The Gillard Government

[IFocus]

Good pick up DrSmith,
This forum has been saying this Labor government is completely out of touch since it came into office. When it started going on about "the normal Australian family" it was obvious they didn't have a clue what it was. They still haven't worked out the "normal Australian Family".

Are they like those ordinary Australians Abbott addressed the other week.............?

 

[Country Lad]

When it started going on about "the normal Australian family" it was obvious they didn't have a clue what it was.

I am surprised that the politicians (from the government side in particular) are still using the term "working families". It is such an overused term and continually gives the impression that they are ignoring the non family units, the retirees (independent and pensioners) and anybody else not in a family or working, thus getting these groups further offside.

As an independent retiree I find their concentration on "working families" quite insulting and objectionable.

Cheers
CL

 

[sails]

FEDERAL public servants will spend at least $1.5 billion on airfares over three years, according to new tender documents, despite attempts to reduce travel costs and bargain for bulk discounts.

The estimated domestic travel bill for the government is $1,031,549,723 between July 2010 and June 2013, enough for 975,000 business class return flights between Canberra and Melbourne. About $488 million is expected to go to international travel, excluding charter flights.

Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/national/federal-travel-costs-15bn-20110420-1dox9.html#ixzz0lskJrTk3

Oh My Goodness ..........

Yes, it goes to show that the $1.8b required for Qld flood repairs is nothing more than small change for the government. I am convinced Ms Gillard preferred to tax the people than dig up available small change. She won that round, then it was on to carbon tax...

How does she expect to earn respect from the people with these antics?

An early election (and soon) will be the miracle for which many are hoping...

 

[Julia]

I am surprised that the politicians (from the government side in particular) are still using the term "working families". It is such an overused term and continually gives the impression that they are ignoring the non family units, the retirees (independent and pensioners) and anybody else not in a family or working, thus getting these groups further offside.

As an independent retiree I find their concentration on "working families" quite insulting and objectionable.

Cheers
CL

Agree. Though I'd had the impression that they had finally woken up to the stupidity of "working families" as a mantra, and have rather been substituting "The Australian People".

 

[noco]

Logique, how can Gillard pray if she is an atheist? She is going, going, gone and not even the Governor General can save her let alone God.

I would say the Governor General would prefer to see her son-in-law Billy (ie.Shorten) be our next Prime Minister or perhaps I should say opposition leader of the Labor party come Xmas 2011.

But then again the socialist left Governor General might find herself out on the street after the next election.

 

[Julia]

I would say the Governor General would prefer to see her son-in-law Billy (ie.Shorten) be our next Prime Minister or perhaps I should say opposition leader of the Labor party come Xmas 2011.

What are the circumstances amongst which you think the government will be replaced by Christmas 2011?

Unless something untoward happens, don't they have about two plus years until an election has to happen? Plenty of time for the carbon tax to be legislated and untold destruction to be further wreaked on the economy and the people.

Why is there such an assumption that Bill Shorten will be Prime Minister? Or Greg Combet for that matter?
Both have had minimal experience in any senior role and neither, imo, look even remotely like PM material.

 

[noco]

What are the circumstances amongst which you think the government will be replaced by Christmas 2011?

Unless something untoward happens, don't they have about two plus years until an election has to happen? Plenty of time for the carbon tax to be legislated and untold destruction to be further wreaked on the economy and the people.

Why is there such an assumption that Bill Shorten will be Prime Minister? Or Greg Combet for that matter?
Both have had minimal experience in any senior role and neither, imo, look even remotely like PM material.

Julia, I believe there are a couple of things which prompts me to believe there could be a change of government by Xmas 2011.

Firstly, Ms Gillard and Greg Combet are losing a lot of support from not only the public but from industry groups, the unions and just quietly from inside her own party. It all started with the lie that she would not bring in a carbon dioxide tax during her term of government viz 2010/2013. It has made her so weak, it will very hard for her to claw her way back

Secondly, it is now starting to sink into voters that this carbon dioxide tax is not about reducing global warming/climate change, but to fill the treasury coffers to pay for all the stuff ups Labor has made and that has cost the tax payers dearly. The $900 Labor paid to taxpayers as a stimulas, and as you know pensioners missed out, Labor is virtually saying we now want it back; it was just a loan. And don't forget Gillard and Combet have committed 10% of the carbon dioxide tax on top of the $599 million contribution to the UN climate change committee of which Kevin 11 is is a member.

If by virtue of the fact that one or two of the independants start to rebel and Gillard loses her fight to succeed with the carbon dioxide tax, there has to be a move of no confidence in her and that she will be asked to resign or go to an election. If that is the senario, then Labor will finish up like the NSW election. All over 'RED ROVER'. To top it all off the asylum seekers disaster is another nail in her coffin.

With regards to Bill Shorten, there is no assumption on my part about him becoming leader of the Labor Party, I merely made a comment that he is the Governor General's son-in-law and I am sure she would dearly love to have him in that position. You know what I mean, sort of keep it in the family.LOL.

 

[Julia]

Julia, I believe there are a couple of things which prompts me to believe there could be a change of government by Xmas 2011.

Firstly, Ms Gillard and Greg Combet are losing a lot of support from not only the public but from industry groups, the unions and just quietly from inside her own party. It all started with the lie that she would not bring in a carbon dioxide tax during her term of government viz 2010/2013. It has made her so weak, it will very hard for her to claw her way back

Secondly, it is now starting to sink into voters that this carbon dioxide tax is not about reducing global warming/climate change, but to fill the treasury coffers to pay for all the stuff ups Labor has made and that has cost the tax payers dearly. The $900 Labor paid to taxpayers as a stimulas, and as you know pensioners missed out,

I thought people receiving government pensions did receive a stimulus payment, maybe in 2008, or early 2009. I quite clearly remember speaking to some retirees who received an additional payment.
Would like to see some substantiation for non-payment suggestion to pensioners.

If by virtue of the fact that one or two of the independants start to rebel and Gillard loses her fight to succeed with the carbon dioxide tax, there has to be a move of no confidence in her and that she will be asked to resign or go to an election. If that is the senario, then Labor will finish up like the NSW election. All over 'RED ROVER'. To top it all off the asylum seekers disaster is another nail in her coffin.

Yes, we know all that, noco. But for the government to have to go to an election will take one of the independents to have a change of heart. I simply don't believe that will happen, unless circumstances deteriorate substantially from where they are now.
For any of the independents to switch sides would result in huge loss of face for them and I don't think any of them would be up for it.

 

[Julia]

Since posting the above, I've found this link which shows pensioners did receive a $1000 stimulus payment.

Economic Stimulus Payment for Australian Pensioners
By Admin, on October 17th, 2008

Q. What is the Economic Stimulus Payment for Australian Pensioners?

A. This payment will provide income support pensioners with immediate financial help in the lead up to comprehensive reform of the pension system. It will also strengthen the national economy and support Australian households, given the risk of a deep and prolonged global economic slowdown. (Because it is targeted at Australian pensioners and self-funded retirees, it will only be paid to Australian residents or those Australians who are temporarily absent – overseas residents do not qualify.)

Q. How much is the payment?

A. The payment is a one-off non-taxable amount of $1,400 to single pensioners and $2,100 ($1,050 each) to pensioner couples.

Q. Do I have to claim the payment?

A. No. It will be paid into the same account as your Utilities Allowance or Seniors Concession Allowance.

Q. When will the payment be paid?

A. This payment will be made in the period commencing 8 December 2008. For DVA pensioners that means 18 December 2008.

Q. Which pensioners are eligible for the payment?

A. Any pensioner who is qualified for Utilities Allowance on 14 October 2008.

For DVA pensioners this means those eligible for age/invalidity or partner service pension, or income support supplement, will receive a payment of $1,400 if they are single or $1,050 to each member of a pensioner couple, regardless of their age. This includes those Social Security age pensioners paid by DVA.

Q. Which self funded retirees are eligible for the payment?

A. Any self-funded retiree over pension age who is qualified for Seniors Concession Allowance on 14 October 2008. Those who hold a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card or are Gold Card holders eligible for Seniors Concession Allowance will receive a payment of $1,400 if they are single or $1,050 for each member of a couple.

Q. How will the payment impact on people?

A. The payment is not taxable and will not be classed as income under the pension means test. However, if it is invested it will be subject to deeming, like any other financial investment.

Q. What is the policy rationale?

A. In these tough economic times the Australian Government is acting decisively to use the surplus to strengthen the Australian economy. These payments are also intended to provide additional support in the months between now and when long-term pension reforms are introduced after the next Budget.

So,noco, not sure why you would be posting that pensioners did not receive any additional payment.

 

[noco]

I thought people receiving government pensions did receive a stimulus payment, maybe in 2008, or early 2009. I quite clearly remember speaking to some retirees who received an additional payment.
Would like to see some substantiation for non-payment suggestion to pensioners.

Yes, we know all that, noco. But for the government to have to go to an election will take one of the independents to have a change of heart. I simply don't believe that will happen, unless circumstances deteriorate substantially from where they are now.
For any of the independents to switch sides would result in huge loss of face for them and I don't think any of them would be up for it.

Well Julia, as a part pensioner myself, I must have been behind the door when they were given out because one certainly did not come my way. Perhaps those retirees were paying taxes above the threshold on their property or other investments which entitled them to the $900.


Julia, what makes you think circumstances have not deteriorated substantially to this point already. Just have a look at the polls. The lowest point of Labor's primary vote in 15 years is enough to convince any sound thinking voter that Labor is on the brink of collapse. If their popularity continues on this trend, Gillard is finished, but then again we will just have to wait and see in the next few months whether my predictions are right or wrong.

 

[joea]

Lindsay Tanners book "SIDESHOW: DUMBING DOWN DEMOCRACY"
may not help Gillard much in the pols.

WARNING: The book contains painful truths for journalists and politicans.

 

[sptrawler]

The press seems to be getting on board, so does Lindsay Tanner. He doesn't sound too enthralled with his beloved party.
Also we are now starting to get the backbenchers revolting over the perks given to the independents. Just a matter of time before the infighting comes out and then Gillard will be fighting the factions in public.
I don't know what the catalyst will be, but the next election is probably another leader away for labor. Even though that would be suicidal they will have to be getting desperate as the polls continue to slump.
I still think one or two of the independents will jump ship to save their skins. When have you seen a politician let principles get in the way of a government pension.

 

[Calliope]

Let's hope Julia took the "Made in China" labels off the toy koalas before she handed them out to the Japanese tsunami victims.

 

[Julia]

Well Julia, as a part pensioner myself, I must have been behind the door when they were given out because one certainly did not come my way. Perhaps those retirees were paying taxes above the threshold on their property or other investments which entitled them to the $900.

No, you would not have received the $900 because you would presumably have already received the greater amount of $1400 a few months earlier. I'm not going to look it all up again today but the group who received the $1400 obviously wouldn't expect to get the $900 as well.
Didn't you get the $1400?
If not, you probably should follow it up.

Julia, what makes you think circumstances have not deteriorated substantially to this point already. Just have a look at the polls. The lowest point of Labor's primary vote in 15 years is enough to convince any sound thinking voter that Labor is on the brink of collapse. If their popularity continues on this trend, Gillard is finished, but then again we will just have to wait and see in the next few months whether my predictions are right or wrong.

Yes, agree, but I'm simply trying to be objective about the political reality of Labor dumping yet another leader. I think they will try absolutely to tough it out because to drop Ms Gillard would make them the laughing stock of all time, even more than they are now.

 

[noco]

Since posting the above, I've found this link which shows pensioners did receive a $1000 stimulus payment.



So,noco, not sure why you would be posting that pensioners did not receive any additional payment.

There seems to be some conflict of what you have and what I have. I can assure you I missed out and at the time I queried it with the appropiate authorities.

http://www.examiner.com.au/news/loc...s-out-as-rich-get-900-cash-bonus/1451266.aspx

 

[Country Lad]

Last year, the soldiers of D Company, 6th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment were belatedly awarded a Unit Citation for Gallantry (UCG) for their gallant deeds at Long Tan, Vietnam 18 August 1966.

The Government refused to approve payment for members & families (including family of deceased soldiers) to travel to Canberra for a ceremony by the Governor General to award the UCG.

Compare this to the aftermath of the unfortunate event where the boatful of “refugees” sank at Christmas Island.

The same government had no problem with flying to Sydney the illegals who survived, and the people who claimed they were relatives or friends of the people who died. This included paying for flights, accommodation and meals.

In other words the government considered the illegals more important than the soldiers (and their families) who fought or who died fighting, for our country.

 

[noco]

Julia, I believe where we are in conflict is the $1400 was paid to a single pensioner living alone and as you are aware, I have a working wife who did receive the $900.



http://financeviewpoint.com/2008/10/australian-stimulus-plan-short-term.html

 

[Logique]

I'm unclear on the pensioners, and which class of eligibility applied.

For the general populace, to get the $900, you had to have submitted a tax return in the previous period, showing a tax liability, upon which the $900 was a rebate. It was grossly unfair because those at the bottom of the socio-economic scale got nothing, because they had no taxable income.

But plenty of the better off missed out too, because their managed affairs showed no payable taxable.

It's a great fear with carbon tax compensation. If the tax rebate route is taken, the same people will miss out again.

 

[noco]

I'm unclear on the pensioners, and which class of eligibility applied.

For the general populace, to get the $900, you had to have submitted a tax return in the previous period, showing a tax liability, upon which the $900 was a rebate. It was grossly unfair because those at the bottom of the socio-economic scale got nothing, because they had no taxable income.

But plenty of the better off missed out too, because their managed affairs showed no payable taxable.

It's a great fear with carbon tax compensation. If the tax rebate route is taken, the same people will miss out again.

Yes Logique, that is exactly the problem.

If Gillard starts this carbon dioxide tax say at $25 per tonne and comes up with some compensation, you can bet your boots that figure will rise each year and the compensation will remain static and yes pensioners and low income earners will miss ouy again. It will be in the form of a tax rebate and if you don't pay tax, stiff bickies.

 

[noco]

Boy oh boy, I wonder what else Tanner will reveal!!! He is certainly showing up the true colours of Rudd and Gillard and the ABC also.


http://blogs.news.com.au/couriermai...s/tanner_unleashes_on_gillard_and_rudds_spin/