Does Gillard inspire confidence?

[moXJO]

I don't know what it's like where you live but where i grew up an where i live now there are schools that before the BER are exactly the same as they were when i went to school 40 years ago.
If a bit of so called waste went into giving todays kids a bit more of a chance of attending a school of a higher calibre in facilities than the 70s i call that progress.
This is money well spent imo.

I agree with the sentiment. Hell, I liked a lot of labors policies and voted for them last election. Problem was their implementation of those policies sucked extremely badly. It's like they had no game plan other than throw fistfuls of dollars in the hope that it would all work out in the end. Instead we got a multitude of expensive F^ups and a bigger government with more bureaucracy.
Currently I like some of labors policies, but don't have much faith in their planning or rolling out.
I'm not that keen on some of the libs policies and what they intend to cut (mining tax and some others) but their position on the internet filter will probably slide my vote.

 

[Julia]

If we don't know, then it is up to the proponents of such a policy (the Greens) to explain.

I've looked through their website in the hope of finding some indication of costings for any of their policies and/or where these funds will come from.
Nothing.
Have therefore emailed The Greens asking for this.
Will be happy to post whatever response I receive.

No policy should be supported from a position of ignorance.

But that is exactly what will happen. How many times have you heard voters say "I'm not happy with either of the main parties so I think I'll vote Green".

It's becoming a default choice which is really stupid. At least when the Democrats filled that role, they had some reasonable understanding of the economic ramifications of policies.

 

[Julia]

I agree with the sentiment. Hell, I liked a lot of labors policies and voted for them last election. Problem was their implementation of those policies sucked extremely badly. It's like they had no game plan other than throw fistfuls of dollars in the hope that it would all work out in the end. Instead we got a multitude of expensive F^ups and a bigger government with more bureaucracy.
Currently I like some of labors policies, but don't have much faith in their planning or rolling out.
I'm not that keen on some of the libs policies and what they intend to cut (mining tax and some others) but their position on the internet filter will probably slide my vote.

moXJO, will your decision be based purely on policies? Will personality/characteristics/attitudes of Ms Gillard and Mr Abbott influence your choice?

 

[Julia]

Originally Posted by Julia
You have failed to show any legislation that resulted from Tony Abbott's religious views. As TS has pointed out, he may hold these views, but they have not been translated into legislation.

Don't want to be pedantic but this what I said

"To be fair Abbott is one of the few Australian politicians as a minister that actually made decisions based on his religious back ground fact is he has form of projecting his religious beliefs into action."

Well, perhaps you'd be good enough to explain what you mean by "projecting his religious beliefs into action" if it's not to enact legislation.
Ditto "minister that (should be who) actually made decisions based on his religious background. What are these decisions?
(The disgraceful quashing of the Northern Territory euthanasia legislation has already been acknowledged, this being the action of Kevin Andrews rather than Tony Abbott.)

If there is in fact no legislation, then obviously his personal beliefs have made no actual difference to anything, so I can't see what you're objecting to in terms of any consequences to the Australian people.

Westpoll favors Gillard slightly concerning the above

The Westpoll only refers to her atheism. I was suggesting a large group of middle class Australians will be less than enthusiastic about her domestic situation, when it's compared to that of the Abbott family.

 

[nioka]

But that is exactly what will happen. How many times have you heard voters say "I'm not happy with either of the main parties so I think I'll vote Green".

It's becoming a default choice which is really stupid. At least when the Democrats filled that role, they had some reasonable understanding of the economic ramifications of policies.

This is exactly the problem that worries me. I don't want to vote for either party and certainly don't want the greens to control anything. They ruin everything they get associated with and you can start on the enviroment if there is any doubt. They are no help there at all.

We actually need a "One Nation" party. Not the old one but a new party that has a true one nation as its aim.
Failing that then I'll vote National. That is only half way to supporting the dreaded Abbott and hopefully they will keep some debate going on some issues, at least in the party room. I have decided.

The bit that really swung me was Julia no longer referring to the "Labor" government but now calls it the "Gillard" government.

 

[Julia]

This concerns me, as I worry that if the Greens do wind up with the balance of power the Senate could become stymied altogether with virtually nothing achieved for a term. It can be a good thing to have someone to "keep the bastards honest" as the Democrats urged, and the prospect of the Greens having outright power to pass whatever legislation they choose is a scary prospect , but so too is the prospect of a govt having their hands tied on every policy they want to put into effect. To have a Senate that does nothing but squabble and bicker over every piece of legislation couldn't be good for the country, and is the reason imo that a protest vote to the Greens could be the worst thing a voter may do. Better to vote for whichever of the major parties you prefer and give them a fair go at governing for a term, I think. If they make a (bigger) mess of the job, we'll all have our say again next election.

Is a hung parliament a possibility and if so, what would be the likely outcome?
It's something I've never come across.

 

[trainspotter]

Don't want to be pedantic but this what I said
"ACTION"
Would that be like the shrill comments from the pro Liberals on the thread?

Problem is Abbott is a politician who is running for Prime Minister of Australia and I don't trust him.....ever.

His continual change in position over major issues is legendary ETS is but a minor example.

In fact I would trust Howard before Abbott.

Westpoll favors Gillard slightly concerning the above

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/wa/7723522/green-vote-surges-to-record-high-westpoll/

Please respond to post #447.What has changed? What is he responsible for exactly? Voting with a conscience? What was influenced on Australian society and what legislation was passed with his ACTION ?

How is this different to Julia Gillard being exposed that she voted against raising the old age pension and questioned paid parental leave allownace? NOW ... she is all for it??

GOSH ........ I sound so shrill asking such logical questions being a Librarian. Ooopsss a Liberatore ....... nope ..... a Laberalologist ........ dare I say it ? A blue blood ?

And you say you can't trust Abbott?? HUH ?? Please explain?

 

[drsmith]

At least when the Democrats filled that role, they had some reasonable understanding of the economic ramifications of policies.

It's a pity the Democrats lost their way. Their broad thrust on income tax still makes sense, but they want to increase taxes overall.

Their policy of ditching the proposed resources rent tax is misleading in that they want to tax mining to the same extent as Henry, but through state royalties.

Overall their manifesto is somewhat fringy.

 

[moXJO]

moXJO, will your decision be based purely on policies? Will personality/characteristics/attitudes of Ms Gillard and Mr Abbott influence your choice?

Policies and the ability to roll the scheme out. Going off personality/characteristics/attitudes would lead me to hang myself.

In the end Gillard is just a front to the factions and so is Abbott (maybe to a lesser extent). I'm more interested in where they want to lead us and how much it's going to cost me.

Basically it's which environment I am likely to do best under (or capitalize on) as a small business owner.
The least amount of bureaucracy and government interference.
Education
Health
Infrastructure
Probably in that order

I'm not immune to some of the spin and my own bias though.

 

[It's Snake Pliskin]

As a Minister Abbott was anti-abortion, anti-contraception, anti-IVF, anti-stem cell research and wanted to ban no-fault divorce.

Yep its all wrong

Ifocus,
Not getting at you in anyway but the point I was getting at is the labeling of someone as being mad. Not that I agree with overly religious dogma.

Cheers.

 

[Calliope]

If you missed the "Insiders" this morning you didn't miss much, The panel was stacked with two Labor supporters and one Abbot critic.

The interview with Gillard by Barrie Cassidy was a farce. He let Gillard run off at the mouth with her usual waffle. You would have thought that after her stage mannered meeting with Rudd yesterday Cassidy could have asked some searching questions. But no, he let her take over the interview.

I would like to have known what Cabinet job she offered Rudd. I can't imagine him joining the team without a firm offer.

 

[noco]

If you missed the "Insiders" this morning you didn't miss much, The panel was stacked with two Labor supporters and one Abbot critic.

The interview with Gillard by Barrie Cassidy was a farce. He let Gillard run off at the mouth with her usual waffle. You would have thought that after her stage mannered meeting with Rudd yesterday Cassidy could have asked some searching questions. But no, he let her take over the interview.

I would like to have known what Cabinet job she offered Rudd. I can't imagine him joining the team without a firm offer.

I thought Cassidy would have pushed home on Gillard the point that Abbott initially wanted three debates and she was adamant with Abbott that there would only be one. Then she changes her mind on wants two because it now suits her. OMG Cassidy was weak and as you say he let her waffle on. He is very biased and I have let ABC know on several occassions, but it's like pouring water on a duck's back with the ABC. They take no notice at all.

 

[Calliope]

The cost of this unwanted library is $19,574 per pupil.

WHEN parents of children at Cattai Public School learned their school's library would cost $920,000, it was obvious the price was inflated.

The worst part is that the tiny school of 47 students and three teachers never wanted a new library; it wanted a hall, and students have to travel 18km to neighbouring Maroota to use one

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/nat...-waste-confirmed/story-fn59niix-1225902293985

 

[todster]

I thought Cassidy would have pushed home on Gillard the point that Abbott initially wanted three debates and she was adamant with Abbott that there would only be one. Then she changes her mind on wants two because it now suits her. OMG Cassidy was weak and as you say he let her waffle on. He is very biased and I have let ABC know on several occassions, but it's like pouring water on a duck's back with the ABC. They take no notice at all.

Women quite often change there mind!

 

[sails]

Women quite often change there mind!

lol todster... and yet you want this mind changing woman to run our country?

Women in power usually don't have the luxury of changing their minds if they want to stay in power.

 

[noco]

lol todster... and yet you want this mind changing woman to run our country?

Women in power usually don't have the luxury of changing their minds if they want to stay in power.

Hear, Hear!

 

[todster]

lol todster... and yet you want this mind changing woman to run our country?

Women in power usually don't have the luxury of changing their minds if they want to stay in power.

Not really but i wont be voting for Tones.
Is a vote for the Greens more irresponsible than not voting at all,maybe heckle or jeckle could answer that?

 

[sails]

Not really but i wont be voting for Tones.
Is a vote for the Greens more irresponsible than not voting at all,maybe heckle or jeckle could answer that?

Agree the choices aren't great, but Tones seems to be trying to improve.

Surely we can't go on with the on-going circus acts produced by Labor in the name of running our country.

 

[todster]

Agree the choices aren't great, but Tones seems to be trying to improve.

Surely we can't go on with the on-going circus acts produced by Labor in the name of running our country.

Either way is going to provide a good laugh,Abbott unleashed would be something.

 

[sails]

Either way is going to provide a good laugh,Abbott unleashed would be something.

Isn't that jumping to conclusions about Abbott?

Here's an article quoting what Abbott's neighbours think about him.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/el...ht-up-our-street/story-fn5zm695-1225898197721

A man who lives just above the Abbotts says we won't find anyone who'll say a bad word about Abbott.

He's right. They love him. Not as a politician but, I think, for being a man who has raised nice children, has a nice wife and works hard.

"He's a nice guy, believe me," the man says. "I wouldn't like to see you write a single derogatory word about him. I'm not saying everyone has the same political views, but he's a good family man.

When it comes to policy, I would think he will have to toe the line with party policy. Turnball lost the leadership when he tried to run with his own ideas on ETS.

Tony has been in politics for a while and should know there is a certain discipline to leadership. If he does start running his own ship, I suspect his days would be numbered as leader.