Day to Day Politics: A government with the stench of corruption.

July 18, 2016
Written by: John Lord
168 Replies

1 The Australian newspaper reports that recriminations are building within the Liberal Party over the conduct of the election campaign. There is little doubt that the left and right of the party are fighting for supremacy.

Their Coalition partner, The Nationals, as do many Liberals, loathe Turnbull with a vengeance and want a secret deal that gives them more influence. Power might be a better word. The Liberal Party is said to be broke and ran out of money during the election campaign and its leader had to dob in a cool million to help out. Business is said to have stopped donating since Abbott lost power and party membership had declined to near nothing.

The Nationals in turn get about the same percentage of the vote as the greens but end up with nine MPs in the House of Reps to the Greens one. Another oddity is that The Nationals purport to represent country people but in reality don’t. The Internet is a shining example.

So we have a group of discontented people, ‘mainly men’ of course, who have, despite not being able to govern the last three, been given as a reward for their miserly efforts the opportunity to govern for another three.

On its plate still remains the matter of some allegations of serious mismanagement.

There is the matter of Parakeelia. The data base scandal ripping off taxpayer funds.

Michael Bradley, a Sydney lawyer who wrote a weekly piece for the now defunct The Drum website summed it up this way:

“Well, sit up and take a bit of notice, because the manner in which Parakeelia has buried its beak in the national feed tray is, once the legal chicanery is stripped away, as brutally simple as laundering drug money through a casino. Our taxes are funding the Liberal Party, in large sums and without our informed consent.”

It is difficult to imagine how the court of public opinion would find other than that the Liberal Party has operated this company for its own economic benefit with taxpayer dollars.

Bradley puts it this way:

“Is this legal, as the Liberals claim? If the $2,500 entitlement is being legitimately claimed (which I very much doubt, as I explained), then yes it is probably legal. It is, however, deeply immoral. It points to how hopelessly inadequate the current system of parliamentary entitlements and financial disclosure by political parties is; how easy it is for parties to drive a big fat money truck through the holes in that system; how much contempt they have for us; and, again, how badly we need a federal anti-corruption body.”

Back to the Prime Minister. Imagine if you will it became known that Malcolm Turnbull donated a million dollars to his own party to get himself re-elected a day or two before the election campaign ended.. It might have been a game changer. Nothing illegal in it of course except, when combined with other Party matters, it has the perception of corruptive politics about it.

Political parties are already subsidised at $2.62 a vote by the taxpayer and receive donations from many other sources. Why can’t any, let alone a million dollar donation be declared straight away in real-time transparency on a web site to which all citizens have access? By saying it will abide by the rules which say that donations don’t have to be declared until February of next year the Liberal Party is snubbing its nose at the taxpayer. Is there some sort of subterfuge taking place?

The Canberra Times quoted a source as saying:

“The party is broke. There’s no money,” “I’m not surprised in the slightest that Turnbull had to kick in a million bucks of his own.”

On top of all this is the ongoing saga of NSW Electoral Commission refusing to hand over funds claimed by the Liberal Party from the 2015 State election. The Commission had said that the Libs had used its own company known as the Free Enterprise Foundation to “channel and disguise” political donations. Even those from prohibited donors which of course can only mean property developers.

And the memory of Arthur Sinodinos continues to defy logic and the Aussie pub test. Although he was National Treasures at the time he remembers nothing. Repeat nothing.

When looked at in their entirety, party internal, turmoil, poor leadership, shifty, if not unlawful donations we see a political party in chaos.

One that couldn’t govern under the shock and awe tactics of Tony Abbott and is unlikely to under the hypocrisy of Malcolm Turnbull.

How many times do we have to plead for a national ICAC.

2 “I’m in Cairns and I actually got here on a commercial flight so at the Brisbane airport I was surprised to see so many security people there beefed up because of what’s happened in Paris.”

It can’t be that hard, Pauline. Nice is 1000kms away.

The Senator-elect also said that:

“We have a right to protection in this country. We cannot back away from these views and we cannot just ignore a religion or an ideology that does not and is not compatible with the Australian culture and way of life.”

An observation.

Other than in our exceptional cultural diversity I don’t know how to describe our way of life.

3 From an American Facebook friend:

“You often hear people whine about the “two-party system”. It’s as if they think it’s actually a law or something or mandate by the government that there only be two major parties. There have been dozens of parties over the decades, and multiple major parties have only caused confusion and conflict. The U.S. government was a grand experiment, and the two-party system is not a variable in that experiment, but the result of it.”

4 Donald Trump has selected his running mate for Vice President. He is Indiana Governor Mike Pence, a member of the Tea Party, a Christian who believes that climate change is a nonsense and that smoking does not cause death.

He’s well-regarded by evangelical Christians, particularly after signing a law that critics said would allow businesses to deny service to gay people for religious reasons. He does not believe in evolution. He’s pro guns, anti-abortion and homophobic.

I think that about as much as I want to know about the man. Confounding, even sick, isn’t it?

5 I am also staggered by Government decisions based on the whim of an MP that is not good decision-making but poor in every way. Our excuse for a Deputy Prime Minister, Barnaby Joyce, in deciding to go ahead with moving the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority 750 kilometres north into his own electorate is questionable.

“As a first test of economic credibility, to still be going ahead with a cost-benefit analysis despite the fact they’ve already made the decision and allocated money to move is just farcical” said Professionals Australia ACT director David Smith given a $24.1 million commitment for relocation costs and potential redundancy liabilities of up to $10 million had already been allocated. Secret deals indeed.

And watch out for, as part of the secret deal. a downgrading of renewable energy policy.

My thought for the day.

“I am often staggered with the vigour American atheists use to confront religion. However when one examines the conduct of religious institutions in that country I cannot say I am the least surprised.”

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stephentardrewJuly 18, 2016 at 7:15 am

Thanks John much appreciated.

Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 18, 2016 at 7:28 am

No wonder Joyce wanted to keep post- election negotiations with Turnbull secret. Keeping the natives quiet on account of No 5 on John’s list would be one reason. Joyce’s pork-barreling for his own electorate to the inconvenience of the department employees would cause a stir.

FreethinkerJuly 18, 2016 at 7:51 am

Are we getting close to the standards of Brazilian politics?

PliJuly 18, 2016 at 8:08 am

I can’t understand why the Nationals won so many seats the elitist like barnaby Joyce and the farmers in country don’t compete with the number of towns people yet they still win, something smells in the way country people vote.

Terry2July 18, 2016 at 8:11 am

We should immediately legislate to institute a real-time system of reporting political donations.

I don’t mind that Turnbull donated one million dollars to the Liberal Party but I find it disturbing that I didn’t know this before the election : does anybody doubt that the election outcome could have been materially different had we known about this ?

Ross CornwillJuly 18, 2016 at 8:40 am

To see the Nationals rolling up to the polling booths in their J M Williams gear made me smile. Their candidates have probably never seen a farm ever, and have done sweet fa for their electorate. Yet still they come every election to vote for the same dolt.

Many have no mobile coverage or decent internet but does this bother them. No way. Will it ever change?

I think not seeing the number of young volunteers they seem to attract. We can only hope though.

geeJuly 18, 2016 at 8:53 am

PLi, the reason why the Nationals win so much of the regional electorate as they are continuing with the farce that the nationals represent anything other than mining interests, combined with regional voters who vote for the same party their parents and parents parents voted for without actually having any idea about the people they are, in fact, voting for.

Apathy, ignorance and stupidity win again.

ozibodyJuly 18, 2016 at 8:55 am

An on target article John, thank you.

I think we’ll find Barnaby Joyce and Co. also have an eye on WATER allocation.and secrecy here is paramount !! …. $$ Big Money $$ and Personal Gain !! … at cost to our National Welfare!

Kaye LeeJuly 18, 2016 at 9:14 am

ozibody, Just look what Gina and the IPA want and that will give you some idea of what her boy Barnaby will be asking for.

“Australians for Northern Development and Economic Vision (ANDEV) have been calling for the creation of dams for over two years and it is refreshing for a major party to finally acknowledge the important role they can play in driving development in Northern Australia,” said Dom Talimanidis, Director of the joint ANDEV/IPA North Australia Project.

“Militant green groups have successfully campaigned to take dams off the policy agenda in recent decades; however demonising this policy initiative ignores the positive role dams can play in electricity production, flood aversion and irrigated agriculture – outcomes that benefit all Australians,” Mr Talimanidis said.

The Institute of Public Affairs, in conjunction with Australians for Northern Development and Economic Vision (ANDEV), has been calling for the establishment of a Northern Special Economic Zone (SEZ) with lower taxes and a reduced regulatory burden.

Home

roma guerinJuly 18, 2016 at 9:15 am

@Pli: Indi had 10 candidates, the most prominent being Cathy McGowan and Sophie Mirabella. My local papers for Shire of Murrindindi, a distant outpost of Indi, gave the following figures for 14 booths in our district. Formal votes 6391/Mirabella 2376/McGowan 1758/Others 2257 which includes 493 for the Nats.

Jarvis PettitJuly 18, 2016 at 9:22 am

Ozibody Joyce and the Nationals are keeping water allocations for cotton irrigators and flood irrigation.Two large propertys have just been sold around St.George for cotton production and this is where the Political donations come from.Corruption is at its highest level in Qld –Cubbie,etc are allocated water at a cheap rate and Rivers,Streams are all being diverted to allow the cotton industry to thrive.The Great Darling River is dry below Bourke because cotton irrigators are pumping water from the system without consideration to Landholders below Bourke.NSW Water and the DPI have lost control of Water Licences and Allocations.

cornlegendJuly 18, 2016 at 9:27 am

Kaye Lee
On things Gina
We had a do at our joint over the weekend of all the Labor poll workers and the like.
Come sunday late arvo and i still couldn’t get some of the free loaders to go home so I had a poem I’d learnt by heart, got on the p.a. system and started sprouting it ,
works every time .What better way to start your week off Kaye Lee 😀
Just for you
Our Future

The globe is sadly groaning with debt, poverty and strife

And billions now are pleading to enjoy a better life

Their hope lies with resources buried deep within the earth

And the enterprise and capital which give each project worth

Is our future threatened with massive debts run up by political hacks

Who dig themselves out by unleashing rampant tax

The end result is sending Australian investment, growth and jobs offshore

This type of direction is harmful to our core

Some envious unthinking people have been conned

To think prosperity is created by waving a magic wand

Through such unfortunate ignorance, too much abuse is hurled

Against miners, workers and related industries who strive to build the world

Develop North Australia, embrace multiculturalism and welcome short term foreign workers to our shores

To benefit from the export of our minerals and ores

The world’s poor need our resources: do not leave them to their fate

Our nation needs special economic zones and wiser government, before it is too late

Love Gina xx

ozibodyJuly 18, 2016 at 9:33 am

Indeed Kaye, Aunty Gina holds huge sway with her boy Barnaby ( and must be obeyed). ….. thank you for the link.

I also have a feeling we have not seen the end of the Murray Darling saga. Water in rural Australia is probably just as valuable as land … (understatement ?) ….. and then enter CSG and the Trough is full and overflowing!

Kaye LeeJuly 18, 2016 at 9:55 am

Isn’t Gina’s poem a hoot. She was so chuffed with it that she had it engraved on a plaque fixed to a 30-ton iron ore boulder and proposed that the boulder be installed as a monument to iron ore. It was described on Wikipedia as “the universe’s worst poem, although many still dispute if it qualifies to be classified as poetry”.

Gina thinks we are envious of her. I pity her. All her life, she has never felt good enough. Her father was horrible to her and she is continuing the tradition, fighting with her children over money. She is suspicious and paranoic. She has lost sight of, or more likely never knew, what is important in life. This is a woman who will never know contentment and that is immeasurably sad.

cornlegendJuly 18, 2016 at 10:03 am

Kaye Lee
Last time we were in Perth I tracked down the iron ore boulder to Morley and went and had my picture took with it.
A once in a lifetime opportunity {before vandals strike}
” This is a woman who will never know contentment ”
perhaps creative writing when the iron ore dries up?

James O'NeillJuly 18, 2016 at 10:27 am

“The Nationals in turn get about the same percentage of the vote as the greens but end up with nine MPs in the House of Reps to the Greens one.” John, I think you will find that the Nationals get about 4% of the primary vote and have 22 seats in the House. The Greens polled 10% for their one seat. Let’s not pretend we have a democracy.

Kaye LeeJuly 18, 2016 at 11:02 am

Actually, the Nationals hold 17 seats – 10 Nationals and 7 of the LNPers. The Nationals first preference vote was 4.68%. If we give them about a third of the 8.59% the LNP got (7 out of 22) then they got about 7.4% for 17 seats. The Greens as you say got 1 seat for 10.08% of the first preference vote.

Michael TaylorJuly 18, 2016 at 11:22 am

Can’t argue with that.

Kaye LeeJuly 18, 2016 at 11:36 am

If you had proportional representation based on first preference votes, Labor and Liberal would both have 52 seats, the Greens 15 and the Nats 11, with twenty more to be shared around, Xenophon with 3 being the next biggest count.

cornlegendJuly 18, 2016 at 11:50 am

“If you had proportional representation based on first preference votes,”
What about if we had optional preferential?
We have a form in the Senate now, and then you wouldn’t have to vote for the scumbags you despise.
I know it wouldn’t favour Labor but electors would still learn soon enough

To their credit the Nats ran in about 30 seats mostly targeted and it is effective for them with about 57% 2pp
The Greens go for the scatter gun approach, 150 seats, and they know they only attract about 2% outside the metro areas

keertiJuly 18, 2016 at 11:53 am

It’s so good
To have such cometant people managing the economy ! A broke party lead by a clown who buys hims
elf a job!

diannaartJuly 18, 2016 at 12:00 pm

Meanwhile, the Turnbull government will continue with its program to outsource/privatise the Department of Human Service – in the interests of efficiency and competition – our safety net is to be made ‘innovative’, because it hasn’t worked elsewhere, but that is no reason not to proceed with it here:

While governments have made progress in introducing competition, contestability and user choice to human services provision, the efficiency and effectiveness of the delivery of services within the sector varies significantly between jurisdictions. Service delivery frameworks in the human services sector that are inefficient and/or ineffective can result in significant costs to the economy and individuals, including poorer outcomes and reduced productivity.

The Productivity Commission is to undertake the inquiry in two stages. The first stage will deliver an initial study report identifying services within the human services sector that are best suited to the introduction of greater competition, contestability and user choice. In the second stage, the Productivity Commission will undertake a more extensive examination and provide an inquiry report making recommendations on how to introduce greater competition, contestability and user choice to the services identified during the first stage.

http://sjm.ministers.treasury.gov.au/media-release/051-2016/

The Commission will have particular regard to:

the roles and responsibilities of service users, service providers (including governments, the private sector and not-for profit providers) and governments in the delivery of human services
the factors affecting use of services and users’ preferences for models of service delivery, noting challenges facing those with complex needs or reduced capacity to make informed choices
the benefits and costs of promoting competition in the provision of human services
how best to promote innovation and improvements in the quality, range and funding of human services
the challenges facing the provision of human services in rural and remote areas
the need to improve Indigenous outcomes.

http://www.pc.gov.au/inquiries/current/human-services/reforms

The final result is due in October 2017. Hopefully, by then, I will have received a billion dollars and bought my own island – people interested in sharing my bounty may submit their expressions of interest just as soon as the money is in the bank.

Kaye LeeJuly 18, 2016 at 12:02 pm

I agree there are problems with a simplistic proportional representation as I did above. It was meant more for interest than as a suggestion of what should occur.

I do, however, feel some groups are disproportionately represented in parliament. People who live in rural and regional Australia is one such group. Almost 90% of Australians live in urban areas. When country people suggest they are ignored by Canberra, I would suggest that is because they elect duds because they are hugely over-represented. 63 of the 150 seats are described as provincial or rural.

http://results.aec.gov.au/13745/Website/GeneralDemographicByDivision-13745-NAT.htm

I also think it is ridiculous that Tasmania, with a population of about 517,000, has the same number of Senators as NSW which has a population of about 7.7 million.

Steve Laing - makeourvoiceheard.comJuly 18, 2016 at 12:08 pm

Sure would Dan, but is that a bad thing? There are many highly effective multi-party democracies in the world, and the representation in parliament is more reflective of voters wishes.

There is plenty of evidence available that teams with diverse perspectives outperform teams composed of like-minded individuals. They tend to apply more rigour and scrutiny to the solutions they propose. You only need to look at the quality of the policy announcements from the Coalition to see how poorly thought through their policies are, largely due to his groupthink. Moreover Labor have suffered from this in the past, resulting directly in the overthrow of Rudd (and all the aftershocks we’ve seen because of it).

SGBJuly 18, 2016 at 12:09 pm

Bloody hell, three more years of this rabble of incompetant selfservers.

As a pensioner, it seems like the LNP are determined to create the poorest pensioners in the OECD – I might have to go to go back to work – if I can find work!

Bugga!

SamJuly 18, 2016 at 12:09 pm

I still can’t fathom how Barnaby got a swing towards him. I think even the National party itself would have been happy enough to contain the swing against him to a small number but he went one better somehow.

Bighead1883July 18, 2016 at 12:16 pm

cornlegend July 18, 2016 at 11:50 am

“To their credit the Nats ran in about 30 seats mostly targeted and it is effective for them with about 57% 2pp”
Well said comrade

By knowing their demographic and the reality of a coalition with the Liberals it enables the Nats to maximize their effect on constituents
The Gina paid for support of Barnaby Joyce shows what an extra heavily targeted approach can do

Cornie you clearly point out as to Nats targeting seat numbers it`s disingenuous of Greens to compare the National voting percentage as to seats won
Just as it was also disingenuous of Greens to support the Senate electoral reform {bullet] with the LNP {gun} when all Australia knew this haste was to needed to enable a DD using the ABCC as the {trigger} before that option was closed

To rid the Senate of Micro`s and Crazies was the MSM/LNP/Greens chorus

A Constitutional amendment is needed to fix the current population gerrymandering of Senators per State

James O'NeillJuly 18, 2016 at 12:18 pm

Kay, most western european nations that have PR have a minimum threshold. The German model, which was adopted by New Zealand uses 5%. This keeps out the very small parties of sectional interest or running on a narrow special interest platform. We cannot automatically translate the 2016 results into what would have happened if we had PR. This is because the voting system also influences the way people vote. If for example, your party of choice had no chance of winning, you may be less likely to vote for that party and instead vote for some fringe party as a protest. That is still a wasted vote, but it makes a point. Personally, I favour the NZ system because it retains electorates which means everyone has a local member, but then uses seat allocation according to voting share to produce a result that really reflects what people want. When you think about what is happening in Herbert, is it not bizarre that the stability of otherwise of a government comes down to literally a handful of votes?

diannaartJuly 18, 2016 at 12:19 pm

Freethinker

July 18, 2016 at 7:51 am

Are we getting close to the standards of Brazilian politics?

Yes, we are.

Kaye LeeJuly 18, 2016 at 12:49 pm

Speaking of Herbert, they keep updating the count of envelopes processed but the votes haven’t changed since Friday. Another very disturbing thing is that there were 6,431 informal votes and 1251 envelopes of declaration votes were rejected at preliminary scrutiny – with only 12 votes separating the candidates at the moment.

Michael TaylorJuly 18, 2016 at 1:05 pm

Was it Herbert where George Brandis was a scrutineer? Was it Herbert where George Brandis delivered about 1200 voting slips from the Liberal Party direct to the AEC?

Möbius EckoJuly 18, 2016 at 1:23 pm

The whole thing with postal votes is shonky Migs. No wonder the Libs ran out of money, the amount of Liberal postal ballots they sent out must have been enormous. I received three in one week, which I couldn’t figure out as there’s only two living here, unless they wanted the dog to vote for them.

And do you want more shonkiness from the Libs. Abbott not only helping an old lady to vote in his booth but photographed filling out the voting form.

Then we have Mirabella scrutinising votes, which parties are perfectly entitled to do under very strict guidelines, one of which is that the scrutineers are not to physically touch or interfere with the ballot boxes and papers. Mirabella has been photographed touching ballot papers.

If Labor had done any one of these things we would never hear the end of it, and if they had a Parkeelia there would have been strident calls to disband the party. But it’s the Libs who can almost do anything with impunity.

Bighead1883July 18, 2016 at 1:40 pm

Michael Taylor July 18, 2016 at 1:05 pm

Are we seeing another first from the LNP in that a Liberal Cabinet Minister and the highest ranking legal officer in the country Attorney General George Brandis stepping into our Democratic election process as a Postal Vote delivery boy and then as a scrutineer?

Postal votes not posted and going through the proper channel cannot be deemed valid
Any vote not going through the proper channel cannot be deemed valid

If this proves to be the case Michael Taylor then expect a courts challenge through “disputed returns”

flohri1754July 18, 2016 at 1:51 pm

It is certainly not an encouraging electoral result …. far from what Malcolm Turnbull is describing as the “People entrusting” the LNP with governing for the next three years ….. To think the country has lost such normal voices of reason as Lazarus and Muir while replacing them with Hanson and goodness knows who else in the Senate. Thanks for nothing, Malcolm …….

FreethinkerJuly 18, 2016 at 1:54 pm

The ABCC legislation has been flagged by the Prime Minister as the first order of business.

Kevin RJuly 18, 2016 at 2:09 pm

Yes! I think Gina has Barnaby by the balls and he likes it.

Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 18, 2016 at 2:15 pm

diannaart,

make sure you give me a heads up first when you win your $1 mill bounty because I want first bite at making a submission!

Then, the LNPigs can screw their miserable approach to welfare.

Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 18, 2016 at 2:26 pm

Million dollar, billion dollar, who cares about a few zeros!

Möbius EckoJuly 18, 2016 at 2:38 pm

“The ABCC legislation has been flagged by the Prime Minister as the first order of business.”

Well that can’t be true as he told the Victorian CFA and a presser not long ago that legislation to protect them from being taken over by the union was the first order of business.

diannaartJuly 18, 2016 at 2:39 pm

Jennifer

The days have long passed when a $1 million would get you a half decent island. 🙂

I am on a DSP and I just want to be left in peace. I have had years of jumping hurdles put in place by my former employer and by Centrelink. The thought of what the LNP has planned for Medicare and the rest of human services is very worrisome.

Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 18, 2016 at 2:42 pm

Proportional representation is the way forward in the Australian electoral system.

The Lib/Lab duopoly is a dying dinosaur.

The Nats are over-represented in parliament thanks to gerrymandering.

The Greens are entitled to more seats on the basis of their primary vote. (As one example, the fact they performed well in several Melbourne seats against both the duopoly says that there are many voters wanting the Greens in the contest too.)

End of story.

Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 18, 2016 at 2:45 pm

diannaart,

if I win a million dollars, I’ll employ you to do my artworks. 🙂

FreethinkerJuly 18, 2016 at 2:47 pm

Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 18, 2016 at 2:42 pm
Proportional representation is the way forward in the Australian electoral system.

Jennifer I do not think that I would see that change in my life.

Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 18, 2016 at 2:54 pm

Freethinker,

I perceive you to be a thoughtful person and I respect people like you.

However, another of my philosophies is never say never. If we defeat the concept ourselves, that only plays into the hands of the duopoly dinosaurs, who are perfectly happy with the status quo.

FreethinkerJuly 18, 2016 at 3:01 pm

Jennifer I am close to 71 years old and considering the conservative that the Australian people are to change the system is a big ask.
IMHO the middle class in Australia has to suffer like in Argentina, Chile and Uruguay in the 1960’s before they weak up.
Life it is far to good yet for many.

diannaartJuly 18, 2016 at 3:18 pm

Latest on Herbert

http://vtr.aec.gov.au/HouseDivisionPage-20499-165.htm

Libs ahead by 7, only 640 votes left to count.

FreethinkerJuly 18, 2016 at 3:22 pm

Interesting that in that seat One Nation has 12.7% swing!
I just wonder if the Queenslanders are not going “tropo” there…….

diannaartJuly 18, 2016 at 3:39 pm

Freethinker

It is called “brexit-itus”.

Kaye LeeJuly 18, 2016 at 4:12 pm

Herbert…Labor has taken the lead by 8 votes….573 left to count

FreethinkerJuly 18, 2016 at 4:16 pm

Bugger!!! my 8 years old grandson can count faster than that.

Kaye LeeJuly 18, 2016 at 4:46 pm

I have noticed an interesting thing about Malcolm Turnbull. When he is under a bit of pressure from a tricky question he says “As you know” all the time. Once you have noticed it, you can’t unnotice it. It’s like learning the signals when someone is bluffing at poker.

FreethinkerJuly 18, 2016 at 4:49 pm

Plan B is: “Lucy and I”……..

cornlegendJuly 18, 2016 at 4:51 pm

Bill Gissane scrutineering there, his scrutineers sheet
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CnoIVvAUsAAPdmy.jpg:large

Kaye LeeJuly 18, 2016 at 5:03 pm

Why is it taking so long cornie? On Friday afternoon they had 877 to count. Not only did they take the whole weekend off, they have taken all day to count 304 votes. That is ridiculous.

FreethinkerJuly 18, 2016 at 5:08 pm

by when we will know the senate results?
I hope that the liberals do not win the last seat in Tasmania.

cornlegendJuly 18, 2016 at 5:12 pm

Kaye Lee
Bugger, can’t get hold of him.
You can’t take phones with cameras in, obviously as the pic shows his does, I’ll keep tryng to find out

Bighead1883July 18, 2016 at 5:30 pm

Well it appears Herbert will have to be recounted as any seat coming up with a margin of <100 has to
I hope Cathy O`Toole can prevail and keep the LNP to 77
Big chance of some bye elections coming up

FreethinkerJuly 18, 2016 at 5:36 pm

Easy Dan, we do not want Pauline to get more seats.

Kaye LeeJuly 18, 2016 at 6:07 pm

If Cathy wins it is 76-69. It will be interesting to see if the overseas travel claims go down.

FreethinkerJuly 18, 2016 at 6:14 pm

The senate count in Tasmania looks interesting because thousands of votes are under the line and ignored party order.
Lisa Singh was dropped by the ALP to a position hard to win but voters have another ideas. She has jumped from 6954 votes to 8762 votes.
Liberal Tourism and International Education Minister Richard Colbeck also polled well to advance from 4345 to 5872 votes based on a strong vote in his home region of Braddon.
Jacqui Lambie increased from 3555 to 4770, Liberal Eric Abetz from 2839 to 3623, Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson from 2947 to 3546 and Senator Nick McKim from 1849 to 2328.
Abetz has the number 1 ticket on the party but is not the most popular.
IMO the Greens made a mistake in nominating Nick McKim.

cornlegendJuly 18, 2016 at 6:15 pm

Another scrutineer is calling it, for Labor .

FreethinkerJuly 18, 2016 at 6:16 pm

Kaye LeeJuly 18, 2016 at 6:07 pm
If Cathy wins it is 76-69. It will be interesting to see if the overseas travel claims go down.

That will be a pay back opportunity for the ALP for what Abbot have done during Gillard government

Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 18, 2016 at 6:17 pm

Would you please explain why you think nominating Nick McKim was a mistake?

cornlegendJuly 18, 2016 at 6:19 pm

Labor wins the Townsville-based seat of Herbert from the Liberals’ Ewen Jones by eight votes at the end of AEC counting
official

FreethinkerJuly 18, 2016 at 6:19 pm

Because the ALP-Greens coalition in Tasmania state government was not popular and Nick was an important player.

Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 18, 2016 at 6:24 pm

Good riddance to Ewen Jones!

Well done to Cathy O’Toole!

Good luck to the rest of us so her win, which is also Labor’s win,
is also OUR win …

… and not just a see-saw for the on-going tunnel vision of the Duopoly Dinosaurs

cornlegendJuly 18, 2016 at 6:25 pm

Bighead1883
I think Paulines lad can escape if he can hangs on until declaration of polls without copping a sentence or found guilty.
Brandis will be pushing the coppers and courts for speedy action

An immediate recount starts in Herbert

Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 18, 2016 at 6:26 pm

Freethinker,

how else could Nick have been successfully and beneficially engaged?

Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 18, 2016 at 6:28 pm

cornlegend,

didn’t your mother tell you that talking to one person at the exclusion of the group, is actually bad manners?

Bighead is probably asleep anyway!

Tut, tut!

FreethinkerJuly 18, 2016 at 6:31 pm

Jennifer, IMO Cassy O’Connor the current Green leader in Tasmania is a better option than Nick

Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 18, 2016 at 6:34 pm

Thanks, Freethinker. I have no ulterior motive for asking but can you say why please?

cornlegendJuly 18, 2016 at 6:37 pm

Jennifer Meyer-Smith
get a grip, I was responding directly to something Biggy said in his post
No different to what I am doing now, to you ,
what’s the drama?

Bighead is probably asleep anyway!
actually, in W.A. its. about 4.30 I think

FreethinkerJuly 18, 2016 at 6:38 pm

Jennifer, she supports creating a prosperous, low-carbon economy powered by renewable energy, and is a passionate voice for people with disabilities, refugees, children and marginalized Tasmanians.
That it is good in my book and I am sure that in yours as well.

paulwalterJuly 18, 2016 at 6:38 pm

That’s dinkum, re Herbert?

There will be a recount of course, not there yet, but have I have been watching that seat for days, this morning Cathy O’Toole was only seven votes behind.

I think, if it works out, it will make the difference between mere token pressure applied to Turnbull and his thieves, if O”Toole wins, the majority becomes so wafer thin as to almost demand hard opposition from non conservatives, who will now see a point in opposing rather than surrendering to despair.

Poetic justice this result, in light of Turnbull with his million dollars to buy this election.

paulwalterJuly 18, 2016 at 6:40 pm

Funny how Tassie turned out with McKim and Singh. I wonder if it was a deliberate ploy to put Singh too low on the Labor sheet, but with sympathy and personal support lifting her vote and that final position.

Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 18, 2016 at 6:47 pm

cornlegend,

consider it karma.

Freethinker,

Cassy O’Connor obviously has the integrity we need in politics. Thanks for explaining.

paulwalter,

hear, hear. No need for despair with regards to LNP hopefully.

Yet to see whether that the same can be said for the Other side, as they grow in strength!

cornlegendJuly 18, 2016 at 6:50 pm

Jennifer Meyer-Smith
“cornlegend,

consider it karma.” whats karma about it?

didn’t your mother tell you that talking to one person at the exclusion of the group, is actually bad manners?

Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 18, 2016 at 7:07 pm

Pragmatics and brutality does not win hearts and minds. Sad you were made to forget that in your younger days by worse bullies than you.

You don’t mind throwing mud at potential allies while ramming your party political might down other parties’ throats. (LNP don’t count.)

Labor needs the Greens despite your fear of getting greenie germs.

cornlegendJuly 18, 2016 at 7:16 pm

Jennifer Meyer-Smith
Now a new election could be called in the next 12 months or so, or they could go full term so could I humbly suggest you get to work on your coalition, in readiness ,
BUT, leave Labor out of your calculations .
remember, you were warned, so to save you time, another reminder

“Chris Bowen, made the reality clear in a recent interview on Radio National.

“We are not interested in any Coalition agreements with any party,” he said. “I wrote about this in my book in 2013; Labor governs alone or not at all. Who parties vote for in a confidence vote is up to them. If there is a confidence vote after the election, and independents and other parties have to choose who to support, that’s a matter for them. We will not be entering into any agreements, coalitions or deals with the Greens or anybody else.”

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has explicitly ruled out forming a coalition government with the Greens
Adam Bandt raised it , but got shut down by Bill
The Greens aren’t running serious in any seat against the Liberal Party so this is an argument where they try to say to Labor voters you can have your cake and eat it to, you can vote for us and really it’s a vote for Labor. It’s absolutely not.”

“But Mr Shorten, who is campaigning in far-north Queensland, said Mr Bandt was “dreaming”.
“Labor will fight this election to form its own government and to form a government in our own right,”
“Labor will not be going into coalition with any party.”
Ms Plibersek says Australians would be “horrified by the idea of another hung parliament’’ as she rebuffed the Greens’ advances.
Ms Plibersek said Labor was “playing to win’’
“We will not enter into a coalition:”Anthony Albanese
Adam Bandt was there again today on Sky News attacking me, he’s got a bit of an unhealthy obsession I think, he can’t seem to do an interview without mentioning me,’ Mr Albanese said.

‘The Greens aren’t in a position to be a threat to anything,’ he said. ‘They have one member of the House of Representatives, where government is formed, the same number as the Katter Australia Party.’
Opposition legal affairs spokesman Mark Dreyfus repeated Labor’s policy … that we will not form a coalition with the Greens, full stop,”
Tony Burke “We certainly would not be forming any sort of coalition agreement with the Greens,”‘ Mr Burke told ABC radio.”

good luck with it 😀

p.s.
Greenie germs?
You know, two turned up at my place on the weekend for the do we were having.
All went well, we just frisked them on the way out to make sure no silverware was leaving as well

Bighead1883July 18, 2016 at 7:17 pm

cornlegend July 18, 2016 at 6:50 pm

Damn them group exclusions,makes one feel like they need a good sleep comrade

Enjoy your trip North mate [damn that excluding the group attitude I have}

paulwalterJuly 18, 2016 at 7:19 pm

Agree. Labor has not quite figured out to deal with ecology and its relationship to economics. It has a better record on ecology than the Coalition, but still can’t grasp that that wrong memes can be challenged rather than accepted. You could see ecology as parallel to people movement politics, an issue Labor has also floundered over when something more constructive, some sort of circuit breaker to public thinking was needed instead of the unimaginative reinforcement of the likes of Bolt and Sonia Kruger with their night terrors as to aliens under the bed.

wamJuly 18, 2016 at 7:20 pm

If we follow the compass there are no labor members or supporters we are all green leans so arguably the loonies have 55 more seats than their 10% deserves?
barnaby thanks the dogs and they may have held a few votes but our hopes that new englanders would have realised how untrustworthy the barnaby people were were dashed . Windsor got a credible 20000+ ie 5 times labor and 10 times the loonies.
The gina story I like was the lift to india for a wedding then dumped so barnaby had to get off his commercial jet in kuala lumpur get a hire car to drive up a road so he could claim he was inspecting transport and could claim the airfare from the public purse. This twit thinks unions and gillard are crooks.

Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 18, 2016 at 7:20 pm

The little boys club answer in a duopoly response again.

Why am I surprised! Must be some sort of tap-dance routine you’ve got going.

Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 18, 2016 at 7:30 pm

Bighead in his greatest moment today @ 12.16pm said, “A Constitutional amendment is needed to fix the current population gerrymandering of Senators per State”.

Ok, I agree. We need that amendment …

… and another one that allows for a sensible proportional representative electoral system that allows a balance of community voices represented.

Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 18, 2016 at 7:33 pm

If Shorten continues to rule out ruling with the strong proportional vote of the Greens, then he will become seen as a bigger fool than he need be.

If you want Shorten to have a good go and also give us all others a good go, open your flappy ears and eyes.

Matters NotJuly 18, 2016 at 7:39 pm

Some interesting developments re Turnbull and his penchant for ‘buying’ support.

Firstly, there was his personal donation of $1 000 000.00 when things didn’t look too good in the election campaign.

Now that he’s arrived, he is still in the buying phase with an expanded Cabinet, Ministry, Parliamentary Secretaries and the like. It seems every player wins a prize when Malcolm is in the Chair.

No doubt, the promise of cutting government waste, increasing efficiency and the like will continue re the government’s ‘conversation’.

As I write he is speaking with his very favourite TV ‘personality’, a Leigh Sales. A person famed for never asking the ‘tough’ questions of the Turnbull government.

paulwalterJuly 18, 2016 at 7:42 pm

Matters Not, throw in Sinodinos and you really look at some big time criminality eventually, I fear.

Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 18, 2016 at 7:51 pm

MN,

could you be saying that Malcolm Muck is not only attempting to fool the proletariat but also the LNP elitists too?

Malcolm’s millions are big, sure.

But if he plays that game, they won’t be big enough to defeat our sovereign government, nor any of the other pretenders to the leadership of the country.

Malcolm Muck is F***ed

Matters NotJuly 18, 2016 at 7:52 pm

So Sales threw him a few ‘Dixers’ and finished with ‘already stretched the friendship’.

She also has a political ‘tin ear’.

Not sure whether they are about to ‘get a room’ or whether it’s already part of the (yet to be written) historical record.

Is Lucy an active part of this apparent threesome? Or just prefers to watch?

Bighead1883July 18, 2016 at 7:59 pm

Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 18, 2016 at 7:30 pm

Wading through your insanity Jennifer is enough turn people off this publication

You do realise you`re the resident “mad woman” ?

cornlegendJuly 18, 2016 at 7:59 pm

Now the House of Reps is sorted, to a degree it is now sit back relax and wait for Senate distribution of preferences.
Expected to be completed by early August

Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 18, 2016 at 8:06 pm

Bighead,

coming from a robot like you, doesn’t bother me.

Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 18, 2016 at 8:11 pm

cornlegend.

only paid and economically comfortable utensils like you and Bighead could think it was appropriate to sit back and relax until August before the result of the Senate.

Shame on you, cornlegend, for not wanting to govern for the vast, vast, vast majority of Australians.

(I don’t expect much of little Biggy) but I’m disappointed you and your ilk don’t see any positive political alliances with voices that can count within 3 years.

The more you play numbers games, the more you and your machinery look false.

cornlegendJuly 18, 2016 at 8:17 pm

Greg Hunt officially moved to Industry porttfolio

cornlegendJuly 18, 2016 at 8:19 pm

Jennifer Meyer-Smith
“Shame on you, cornlegend, for not wanting to govern for the vast, vast, vast majority of Australians.”

the people have spoken, bugger all I can do about it now, I did warn you though
DON’T BLAME ME, I VOTED LABOR
sit back, feet up wait for the action

cornlegendJuly 18, 2016 at 8:21 pm

Actually Jennifer, polling has shown Labors chances improve when they make a clear distinction between them and Greens,polls fall when any buddy buddy stuff mentioned.

Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 18, 2016 at 8:25 pm

cornlegend,

in other words you are merely a pollster.

I actually thought you had influence on the hearts and minds of Labor insiders and machinery. Alas, that seems not the case.

Why do YOU bother about such elitists even when they pretend to fight for the workers and the vulnerable???

cornlegendJuly 18, 2016 at 8:36 pm

Jennifer,
I was just pointing out to you, the general public don’t have much time for the Greens ,
my reasons differ
Anyone seen the Black Wiggle, Di Natale lately ?

Bighead1883July 18, 2016 at 8:38 pm

Having fun there Jennifer heaping degradation on me seeking a reaction

You realise you are proving my point with every instance

Please realise I have no interest in discourse with you as I consider you quite mad actually,or more so insane

Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 18, 2016 at 8:41 pm

cornlegend,

whether it is the moral members of the Greens or the moral members of Labor,

we need to know that whomever is given the honour of working and fighting for our vulnerable positions, is someone worth believing in.

If either Labor or Greens fail to see THAT basic requirement, then they lose BIG time.

Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 18, 2016 at 8:42 pm

Bighead,

snooze in relation to you.

Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 18, 2016 at 9:43 pm

cornlegend,

i will accept that you stand alone from Bighead.

You might like to tell him to pull his head in or he will be responsible for losing extra support from Labor for his belligerent divisiveness.

diannaartJuly 19, 2016 at 12:31 pm

paulwalter July 18, 2016 at 7:19 pm

…Labor has not quite figured out to deal with ecology and its relationship to economics. It has a better record on ecology than the Coalition, but still can’t grasp that that wrong memes can be challenged rather than accepted. You could see ecology as parallel to people movement politics, an issue Labor has also floundered over when something more constructive…

The above quote is most apt for the lack of clear resolve that continues to deter progressive voters from supporting Labor.

Until Labor can clarify just who it stands for – mining, corporates, et al or the future of the people of Australia, Labor will continue to make little progress. Given the neck to neck results of the last election, working with other progressive parties and independents, Labor could very likely have won in 2016. Of course that meant negotiating with others, something Labor, according to our dynamic duo Cornlegend and Bighead does not want to do; “either Labor wins outright or not at all”.

We only need to look around and understand that worldwide in many OECD countries this idea of Zig and Zag changes of government is not meeting the needs of people, any more than it is laying a strong foundation for the future.

If a clear concise message, a “circuit breaker”, as Paul suggested, is not apparent, more extremists such as Pauline’s One Nation will gain a modicum of power, small but enough to allow for further shifts towards an unsustainable environment, if we cannot live “within the means” of planet Earth then we have no economy worth name-calling about.

Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 19, 2016 at 1:31 pm

Hear, hear diannaart.

jimJuly 19, 2016 at 1:36 pm

I’ll admit I don’t think that labor went no where near hard enough on renewable energy, But remember they do not have media friendly allies, like the Liberals have, so then, without the media praising the Liberals, they would’ve hardly won a single seat, but this is supposed to be a democracy.
The above scene is why our ABC was born and we now know which way the Liberal’s ABC follows.

FreethinkerJuly 19, 2016 at 1:41 pm

Dr George Venturini is spot on on this and one of the factors why people like me left the ALP after removing Fraser from power.
Quote from The facets of Australian fascism: the Abbott Government experiment (Part 15)

Testing the thesis

A fair and fully functioning government needs to address three areas of concern for a well-balanced society: social justice, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. Under neoLiberalism, whether under a Labor or a Liberal flag, annual economic growth is the main river of government policy, at the expense of social justice and of environmental concerns. Herein lies a convenient way of defining ‘Left’ and ‘Right’ in politics. Right-wing politics gives major if not sole weight to economic growth, while Left-wing politics gives proportionately more weight to social justice and to environmental concerns. Prior to the Hawke-Keating reforms, the Labor Party was seen as a party for social justice and thus of the Left. Today A.L.P. policy makes economic growth override social justice, the aspiration for social justice having almost totally disappeared – for example in their latest policies on asylum seekers. The A.L.P. is now another Right-wing party. The Greens started with environmentalism but later have extended their interest to social justice, seeing both as more important than unrestrained economic growth, focusing economic growth on renewable resources and associated infrastructure; they are accordingly a Left-wing party. Ironically, the Greens are accused of being a one-issue party but in this light it is Labor and especially the Liberals who are the one-issue parties.

diannaartJuly 19, 2016 at 1:43 pm

@Freethinker

It is OK to call Labor and Liberals, the Dinosaur Duopoly.

(With apologies to Jennifer).

Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 19, 2016 at 1:45 pm

Freethinker,

your thesis receives a High Distinction.

diannaart,

you have my permission to quote my clever description of the Lib/Labs. I also like yours: “dynamic duo”.

I think that reflects C and B very nicely. 😉

FreethinkerJuly 19, 2016 at 1:51 pm

Jennifer I just quoted Dr George Venturini, I cannot put it so well like him.

We also have to add the draconian laws introduced by the coalition government and approved by the ALP.
Make you wonder how much to the right the ALP have to go and also pass judgment on the left faction of the party in allowing it.

FreethinkerJuly 19, 2016 at 1:54 pm

In part 37 Dr Venturini said, quote:
‘Right’ used to mean – broadly speaking – supporting capitalism and opposing any move to socialism. That much is still true, but ‘Left’ used to mean the opposite, i.e. overcoming capitalism and moving towards socialism. That has not been true of the ‘Left’ of the Labor Party for quite some time – make it forty years..

Looking forward for the comments of the ALP supporters in this blog.

cornlegendJuly 19, 2016 at 2:43 pm

diannaart,
I’ll get back to you, but really busy at the moment
“Cornlegend and Bighead does not want to do; “either Labor wins outright or not at all”
wrong, just sticking to the Party line,
Don’t you lot have anything better to do than worry about Labor?
I think your Greens mates need help more ,
The Party line is
Chris Bowen, made the reality clear in a recent interview on Radio National.

I’ll bung all the rest on when I have time 😀

cornlegendJuly 19, 2016 at 3:35 pm

Diannaart, Jennifer,
With so much time on your hands, any idea why the wheels fell off the Greens Senate first preference vote?
I guess you gotta love QLD and NT, even if it delivered Pauline
Senate Greens
NSW -0.66%
VIC -0.41%
QLD +0.67%
W.A. -5.24%
S.A. -1.51%
Tas. -0.69%
ACT -3.42%
N.T. +2.11%

p.s. I don’t want you losing any more sleep over the ALP, or getting grey hairs.
How about I send you a membership form ? 😀

FreethinkerJuly 19, 2016 at 3:50 pm

I like this, a good lesson for the ALP in how to nominate their candidates.
Tasmanian Labor senator Lisa Singh is poised to pull off an unprecedented victory, claiming a seat ahead of John Short, who was listed above her on the party’s Senate ticket.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-07-19/tasmanian-labor-senator-lisa-singh-poised-for-victory/7641752

cornlegendJuly 19, 2016 at 3:56 pm

Most will be pleased with Lisas return

diannaartJuly 19, 2016 at 3:59 pm

Cornie

I am not a Greens member

I do not focus only on the Greens, as I am far more concerned at how we can create a push back against the LNP.

There are as many reasons for the Greens voting percentages as there are for Labor’s percentages – Murdoch’s MSM, corrupted ABC, scaremongering against both Labor and the Green and so on.

I wish Labor had won the election.

However, Labor wants to re-create the good old days, when it could take power all by itself. I do not see any trend back to those days, Cornie.

FreethinkerJuly 19, 2016 at 4:01 pm

cornlegendJuly 19, 2016 at 3:56 pm
Most will be pleased with Lisas return

Yes, in Tassie people vote under the line.
The other good news is that Greens Senator Nick McKim will be re-elected in the 12th and last spot, which will end the career of Liberal Richard Colbeck, who was also the victim of factional power play in Tasmania.
That make things more complicate in the senate for Malcolm Turnbull

cornlegendJuly 19, 2016 at 4:10 pm

Freethinker, from what I’m hearing with the preference count continuing Nick McKim could come under pressure from the One Nation character

FreethinkerJuly 19, 2016 at 4:25 pm

Bugger! cornlegend I would like to see more ALP or Greens in the senate that the One Nation.
Nothing surprise me because here in Tasmania are some mob that does not have much education.
I call them the electorate of Boganville.

cornlegendJuly 19, 2016 at 4:46 pm

Freethinker, During the 8 week election campaign I was in constant contact with two groups who in all covered 13 Electorates, NSW QLD and Vic.
The main contact that had was with am/pm commuters. they were also undertaking a rough survey on voting preferences if the person engaged in chat.
I person on IA who writes articles for that site asked if they could include questions on Asylum Seekers as that is mostly what he writes about .
From the responses it was obvious Hanson was going to do well, but the most interesting observation was the numbers who would not vote Hanson at 1 in their Senate ticket but intended to include her, or One Nation in the top 3 or 4. These responses came from people who intended to vote either LNP, Labor, and yes, even a couple of Greensand there is an underlyong dislike of Islam out in the suburbs according to those rough surveys
The commuter responses were it turns out, more accurate than the pundits predicted, which is why I would wait for distribution of preferences before getting to excited about results.They are predicting Hanson will get 3, others scrutineering indicate she have a rough chance at 5
Now, all we need do is wait till sometime in August when the Senate vote will be completed :-{

cornlegendJuly 19, 2016 at 4:48 pm

diannaart,
“I do not see any trend back to those days, Cornie.”

I do

FreethinkerJuly 19, 2016 at 4:59 pm

cornlegend, I respect the views of those that are worried about refugee issues. One thing that I cannot understand and specially form the ALP leadership its members and the coalition it is if they like to continuing with the present policies why will not withdraw their signed UN agreements and conventions.
So far only the Greens like to honor that agreements.
In my book it is a matter of integrity and value to honor something that have been agree and also expected from other parties to honor as well.
I just wonder how many of those people that you have asked question are aware of those signed documents and that senior ministers and navy personnel are referred to the International Crime Court.
Bloody hypocrite attitude in my book.

Bighead1883July 19, 2016 at 5:03 pm

cornlegend July 19, 2016 at 4:46 pm

The home grown polling done by your group shows a disturbing trend Cornie which is even wider than I suspected here in Australia

Today I stumbled across a place where this festers and grows >>

Most Popular
The rise of Middle Eastern crime in Australia
Domestic violence – sadistic female killer Katherine Knight
Halal-free products: support these suppliers and products
Muslims flooding into Australia by illegal boat entry
GetUp exposed: George Soros’ tentacles reach into Australia

Captain Cook and Aboriginals

Bighead1883July 19, 2016 at 5:14 pm

The AEC site is haywire and it again has Cathy O`Toole winning by 8 in Herbert

But it`s reverted back to LNP leading in 75 seats and Labor in 67 seats

23 of the 105 HoR seats declared but LNP gov sworn in when only 18 seat declared this morning whilst 10 of those were ALP

There`s something very weird going on with the AEC

cornlegendJuly 19, 2016 at 6:05 pm

Bighead1883
Mist people don’t realise the H.O.R count is not complete yet so AEC still has “leading”
An example, Gilmore still has 5000+ to count

cornlegendJuly 19, 2016 at 6:11 pm

Freethinker.
“So far only the Greens like to honor that agreements.”
The Greens are now willing to look at what was originally the Rudd plan, which they rejected out of hand back then.
SHY basically is now saying, send them there, sort them, then if necessary send them home, and she is willing to do that in a country not a signatory to the Convention.
honor? piffle, political point scoring on something they know they will never have to deliver

Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 19, 2016 at 6:14 pm

Hanson-Young is trying to make the best out of a desperate situation totally ballsed up by the Lib/Lab dinosaurs, who put votes and economics above human lives.

Despicable pigs.

cornlegendJuly 19, 2016 at 6:15 pm

“I just wonder how many of those people that you have asked question are aware of those signed documents and that senior ministers and navy personnel are referred to the International Crime Court.”
probably none, some weren’t sure of the name of their own electorate, even less knew the Members name and most got their news from the Alan Jones show and in Sydney, the Daily telegraph

cornlegendJuly 19, 2016 at 6:21 pm

Jennifer,
“Despicable pigs.” I agree, they should have supported Rudd back then and maybe they wouldn’t be quite so despicable.
Could that be why their Senate vote dropped? , people waking up?

Bighead1883July 19, 2016 at 6:27 pm

ornlegendJuly 19, 2016 at 6:05 pm

Thanks for that explanation
We`ve also had something going on all day concerning Herbert and you Twitter DM explains it

Here`s the latest from Bill Gissane

Bill Gissane ‏@BillGissane 27m27 minutes ago Cabbage Tree Point, Queensland
@dchen21 @davrosz @ochreblue @ABCnorthqld I understand the statement but would like explanation of 574 envelopes
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CntmxPDVYAAtzsK.jpg

corvus boreusJuly 19, 2016 at 6:30 pm

John Lord,
“How many times do we have to plead for a national ICAC.”

‘We’ can passionately plead on purest principle, or argue with cold evidential logic, but the answer will likely remain the same as has been previously quasi-clarified (in a bipartisan fashion).

The prostitution of public policy is obviously a very profitable enterprise for the established party players, and it seems they would prefer that all details of any such dealings remain strictly private, and the matter not be be raised again.

Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 19, 2016 at 6:35 pm

No cornlegend,

I was referring to:
1) LNP Degenerates; and
2) Labor spineless wimps.

Bighead1883July 19, 2016 at 6:35 pm

cornlegend July 19, 2016 at 6:21 pm

Hanson Young was the main person bleating on about the Pacific solution,first denying Gillard and then Rudd
Abbott had to do nothing opposing a solution as his champion was SHY
Then she was jumping up and down like Brute Bernard when the High Court delivered their verdict which directly caused the re-opening of the hell holes

Of course the Greens try to climb some bullshit moral mountain on this but had exactly the same policy to offshore process refugees in Malaysia and Indonesia

Yes people are waking up to Greens hypocrisy

diannaartJuly 19, 2016 at 6:39 pm

Cornlegend

DA: “I do not see any trend back to those days, Cornie.”

CL: I do

It’s Time, as Gough (RIP) would say to take a good look around you instead of deliberately staying with a dream that has had its time and is passing away.

Brexit, Trump and yet more Trump, the close margins of Election 2016 Australia are indicative of a population feeling increasingly disengaged with their politicians. Some believe, as in the Brexit vote, that consequences don’t matter just that a change is needed. Which makes it a great time to offer something we can build on or a fraught time to do nothing and watch what happens when a populace gives up on mainstream politics.

http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/rearvision/the-rise-and-fall-of-the-political-party-britain-us-australia/7298018

Am done here for the evening – have a good night.

FreethinkerJuly 19, 2016 at 6:41 pm

cornlegend, do not worry about the Greens, worry about where the ALP stand regarding the UN and what it is going to do about it..
You have not made comments about Dr Venturini articles quoted by me.
Well, I accept it if you are from the right faction on the ALP.
If you include yourself on the left it will be another matter.

cornlegendJuly 19, 2016 at 6:50 pm

Freethinker,

“ALP stand regarding the UN ”
doesn’t matter, not the Government can’t do anything
“You have not made comments about Dr Venturini articles quoted by me.”
I have been busy, other things to do
“Well, I accept it if you are from the right faction on the ALP”
how on earth would you know, you don’t know me., you accept wrong
but just for clarity, i have been a member of Left faction all my membership day, and during employment, and and employed by and member of Left Unions .

cornlegendJuly 19, 2016 at 6:54 pm

Freethinker,
“cornlegend, do not worry about the Greens, worry about where the ALP”
Now you lot seem to have captured the market on concerns about Labor.
The membership will decide the policy and direction of Labor,
You need to concentrate on your Greens
Leave the ALP to their membership.
Don’t like it ? don’t vote for them
BUT, you don’t anyhow, so why worry about Labor?

cornlegendJuly 19, 2016 at 6:58 pm

Jennifer
”
Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 19, 2016 at 6:35 pm

No cornlegend,

I was referring to:
1) LNP Degenerates; and
2) Labor spineless wimps.”

Worry about your lot, Labor will look after theirs
If you don’t like it don’t vote for them.
Oh, that’s right, you didn’t
Settle back for a rocky LNP ride Jennifer

FreethinkerJuly 19, 2016 at 7:00 pm

Cornlegend my comments regarding the left and your position was based on assuming that you have read Dr Venturini posts.
I am not a communists but a hard left with years on struggle here ( at shop level)and OS in the Union movement and I can telling you that on my left formation I agree 100% with Dr Venturini. Anything less is not a left ideology, just moderate right.

Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 19, 2016 at 7:19 pm

Hear, hear Freethinker.

Your definition of Left is far more believable than the Labor Lily-Livers.

cornlegendJuly 19, 2016 at 7:31 pm

None of you have bothered to answer my question
Why can’t you forget about Labor and leave that for members to address, and have more concern for the Party you obviously voted for or are members of .
Now, I understand with Jennifer that might pose a problem as she has advocated a dozen different parties, toyed with the idea of even running for one or two.and has an unhealthy obsession with a coalition , members, of her chosing, which changes daily, and only exists in her mind,
I think that is a greater concern that anything Labor,Oh, and Jennifer, DON’T BLAME ME… I VOTED LABOR
Now is the time to sit back for Labor, do NOTHING and watch Malcolm and the cross benchers save the country

cornlegendJuly 19, 2016 at 7:32 pm

Biggy,
Your comment, I concur 😀

Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 19, 2016 at 7:40 pm

cornlegend,

save your breath with your insinuations. What say you, and your little mate, show some strength of character and reveal your identities or is that too hard for you both?

Angry Old ManJuly 19, 2016 at 7:46 pm

@freethinker

Well said, comrade. And Dr Venturini rocks!

cornlegendJuly 19, 2016 at 7:48 pm

I did once and a mad woman flooded my emails with porn, ordered all manner of stuff online, sent home deliveries galore and caused chaos.
There are some I just wouldn’t trust for a nano second,
The ones that need my details have them
Is your call to everyone on here with a nom de plume or just the ones that think your ideas border on

FreethinkerJuly 19, 2016 at 7:50 pm

cornwell, I think that you have not understood my concern, I voted for Labor before and I like to see the old Labor again in our political landscaping, the Labor of Gough, not the one after him.
I am not a member of the Green party.
I have voted for the Greens before just only because I regards the best party to look after the environment and the future of the planet. At my age it is more important the future of my grandchildren and their generations.
I am concerned with the Labor because we need a strong left party and I can see that the right faction have to much power on it.
What I would like to see? A strong socialist party.

1)You responded to me, quote:
2)You need to concentrate on your Greens
3)Leave the ALP to their membership.
4)Don’t like it ? don’t vote for them
5)BUT, you don’t anyhow, so why worry about Labor?
end of quote

I am not a Green party member
Your respond ” leave the ALP to their membership” attitude is why the party it is not stronger.
” Don’t like it? don’s vote for them” my respond, as above
BUT, you don’t anyhow, so why worry about Labor? Wrong, I have not better options on the HoR in my electorate. I voted for them as a second preference and in the senate as 3rd preference.

FreethinkerJuly 19, 2016 at 7:56 pm

@ Angry Old ManJuly 19, 2016 at 7:46 pm
@freethinker

Well said, comrade. And Dr Venturini rocks!

Thanks mate, when I see the so called ” lefties” in the ALP my blood boils.
I cannot believe how a union with left ideology can support a party well described by Dr Venturini.

Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 19, 2016 at 7:56 pm

Sorry Freethinker,

but calling cornlegend “cornwell” is a delicious faux pas but oh so apt since one of our learned commenters identified the historical Cromwell as fascist, who took advantage of the people.

Maybe cornlegend whoever he is a semi-fascist.

Just saying!

cornlegendJuly 19, 2016 at 8:01 pm

Should I try Freeblinkered in this silly little game
Jennifer, I am coming rapidly to the conclusion Bighead 1883 was right

cornlegendJuly 19, 2016 at 8:03 pm

Freeblinkered
“BUT, you don’t anyhow, so why worry about Labor? Wrong, I have not better options on the HoR in my electorate. I voted for them as a second preference and in the senate as 3rd preference.”
Wouldn’t your time be better spent seeing why your first and second choices failed so badly?

FreethinkerJuly 19, 2016 at 8:06 pm

cornlegendJuly 19, 2016 at 8:01 pm
Should I try Freeblinkered in this silly little game

Not me mate, I like to have a nice, mature and constructive exchange of ideas if you do not mind.
If it is not possible, then forget it.

Bighead1883July 19, 2016 at 8:07 pm

Freethinker July 19, 2016 at 7:56 pm

Good I hope it boils enough to blow the top off your head

Have you enjoyed supporting a bullshit Senate reform hastily so that the LNP could get in a DD election before the expiry date that one could be called

Now this party of yours the Greens has let in One Nation on steroids with the half quota required in a DD election

Also NXT is Liberal Party leaning

Yours&Greens hate for Labor has handed on a platter the death of Medicare/Gonski/penalty rates/infrastructure/jobs whilst opening up more 457 visas-$50b tax cuts to rich-$38b the ATO recognised should be collected but is not by the 69 largest corporations in Australia
I could write a list a mile long but I`m sick to death of Greens mumblers helping One Nation & LNP imbeciles

I really hope this makes your blood boil

Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 19, 2016 at 8:12 pm

cornlegend,

you’ve accused me of a list of things. At least, I don’t hide behind some nom de plume that conceals my identity.

It wouldn’t surprise me, if you are also influenced by the small-mindedness of little Biggy.

I don’t challenge everybody on this salient point, if I see they don’t take advantage of honestly made comments I have made. Unfortunately, you don’t qualify on these grounds.

Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 19, 2016 at 8:15 pm

To Him Whom Shall Not Be Named (hint little Biggy),

those of us who did not give #1 to Lib-lite (aka Labor), did not give the election to the LNP Degenerates, especially if we put Lib-Lite second.

So stop your bullshit accusations and instead get real about how Labor is right now working on the integrity that Gough demonstrated, as Freethinker was saying.

FreethinkerJuly 19, 2016 at 8:20 pm

Bighead1883 I guess that you have not reed my posts or you are selective.

I am not a Green member, I vote selecting the candidates since 1972 and have voted for Gough.
I voted for the Greens in more than one occasion just because my concern for the environment.
Your ALP and the Greens for that matter in 2014 voted when they passed the supply bills. These included cuts to the ABC and SBS, the CSIRO and Aboriginal services.
Your current leader will support now $1 billion worth of Abbott/Turnbull cuts that had previously been blocked in the Senate.
I am not 1/2 lefty Bighead, I am proud to be a genuine left person that have to escape persecution for defending workers right.
I also can write a mile of Bob Hawk government and the Unions achievements going quite with his reforms for that matter.

cornlegendJuly 19, 2016 at 8:32 pm

Bighead,
Time to put your feet up mate, no writs till August 8, Senate counting till August
Time for Labor to sit back and watch the carnage for a few months, knowing we have Bill primed, 14 seats within 2 % .
The best thing for Labor is to sit back shut up say nothing and let the shit hit the fan,
Me, after the start up fight I’m of on holidays 😀
Oh, Jennifer, you would be pleased to know nurses is now working full time for my missus so will have plenty of time to chat now

FreethinkerJuly 19, 2016 at 8:38 pm

This can work in favor of the ALP?
One Nation Senate hopeful Rod Culleton fails in bid to postpone Perth trial
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-07-19/one-nation-senate-hopeful-rod-culleton-fails-to-postpone-trial/7642910

Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 19, 2016 at 8:44 pm

nurses is a figment of your imagination, cornlegend.

cornlegendJuly 19, 2016 at 9:11 pm

What are you on about , she has been on AIMN for years ,check with Michael, worked at the hospital i was operated on and now for us .
The only imagination that runs rampant on here you and your idiotic delusional coalition.
You really are a … no, I’ll refrain
but hey, do me a favour , don’t bother me or respond to me as this is the last time I’ll address your delusional nonsense

Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 19, 2016 at 9:25 pm

Fine, have a tantrum.

But if you are going to cite my recommendation to Labor to get its act together, make sure you refer to The ALLiance not a poxy copycat “coalition” like the other arseholes.

corvus boreusJuly 19, 2016 at 9:41 pm

‘cornie’,
Enjoy your holiday, and good luck with your prospective SE Asian property acquisitions (with view to emigration).
I applaud your advice that ‘biggie’ should STFU in your absence, as he obviously alienates many rational readers.
Personally, I think your tenured proxy (nurses) will be a piss poor replacement for your inputs (even more prejudicial bias, far less factual info), and recommend that you should probably give her the same advice.
Anyway, safe travels and happy hunting.

cornlegendJuly 19, 2016 at 10:09 pm

Corpus,
you get lots wrong .
“SE Asian property acquisitions (with view to emigration )
holidays not emigration , a place to sit out the LNP storm
Now where in your wildest dreams did you come up with “your advice that ‘biggie’ should STFU in your absence,”
My advice was relax and watch the carnage. Biggy is quite capable of making his own decisions, is king of the meme makers on Twitter, and fights the good fight against both LNP and withered Greens daily.
I’m sure nurse can look after herself, and now she’s taken the step and joined Labor, she will cope .
You are getting a little bit ahead of yourself though, as I intend to hang around long enough for the first weeks of shit fight in Parliament and the Senate

Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 19, 2016 at 10:26 pm

cornlegend,

I thought you retired for the night having a sook?!

Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 19, 2016 at 10:28 pm

corvus,

nice to hear from you again.

corvus boreusJuly 19, 2016 at 10:29 pm

‘Cornie’,
Then I temporarily suspend my good wishes for your journey until your departure.
Myself, I will continue burial in work, and periodically re-surface to assess the deterioration of the overall situation.
For some of us, there is nowhere else to run to, and no relaxation to be gained in spectating upon socio-political carnage.

Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 19, 2016 at 10:52 pm

Spot on, cb.

The relaxation of some others under the malaise of the LNP Degenerate regime, is disgusting.

diannaartJuly 20, 2016 at 11:24 am

@cornlegend

None of you have bothered to answer my question

Why can’t you forget about Labor and leave that for members to address, and have more concern for the Party you obviously voted for or are members of .

Everyone is just as free to discuss whatever we choose – just as you are free.

Progressives are concerned when a party with a great deal of power, power enough to swing the pendulum back from the far right, is too timid to make a clear and concise stand on mining, fair wages, a workable safety net for those in need (no one can pay rent let alone survive on Newstart), promotes an economic system that is based upon sustainability and not exploitation and makes clear to its members it will not tolerate bullies.

FreethinkerJuly 20, 2016 at 11:56 am

Well said diannart , also cornlegend said, quote: “The membership will decide the policy and direction of Labor,”
which it is a lot of rubbish other ways Albo will be the leader.
The membership will decide only what to do with the “breadcrumbs but not the loaf” which it is up to a selected minority.

diannaartJuly 20, 2016 at 12:05 pm

Freethinker

I had forgotten Albo – now there was an example of democracy NOT working.

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stephentardrewJuly 18, 2016 at 7:15 am

Thanks John much appreciated.
Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 18, 2016 at 7:28 am

No wonder Joyce wanted to keep post- election negotiations with Turnbull secret. Keeping the natives quiet on account of No 5 on John’s list would be one reason. Joyce’s pork-barreling for his own electorate to the inconvenience of the department employees would cause a stir.
FreethinkerJuly 18, 2016 at 7:51 am

Are we getting close to the standards of Brazilian politics?
PliJuly 18, 2016 at 8:08 am

I can’t understand why the Nationals won so many seats the elitist like barnaby Joyce and the farmers in country don’t compete with the number of towns people yet they still win, something smells in the way country people vote.
Terry2July 18, 2016 at 8:11 am

We should immediately legislate to institute a real-time system of reporting political donations.

I don’t mind that Turnbull donated one million dollars to the Liberal Party but I find it disturbing that I didn’t know this before the election : does anybody doubt that the election outcome could have been materially different had we known about this ?
Ross CornwillJuly 18, 2016 at 8:40 am

To see the Nationals rolling up to the polling booths in their J M Williams gear made me smile. Their candidates have probably never seen a farm ever, and have done sweet fa for their electorate. Yet still they come every election to vote for the same dolt.

Many have no mobile coverage or decent internet but does this bother them. No way. Will it ever change?

I think not seeing the number of young volunteers they seem to attract. We can only hope though.
geeJuly 18, 2016 at 8:53 am

PLi, the reason why the Nationals win so much of the regional electorate as they are continuing with the farce that the nationals represent anything other than mining interests, combined with regional voters who vote for the same party their parents and parents parents voted for without actually having any idea about the people they are, in fact, voting for.

Apathy, ignorance and stupidity win again.
ozibodyJuly 18, 2016 at 8:55 am

An on target article John, thank you.

I think we’ll find Barnaby Joyce and Co. also have an eye on WATER allocation.and secrecy here is paramount !! …. $$ Big Money $$ and Personal Gain !! … at cost to our National Welfare!
Kaye LeeJuly 18, 2016 at 9:14 am

ozibody, Just look what Gina and the IPA want and that will give you some idea of what her boy Barnaby will be asking for.

“Australians for Northern Development and Economic Vision (ANDEV) have been calling for the creation of dams for over two years and it is refreshing for a major party to finally acknowledge the important role they can play in driving development in Northern Australia,” said Dom Talimanidis, Director of the joint ANDEV/IPA North Australia Project.

“Militant green groups have successfully campaigned to take dams off the policy agenda in recent decades; however demonising this policy initiative ignores the positive role dams can play in electricity production, flood aversion and irrigated agriculture – outcomes that benefit all Australians,” Mr Talimanidis said.

The Institute of Public Affairs, in conjunction with Australians for Northern Development and Economic Vision (ANDEV), has been calling for the establishment of a Northern Special Economic Zone (SEZ) with lower taxes and a reduced regulatory burden.

Home
roma guerinJuly 18, 2016 at 9:15 am

@Pli: Indi had 10 candidates, the most prominent being Cathy McGowan and Sophie Mirabella. My local papers for Shire of Murrindindi, a distant outpost of Indi, gave the following figures for 14 booths in our district. Formal votes 6391/Mirabella 2376/McGowan 1758/Others 2257 which includes 493 for the Nats.
Jarvis PettitJuly 18, 2016 at 9:22 am

Ozibody Joyce and the Nationals are keeping water allocations for cotton irrigators and flood irrigation.Two large propertys have just been sold around St.George for cotton production and this is where the Political donations come from.Corruption is at its highest level in Qld –Cubbie,etc are allocated water at a cheap rate and Rivers,Streams are all being diverted to allow the cotton industry to thrive.The Great Darling River is dry below Bourke because cotton irrigators are pumping water from the system without consideration to Landholders below Bourke.NSW Water and the DPI have lost control of Water Licences and Allocations.
cornlegendJuly 18, 2016 at 9:27 am

Kaye Lee
On things Gina
We had a do at our joint over the weekend of all the Labor poll workers and the like.
Come sunday late arvo and i still couldn’t get some of the free loaders to go home so I had a poem I’d learnt by heart, got on the p.a. system and started sprouting it ,
works every time .What better way to start your week off Kaye Lee 😀
Just for you
Our Future

The globe is sadly groaning with debt, poverty and strife

And billions now are pleading to enjoy a better life

Their hope lies with resources buried deep within the earth

And the enterprise and capital which give each project worth

Is our future threatened with massive debts run up by political hacks

Who dig themselves out by unleashing rampant tax

The end result is sending Australian investment, growth and jobs offshore

This type of direction is harmful to our core

Some envious unthinking people have been conned

To think prosperity is created by waving a magic wand

Through such unfortunate ignorance, too much abuse is hurled

Against miners, workers and related industries who strive to build the world

Develop North Australia, embrace multiculturalism and welcome short term foreign workers to our shores

To benefit from the export of our minerals and ores

The world’s poor need our resources: do not leave them to their fate

Our nation needs special economic zones and wiser government, before it is too late

Love Gina xx
ozibodyJuly 18, 2016 at 9:33 am

Indeed Kaye, Aunty Gina holds huge sway with her boy Barnaby ( and must be obeyed). ….. thank you for the link.

I also have a feeling we have not seen the end of the Murray Darling saga. Water in rural Australia is probably just as valuable as land … (understatement ?) ….. and then enter CSG and the Trough is full and overflowing!
Kaye LeeJuly 18, 2016 at 9:55 am

Isn’t Gina’s poem a hoot. She was so chuffed with it that she had it engraved on a plaque fixed to a 30-ton iron ore boulder and proposed that the boulder be installed as a monument to iron ore. It was described on Wikipedia as “the universe’s worst poem, although many still dispute if it qualifies to be classified as poetry”.

Gina thinks we are envious of her. I pity her. All her life, she has never felt good enough. Her father was horrible to her and she is continuing the tradition, fighting with her children over money. She is suspicious and paranoic. She has lost sight of, or more likely never knew, what is important in life. This is a woman who will never know contentment and that is immeasurably sad.
cornlegendJuly 18, 2016 at 10:03 am

Kaye Lee
Last time we were in Perth I tracked down the iron ore boulder to Morley and went and had my picture took with it.
A once in a lifetime opportunity {before vandals strike}
” This is a woman who will never know contentment ”
perhaps creative writing when the iron ore dries up?
James O'NeillJuly 18, 2016 at 10:27 am

“The Nationals in turn get about the same percentage of the vote as the greens but end up with nine MPs in the House of Reps to the Greens one.” John, I think you will find that the Nationals get about 4% of the primary vote and have 22 seats in the House. The Greens polled 10% for their one seat. Let’s not pretend we have a democracy.
Kaye LeeJuly 18, 2016 at 11:02 am

Actually, the Nationals hold 17 seats – 10 Nationals and 7 of the LNPers. The Nationals first preference vote was 4.68%. If we give them about a third of the 8.59% the LNP got (7 out of 22) then they got about 7.4% for 17 seats. The Greens as you say got 1 seat for 10.08% of the first preference vote.
Michael TaylorJuly 18, 2016 at 11:22 am

Can’t argue with that.
Kaye LeeJuly 18, 2016 at 11:36 am

If you had proportional representation based on first preference votes, Labor and Liberal would both have 52 seats, the Greens 15 and the Nats 11, with twenty more to be shared around, Xenophon with 3 being the next biggest count.
cornlegendJuly 18, 2016 at 11:50 am

“If you had proportional representation based on first preference votes,”
What about if we had optional preferential?
We have a form in the Senate now, and then you wouldn’t have to vote for the scumbags you despise.
I know it wouldn’t favour Labor but electors would still learn soon enough

To their credit the Nats ran in about 30 seats mostly targeted and it is effective for them with about 57% 2pp
The Greens go for the scatter gun approach, 150 seats, and they know they only attract about 2% outside the metro areas
keertiJuly 18, 2016 at 11:53 am

It’s so good
To have such cometant people managing the economy ! A broke party lead by a clown who buys hims
elf a job!
diannaartJuly 18, 2016 at 12:00 pm

Meanwhile, the Turnbull government will continue with its program to outsource/privatise the Department of Human Service – in the interests of efficiency and competition – our safety net is to be made ‘innovative’, because it hasn’t worked elsewhere, but that is no reason not to proceed with it here:

While governments have made progress in introducing competition, contestability and user choice to human services provision, the efficiency and effectiveness of the delivery of services within the sector varies significantly between jurisdictions. Service delivery frameworks in the human services sector that are inefficient and/or ineffective can result in significant costs to the economy and individuals, including poorer outcomes and reduced productivity.

The Productivity Commission is to undertake the inquiry in two stages. The first stage will deliver an initial study report identifying services within the human services sector that are best suited to the introduction of greater competition, contestability and user choice. In the second stage, the Productivity Commission will undertake a more extensive examination and provide an inquiry report making recommendations on how to introduce greater competition, contestability and user choice to the services identified during the first stage.

http://sjm.ministers.treasury.gov.au/media-release/051-2016/

The Commission will have particular regard to:

the roles and responsibilities of service users, service providers (including governments, the private sector and not-for profit providers) and governments in the delivery of human services
the factors affecting use of services and users’ preferences for models of service delivery, noting challenges facing those with complex needs or reduced capacity to make informed choices
the benefits and costs of promoting competition in the provision of human services
how best to promote innovation and improvements in the quality, range and funding of human services
the challenges facing the provision of human services in rural and remote areas
the need to improve Indigenous outcomes.

http://www.pc.gov.au/inquiries/current/human-services/reforms

The final result is due in October 2017. Hopefully, by then, I will have received a billion dollars and bought my own island – people interested in sharing my bounty may submit their expressions of interest just as soon as the money is in the bank.
Kaye LeeJuly 18, 2016 at 12:02 pm

I agree there are problems with a simplistic proportional representation as I did above. It was meant more for interest than as a suggestion of what should occur.

I do, however, feel some groups are disproportionately represented in parliament. People who live in rural and regional Australia is one such group. Almost 90% of Australians live in urban areas. When country people suggest they are ignored by Canberra, I would suggest that is because they elect duds because they are hugely over-represented. 63 of the 150 seats are described as provincial or rural.

http://results.aec.gov.au/13745/Website/GeneralDemographicByDivision-13745-NAT.htm

I also think it is ridiculous that Tasmania, with a population of about 517,000, has the same number of Senators as NSW which has a population of about 7.7 million.
Steve Laing - makeourvoiceheard.comJuly 18, 2016 at 12:08 pm

Sure would Dan, but is that a bad thing? There are many highly effective multi-party democracies in the world, and the representation in parliament is more reflective of voters wishes.

There is plenty of evidence available that teams with diverse perspectives outperform teams composed of like-minded individuals. They tend to apply more rigour and scrutiny to the solutions they propose. You only need to look at the quality of the policy announcements from the Coalition to see how poorly thought through their policies are, largely due to his groupthink. Moreover Labor have suffered from this in the past, resulting directly in the overthrow of Rudd (and all the aftershocks we’ve seen because of it).
SGBJuly 18, 2016 at 12:09 pm

Bloody hell, three more years of this rabble of incompetant selfservers.

As a pensioner, it seems like the LNP are determined to create the poorest pensioners in the OECD – I might have to go to go back to work – if I can find work!

Bugga!
SamJuly 18, 2016 at 12:09 pm

I still can’t fathom how Barnaby got a swing towards him. I think even the National party itself would have been happy enough to contain the swing against him to a small number but he went one better somehow.
Bighead1883July 18, 2016 at 12:16 pm

cornlegend July 18, 2016 at 11:50 am

“To their credit the Nats ran in about 30 seats mostly targeted and it is effective for them with about 57% 2pp”
Well said comrade

By knowing their demographic and the reality of a coalition with the Liberals it enables the Nats to maximize their effect on constituents
The Gina paid for support of Barnaby Joyce shows what an extra heavily targeted approach can do

Cornie you clearly point out as to Nats targeting seat numbers it`s disingenuous of Greens to compare the National voting percentage as to seats won
Just as it was also disingenuous of Greens to support the Senate electoral reform {bullet] with the LNP {gun} when all Australia knew this haste was to needed to enable a DD using the ABCC as the {trigger} before that option was closed

To rid the Senate of Micro`s and Crazies was the MSM/LNP/Greens chorus

A Constitutional amendment is needed to fix the current population gerrymandering of Senators per State
James O'NeillJuly 18, 2016 at 12:18 pm

Kay, most western european nations that have PR have a minimum threshold. The German model, which was adopted by New Zealand uses 5%. This keeps out the very small parties of sectional interest or running on a narrow special interest platform. We cannot automatically translate the 2016 results into what would have happened if we had PR. This is because the voting system also influences the way people vote. If for example, your party of choice had no chance of winning, you may be less likely to vote for that party and instead vote for some fringe party as a protest. That is still a wasted vote, but it makes a point. Personally, I favour the NZ system because it retains electorates which means everyone has a local member, but then uses seat allocation according to voting share to produce a result that really reflects what people want. When you think about what is happening in Herbert, is it not bizarre that the stability of otherwise of a government comes down to literally a handful of votes?
diannaartJuly 18, 2016 at 12:19 pm

Freethinker

July 18, 2016 at 7:51 am

Are we getting close to the standards of Brazilian politics?

Yes, we are.
Kaye LeeJuly 18, 2016 at 12:49 pm

Speaking of Herbert, they keep updating the count of envelopes processed but the votes haven’t changed since Friday. Another very disturbing thing is that there were 6,431 informal votes and 1251 envelopes of declaration votes were rejected at preliminary scrutiny – with only 12 votes separating the candidates at the moment.
Michael TaylorJuly 18, 2016 at 1:05 pm

Was it Herbert where George Brandis was a scrutineer? Was it Herbert where George Brandis delivered about 1200 voting slips from the Liberal Party direct to the AEC?
Möbius EckoJuly 18, 2016 at 1:23 pm

The whole thing with postal votes is shonky Migs. No wonder the Libs ran out of money, the amount of Liberal postal ballots they sent out must have been enormous. I received three in one week, which I couldn’t figure out as there’s only two living here, unless they wanted the dog to vote for them.

And do you want more shonkiness from the Libs. Abbott not only helping an old lady to vote in his booth but photographed filling out the voting form.

Then we have Mirabella scrutinising votes, which parties are perfectly entitled to do under very strict guidelines, one of which is that the scrutineers are not to physically touch or interfere with the ballot boxes and papers. Mirabella has been photographed touching ballot papers.

If Labor had done any one of these things we would never hear the end of it, and if they had a Parkeelia there would have been strident calls to disband the party. But it’s the Libs who can almost do anything with impunity.
Bighead1883July 18, 2016 at 1:40 pm

Michael Taylor July 18, 2016 at 1:05 pm

Are we seeing another first from the LNP in that a Liberal Cabinet Minister and the highest ranking legal officer in the country Attorney General George Brandis stepping into our Democratic election process as a Postal Vote delivery boy and then as a scrutineer?

Postal votes not posted and going through the proper channel cannot be deemed valid
Any vote not going through the proper channel cannot be deemed valid

If this proves to be the case Michael Taylor then expect a courts challenge through “disputed returns”
flohri1754July 18, 2016 at 1:51 pm

It is certainly not an encouraging electoral result …. far from what Malcolm Turnbull is describing as the “People entrusting” the LNP with governing for the next three years ….. To think the country has lost such normal voices of reason as Lazarus and Muir while replacing them with Hanson and goodness knows who else in the Senate. Thanks for nothing, Malcolm …….
FreethinkerJuly 18, 2016 at 1:54 pm

The ABCC legislation has been flagged by the Prime Minister as the first order of business.
Kevin RJuly 18, 2016 at 2:09 pm

Yes! I think Gina has Barnaby by the balls and he likes it.
Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 18, 2016 at 2:15 pm

diannaart,

make sure you give me a heads up first when you win your $1 mill bounty because I want first bite at making a submission!

Then, the LNPigs can screw their miserable approach to welfare.
Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 18, 2016 at 2:26 pm

Million dollar, billion dollar, who cares about a few zeros!
Möbius EckoJuly 18, 2016 at 2:38 pm

“The ABCC legislation has been flagged by the Prime Minister as the first order of business.”

Well that can’t be true as he told the Victorian CFA and a presser not long ago that legislation to protect them from being taken over by the union was the first order of business.
diannaartJuly 18, 2016 at 2:39 pm

Jennifer

The days have long passed when a $1 million would get you a half decent island. 🙂

I am on a DSP and I just want to be left in peace. I have had years of jumping hurdles put in place by my former employer and by Centrelink. The thought of what the LNP has planned for Medicare and the rest of human services is very worrisome.
Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 18, 2016 at 2:42 pm

Proportional representation is the way forward in the Australian electoral system.

The Lib/Lab duopoly is a dying dinosaur.

The Nats are over-represented in parliament thanks to gerrymandering.

The Greens are entitled to more seats on the basis of their primary vote. (As one example, the fact they performed well in several Melbourne seats against both the duopoly says that there are many voters wanting the Greens in the contest too.)

End of story.
Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 18, 2016 at 2:45 pm

diannaart,

if I win a million dollars, I’ll employ you to do my artworks. 🙂
FreethinkerJuly 18, 2016 at 2:47 pm

Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 18, 2016 at 2:42 pm
Proportional representation is the way forward in the Australian electoral system.

Jennifer I do not think that I would see that change in my life.
Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 18, 2016 at 2:54 pm

Freethinker,

I perceive you to be a thoughtful person and I respect people like you.

However, another of my philosophies is never say never. If we defeat the concept ourselves, that only plays into the hands of the duopoly dinosaurs, who are perfectly happy with the status quo.
FreethinkerJuly 18, 2016 at 3:01 pm

Jennifer I am close to 71 years old and considering the conservative that the Australian people are to change the system is a big ask.
IMHO the middle class in Australia has to suffer like in Argentina, Chile and Uruguay in the 1960’s before they weak up.
Life it is far to good yet for many.
diannaartJuly 18, 2016 at 3:18 pm

Latest on Herbert

http://vtr.aec.gov.au/HouseDivisionPage-20499-165.htm

Libs ahead by 7, only 640 votes left to count.
FreethinkerJuly 18, 2016 at 3:22 pm

Interesting that in that seat One Nation has 12.7% swing!
I just wonder if the Queenslanders are not going “tropo” there…….
diannaartJuly 18, 2016 at 3:39 pm

Freethinker

It is called “brexit-itus”.
Kaye LeeJuly 18, 2016 at 4:12 pm

Herbert…Labor has taken the lead by 8 votes….573 left to count
FreethinkerJuly 18, 2016 at 4:16 pm

Bugger!!! my 8 years old grandson can count faster than that.
Kaye LeeJuly 18, 2016 at 4:46 pm

I have noticed an interesting thing about Malcolm Turnbull. When he is under a bit of pressure from a tricky question he says “As you know” all the time. Once you have noticed it, you can’t unnotice it. It’s like learning the signals when someone is bluffing at poker.
FreethinkerJuly 18, 2016 at 4:49 pm

Plan B is: “Lucy and I”……..
cornlegendJuly 18, 2016 at 4:51 pm

Bill Gissane scrutineering there, his scrutineers sheet
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CnoIVvAUsAAPdmy.jpg:large
Kaye LeeJuly 18, 2016 at 5:03 pm

Why is it taking so long cornie? On Friday afternoon they had 877 to count. Not only did they take the whole weekend off, they have taken all day to count 304 votes. That is ridiculous.
FreethinkerJuly 18, 2016 at 5:08 pm

by when we will know the senate results?
I hope that the liberals do not win the last seat in Tasmania.
cornlegendJuly 18, 2016 at 5:12 pm

Kaye Lee
Bugger, can’t get hold of him.
You can’t take phones with cameras in, obviously as the pic shows his does, I’ll keep tryng to find out
Bighead1883July 18, 2016 at 5:30 pm

Well it appears Herbert will have to be recounted as any seat coming up with a margin of <100 has to
I hope Cathy O`Toole can prevail and keep the LNP to 77
Big chance of some bye elections coming up
FreethinkerJuly 18, 2016 at 5:36 pm

Easy Dan, we do not want Pauline to get more seats.
Kaye LeeJuly 18, 2016 at 6:07 pm

If Cathy wins it is 76-69. It will be interesting to see if the overseas travel claims go down.
FreethinkerJuly 18, 2016 at 6:14 pm

The senate count in Tasmania looks interesting because thousands of votes are under the line and ignored party order.
Lisa Singh was dropped by the ALP to a position hard to win but voters have another ideas. She has jumped from 6954 votes to 8762 votes.
Liberal Tourism and International Education Minister Richard Colbeck also polled well to advance from 4345 to 5872 votes based on a strong vote in his home region of Braddon.
Jacqui Lambie increased from 3555 to 4770, Liberal Eric Abetz from 2839 to 3623, Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson from 2947 to 3546 and Senator Nick McKim from 1849 to 2328.
Abetz has the number 1 ticket on the party but is not the most popular.
IMO the Greens made a mistake in nominating Nick McKim.
cornlegendJuly 18, 2016 at 6:15 pm

Another scrutineer is calling it, for Labor .
FreethinkerJuly 18, 2016 at 6:16 pm

Kaye LeeJuly 18, 2016 at 6:07 pm
If Cathy wins it is 76-69. It will be interesting to see if the overseas travel claims go down.

That will be a pay back opportunity for the ALP for what Abbot have done during Gillard government
Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 18, 2016 at 6:17 pm

Would you please explain why you think nominating Nick McKim was a mistake?
cornlegendJuly 18, 2016 at 6:19 pm

Labor wins the Townsville-based seat of Herbert from the Liberals’ Ewen Jones by eight votes at the end of AEC counting
official
FreethinkerJuly 18, 2016 at 6:19 pm

Because the ALP-Greens coalition in Tasmania state government was not popular and Nick was an important player.
Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 18, 2016 at 6:24 pm

Good riddance to Ewen Jones!

Well done to Cathy O’Toole!

Good luck to the rest of us so her win, which is also Labor’s win,
is also OUR win …

… and not just a see-saw for the on-going tunnel vision of the Duopoly Dinosaurs
cornlegendJuly 18, 2016 at 6:25 pm

Bighead1883
I think Paulines lad can escape if he can hangs on until declaration of polls without copping a sentence or found guilty.
Brandis will be pushing the coppers and courts for speedy action

An immediate recount starts in Herbert
Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 18, 2016 at 6:26 pm

Freethinker,

how else could Nick have been successfully and beneficially engaged?
Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 18, 2016 at 6:28 pm

cornlegend,

didn’t your mother tell you that talking to one person at the exclusion of the group, is actually bad manners?

Bighead is probably asleep anyway!

Tut, tut!
FreethinkerJuly 18, 2016 at 6:31 pm

Jennifer, IMO Cassy O’Connor the current Green leader in Tasmania is a better option than Nick
Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 18, 2016 at 6:34 pm

Thanks, Freethinker. I have no ulterior motive for asking but can you say why please?
cornlegendJuly 18, 2016 at 6:37 pm

Jennifer Meyer-Smith
get a grip, I was responding directly to something Biggy said in his post
No different to what I am doing now, to you ,
what’s the drama?

Bighead is probably asleep anyway!
actually, in W.A. its. about 4.30 I think
FreethinkerJuly 18, 2016 at 6:38 pm

Jennifer, she supports creating a prosperous, low-carbon economy powered by renewable energy, and is a passionate voice for people with disabilities, refugees, children and marginalized Tasmanians.
That it is good in my book and I am sure that in yours as well.
paulwalterJuly 18, 2016 at 6:38 pm

That’s dinkum, re Herbert?

There will be a recount of course, not there yet, but have I have been watching that seat for days, this morning Cathy O’Toole was only seven votes behind.

I think, if it works out, it will make the difference between mere token pressure applied to Turnbull and his thieves, if O”Toole wins, the majority becomes so wafer thin as to almost demand hard opposition from non conservatives, who will now see a point in opposing rather than surrendering to despair.

Poetic justice this result, in light of Turnbull with his million dollars to buy this election.
paulwalterJuly 18, 2016 at 6:40 pm

Funny how Tassie turned out with McKim and Singh. I wonder if it was a deliberate ploy to put Singh too low on the Labor sheet, but with sympathy and personal support lifting her vote and that final position.
Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 18, 2016 at 6:47 pm

cornlegend,

consider it karma.

Freethinker,

Cassy O’Connor obviously has the integrity we need in politics. Thanks for explaining.

paulwalter,

hear, hear. No need for despair with regards to LNP hopefully.

Yet to see whether that the same can be said for the Other side, as they grow in strength!
cornlegendJuly 18, 2016 at 6:50 pm

Jennifer Meyer-Smith
“cornlegend,

consider it karma.” whats karma about it?

didn’t your mother tell you that talking to one person at the exclusion of the group, is actually bad manners?
Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 18, 2016 at 7:07 pm

Pragmatics and brutality does not win hearts and minds. Sad you were made to forget that in your younger days by worse bullies than you.

You don’t mind throwing mud at potential allies while ramming your party political might down other parties’ throats. (LNP don’t count.)

Labor needs the Greens despite your fear of getting greenie germs.
cornlegendJuly 18, 2016 at 7:16 pm

Jennifer Meyer-Smith
Now a new election could be called in the next 12 months or so, or they could go full term so could I humbly suggest you get to work on your coalition, in readiness ,
BUT, leave Labor out of your calculations .
remember, you were warned, so to save you time, another reminder

“Chris Bowen, made the reality clear in a recent interview on Radio National.

“We are not interested in any Coalition agreements with any party,” he said. “I wrote about this in my book in 2013; Labor governs alone or not at all. Who parties vote for in a confidence vote is up to them. If there is a confidence vote after the election, and independents and other parties have to choose who to support, that’s a matter for them. We will not be entering into any agreements, coalitions or deals with the Greens or anybody else.”

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has explicitly ruled out forming a coalition government with the Greens
Adam Bandt raised it , but got shut down by Bill
The Greens aren’t running serious in any seat against the Liberal Party so this is an argument where they try to say to Labor voters you can have your cake and eat it to, you can vote for us and really it’s a vote for Labor. It’s absolutely not.”

“But Mr Shorten, who is campaigning in far-north Queensland, said Mr Bandt was “dreaming”.
“Labor will fight this election to form its own government and to form a government in our own right,”
“Labor will not be going into coalition with any party.”
Ms Plibersek says Australians would be “horrified by the idea of another hung parliament’’ as she rebuffed the Greens’ advances.
Ms Plibersek said Labor was “playing to win’’
“We will not enter into a coalition:”Anthony Albanese
Adam Bandt was there again today on Sky News attacking me, he’s got a bit of an unhealthy obsession I think, he can’t seem to do an interview without mentioning me,’ Mr Albanese said.

‘The Greens aren’t in a position to be a threat to anything,’ he said. ‘They have one member of the House of Representatives, where government is formed, the same number as the Katter Australia Party.’
Opposition legal affairs spokesman Mark Dreyfus repeated Labor’s policy … that we will not form a coalition with the Greens, full stop,”
Tony Burke “We certainly would not be forming any sort of coalition agreement with the Greens,”‘ Mr Burke told ABC radio.”

good luck with it 😀

p.s.
Greenie germs?
You know, two turned up at my place on the weekend for the do we were having.
All went well, we just frisked them on the way out to make sure no silverware was leaving as well
Bighead1883July 18, 2016 at 7:17 pm

cornlegend July 18, 2016 at 6:50 pm

Damn them group exclusions,makes one feel like they need a good sleep comrade

Enjoy your trip North mate [damn that excluding the group attitude I have}
paulwalterJuly 18, 2016 at 7:19 pm

Agree. Labor has not quite figured out to deal with ecology and its relationship to economics. It has a better record on ecology than the Coalition, but still can’t grasp that that wrong memes can be challenged rather than accepted. You could see ecology as parallel to people movement politics, an issue Labor has also floundered over when something more constructive, some sort of circuit breaker to public thinking was needed instead of the unimaginative reinforcement of the likes of Bolt and Sonia Kruger with their night terrors as to aliens under the bed.
wamJuly 18, 2016 at 7:20 pm

If we follow the compass there are no labor members or supporters we are all green leans so arguably the loonies have 55 more seats than their 10% deserves?
barnaby thanks the dogs and they may have held a few votes but our hopes that new englanders would have realised how untrustworthy the barnaby people were were dashed . Windsor got a credible 20000+ ie 5 times labor and 10 times the loonies.
The gina story I like was the lift to india for a wedding then dumped so barnaby had to get off his commercial jet in kuala lumpur get a hire car to drive up a road so he could claim he was inspecting transport and could claim the airfare from the public purse. This twit thinks unions and gillard are crooks.
Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 18, 2016 at 7:20 pm

The little boys club answer in a duopoly response again.

Why am I surprised! Must be some sort of tap-dance routine you’ve got going.
Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 18, 2016 at 7:30 pm

Bighead in his greatest moment today @ 12.16pm said, “A Constitutional amendment is needed to fix the current population gerrymandering of Senators per State”.

Ok, I agree. We need that amendment …

… and another one that allows for a sensible proportional representative electoral system that allows a balance of community voices represented.
Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 18, 2016 at 7:33 pm

If Shorten continues to rule out ruling with the strong proportional vote of the Greens, then he will become seen as a bigger fool than he need be.

If you want Shorten to have a good go and also give us all others a good go, open your flappy ears and eyes.
Matters NotJuly 18, 2016 at 7:39 pm

Some interesting developments re Turnbull and his penchant for ‘buying’ support.

Firstly, there was his personal donation of $1 000 000.00 when things didn’t look too good in the election campaign.

Now that he’s arrived, he is still in the buying phase with an expanded Cabinet, Ministry, Parliamentary Secretaries and the like. It seems every player wins a prize when Malcolm is in the Chair.

No doubt, the promise of cutting government waste, increasing efficiency and the like will continue re the government’s ‘conversation’.

As I write he is speaking with his very favourite TV ‘personality’, a Leigh Sales. A person famed for never asking the ‘tough’ questions of the Turnbull government.
paulwalterJuly 18, 2016 at 7:42 pm

Matters Not, throw in Sinodinos and you really look at some big time criminality eventually, I fear.
Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 18, 2016 at 7:51 pm

MN,

could you be saying that Malcolm Muck is not only attempting to fool the proletariat but also the LNP elitists too?

Malcolm’s millions are big, sure.

But if he plays that game, they won’t be big enough to defeat our sovereign government, nor any of the other pretenders to the leadership of the country.

Malcolm Muck is F***ed
Matters NotJuly 18, 2016 at 7:52 pm

So Sales threw him a few ‘Dixers’ and finished with ‘already stretched the friendship’.

She also has a political ‘tin ear’.

Not sure whether they are about to ‘get a room’ or whether it’s already part of the (yet to be written) historical record.

Is Lucy an active part of this apparent threesome? Or just prefers to watch?
Bighead1883July 18, 2016 at 7:59 pm

Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 18, 2016 at 7:30 pm

Wading through your insanity Jennifer is enough turn people off this publication

You do realise you`re the resident “mad woman” ?
cornlegendJuly 18, 2016 at 7:59 pm

Now the House of Reps is sorted, to a degree it is now sit back relax and wait for Senate distribution of preferences.
Expected to be completed by early August
Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 18, 2016 at 8:06 pm

Bighead,

coming from a robot like you, doesn’t bother me.
Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 18, 2016 at 8:11 pm

cornlegend.

only paid and economically comfortable utensils like you and Bighead could think it was appropriate to sit back and relax until August before the result of the Senate.

Shame on you, cornlegend, for not wanting to govern for the vast, vast, vast majority of Australians.

(I don’t expect much of little Biggy) but I’m disappointed you and your ilk don’t see any positive political alliances with voices that can count within 3 years.

The more you play numbers games, the more you and your machinery look false.
cornlegendJuly 18, 2016 at 8:17 pm

Greg Hunt officially moved to Industry porttfolio
cornlegendJuly 18, 2016 at 8:19 pm

Jennifer Meyer-Smith
“Shame on you, cornlegend, for not wanting to govern for the vast, vast, vast majority of Australians.”

the people have spoken, bugger all I can do about it now, I did warn you though
DON’T BLAME ME, I VOTED LABOR
sit back, feet up wait for the action
cornlegendJuly 18, 2016 at 8:21 pm

Actually Jennifer, polling has shown Labors chances improve when they make a clear distinction between them and Greens,polls fall when any buddy buddy stuff mentioned.
Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 18, 2016 at 8:25 pm

cornlegend,

in other words you are merely a pollster.

I actually thought you had influence on the hearts and minds of Labor insiders and machinery. Alas, that seems not the case.

Why do YOU bother about such elitists even when they pretend to fight for the workers and the vulnerable???
cornlegendJuly 18, 2016 at 8:36 pm

Jennifer,
I was just pointing out to you, the general public don’t have much time for the Greens ,
my reasons differ
Anyone seen the Black Wiggle, Di Natale lately ?
Bighead1883July 18, 2016 at 8:38 pm

Having fun there Jennifer heaping degradation on me seeking a reaction

You realise you are proving my point with every instance

Please realise I have no interest in discourse with you as I consider you quite mad actually,or more so insane
Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 18, 2016 at 8:41 pm

cornlegend,

whether it is the moral members of the Greens or the moral members of Labor,

we need to know that whomever is given the honour of working and fighting for our vulnerable positions, is someone worth believing in.

If either Labor or Greens fail to see THAT basic requirement, then they lose BIG time.
Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 18, 2016 at 8:42 pm

Bighead,

snooze in relation to you.
Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 18, 2016 at 9:43 pm

cornlegend,

i will accept that you stand alone from Bighead.

You might like to tell him to pull his head in or he will be responsible for losing extra support from Labor for his belligerent divisiveness.
diannaartJuly 19, 2016 at 12:31 pm

paulwalter July 18, 2016 at 7:19 pm

…Labor has not quite figured out to deal with ecology and its relationship to economics. It has a better record on ecology than the Coalition, but still can’t grasp that that wrong memes can be challenged rather than accepted. You could see ecology as parallel to people movement politics, an issue Labor has also floundered over when something more constructive…

The above quote is most apt for the lack of clear resolve that continues to deter progressive voters from supporting Labor.

Until Labor can clarify just who it stands for – mining, corporates, et al or the future of the people of Australia, Labor will continue to make little progress. Given the neck to neck results of the last election, working with other progressive parties and independents, Labor could very likely have won in 2016. Of course that meant negotiating with others, something Labor, according to our dynamic duo Cornlegend and Bighead does not want to do; “either Labor wins outright or not at all”.

We only need to look around and understand that worldwide in many OECD countries this idea of Zig and Zag changes of government is not meeting the needs of people, any more than it is laying a strong foundation for the future.

If a clear concise message, a “circuit breaker”, as Paul suggested, is not apparent, more extremists such as Pauline’s One Nation will gain a modicum of power, small but enough to allow for further shifts towards an unsustainable environment, if we cannot live “within the means” of planet Earth then we have no economy worth name-calling about.
Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 19, 2016 at 1:31 pm

Hear, hear diannaart.
jimJuly 19, 2016 at 1:36 pm

I’ll admit I don’t think that labor went no where near hard enough on renewable energy, But remember they do not have media friendly allies, like the Liberals have, so then, without the media praising the Liberals, they would’ve hardly won a single seat, but this is supposed to be a democracy.
The above scene is why our ABC was born and we now know which way the Liberal’s ABC follows.
FreethinkerJuly 19, 2016 at 1:41 pm

Dr George Venturini is spot on on this and one of the factors why people like me left the ALP after removing Fraser from power.
Quote from The facets of Australian fascism: the Abbott Government experiment (Part 15)

Testing the thesis

A fair and fully functioning government needs to address three areas of concern for a well-balanced society: social justice, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. Under neoLiberalism, whether under a Labor or a Liberal flag, annual economic growth is the main river of government policy, at the expense of social justice and of environmental concerns. Herein lies a convenient way of defining ‘Left’ and ‘Right’ in politics. Right-wing politics gives major if not sole weight to economic growth, while Left-wing politics gives proportionately more weight to social justice and to environmental concerns. Prior to the Hawke-Keating reforms, the Labor Party was seen as a party for social justice and thus of the Left. Today A.L.P. policy makes economic growth override social justice, the aspiration for social justice having almost totally disappeared – for example in their latest policies on asylum seekers. The A.L.P. is now another Right-wing party. The Greens started with environmentalism but later have extended their interest to social justice, seeing both as more important than unrestrained economic growth, focusing economic growth on renewable resources and associated infrastructure; they are accordingly a Left-wing party. Ironically, the Greens are accused of being a one-issue party but in this light it is Labor and especially the Liberals who are the one-issue parties.
diannaartJuly 19, 2016 at 1:43 pm

@Freethinker

It is OK to call Labor and Liberals, the Dinosaur Duopoly.

(With apologies to Jennifer).
Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 19, 2016 at 1:45 pm

Freethinker,

your thesis receives a High Distinction.

diannaart,

you have my permission to quote my clever description of the Lib/Labs. I also like yours: “dynamic duo”.

I think that reflects C and B very nicely. 😉
FreethinkerJuly 19, 2016 at 1:51 pm

Jennifer I just quoted Dr George Venturini, I cannot put it so well like him.

We also have to add the draconian laws introduced by the coalition government and approved by the ALP.
Make you wonder how much to the right the ALP have to go and also pass judgment on the left faction of the party in allowing it.
FreethinkerJuly 19, 2016 at 1:54 pm

In part 37 Dr Venturini said, quote:
‘Right’ used to mean – broadly speaking – supporting capitalism and opposing any move to socialism. That much is still true, but ‘Left’ used to mean the opposite, i.e. overcoming capitalism and moving towards socialism. That has not been true of the ‘Left’ of the Labor Party for quite some time – make it forty years..

Looking forward for the comments of the ALP supporters in this blog.
cornlegendJuly 19, 2016 at 2:43 pm

diannaart,
I’ll get back to you, but really busy at the moment
“Cornlegend and Bighead does not want to do; “either Labor wins outright or not at all”
wrong, just sticking to the Party line,
Don’t you lot have anything better to do than worry about Labor?
I think your Greens mates need help more ,
The Party line is
Chris Bowen, made the reality clear in a recent interview on Radio National.

“We are not interested in any Coalition agreements with any party,” he said. “I wrote about this in my book in 2013; Labor governs alone or not at all. Who parties vote for in a confidence vote is up to them. If there is a confidence vote after the election, and independents and other parties have to choose who to support, that’s a matter for them. We will not be entering into any agreements, coalitions or deals with the Greens or anybody else.”

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has explicitly ruled out forming a coalition government with the Greens
Adam Bandt raised it , but got shut down by Bill
The Greens aren’t running serious in any seat against the Liberal Party so this is an argument where they try to say to Labor voters you can have your cake and eat it to, you can vote for us and really it’s a vote for Labor. It’s absolutely not.”

“But Mr Shorten, who is campaigning in far-north Queensland, said Mr Bandt was “dreaming”.
“Labor will fight this election to form its own government and to form a government in our own right,”
“Labor will not be going into coalition with any party.”
Ms Plibersek says Australians would be “horrified by the idea of another hung parliament’’ as she rebuffed the Greens’ advances.
Ms Plibersek said Labor was “playing to win’’
“We will not enter into a coalition:”Anthony Albanese
Adam Bandt was there again today on Sky News attacking me, he’s got a bit of an unhealthy obsession I think, he can’t seem to do an interview without mentioning me,’ Mr Albanese said.

‘The Greens aren’t in a position to be a threat to anything,’ he said. ‘They have one member of the House of Representatives, where government is formed, the same number as the Katter Australia Party.’
Opposition legal affairs spokesman Mark Dreyfus repeated Labor’s policy … that we will not form a coalition with the Greens, full stop,”
Tony Burke “We certainly would not be forming any sort of coalition agreement with the Greens,”‘ Mr Burke told ABC radio.

I’ll bung all the rest on when I have time 😀
cornlegendJuly 19, 2016 at 3:35 pm

Diannaart, Jennifer,
With so much time on your hands, any idea why the wheels fell off the Greens Senate first preference vote?
I guess you gotta love QLD and NT, even if it delivered Pauline
Senate Greens
NSW -0.66%
VIC -0.41%
QLD +0.67%
W.A. -5.24%
S.A. -1.51%
Tas. -0.69%
ACT -3.42%
N.T. +2.11%

p.s. I don’t want you losing any more sleep over the ALP, or getting grey hairs.
How about I send you a membership form ? 😀
FreethinkerJuly 19, 2016 at 3:50 pm

I like this, a good lesson for the ALP in how to nominate their candidates.
Tasmanian Labor senator Lisa Singh is poised to pull off an unprecedented victory, claiming a seat ahead of John Short, who was listed above her on the party’s Senate ticket.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-07-19/tasmanian-labor-senator-lisa-singh-poised-for-victory/7641752
cornlegendJuly 19, 2016 at 3:56 pm

Most will be pleased with Lisas return
diannaartJuly 19, 2016 at 3:59 pm

Cornie

I am not a Greens member

I do not focus only on the Greens, as I am far more concerned at how we can create a push back against the LNP.

There are as many reasons for the Greens voting percentages as there are for Labor’s percentages – Murdoch’s MSM, corrupted ABC, scaremongering against both Labor and the Green and so on.

I wish Labor had won the election.

However, Labor wants to re-create the good old days, when it could take power all by itself. I do not see any trend back to those days, Cornie.
FreethinkerJuly 19, 2016 at 4:01 pm

cornlegendJuly 19, 2016 at 3:56 pm
Most will be pleased with Lisas return

Yes, in Tassie people vote under the line.
The other good news is that Greens Senator Nick McKim will be re-elected in the 12th and last spot, which will end the career of Liberal Richard Colbeck, who was also the victim of factional power play in Tasmania.
That make things more complicate in the senate for Malcolm Turnbull
cornlegendJuly 19, 2016 at 4:10 pm

Freethinker, from what I’m hearing with the preference count continuing Nick McKim could come under pressure from the One Nation character
FreethinkerJuly 19, 2016 at 4:25 pm

Bugger! cornlegend I would like to see more ALP or Greens in the senate that the One Nation.
Nothing surprise me because here in Tasmania are some mob that does not have much education.
I call them the electorate of Boganville.
cornlegendJuly 19, 2016 at 4:46 pm

Freethinker, During the 8 week election campaign I was in constant contact with two groups who in all covered 13 Electorates, NSW QLD and Vic.
The main contact that had was with am/pm commuters. they were also undertaking a rough survey on voting preferences if the person engaged in chat.
I person on IA who writes articles for that site asked if they could include questions on Asylum Seekers as that is mostly what he writes about .
From the responses it was obvious Hanson was going to do well, but the most interesting observation was the numbers who would not vote Hanson at 1 in their Senate ticket but intended to include her, or One Nation in the top 3 or 4. These responses came from people who intended to vote either LNP, Labor, and yes, even a couple of Greensand there is an underlyong dislike of Islam out in the suburbs according to those rough surveys
The commuter responses were it turns out, more accurate than the pundits predicted, which is why I would wait for distribution of preferences before getting to excited about results.They are predicting Hanson will get 3, others scrutineering indicate she have a rough chance at 5
Now, all we need do is wait till sometime in August when the Senate vote will be completed :-{
cornlegendJuly 19, 2016 at 4:48 pm

diannaart,
“I do not see any trend back to those days, Cornie.”

I do
FreethinkerJuly 19, 2016 at 4:59 pm

cornlegend, I respect the views of those that are worried about refugee issues. One thing that I cannot understand and specially form the ALP leadership its members and the coalition it is if they like to continuing with the present policies why will not withdraw their signed UN agreements and conventions.
So far only the Greens like to honor that agreements.
In my book it is a matter of integrity and value to honor something that have been agree and also expected from other parties to honor as well.
I just wonder how many of those people that you have asked question are aware of those signed documents and that senior ministers and navy personnel are referred to the International Crime Court.
Bloody hypocrite attitude in my book.
Bighead1883July 19, 2016 at 5:03 pm

cornlegend July 19, 2016 at 4:46 pm

The home grown polling done by your group shows a disturbing trend Cornie which is even wider than I suspected here in Australia

Today I stumbled across a place where this festers and grows >>

Most Popular
The rise of Middle Eastern crime in Australia
Domestic violence – sadistic female killer Katherine Knight
Halal-free products: support these suppliers and products
Muslims flooding into Australia by illegal boat entry
GetUp exposed: George Soros’ tentacles reach into Australia

Captain Cook and Aboriginals
Bighead1883July 19, 2016 at 5:14 pm

The AEC site is haywire and it again has Cathy O`Toole winning by 8 in Herbert

But it`s reverted back to LNP leading in 75 seats and Labor in 67 seats

23 of the 105 HoR seats declared but LNP gov sworn in when only 18 seat declared this morning whilst 10 of those were ALP

There`s something very weird going on with the AEC
cornlegendJuly 19, 2016 at 6:05 pm

Bighead1883
Mist people don’t realise the H.O.R count is not complete yet so AEC still has “leading”
An example, Gilmore still has 5000+ to count
cornlegendJuly 19, 2016 at 6:11 pm

Freethinker.
“So far only the Greens like to honor that agreements.”
The Greens are now willing to look at what was originally the Rudd plan, which they rejected out of hand back then.
SHY basically is now saying, send them there, sort them, then if necessary send them home, and she is willing to do that in a country not a signatory to the Convention.
honor? piffle, political point scoring on something they know they will never have to deliver
Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 19, 2016 at 6:14 pm

Hanson-Young is trying to make the best out of a desperate situation totally ballsed up by the Lib/Lab dinosaurs, who put votes and economics above human lives.

Despicable pigs.
cornlegendJuly 19, 2016 at 6:15 pm

“I just wonder how many of those people that you have asked question are aware of those signed documents and that senior ministers and navy personnel are referred to the International Crime Court.”
probably none, some weren’t sure of the name of their own electorate, even less knew the Members name and most got their news from the Alan Jones show and in Sydney, the Daily telegraph
cornlegendJuly 19, 2016 at 6:21 pm

Jennifer,
“Despicable pigs.” I agree, they should have supported Rudd back then and maybe they wouldn’t be quite so despicable.
Could that be why their Senate vote dropped? , people waking up?
Bighead1883July 19, 2016 at 6:27 pm

ornlegendJuly 19, 2016 at 6:05 pm

Thanks for that explanation
We`ve also had something going on all day concerning Herbert and you Twitter DM explains it

Here`s the latest from Bill Gissane

Bill Gissane ‏@BillGissane 27m27 minutes ago Cabbage Tree Point, Queensland
@dchen21 @davrosz @ochreblue @ABCnorthqld I understand the statement but would like explanation of 574 envelopes
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CntmxPDVYAAtzsK.jpg
corvus boreusJuly 19, 2016 at 6:30 pm

John Lord,
“How many times do we have to plead for a national ICAC.”

‘We’ can passionately plead on purest principle, or argue with cold evidential logic, but the answer will likely remain the same as has been previously quasi-clarified (in a bipartisan fashion).

The prostitution of public policy is obviously a very profitable enterprise for the established party players, and it seems they would prefer that all details of any such dealings remain strictly private, and the matter not be be raised again.
Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 19, 2016 at 6:35 pm

No cornlegend,

I was referring to:
1) LNP Degenerates; and
2) Labor spineless wimps.
Bighead1883July 19, 2016 at 6:35 pm

cornlegend July 19, 2016 at 6:21 pm

Hanson Young was the main person bleating on about the Pacific solution,first denying Gillard and then Rudd
Abbott had to do nothing opposing a solution as his champion was SHY
Then she was jumping up and down like Brute Bernard when the High Court delivered their verdict which directly caused the re-opening of the hell holes

Of course the Greens try to climb some bullshit moral mountain on this but had exactly the same policy to offshore process refugees in Malaysia and Indonesia

Yes people are waking up to Greens hypocrisy
diannaartJuly 19, 2016 at 6:39 pm

Cornlegend

DA: “I do not see any trend back to those days, Cornie.”

CL: I do

It’s Time, as Gough (RIP) would say to take a good look around you instead of deliberately staying with a dream that has had its time and is passing away.

Brexit, Trump and yet more Trump, the close margins of Election 2016 Australia are indicative of a population feeling increasingly disengaged with their politicians. Some believe, as in the Brexit vote, that consequences don’t matter just that a change is needed. Which makes it a great time to offer something we can build on or a fraught time to do nothing and watch what happens when a populace gives up on mainstream politics.

http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/rearvision/the-rise-and-fall-of-the-political-party-britain-us-australia/7298018

PS

Am done here for the evening – have a good night.
FreethinkerJuly 19, 2016 at 6:41 pm

cornlegend, do not worry about the Greens, worry about where the ALP stand regarding the UN and what it is going to do about it..
You have not made comments about Dr Venturini articles quoted by me.
Well, I accept it if you are from the right faction on the ALP.
If you include yourself on the left it will be another matter.
cornlegendJuly 19, 2016 at 6:50 pm

Freethinker,

“ALP stand regarding the UN ”
doesn’t matter, not the Government can’t do anything
“You have not made comments about Dr Venturini articles quoted by me.”
I have been busy, other things to do
“Well, I accept it if you are from the right faction on the ALP”
how on earth would you know, you don’t know me., you accept wrong
but just for clarity, i have been a member of Left faction all my membership day, and during employment, and and employed by and member of Left Unions .
cornlegendJuly 19, 2016 at 6:54 pm

Freethinker,
“cornlegend, do not worry about the Greens, worry about where the ALP”
Now you lot seem to have captured the market on concerns about Labor.
The membership will decide the policy and direction of Labor,
You need to concentrate on your Greens
Leave the ALP to their membership.
Don’t like it ? don’t vote for them
BUT, you don’t anyhow, so why worry about Labor?
cornlegendJuly 19, 2016 at 6:58 pm

Jennifer
”
Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 19, 2016 at 6:35 pm

No cornlegend,

I was referring to:
1) LNP Degenerates; and
2) Labor spineless wimps.”

Worry about your lot, Labor will look after theirs
If you don’t like it don’t vote for them.
Oh, that’s right, you didn’t
Settle back for a rocky LNP ride Jennifer
FreethinkerJuly 19, 2016 at 7:00 pm

Cornlegend my comments regarding the left and your position was based on assuming that you have read Dr Venturini posts.
I am not a communists but a hard left with years on struggle here ( at shop level)and OS in the Union movement and I can telling you that on my left formation I agree 100% with Dr Venturini. Anything less is not a left ideology, just moderate right.
Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 19, 2016 at 7:19 pm

Hear, hear Freethinker.

Your definition of Left is far more believable than the Labor Lily-Livers.
cornlegendJuly 19, 2016 at 7:31 pm

None of you have bothered to answer my question
Why can’t you forget about Labor and leave that for members to address, and have more concern for the Party you obviously voted for or are members of .
Now, I understand with Jennifer that might pose a problem as she has advocated a dozen different parties, toyed with the idea of even running for one or two.and has an unhealthy obsession with a coalition , members, of her chosing, which changes daily, and only exists in her mind,
I think that is a greater concern that anything Labor,Oh, and Jennifer, DON’T BLAME ME… I VOTED LABOR
Now is the time to sit back for Labor, do NOTHING and watch Malcolm and the cross benchers save the country
cornlegendJuly 19, 2016 at 7:32 pm

Biggy,
Your comment, I concur 😀
Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 19, 2016 at 7:40 pm

cornlegend,

save your breath with your insinuations. What say you, and your little mate, show some strength of character and reveal your identities or is that too hard for you both?
Angry Old ManJuly 19, 2016 at 7:46 pm

@freethinker

Well said, comrade. And Dr Venturini rocks!
cornlegendJuly 19, 2016 at 7:48 pm

I did once and a mad woman flooded my emails with porn, ordered all manner of stuff online, sent home deliveries galore and caused chaos.
There are some I just wouldn’t trust for a nano second,
The ones that need my details have them
Is your call to everyone on here with a nom de plume or just the ones that think your ideas border on
FreethinkerJuly 19, 2016 at 7:50 pm

cornwell, I think that you have not understood my concern, I voted for Labor before and I like to see the old Labor again in our political landscaping, the Labor of Gough, not the one after him.
I am not a member of the Green party.
I have voted for the Greens before just only because I regards the best party to look after the environment and the future of the planet. At my age it is more important the future of my grandchildren and their generations.
I am concerned with the Labor because we need a strong left party and I can see that the right faction have to much power on it.
What I would like to see? A strong socialist party.

1)You responded to me, quote:
2)You need to concentrate on your Greens
3)Leave the ALP to their membership.
4)Don’t like it ? don’t vote for them
5)BUT, you don’t anyhow, so why worry about Labor?
end of quote

I am not a Green party member
Your respond ” leave the ALP to their membership” attitude is why the party it is not stronger.
” Don’t like it? don’s vote for them” my respond, as above
BUT, you don’t anyhow, so why worry about Labor? Wrong, I have not better options on the HoR in my electorate. I voted for them as a second preference and in the senate as 3rd preference.
FreethinkerJuly 19, 2016 at 7:56 pm

@ Angry Old ManJuly 19, 2016 at 7:46 pm
@freethinker

Well said, comrade. And Dr Venturini rocks!

Thanks mate, when I see the so called ” lefties” in the ALP my blood boils.
I cannot believe how a union with left ideology can support a party well described by Dr Venturini.
Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 19, 2016 at 7:56 pm

Sorry Freethinker,

but calling cornlegend “cornwell” is a delicious faux pas but oh so apt since one of our learned commenters identified the historical Cromwell as fascist, who took advantage of the people.

Maybe cornlegend whoever he is a semi-fascist.

Just saying!
cornlegendJuly 19, 2016 at 8:01 pm

Should I try Freeblinkered in this silly little game
Jennifer, I am coming rapidly to the conclusion Bighead 1883 was right
cornlegendJuly 19, 2016 at 8:03 pm

Freeblinkered
“BUT, you don’t anyhow, so why worry about Labor? Wrong, I have not better options on the HoR in my electorate. I voted for them as a second preference and in the senate as 3rd preference.”
Wouldn’t your time be better spent seeing why your first and second choices failed so badly?
FreethinkerJuly 19, 2016 at 8:06 pm

cornlegendJuly 19, 2016 at 8:01 pm
Should I try Freeblinkered in this silly little game

Not me mate, I like to have a nice, mature and constructive exchange of ideas if you do not mind.
If it is not possible, then forget it.
Bighead1883July 19, 2016 at 8:07 pm

Freethinker July 19, 2016 at 7:56 pm

Good I hope it boils enough to blow the top off your head

Have you enjoyed supporting a bullshit Senate reform hastily so that the LNP could get in a DD election before the expiry date that one could be called

Now this party of yours the Greens has let in One Nation on steroids with the half quota required in a DD election

Also NXT is Liberal Party leaning

Yours&Greens hate for Labor has handed on a platter the death of Medicare/Gonski/penalty rates/infrastructure/jobs whilst opening up more 457 visas-$50b tax cuts to rich-$38b the ATO recognised should be collected but is not by the 69 largest corporations in Australia
I could write a list a mile long but I`m sick to death of Greens mumblers helping One Nation & LNP imbeciles

I really hope this makes your blood boil
Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 19, 2016 at 8:12 pm

cornlegend,

you’ve accused me of a list of things. At least, I don’t hide behind some nom de plume that conceals my identity.

It wouldn’t surprise me, if you are also influenced by the small-mindedness of little Biggy.

I don’t challenge everybody on this salient point, if I see they don’t take advantage of honestly made comments I have made. Unfortunately, you don’t qualify on these grounds.
Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 19, 2016 at 8:15 pm

To Him Whom Shall Not Be Named (hint little Biggy),

those of us who did not give #1 to Lib-lite (aka Labor), did not give the election to the LNP Degenerates, especially if we put Lib-Lite second.

So stop your bullshit accusations and instead get real about how Labor is right now working on the integrity that Gough demonstrated, as Freethinker was saying.
FreethinkerJuly 19, 2016 at 8:20 pm

Bighead1883 I guess that you have not reed my posts or you are selective.

I am not a Green member, I vote selecting the candidates since 1972 and have voted for Gough.
I voted for the Greens in more than one occasion just because my concern for the environment.
Your ALP and the Greens for that matter in 2014 voted when they passed the supply bills. These included cuts to the ABC and SBS, the CSIRO and Aboriginal services.
Your current leader will support now $1 billion worth of Abbott/Turnbull cuts that had previously been blocked in the Senate.
I am not 1/2 lefty Bighead, I am proud to be a genuine left person that have to escape persecution for defending workers right.
I also can write a mile of Bob Hawk government and the Unions achievements going quite with his reforms for that matter.
cornlegendJuly 19, 2016 at 8:32 pm

Bighead,
Time to put your feet up mate, no writs till August 8, Senate counting till August
Time for Labor to sit back and watch the carnage for a few months, knowing we have Bill primed, 14 seats within 2 % .
The best thing for Labor is to sit back shut up say nothing and let the shit hit the fan,
Me, after the start up fight I’m of on holidays 😀
Oh, Jennifer, you would be pleased to know nurses is now working full time for my missus so will have plenty of time to chat now
FreethinkerJuly 19, 2016 at 8:38 pm

This can work in favor of the ALP?
One Nation Senate hopeful Rod Culleton fails in bid to postpone Perth trial
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-07-19/one-nation-senate-hopeful-rod-culleton-fails-to-postpone-trial/7642910
Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 19, 2016 at 8:44 pm

nurses is a figment of your imagination, cornlegend.
cornlegendJuly 19, 2016 at 9:11 pm

What are you on about , she has been on AIMN for years ,check with Michael, worked at the hospital i was operated on and now for us .
The only imagination that runs rampant on here you and your idiotic delusional coalition.
You really are a … no, I’ll refrain
but hey, do me a favour , don’t bother me or respond to me as this is the last time I’ll address your delusional nonsense
Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 19, 2016 at 9:25 pm

Fine, have a tantrum.

But if you are going to cite my recommendation to Labor to get its act together, make sure you refer to The ALLiance not a poxy copycat “coalition” like the other arseholes.
corvus boreusJuly 19, 2016 at 9:41 pm

‘cornie’,
Enjoy your holiday, and good luck with your prospective SE Asian property acquisitions (with view to emigration).
I applaud your advice that ‘biggie’ should STFU in your absence, as he obviously alienates many rational readers.
Personally, I think your tenured proxy (nurses) will be a piss poor replacement for your inputs (even more prejudicial bias, far less factual info), and recommend that you should probably give her the same advice.
Anyway, safe travels and happy hunting.
cornlegendJuly 19, 2016 at 10:09 pm

Corpus,
you get lots wrong .
“SE Asian property acquisitions (with view to emigration )
holidays not emigration , a place to sit out the LNP storm
Now where in your wildest dreams did you come up with “your advice that ‘biggie’ should STFU in your absence,”
My advice was relax and watch the carnage. Biggy is quite capable of making his own decisions, is king of the meme makers on Twitter, and fights the good fight against both LNP and withered Greens daily.
I’m sure nurse can look after herself, and now she’s taken the step and joined Labor, she will cope .
You are getting a little bit ahead of yourself though, as I intend to hang around long enough for the first weeks of shit fight in Parliament and the Senate
Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 19, 2016 at 10:26 pm

cornlegend,

I thought you retired for the night having a sook?!
Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 19, 2016 at 10:28 pm

corvus,

nice to hear from you again.
corvus boreusJuly 19, 2016 at 10:29 pm

‘Cornie’,
Then I temporarily suspend my good wishes for your journey until your departure.
Myself, I will continue burial in work, and periodically re-surface to assess the deterioration of the overall situation.
For some of us, there is nowhere else to run to, and no relaxation to be gained in spectating upon socio-political carnage.
Jennifer Meyer-SmithJuly 19, 2016 at 10:52 pm

Spot on, cb.

The relaxation of some others under the malaise of the LNP Degenerate regime, is disgusting.
diannaartJuly 20, 2016 at 11:24 am

@cornlegend

None of you have bothered to answer my question

Why can’t you forget about Labor and leave that for members to address, and have more concern for the Party you obviously voted for or are members of .

Everyone is just as free to discuss whatever we choose – just as you are free.

Progressives are concerned when a party with a great deal of power, power enough to swing the pendulum back from the far right, is too timid to make a clear and concise stand on mining, fair wages, a workable safety net for those in need (no one can pay rent let alone survive on Newstart), promotes an economic system that is based upon sustainability and not exploitation and makes clear to its members it will not tolerate bullies.
FreethinkerJuly 20, 2016 at 11:56 am

Well said diannart , also cornlegend said, quote: “The membership will decide the policy and direction of Labor,”
which it is a lot of rubbish other ways Albo will be the leader.
The membership will decide only what to do with the “breadcrumbs but not the loaf” which it is up to a selected minority.
diannaartJuly 20, 2016 at 12:05 pm

Freethinker

I had forgotten Albo – now there was an example of democracy NOT working.

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