2010 Federal Election

[noco]

And it isn't by any means the first time Treasury's projections have been hopelessly wrong. viz the constant adjustments to surplus/deficit forecasts.


The Independents are smart enough to realise any alliance with the coalition will mean the Nationals are out to discredit and dislodge them, on the basis that the Nats feel the Independents have taken seats which rightfully belong to the Nats. The Independents are no different from any other politicians, and will have primarily in mind their own political well being.

Julia, all three have a National back ground with a predominately National Party support. However, if they do support Labor, Katter and Windsor won't be too worried as I believe both will retire before the next election as both are in their mid sixties. As for Oakeshott, I am not so sure.

I may get shot down in flames for suggesting it, but it would not surprise me if Abbott has stitched up a deal for two to back Labor and one to back the Coalition, giving Gillard a one seat majority. He may be desirous of giving Gillard enough 'rope to hang herself' whereby the Government will become disfunctional half way through it's term.

Who would want to govern under these circumstances?

 

[Garpal Gumnut]

It looks to me as if Bob Katter needs a bex and a lie down.

The silly bugger looks just about done in, and he has a whole 3 years of this mullarkey ahead of him.

gg

 

[gordon2007]

After watch Q&A tonight I'd have to seriously question the intelligence of anyone who voted for katter. We're in trouble.

 

[sails]

A new article from the Australian on Julia's black hole in the mining tax.

Independent mining experts last night agreed with the report, saying it backed their analysis that the MRRT faced a massive shortfall after Julia Gillard's decision to scrap the more onerous resource super-profits tax in July. The potential $8bn revenue shortfall over two years is bigger in annualised terms than the $11 billion "black hole" in Tony Abbott's costings over four years that was revealed last week. A spokesman for Wayne Swan said the government stood by its forecasts, which had been confirmed by Treasury.

Full article: Julia Gillard mine tax 'to deliver $8bn less than forecast'

 

[Calliope]

The gang of three has been holding the country to ransom for two weeks. For all their high sounding talk, they have only one objective. and that is to stop us from going back to the polls and making our decision.

 

[sails]

Interesting that the indies needed to know whether Tony Crook from WA Nats would support the Coalition to govern.

If they were planning to go with labor, I don't think Crook's decision would matter because labor have 74 seats (with Wilke and Bambi) so only takes two more.

Crook has made it clear he can't support labor/green alliance due to the mining tax, so at worst he could refuse to support either party.

So, if the indies are planning to support Coalition, they need to know Crook will also be there to make up 76.

Interesting thought - have I missed something?

Or maybe they are just being "seen" to cover all contingencies...

 

[noco]

A new article from the Australian on Julia's black hole in the mining tax.



Full article: Julia Gillard mine tax 'to deliver $8bn less than forecast'

Craig Emerson on AM Agenda (Sky News) this morning was asked the question on this blunder and he tried to cover it up by talking about the Coalitions costings. Thought David Spears was waek in not nailing Emerson to the wall.

Swan also stated he and Treasury were right and the miners were wrong. These Labor people are absolute hypocrites.

 

[Agentm]

libs have never been in it..

the inordinate amount of time its taken for the clowns to present a return to the gillard party is unreasonable

certainly been a strategic election with zero activity in the safe seats and with the swinging seats undecided, these catter & clowns now have a voice..

after seeing Q&A and seeing some scary catter rants, and seeing catter not interested in using the time last night to make a decision but to adore the lime light, its obvious where catter will go..

one things for sure, the house of reps will be a whole new interesting place from now on..

so long family first and on with the scatter catter show..

 

[Mofra]

No Mofra, you've got it wrong. Treasury and Ken Henry are very biased towards Labor and you will never convince me otherwise. It's wheels within wheels.

That's your opinion - and if correct, how can Abbott ever govern with such a toxic relationship?

 

[Logique]

I don't agree with all of Bob Katter's positions. But I have great sympathy for his philosophy of supporting rural Australians.

What a breath of fresh air on ABC tv last night, most entertaining Q&A ever.

I think that the 5% tariff protection on agricultural produce (one of his 20 requests), deserves consideration. Yes it goes against classic economic theory, I know all that. But our trading partners have tariffs. And there's a lot of mystery food, containing god-knows-what in our supermarkets.

In comparison, tell me how these things conform to classsical economic theory:

- cancelling new coal-fired power stations, without a baseload alternative yet in place, such as nuclear (nice one NSW govt)

- a giant CPRS/ETS - so-called make the polluters pay = load of b/s - they'll just pass the cost on to consumers

- super profits tax on miners (and the banks are next) - knobbling our best earners

 

[noco]

That's your opinion - and if correct, how can Abbott ever govern with such a toxic relationship?

Treasury are generally biased to the incumbents, so I guess if the coalition win government, Treasury will change their colours and appease the coalition.

 

[Calliope]

I don't agree with all of Bob Katter's positions. But I have great sympathy for his philosophy of supporting rural Australians.

Unlike Labor and the Greens, he hates fruit bats. This may influence his vote and gain the applause of rural Australia.

 

[Calliope]

Being in government would pay better but I think being in opposition would be more fun.

There is no misty-eyed rainbow coalition in the making here but one weakened bloc relying on a bunch of misfits, oddballs, rebels, megalomaniacs and ideologues to cling to power. Take your pick which is which.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/new...ue-fence-jumpers/story-e6frg6zo-1225914993241

 

[basilio]

Being in government would pay better but I think being in opposition would be more fun.



http://www.theaustralian.com.au/new...ue-fence-jumpers/story-e6frg6zo-1225914993241

Very good cartoon!! Captures the moment perfectly.

 

[gordon2007]

I don't agree with all of Bob Katter's positions. But I have great sympathy for his philosophy of supporting rural Australians.

I can understand being passionate about a cause, but he went well and truely beyond that. His agression was disgusting. He had no reason to treat the audience members the way he did, pointing his fingers in a very aggressive threatening way. He reeks of 'my way or the highway'.

 

[BrightGreenGlow]

Interesting TLS was up 3c in early morning now down 4c. A big 7c swing towards a Liberal win.... Just the market moving around? Or, bit of insider knowledge? Or, the market gambling the Libs will win?

 

[trainspotter]

I can understand being passionate about a cause, but he went well and truely beyond that. His agression was disgusting. He had no reason to treat the audience members the way he did, pointing his fingers in a very aggressive threatening way. He reeks of 'my way or the highway'.

Frightening stuff .... and to think he is going to have the balance of power.

Time to renew the passport and head to the airport me thinks.

 

[gordon2007]

Time to renew the passport and head to the airport me thinks.

Not until after I send you an email later today.

 

[BrightGreenGlow]

Katter is backing the libs and the news suggests the other 2 will go with the ALP.....

This will be the worst government term ever. Nothing will get done but at least it will be all blamed on the gimmick that is known as the ALP.

 

[Calliope]

Frightening stuff .... and to think he is going to have the balance of power.

Not any more. He has opted for the Coalition.