Queensland election Jan 31 2015

[Tisme]

As far as this here "interstater" is concerned, you've lost your bet.
He is still Premier, albeit in a caretaker role, until a new Cabinet has been sworn in.

I think you know what I was saying.

 

[drsmith]

True. But it still doesn't excuse poor behaviour and sheer arrogance.

We've had governments in the past, in all states and federally and both Labor and Liberal, who have been able to manage budgets in a sensible manner without the "born to rule" mentality coming into play.

Looking specifically at things in Qld, the downsizing of the public service. It may well have been necessary, but it was done in an unnecessarily wasteful (financially) and cruel manner which seemed more about pursuing ideology than actually saving Qld money. The same basic approach is being taken federally with budget matters and also in Tas with much the same issues as in Qld. There's plenty of money for pet projects and ideological beliefs, but apparently we're flat broke if someone wants so much as 5 cents for anything else.

We desperately need some actual leadership in this country.

All governments suffer from pet projects and ideological beliefs but this government is not a patch on the previous Labor/Green administration when it comes to that with the most telling example being that of border security where Labor is still in denial and the Greens remain in ideological wonderland.

This federal government so far has combined some poorly considered ideas along with the inability to sell a beer to an alcoholic. This has resulted in a mixed message in terms of its economic policy mix and as a consequence is not in control of the economic narrative. This is something it has to change and change quickly given the extent to which it has sapped public confidence.

 

[Bintang]

This federal government so far has combined some poorly considered ideas along with the inability to sell a beer to an alcoholic. This has resulted in a mixed message in terms of its economic policy mix and as a consequence is not in control of the economic narrative. This is something it has to change and change quickly given the extent to which it has sapped public confidence.

I don't think it's yet total gloom and doom for the Federal government. If Labor does take charge in Queensland there is enough time for them to screw things up so badly that voters think twice before routing the Federal Coalition at the next election as badly as the LNP in Queensland.

 

[overhang]

I don't think it's yet total gloom and doom for the Federal government. If Labor does take charge in Queensland there is enough time for them to screw things up so badly that voters think twice before routing the Federal Coalition at the next election as badly as the LNP in Queensland.

I tend to agree, in Victoria we already have the projected costings for the West Gate bypass 180 million over budget before any soil has been lifted, we then have up to a possible 1.1 billion dollars compensation owed to contractors for the East West link when Andrews promised us there would be no compensation. It may be only 12 months before Victorians are sick of a Labor state government which has to help the federal government.

From my prospective of Newmans government, if the moderate and quite modest Napthine could be voted out in one term then it never looked for for Newman who does come across as a smug Abbott clone.

 

[Julia]

I don't think it's yet total gloom and doom for the Federal government. If Labor does take charge in Queensland there is enough time for them to screw things up so badly that voters think twice before routing the Federal Coalition at the next election as badly as the LNP in Queensland.

We'll see what happens. At this stage Labor is not confirmed in government: still some counting which will apparently go down to postal votes in two, maybe three seats.
If the Independents involved in two of these are elected, neither of them have made clear where their loyalty will fall.

On your suggestion above, Bintang, I had the same thought when hearing some commentator yesterday wryly remark that there would be a large number of Labor members waking up Sunday morning and thinking: "oh god, now we'll actually have to do something."

 

[Bintang]

On your suggestion above, Bintang, I had the same thought when hearing some commentator yesterday wryly remark that there would be a large number of Labor members waking up Sunday morning and thinking: "oh god, now we'll actually have to do something."

Reminds me of the movie, "The Candidate" starring Robert Redford. I think the last line in the movie (after he has won the election) is "What do we do now?"
Its an old movie. I think I want to watch it again.

 

[SirRumpole]

On your suggestion above, Bintang, I had the same thought when hearing some commentator yesterday wryly remark that there would be a large number of Labor members waking up Sunday morning and thinking: "oh god, now we'll actually have to do something."

I wonder how many of the Labor winners have been in Parliament before and how many are newbies.

If most are newbies I'm sure there will be a sense of panic for a while before they find their feet.

What they and the Victorian government do may well determine if Labor can win the next Federal election.

Both would be advised not to try and do too much too soon. The electorate is obviously fractious about "great reformers" and just want a quiet life.

Put them to sleep like John Howard did.:goodnight

 

[explod]

What they and the Victorian government do may well determine if Labor can win the next Federal election.

Both would be advised not to try and do too much too soon. The electorate is obviously fractious about "great reformers" and just want a quiet life.

Interesting slant as I have not witnessed any reforms with substance.

I believe many are finding themselves near to a financial bottom line, keeping up the mortgage, feeding the family with little left over.

The election result in Greece indicates where we are heading if a fair distribution is not aimed for. Spain by recent riot demonstrations going the same way. Marxist Socialism.

Offshore ownerships of our farms and mines needs to be reversed, decent tax brackets in line with personal tax to be put on big business and certainly an end to the usw of off shore tax haven loopholes. Such changes would collectively go a long way towards reducing our deficits and meeting welfare and increasing educational needs. And history shows that money spent on education increases productivity down the track. And many for example scoff at the arts, but here again there has been clear evidence overtime that this leads to new ideas and innovation . Courses run at the Caulfield Campus Monash has been a shining example. If your liberal leaders talked about and implemented such things having real vision and content then it could be a whole new ball game.

Getting off topic now, but it is still televant to the points raised, Abbott today before the Press Club did not say one thing about a concrete plan or idea for our future development or improvement. He merely runs out a heap of subject headings. Bishop later in the day with the British High Commision addressed with empty headings in the same way.

Politics in Australiatod has lost the plot and voters are reacting accordingly.

In seeking to have noco tell me where are the jobs coming from over a number of months crystalised my feelings that the new generation do not seem to have a clue.

 

[SirRumpole]

Interesting slant as I have not witnessed any reforms with substance.

.

I think sacking 14,000 public servants and asset privatisation had people worried about the maintenance of the standards of service that the public sector provides.

14,000 is a lot of people. Some cuts to the frontline would have had to be made despite claims to the contrary.

That's what gets people nervous about the management when big things are done fast without proper consultation and explanation.

 

[Wysiwyg]

I am surprised that the public has swung back to Labor so far. I voted Labor due to a long family tradition. I thought Anna P. was not political leader material and she may well not be. She also might surprise to the upside with the leadership ability that people have voted for. I wish her all the best.

Oh and Productivity Commission findings??? Don't ever plan on taking from Australian workers what is affordable and pay/conditions that we have strived and fought for. Greater company profits don't have to go to share holders and management because they can. One worker noted that he would have to work 60 years to earn what the company CEO earns (pay themselves) in one year.

 

[banco]

Guarantee you scumbag quietly drops the lawsuit against Alan Jones.

 

[drsmith]

The twists and turns of Queensland politics never cease.

The seat of Lockyer is currently 54.7% 2PP in favour of Pauline Hanson.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/qld-election-2015/guide/lock/

The ABC I think though has pencilled this in as a Labor possibility. I don't know what else has changed to make Labor (actual + possible) change from 44 earlier in the day to 45.

 

[Tisme]

Greater company profits don't have to go to share holders and management because they can. [/B]

Yes but it's a wonderful copout to say the board is answerable to its shareholders, when it's actually answerable to govt regulation, public opinion, consumers, ratings agencies, et al.

One of the measures of a company's corporate social responsibility is the PPP test, (planet, people and profit). A corporation is effectively a legal person and should behave as any other citizen is expected to behave, one of those behaviours being a fiduciary responsibility to the state.

 

[DB008]

Regional independent MP could hold the key to control of Qld parliament

A regional independent MP from the Sunshine Coast could become the most influential member of the next Queensland Parliament.

With the ABC's election computer predicting Labor to win 44 electorates, independent MP Peter Wellington's support could be the extra vote needed to help the party form a majority in the 89-seat Parliament.

However, Mr Wellington said he was hoping to work with the two Katter's Australian Party (KAP) members, Robbie Katter and Shane Knuth, to form a solid block of three votes to provide increased certainty for the next government.

"Some people think you can work miracles, that's not the reality," he said.

"There are some difficult decisions the next Parliament will have to make, and what we need to make sure is that the government is stable ... and we'll get a great outcome for Queenslanders.

"We would like to see if the three of us can go together, with whichever side we choose, so that there is not just a one seat majority."

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-02-03/independent-mp-likely-to-hold-key-to-qld-parliament/6067332?section=qld

 

[IFocus]

I read this wonder WTF....

Why was Newman handing out billions to an Indian coal mining company that didn't need it?

The Newman government was handing an Indian billionaire billions of dollars of taxpayer money for literally – literally – no reason.

Adani’s statement that it doesn’t need taxpayer assistance to get its enormous, controversial 60 year Carmichael coal project off the ground should have Queenslanders scratching their heads as to why it was being offered in the first place.

http://www.theguardian.com/commenti...indian-coal-mining-company-that-didnt-need-it

 

[SirRumpole]

I read this wonder WTF....

Why was Newman handing out billions to an Indian coal mining company that didn't need it?






http://www.theguardian.com/commenti...indian-coal-mining-company-that-didnt-need-it

Perhaps that may explain why Campbell Newman didn't look all that disappointed at the loss, he may be laughing all the way to the bank.

 

[drsmith]

Regional independent MP could hold the key to control of Qld parliament

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-02-03/independent-mp-likely-to-hold-key-to-qld-parliament/6067332?section=qld

Whatever they're counting now (postal and pre-polls I assume), they're favouring the LNP.

I suspect it will finish will the LNP on 42, Labor 44, KAP 2 and one independent. If KAP and the independent join forces in who they support, that gives 45 the LNP and 47 for Labor. Labor wouldn't be KAP's ideological choice however.

It will become even more interesting if Ferny Grove continues to close from it's present margin of 0.7%. KAP will have the power to decide the government alone if it finishes at 43 a piece.

 

[Julia]

Into the mix is the possibility of a by-election in one seat where the PUP candidate has been discovered to be an undischarged bankrupt.

Given the surprise that probably exists through most of the electorate at the result, and the concern that Labor has no clear plans or policies, a by election could well go to the LNP or another independent.

Peter Wellington, mentioned earlier along with the two KAP, was very vocal throughout the campaign about his dislike for the government, though perhaps particularly for Campbell Newman. I might be wrong, but I'd expect him to side with Labor, unlike the two from KAP whose focus is on whoever they believe will do the most for regional and rural Qld. The Newman government was very SE Qld centric.

So a final result may not be known for some time. Probably breathing space that is needed by both sides.

 

[Tisme]

There's a few diehards out there who are still savage at the shock and horror of a prospective Labor Govt. One friend, who likes the company of Tony, broached it with me and immediately said he wanted to change the subject LOL ...painful. Of course I'm some kind of traitor to the cause for not being a sheep of an autocratic LNP mob that bears little resemblance to it's traditional Menzies/Tory model.

Ifocus, the "Newman government was handing an Indian billionaire billions of dollars of taxpayer money " was another exercise in spite against Palmer and coy, but the Courier Mails said it was OK, so no foul. I expect the same inquiries of commission that Gillard and Bligh were subjected to, to also be extended to Campbell Newman and I think the Feds should do it with the same gusto afforded Laborites and Unionists.

 

[drsmith]

It looks like Labor will form government.

Independent MP Peter Wellington has announced he will support Labor in forming a minority government in Queensland..

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-02-...t-for-labor-in-queensland/6072282?section=qld