That's a pathetic straw man fallacy Horace, free speech has never included the right to defame without remedy, in any Western democracy.
Bolt defamed people and got punished for it, so what's the difference ?
If Bolt was sued for defamation and lost, he would be a lot poorer than he is now.
He got off easy under 18C, and should be thankful that he wasn't sued for defamation.
Your irrational presumption is that he defamed somebody. He didn't.
I think it would be wise to get back on topic.
Yes you can argue "off topic", but you bought the subject up of free speech, and now you are trying to shut it down.
Your first statement, that Bolt did not defame anyone is your opinion. Others I've read believe the plaintiffs would have had a good case for defamation.
• Budget repair levy of 2 per cent imposing extra income
tax on those earning above $180,000, could raise around
$5bn over four years.
The party perspective rationale is outlined in the following policy document,Why the company tax cut drsmith??
Well done Joe Hockey.
A realistic and necessary budget brought down by the coalition.
The adults are back in charge.
What was rubbish was the previous government that put us in this mess!
Every economist I've heard has said there is no mess.
http://www.theage.com.au/comment/sp...stbudget-political-bounce-20140506-zr59m.html
..This time, the Abbott government’s debt-levy/tax on high-income earners is an obvious kite. And, given the response so far - especially from the Liberal’s heartland of high-income earners but also from middle Australia and aspirational voters - it would be surprising if the levy will apply to those on $80,000. If it does happen, it is likely to kick in at higher levels of income.
But perhaps the debt levy/tax is a clever distraction? There did appear to be some leaks to friendly news sources about its details (another spin technique). And while all of the vocal, high-income earners are rallying against the levy and broken promises, that takes attention away from other budget measures that might be about to hit many more Australians. This includes those who are least able to defend themselves - the unemployed, single parents, disability pensioners, the chronically ill, students, the elderly, low and middle-income families who have to take their children to the doctors regularly. Their concerns might be crowded out by the focus on the wealth tax. And, if not by the wealth tax, by a focus on the many chilling prospects raised by the Commission of Audit.
The Age tells it like it is.
What's the bet that:
- the GP visit co-payment stays at $7. Thin end of the wedge.
- the debt-levy tax on high income isn't either heavily watered down, or quietly withdrawn
- pollies salaries resume the upward trend once the heat's off
The image of Hockey and Cormann smoking cigars at Parliament House will be an enduring one.
A horrid, callous budget. 6 months paid parental leave is still on the table, they're just waiting until the heat's off. Sharing the pain...pfft
Every economist I've heard has said there is no mess.
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