Australian Politics General...

[basilio]

Jacqui Lambie Tik Toks her way into Parliament.

Australian senator Jacqui Lambie's vaccine discrimination speech remixed into TikTok dance – video

Senators speech becomes unlikely dance hit on TikTok

www.theguardian.com

 

[mullokintyre]

There have been a few announced retirements from the Victorian parliament recently.
Tim Smith was the the coalition sacrifice, but then they never had many members to start with.
However, the Andrews labour government has had a pretty steady turnover this parliament.
Yesterday, Richard Wynne announced his intention to not run for nomination for the next election.
He joined Jill Hennessy, the former Ag who was touted as a potential successor the Daniel Andrews who had announced her not contesting the next election the day before.
About a month ago, Dustin Haise, a first time member, shocked more than a few people when he announced that Politics was not what it was cracked up to be and would not be recontesting.
Just prior to that Danielle Green, a member for 20 years announced that she too would not be recontesting.
Thats four retirees.
Then there were the forced retirees Like jenny Mikakos who was shoved under the bus by Andrews in the aftermath of the first covid pandemic breakout.
And who could forget Jane Garett forced to resign over the brawl between the Firefighters Union, the Victorian Government, and the CFA.
Victorian Upper House MP, Adem Somyurek, although still in parliament, was kicked out of the Labour party for a number of indiscretions.
Luke Donellan had to quit the Victorian cabinet over his role in the branch stacking furore, and it remains to be seen whether he will be allowed to recontest his seat for the next election.
Anthony Byrne was another casualty of the branch stacking reports, but he was federal labour.
Andrews is lucky he has so many members in both houses, otherwise he might run out of people to promote to cabinet.
Mick

I forgot to include the Federal reps speaker, Tony Smith, as another retiree from federal parliament.
And now . according to The Australian , it appears that Greg Hunt is about to join the exodus of "talent' in theFederal arena.

Mick

 

[SirRumpole]

Christian Porter confirms he won't contest the next election.

 

[wayneL]

Christian Porter confirms he won't contest the next election.

Hunt also.

Rats fleeing the sinking ship.

I just hope that Australians don't vote for the other mob of rats.

 

[mullokintyre]

One of the rats left over made an even bigger fool of herself yesterday.

Spent 7 minutes talking on the wrong Bill, yea it can happen to anyone.
Mick

 

[basilio]

The best way for ScoMo to tackle sexual harrassment of Parliamentary staff members.

Parliamentarians promise to reduce incidence of workplace sexual harassment by only working ten days a year

The Government has taken swift and decisive action in response to a damning report that found Parliament House was rife with sexual harassment and bullying, agreeing to work for no more than ten days per calendar year.

“This is the only way we can think of to reduce the incidence of harassment,” a spokesperson for the Government said.
The two-week parliamentary calendar received unanimous support across both houses, after which MPs decided to call it a day and hit the pub to “bring the chances of us groping someone today down to zero, at least on the Hill.”

The decision was reached after a brief discussion on other ways the situation could be redressed – including sensitivity training, a code of conduct, and alcohol policies – which were all dismissed as MPs agreed they “seem like way too much work.” A pitch to create an independent complaints body was also shot down as one MP argued that “it has the word ‘body’ in it and it’s making me horny.”

It is unsure whether the shorter period will have the desired effect of reducing workplace harassment, or if MPs will cram more groping into the smaller window. However, MPs have expressed their willingness to work even less, or perhaps even not showing up to work at all.

Parliamentarians promise to reduce incidence of workplace sexual harassment by only working ten days a year

"This is the only way we can think of to reduce bullying"

www.theshovel.com.au

 

[basilio]

Alan Tudge has now been stood down pending an investigation into allegations that his affair with his staffer was also abusive.
Interesting to note that when the affair was made public in 2020 ScoMo declined to investigate it,

Alan Tudge stands aside after Rachelle Miller alleges their affair was at times ‘abusive’

Coalition minister rejects allegations by former staffer about 2017 relationship, as Miller calls for change to address parliament’s ‘men problem’

www.theguardian.com

 

[mullokintyre]

So what

Alan Tudge has now been stood down pending an investigation into allegations that his affair with his staffer was also abusive.
Interesting to note that when the affair was made public in 2020 ScoMo declined to investigate it,

Alan Tudge stands aside after Rachelle Miller alleges their affair was at times ‘abusive’

Coalition minister rejects allegations by former staffer about 2017 relationship, as Miller calls for change to address parliament’s ‘men problem’

www.theguardian.com

So what was he supposed to investigate?
It was an admittedly consensual affair by both parties.
Tudge did not deny the affair when it first came to light.
There was no suggestion of it being abusive at the time.
These are new allegations.
I don't see anyone demanding an investigation into Lydia Thorpes suggestion that an opposition member keep her legs closed.
Nor do I hear anyone demanding an inquiry into the alleged rape by Bill Shorten when he was teenager. Kathy Sheriff, the girl concerned is alive and well, but the police concluded there was not enough evidence. So much for believing the victim.
Its a Tawdry place at the best of times.
Mick

 

[The Triangle]

WA Nationals suspend MP James Hayward, who is charged with child sex offences

Former Nationals WA president and current Member for the South West James Hayward appears in court, charged with a string of child sex offences relating to the alleged abuse of an eight-year-old girl.

www.abc.net.au

Another one?

 

[basilio]

So what was he supposed to investigate?

Having a sexual relationship with a member of staff is not business or Parlimentary practice. ScoMo got out of it by saying the affair happened while Malcolm Turnball

Nor do I hear anyone demanding an inquiry into the alleged rape by Bill Shorten when he was teenager. Kathy Sheriff, the girl concerned is alive and well, but the police concluded there was not enough evidence. So much for believing the victim.

You answered your own question. The allegations were investigated and the police could not find sufficent evidence for a criminal charge some 30 years later.

I don't see anyone demanding an investigation into Lydia Thorpes suggestion that an opposition member keep her legs closed.

Because she immediately realised what a twit she was and unreservedly apologized ? And maybe there is difference between a nasty, thoughtless insult in Parliament and a Minister have an affair with a Staff member over a period of time.
Perhaps the concept of abuse of power comes into the picture ?

 

[mullokintyre]

Having a sexual relationship with a member of staff is not business or Parlimentary practice. ScoMo got out of it by saying the affair happened while Malcolm Turnball.

No, because there was nothing to investigate.
It was a consensual affair, that took place before that ounce Turnbull brought in his no bonking ban.

You answered your own question. The allegations were investigated and the police could not find sufficent evidence for a criminal charge some 30 years later.

Quite some time ago you demanded the Scalp of Porter for allegations that were never charged against him , much less proven.
I ask again, why does Bill Shorten not get the same treatment?
Because he does not belong to the side of politics you support.
Distinct lack of consistency.
Mick

 

[basilio]

Back to Rachelle Miller and why she decided to let loose on Alan Tudge today.

Back when the affair came out Rachelle was trashed. She lost her job. She was sent to Michale Cashs' office and effectively frozen out of the office. The Jenkins inquiry established what was an open secret in Paraliament. That staffers were routinely harassed and abused by Parliamentarians. That the "investigative procedures" were a bitter joke designed solely to protect the politicians and ensure that the damage done to complainers was so clear that others would rightly hesitate to raise their voice.

The Jenkins inquiry has laid all of this on the table. Rachelle decided that now was the time to speak clearly and publicly about a situation that previously she had been bulldozed into acquiescence. She has already been taking legal action against the Government over the issues that she raised. Her legal statement lays out their position.

Gordon Legal senior partner Peter Gordon said today;

Rachelle will co-operate fully with this investigation. Rachelle spoke out today on her own behalf and in support of the brave women who have fought to advance this issue in recent times. Her priority is that both major parties commit immediately to implementation of all 28 recommendations of the Jenkins review.

We regard Mr Morrison’s announcement today of what he calls ‘an independent and fair’ review of Mr Tudge’s ministerial conduct as an admission of the fundamental flaws of the existing complaints process. That existing process allows the Government to hire its own lawyers to the complaint, hide the result under legal privilege, provide a Minister with access to the determination but not the complainant, and allows the Minister concerned to tell everyone his own version of what was decided. The existing system is neither independent nor fair, as Commissioner Jenkins has made clear.

Recommendation 22 of the Jenkins review provides that Parliament establish within 12 months a new fair, independent, confidential and transparent system to handle complaints and appeals about misconduct by members of Parliament.”

We look forward to receiving details of the terms of reference and the process Dr Thom proposes to follow.

Fears Rachelle Miller may lose new job after speaking out over affair with Alan Tudge on Four Corners

Former Coalition adviser told by prospective employer it needs ‘more time to consider’ after she appeared in ABC investigation

www.theguardian.com

Ex-staffer Rachelle Miller to bring workplace lawsuit against ministers Tudge and Cash

Miller alleges bullying when media adviser while she and Tudge were in consensual affair, and during employment with Cash

www.theguardian.com

 

[SirRumpole]

Back to Rachelle Miller and why she decided to let loose on Alan Tudge today.

Back when the affair came out Rachelle was trashed. She lost her job. She was sent to Michale Cashs' office and effectively frozen out of the office. The Jenkins inquiry established what was an open secret in Paraliament. That staffers were routinely harassed and abused by Parliamentarians. That the "investigative procedures" were a bitter joke designed solely to protect the politicians and ensure that the damage done to complainers was so clear that others would rightly hesitate to raise their voice.

The Jenkins inquiry has laid all of this on the table. Rachelle decided that now was the time to speak clearly and publicly about a situation that previously she had been bulldozed into acquiescence. She has already been taking legal action against the Government over the issues that she raised. Her legal statement lays out their position.

Gordon Legal senior partner Peter Gordon said today;

Fears Rachelle Miller may lose new job after speaking out over affair with Alan Tudge on Four Corners

Former Coalition adviser told by prospective employer it needs ‘more time to consider’ after she appeared in ABC investigation

www.theguardian.com

Ex-staffer Rachelle Miller to bring workplace lawsuit against ministers Tudge and Cash

Miller alleges bullying when media adviser while she and Tudge were in consensual affair, and during employment with Cash

www.theguardian.com

Labor better hope all their members are clean ! Nudge, nudge !

 

[basilio]

Labor better hope all their members are clean ! Nudge, nudge !

Indeed !! If I was ScoMo and his minders I would be moving heaven and earth to dig up some dirt on past or present Labour figures.

Ideally it would be around the actual issue of inappropriate /abusive relationships between current politicians and staff. But hey don't be surprised if we see any juicy piece of gossip through up as a desperate diversion from the current disasters.

 

[moXJO]

Indeed !! If I was ScoMo and his minders I would be moving heaven and earth to dig up some dirt on past or present Labour figures.

Ideally it would be around the actual issue of inappropriate /abusive relationships between current politicians and staff. But hey don't be surprised if we see any juicy piece of gossip through up as a desperate diversion from the current disasters.

Labor always fires too soon then run out of puff

 

[basilio]

I wonder if/when Alan Tudge decides to sue Rachelle Miller for defamation ?

To date he has flatly denied the allegation of abuse. If in fact Rachelle is fabricating this story then the Ex Minister can conceivably sue her for slander. ( Perhaps he could borrow a Blind Trust from Christian Porter to pay for the action ?)

On the face of it the allegations Rachelle has made would fit the defamation case for making people think badly of Alan Tudge, destroying his reputation and causing harm. If it was Peter Dutton for example on the end of such an allegation, I reckon he would be suing everyone left, right and centre within a day.

Frankly I don't think this will end up in the Courts. Going through the secret, adulterous, Minister/Staffer affair in a public court would simply nail Alan Tudge's coffin shut forever. What has happened however is that Rachelle has exposed herself publicly and publicised an alleged significant incident with the Minister to shame the Government into holding the independent investigation it studiously tried to avoid. She is in effect following the lead of Brittany Higgins who instead of shutting up and "taking one for the team", stood up and called out what had happened to her.

The alleged incident Rachelle highlighted is tacky and nasty. I'm sure similar incidents have happened in many, many relationships . The difference here is that the power basis of the relationship was just wrong. In many ways it is similar to the privileged expectation of powerful people to be able to get sex where and when the want from their employees. Think Roger Ailes Fox News, Harvey Weinsten and the other 201 powerful men who lost their positions/roles when Me Too took off.

#MeToo Brought Down 201 Powerful Men. Nearly Half of Their Replacements Are Women. (Published 2018)

A list of cases since the Harvey Weinstein scandal, and an analysis of those who have filled the vacated roles.

www.nytimes.com

 

[SirRumpole]

I wonder if/when Alan Tudge decides to sue Rachelle Miller for defamation ?

To date he has flatly denied the allegation of abuse. If in fact Rachelle is fabricating this story then the Ex Minister can conceivably sue her for slander. ( Perhaps he could borrow a Blind Trust from Christian Porter to pay for the action ?)

On the face of it the allegations Rachelle has made would fit the defamation case for making people think badly of Alan Tudge, destroying his reputation and causing harm. If it was Peter Dutton for example on the end of such an allegation, I reckon he would be suing everyone left, right and centre within a day.

Frankly I don't think this will end up in the Courts. Going through the secret, adulterous, Minister/Staffer affair in a public court would simply nail Alan Tudge's coffin shut forever. What has happened however is that Rachelle has exposed herself publicly and publicised an alleged significant incident with the Minister to shame the Government into holding the independent investigation it studiously tried to avoid. She is in effect following the lead of Brittany Higgins who instead of shutting up and "taking one for the team", stood up and called out what had happened to her.

The alleged incident Rachelle highlighted is tacky and nasty. I'm sure similar incidents have happened in many, many relationships . The difference here is that the power basis of the relationship was just wrong. In many ways it is similar to the privileged expectation of powerful people to be able to get sex where and when the want from their employees. Think Roger Ailes Fox News, Harvey Weinsten and the other 201 powerful men who lost their positions/roles when Me Too took off.

#MeToo Brought Down 201 Powerful Men. Nearly Half of Their Replacements Are Women. (Published 2018)

A list of cases since the Harvey Weinstein scandal, and an analysis of those who have filled the vacated roles.

www.nytimes.com

Thus is the power of allegations these days.

 

[basilio]

Thus is the power of allegations these days.

Versus the Power of Wealth, Office and Denial ?

I started a new thread on the movie "Bombshell" . It dealt with the sexual harassment of many of Fox's female staff by Roger Ailes as well as other big shots in Fox. A real eye opener.

 

[basilio]

How things have changed for ScoMo re Alan Tudge.

Morrison is walking among landmines, and this week shows how dangerously one can detonate

In a sensational end to a grotty final 2021 sitting week, Rachelle Miller's claim a minister acted violently towards her was carefully timed to underline Kate Jenkins's scathing indictment of the parliamentary workplace, writes Michelle Grattan.

www.abc.net.au

 

[moXJO]

Versus the Power of Wealth, Office and Denial ?

I started a new thread on the movie "Bombshell" . It dealt with the sexual harassment of many of Fox's female staff by Roger Ailes as well as other big shots in Fox. A real eye opener.

Cumo?