is here
“We need to work with the UN to set up processing centres in Indonesia and Malaysia and then, when we know who needs protection and who doesn’t, we take those in need and send the others home.”
Sarah Hanson Young
http://www.mamamia.com.au/nauru-abortion/#9HXz28WlcDdfuxwG.99
It’s pretty clear that the Labor Party will not seriously entertain the idea of anything along the lines of a Federal ICAC, and as Shorten has stated, rely instead on “bipartisan” efforts to stop any perception of corruption. You can see how he unconsciously let the cat out of the bag with his choice of words: “perception of corruption” rather than the fact of it. I find that revealing, frankly.
It’s the same sort of garbage rhetoric you get from politicians in the context of entitlements and so forth. The best they ever offer is token bipartisan efforts to prevent the perception of largesse or corruption. There will never be such a “watchdog” or statutory investigation because there will always be a bipartisan handshake to prevent it, everyone knowing what it will likely cost them.
I swear I wrote this before CB edited his comment! 🙂
Yes Kaye, I do agree with a federal body. Labor’s policy has an independent overseer, yet a federal body that is NOT partisan would be an improvement to Labor’s current policy.
Corvus – The Green’s gagged this debate in parliament. I might be being ‘overly stiff here” but I think that good Governance should allow proper debate. Not gag it and then point the finger and say they are the bad guys. We do have a current system, that also needs to be looked at to understand why it is not effective enough. Maybe we don’t need an ICAC but an enhancement of our current system; or maybe we do need one – but we won’t get there if debate is gagged in the senate.
Backyard Bob February 21, 2016 at 5:07 pm
Labor`s biggest opponent of a Federal ICAC,Gary Gray is retiring,but being such an political aficionado of all things Labor I`m surprised you did not know this BB
Cornlegend – OMG what a pack of hypocrites. I hope people make it well known that the Greens sided with the Libs to destroy the Malaysia solution. This would have seen people resettled in communities, able to work, go to school etc., The Greens and Libs destroyed this, which ended up with forcing Labor into doing PNG and now we have the Liberals disgusting, abhorrent mess.
Which is EXACTLY Labor’s policy. But the Greens say Labor are the bad guys. Labor really needs to get out there on this issue. It makes me cranky that Greens copy elements of Labor policy and pass it off as if it is their own and condemn Labor for being heartless.
I worked in the public sector previously and we had a very strict code of conduct. The guidelines may be there in Govt but the punishments are not given out enough or taken seriously. I have no problem with an ICAC. I have a problem with the Greens spreading that Labor disagreed with it, when they gagged the debate.
Bighead1883,
Ignore Bill Shorten’s statements all you want. He outright stated that he did not see the need for something like an ICAC, because, you know, there really isn’t any kind of need for one because, well, things just aren’t that bad.
Trish,
The Malaysia Solution, whilst having some meritorious aspects (i.e. the basic idea was decent enough), was never a solution, because the nation of choice was not one of those meritorious aspects.
According to whom? Malaysia has a worse human rights record and status than Nauru. They are not a signatory of the Refugee Convention that “guarantees” – hahaha – those rights. Given this, the Greens, who have been consistently opposed to off-shore detention and settlement took a stand on principle. Don’t like that? Tough.
Trish,
Indeed, the only vote taken in the 3 years since the bill was first proposed has been a vote to decide not to take a vote.
Shame, because both public polling and my own broad conversations on the matter indicate near universal public support for commissioning such an independent investigatory body.
Ps, the reason the current system has ineffectiveness problems is that it operates on ‘self-regulation’
BB,
what happened to the Greens “principle” now ?
It seems they have been losing it a lot lately
Repost from this morning;
“I have noticed the effect that clannish party allegiance can often have upon otherwise seemingly reasonable and rational people.
In terms of policy analysis, ‘party loyalty’ can cause perceptional dimming and blinkering, similar to donning a welding helmet in a dim room in order to read small print text. It often prevents the honest and impartial analysis of any relative merits in proposals arising from other ‘brands’, and hinders the prospect of any introspective analysis into possible flaws and failings in their own ‘side’s’ policies and performance.
At it’s worst, strong party identification can also tend to lead to participation in the mob mentality of mindless tribal barracking, where all not wearing scarves and waving banners of the ‘right’ colour and logo routinely have sledges slung in their direction, and all refereeing decisions are seen as biased against ‘the team’.
Nothing quite like absolute brand loyalty to induce perceptional bias and irrational prejudice.
Phuq party hackery, it is a blight upon representative democracy and cohesive society.”
It was off topic to the previous thread, but seems very relevant to this one.
Cornie,
The dog ate their homework.
Backyard Bob February 21, 2016 at 5:34 pm
Frig you make shit up as you go along Bob and all you pathetic hypocritical Greens
Greens again voted with LNP to stop Rudd2 Malaysian solution but Greens propose the same in Oct 2015
You killed off Rudd1 ETS because he offered a 20% RET but Greens wanted 40% and settled for nothing
Don`t come the Gillard CT either because Gillard went to the 2010 election with the Labor policy of [Putting a price on carbon}
Our online Labor “Hit The Hypocritical Greens Squad” is ready to tear you liars to pieces
Let the blood spill-yours– you lying hypocritical Greens
Ps, Thank you for the practical illustration, Bighead.
Are the human rights violations worse than they are subject to in manus and nauru? Gillard abolished these to resettle people in Malaysia. She said Nauru was not suitable. On one hand Greens wanted open borders (which we now is a danger to people drowning – the has to be a safe way for people) and Abbott wanted to process on Nauru. Instead of the three parties at that time, coming to a solution, with checks in place that ensured proper treatment of people in another country (Malaysia) the whole lot of them played up like a pack of kids fighting over a bag of lollies. The whole thing was disgusting. I don’t say that Malaysia was the best option and I don’t believe just letting people crash on our shores is either (Greens at the time) and we know Nauru is not good. So yeh it is tough that human lives are played with for the sake of political power posturing. The Greens assisted the Liberals to promote Labor as incompetent on the issue as well as their stance on abolishing an ETS, which added to everything else to give us Abbott and now we have another incompetent as PM who is all talk and no action. Nothing anyone can say would convince me other wise. If the Greens worked with Labor at that time, then the Liberals rhetoric would have been countered paving a way for better reforms between Labor and Greens.
I think the public have an overwhelming support for ICAC. I think any politician should be 100% ready to stand up to scrutiny or lose their seat. I don’t care who they are.
Are you talking about the lack of bipartisanship on the asylum seeker issue from the party, or people making comments in this thread?
Trish Corry,
http://www.smh.com.au/polls/federal-politics/political-news/a-federal-icac-20140910-3f6vg.html
I acknowledge the disclaimer at the top of the link, but the results reflect those of my own ‘social polling’.
corvus boreus February 21, 2016 at 6:08 pm
How`s the lump of hypocrisy sticking in your throat
I remember your lot ages back with your vitriol and abuse of Labor supporters here on AIMN
Hypocrite
CB,
My thought precisely. I am, of course, unable to respond to him given his error in presuming I’m a Green. I guess for some people it’s necessary for them to label the “enemy” (i.e. a person they are disagreeing with on some matter) so as to stuff them in a box full of ready-made arguments. Sigh.
And just for those who wish to verify Shorten’s statement about a Fed ICAC:
http://billshorten.com.au/press-conference-canberra
Holy crap, my adblocker says it’s blocking 28 ads on that page. Wow.
Bighead,
I have no ‘lot’; I am merely ‘me’ and I stand responsible solely for my own words, opinions and actions.
If you have any examples of me indulging in ‘vitriolic abuse’ of ‘Labor supporters, please provide them.
Ps, threats of ‘blood-spilling’ are not particularly helpful contributions to supposedly rational policy debate.
Shorten press conference 24/6/14
SHORTEN: Well we’ve seen, like everyone who has seen the New South Wales matters, I think we’ve all been shocked at the revelations that have come out in the New South Wales ICAC. I don’t believe the same case has yet existed to demonstrate these problems are prevalent in the national political debate in Australia. But I have indicated, publicly on the record, and I do so again today, to Tony Abbott, that we are happy to sit down with him and work constructively in a bipartisan fashion to ensure we have the strongest possible defences against any perception of corruption full stop.
A ‘bi-partisan fashion’ – with liars and gangsters? Is Shorten serious?
An ICAC could start by looking at donations, funding, and lobbying.
Why would Labor not want that? They are outspent by multiples by the Libs.
And that is on top of an MSM determined to elect as many Lib Governments as possible.
.
Trish,
Have a look at Malaysia’s human rights portfolio and judge for yourself.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_rights_in_Malaysia
Backyard Bob
The main objective of the Malaysian solution was to send refugees who tried to jump the queue to the back of the queue.
Refugees certainly would not rush across dangerous waters to be sent to the back of the queue.
How many people would have actually been sent to Malaysia?
The objective was for zero and this was possible with a widespread promotion of the outcome.
Personally I thought it was a great plan and believe it would have worked.
But for a LNP funded politically motivated legal sniper it may well have.
Wally February 21, 2016 at 8:28 pm
It`s clear as mud what the Greens were doing to the Gillard gov when the Malaysia Solution was proposed
Obstructionism with the LNP for political purposes because it could not be seen that it may work
When Rudd2 came about the same forces colluded for the same result netting Manus and Nauru to feed the MSM/Bogan/Political bloodlust using refugees as pawns
SHY clearly has shown all the deceit and political incest with the LNP
This continued when over 300.000 pensioners lost part pensions most being asset rich with their family home but cash poor
It now continues with LNP and Xenophon in Senate voting changes which go through this coming week apparently [latter]
This graphic shows how bad this was just in one rural City-Ballarat
Remember one fact= a vote for the Greens will not rid Australia of the LNP,only voting Labor will do that
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CbutpaUUkAAKLNF.jpg
I simply see that as Shorten being respectful in the same manner Gough spoke, Hawke spoke and Keating etc Abbott destroyed that. I respect Shortens decorum and that he doesn’t act like a feral idiot. We had enough of that with Abbott to last a lifetime
I did and there are also counter claims. That doesn’t get to the crux of my previous question though
Trish,
You might note that a reiteration of the original 2013 ‘Fed ICAC’ proposal was raised again last year, which again went past with much said on the matter but nothing passed, nor, indeed, voted upon, and no subsequent amendments tabled. This time around there was not even any inconvenient attempt at a ‘gag-motion’ to disrupt the flow of the ongoing (eternal?) ‘filibuster’. So, again, practical result; no ICAC.
Yep, the system appears to be working just fine.
corvus boreusFebruary 21, 2016 at 9:08 pm
Sorry to but in Trish
Corvus boreus you know how the HoR works as well as the Senate=numbers
Shorten can ask for anything but he wont receive because the house won`t pass it.
Your point is moot because as an LOTO he came through TUIRC uncorrupted
So did Gillard-Rudd-Garrett
These recent LNP colluding disclosures of the Greens are filthy and the majority of bi partisan bills by both houses have been financial-except for deregulation
Data retention is a wrong move IMO by Labor but it`s nothing compared to peoples lives and livelihood like the Greens are guilty of
Bighead,
Since your contributions are often inaccurate, irrelevant, intemperate and sometimes downright abusive, I have little interest in your party-faction based opinions. Having had to previously (repeatedly) correct you upon wrong claims, I tend to regard anything you post without verifying links as suspect information.
In future, I would appreciate it if you would kindly refrain from butting in on any personally addressed conversations.
corvus boreus February 21, 2016 at 9:34 pm
“your contributions are often inaccurate, irrelevant, intemperate and sometimes downright abusive” well said for your own contribution
My feelings on you and your party exactly
My research is clear and concise
Good day to you
Meanwhile, in a dusty street with dodgy lighting and all the necessary trappings of devious doings (I bag points for not using French here), David Manne, a human rights lawyer was mounting a legal challenge in the High Court which was upheld for reasons that were and are, oddly obvious.
Trish,
How long have you been on internet forums? If you’re going to respond to a post hours after its posting you need to supply context otherwise it appears as if you’re talking to voices in your head.
Bighead correctly noted:
For me this just makes Labor’s reticence to adopt a Federal ICAC policy even more mysterious. The almost complete lack of damage done to the Labor party by TURC makes me wonder why they don’t adopt a policy around an ICAC concept. It would be an enormous vote winner I would have thought, as well as placing the Coalition in an incredibly difficult position.
Given the support within the electorate for such a thing, why would Labor hesitate? Why? Seriously, why?
Backyard Bob,
The latter part of the statement is correct (Shorten did indeed come through the TURC without a wound), but that in no way ‘moots’ any point regarding the need for a federal integrity commission.
A special (‘royal’) commission, with frames of reference limited to possible corruption within union conduct, is substantially different to a standing, independent ‘National Integrity Commission’ conducting investigations into general corruption in/around federal politics.
As for ‘why the hesitation?’, the lack of clear answers tends to invite a degree of suspicion.
CB,
Yep, agreed on all counts, especially the first, which I dealt with clumsily.
All I can say Corvus as a member of Labor is keep at the Power of the People. It is how Labor does things and sometimes is how they need to be pushed. Just get out there and champion it. Every voice matters.
Bob this is in response to you letting me know I can’t internet and I look like I’m talking to myself when I respond. I am on my phone and all I have is a little reply window. I can’t see the entire page. I have no problem tracking comments when others do the same thing.
My apologies Trish. It was meant as back handed comedy. It was not my intention for the post to be received as a threat, but more an attempt at comedy due to the frequent disparaging remarks directed at Bill Shorten on this site. Again my apology.
BB. Thanks. I see that I will have to work on my comedy.
Shaun. Can I get a reference from you to my work acquaintances. I need somebody to convince them I am not Marxist. I could do with being called a ‘tory troll’ publicly.
Yeah, thanks for the advice, Trish.
The notion of a federal ICAC clearly needs to be more vigorously championed in order for Labor to consider voting for it, as 98% stated public support is obviously not a convincing enough argument.
Goodnight.
randalstella February 21, 2016 at 6:58 pm
” I have indicated, publicly on the record, and I do so again today, to Tony Abbott, that we are happy to sit down with him and work constructively in a bipartisan fashion to ensure we have the strongest possible defences against any perception of corruption full stop.”
Can you tell me how Shorten could do anything ICAC related unless it was bi partisan ?
They are in Opposition and with 55 votes in the H.O.R
Jeff,
No, you actually don’t. Trish owed you an apology, not the other way round. But, whatever ….
Cornie,
Oh, Jesus, are you friggin’ kidding? This is shite and you know it. We’re talking about policy the Labor Party can take to the next election. Bad, bad, Cornie! No whisky on your cornflakes tomorrow, son.
Sorry Jeff, I did read it late at night and I read it as Good article (Not..YAWN), not, not Yarn. (Which made your ‘You’re on notice’ read in the wrong voice. I thought you were having a go. I didn’t realise until I re-read it earlier this evening. Sorry for having a go back.
I did a similar thing to a guy on Twitter who is one of my regular retweeters and I felt terrible. But he was good about it and I realised my mistake straight away.
I’d had a bit of a tiring troll day. I’ve learnt to take a break when that happens and yesterday I didn’t.
It was not a good day yesterday, so sorry again. I feel like a douche if that helps.
In other breaking news people LABOR IS 50/50 TIED WITH THE LIBERALS IN THE LATEST NEWSPOLL AND TURNBULL’S SATISFACTION RATING DROPPED 7 WHOLE POINTS IN A WEEK !!! AND YES I’M SHOUTING FROM THE BLOODY ROOFTOPS!!!!!
Lol yes edited. I was so excited in my head going “you beauty Shorten” it is the name I typed.
So, Newspoll has cred all of a sudden? Hokay. Why am I not surprised. Disclaimer: I have no idea of Trish’s usual disposition to Newspoll polls, but I can brings up a shitload of proof that lefties had best be cautious here.
No, Trish did not say that Newspoll has credibility. She is rightfully pleased at the result, given that Newspolls usually favour the ‘right’.
I would also suggest that Trish is pleased with the trend.
BB, Newspoll usually has the credibility rating of a flea erring somewhat to the right in order to give their team a bit of a boost. If Newspoll says 50/50 I’m inclined to believe that the numbers are even better for Labor. The Libs have not exactly had their dreams come true of late with a scare campaign of their own making over the is it/isn’t it on the table GST, Morrison talking absolute bs on negative gearing, not to mention some indecipherable (to non-cricketing fans) descriptors, then Turnbull following up with a mini-scare campaign of which Tony Abbott would be proud..and to finish off the Libs looking like an incoherent rabble, therefore quite appropriate that old Barnaby has become Deputy PM.
Gee, thanks AIM Network. 1) For bringing up what I knew would be the “right favouring” argument and 2) ignoring my disclaimer.
Such polls must be taken with extreme caution, firstly because it’s not reflected by Morgan polls and because the numbers are based on preference distribution from 2013. Other than that the numbers are encouraging and appear – appear – to support a trend I’ve noted elsewhere, but you’ll excuse me if I don’t get all capslocky about it.
Thank you Carol. That is WHY I am so excited. The 2PP is based on last elections preference flows. If anyone worked a booth last election, you will know that contempt and sometimes downright hatred directed at us. We would have been preferenced way, way down. Preference flows will be different this time, so I believe we are actually ahead in Newspoll terms. There is a poll that does ask for how they will preference now, but I can’t remember if that is essential or something else.
Ssshhhhh, don’t tell John Lord.
I stand by my capslock Bob. I stand right by them at this time. If it wasn’t a Sunday, I’d be caps locking whilst pouring canadian club into a glass. Chink Clink peoples. It’s on! Also Bob, even if the polls are not accurate, I take the view that the media has a LOT of control, so if the media are just putting out this fake poll, their support for Turnbull is waning, which is still caps lock worthy.
Trish,
The point you make about animosity based preference flows from the last election is an interesting one. Prima facie I might even call it a compelling one. Hmmm, so much for a good night’s sleep. Thanks 🙂
Trish. No it does not help. Knowing somebody feels like a ^&*% does not make me feel any better.
Apology accepted and no hurt feelings on this side of the screen. (Perhaps a little titter at the mis-understandings, all corrected now).
I think the LNPs instinctive rejection reaction to the Negative Gearing proposal got up a lot of peoples noses. If Jeff Kennett is having a go at them they really read the tea leaves wrong.
I am glad that the fact that a jocular ‘on notice’ was not any kid of threat was clarified and that everyone has made up.
The fact that a Labor ‘stalwart’ amongst other abusive conduct, referred to ‘hit-squads’ tearing people to pieces and enthused over ‘blood-spilling’ (BH, 5:55pm) passes entirely unremarked.
I may have mentioned something before (me 5:55 pm) about absolute party alliegence and strong perceptional bias.
Joy of the day.
Please excuse my lack of input, the reason is that we are about to have an election called and commenting on articles eats into my campaigning time. I seriously want to see the back of Turdbull and his merry fellows and I will be donating every waking moment in doing my bit to oust these animals thanks for the entertainment. Shaun.
randalstella, Yes we know he’s a dud, and the people continue to rate him thus, however we have an election to fight that is coming soon to a ballot box near you. We should try to overlook the dud and campaign for the party or we will be stuck with another 3 years of Turdbull. Let’s devote our energy to rallying for the party and sort the leadership out shortly after we win, pardon the pun.
One final comment, please Kaye, Victoria and Trish in particular, please pump out as many varied subjects of the tories failures as you possibly can for the next few months. The success of AIM articles has been partly why today we are at 50/50 with the LNP, please write as you have never written before to wake the public from their slumber, and congratulations on your work, you’ve all done very well…
Shaun Newman
“Let’s devote our energy to rallying for the party and sort the leadership out shortly after we win, pardon the pun.”
Just curious, are you an ALP member ?
No mate, not now. I was a branch secretary but the Queensland State government took a couple of descions that I couldn’t live with. I am still a Labor man, but seeing what I saw, and knowing what I know I could not be in the party until or if it ever becomes ‘democratized’ I still write letters to the editors knocking the LNP and hoping one day the party can be restructured from within.
Then I guess you won’t be part of those who “sort the leadership out shortly after we win”
It isn’t all about the 50/50 polling
Labor has a monumental task of winning 21 seats with a uniform swing of about 5%, with all the retirements, going in with a bunch of new faces and, as is always the case ,a hostile Media lying and misrepresenting every Labor initiative
I have great hopes of restructuring from within, with greater rank and file involvement in the processes, and I too have had my “moments”
when it gets a bit much , but Shaun, you don’t get to have much of a say in the outcome of the game if you aren’t in it .
Sideline barrackers might be good for moral, but unless they are inside the game voting and rocking the boat, and fighting for team changes, the same old team will keep on keeping on .
I fight with the Party all the time but do it from inside where I have some hope of success with likeminded people .
That’s great mate please continue to fight the good fight, I fought for about 7 years to get somewhere ahnd after a while when yo see nothing changing you get tired of seeing the AWU/SDA gerrymander rule over everything from State Conferences and National Conferences. Our local Regional conferences would pass motions that then went to admin committee in Brisbane never to be seen or heard of again. I grew weary of the fight but we only have one option for our vote, so far anyway, and that’s the ALP. So fight mate but I’m 60 now and have had a hard life, I cannot cop more of the same and am counting on good people like yourself to fight on until we have a democratized party in pre-selection and in leadership votes for State and federal parliamentary leadership as well as organizational leadership. Until that day I’m out of the party and would only consider rejoining if the party became as democratic as a cricket club.
Shaun Newman
You’re a bloody young’um , get yer arse back in there !! I’m 68 at time feeling like going on 80
I hate the SDA/AWU dickheads with a vengeance and let all and sundry know .
I even named my car “Joe” to remind me daily of the utter stupidity of losing Louise Pratt for that SDA stooge
I had a major blow up with them over Bullock, and my pet peeve now is getting that scumbag Martin Ferguson expelled .
I will be in Canberra for 2 days sittings this week and you can rest assured all those I’m meeting will know my real feelings {as usual :-D]
I think the Right turds count on people like yourself dropping out so they have less resistance internally
Mate I admire your fighting spirit, if this party ever again truly represents workers again I’ll be the loudest clapper . The Bullock matter is a prome example as to why I did pull out. In my electorate we had a centre left candidate who wanted to run for our local electorate of Thuringowa for the Queensland parliament. Sadly the AWU also came up with a candidate. Our candidate, Terry wanted to go around and visit all members of our branch to try to sell himself, little did anyone realize that some of our members actually resided in post office boxes or cemeteries, as long as their membership was paid up nobody asked any questions, of course all their votes were for the AWU candidate. After investigations the AWU candidate Karen Ehrmann was actually jailed for fraud. That was enough for me to understand that as long as the party was controlled by the AWU/SDA alliance ordinary members would never get anywhere and would just be used to hand out ‘how to votes’ for AWU stooges who would forever go into parliaments of all levels of government. I got out and will stay out, the emotions it caused me did not help with the chronic major depression that I already suffered. We need to verify every member as ‘living’ and engaged before they get voting rights, then we need the gerrymander that saw 60% of the 40,000 members overruled by the 61% of 109 parliamentarians all 40,109 are ‘members of the ALP and should be counted as such, but there is not a chance while the AWU/SDA own “our” party.
Shaun Newman
Mate,
I have my own little protest going in that I don’t donate to Labor directly, not until they sort out Martin Ferguson, among other things 😀
There are some ripper candidates out there who you can support , by donations direct, hitting the phone for them now and then, getting their press releases out on sites like this,or simply letting people know they are gooduns . , People like Terri Butler, Graham Perrett, Stephen Jones ,Julie Collins .Sharon Claydon etc.
I will be up in Canberra for the next 2 days pestering the bejesus out of a bunch of them, and I’m at an age where the out and out scumbags get told to their face what I think of some of their decisions/positions .
No doubt, come election time I will give them my full 100% support because it is only out of two, them or those bottom feeder scumbag LNP, but it doesn’t stop me from making my feelings known .
I don’t get too hung up on the Left/Right thing, because over the years I have seen and known some fair dinkum scumbag Lefties and some decent Right, but I will never NEVER accept De Bruyn and Ludwig and the damage these 2 old fossils of the Union movement have caused and continue to do so .
We are near identical in thought pattern mate, if you see my facebook page you would see that I do everything I can to help elect Labor govts, Ferguson in answer to a question from me, in Townsville a decade ago explained to me why being of the Lft and being Labor was a far superior position to any other. I am grateful to you for the names above, I always knew Terri Butler was great but was not aware of some of the rest. Why not send me a friend request on facebook, I’d like to continue the conversation.