Latest Opinons on The Punch
Prime Minister Julia Gillard has announced today that she intends to introduce a fixed cost for carbon emissions by July 1 2012, with the introduction of a cap and trade emissions trading scheme within three to five years after that.
We’ve all known it was coming, but for a carbon price to move out of the abstract and back into the real world is a massive jolt to the political system. This announcement is a big one: for households, for business, for the environment and for Julia Gillard’s future as Prime Minister.
As my colleague Samantha Maiden at the Sunday Telegraph tweeted this afternoon: “My considered if profane opinion on carbon price: Gillard is best when in combat mode. She’s just called on biggest s***tfight of her career.” True dat.
Continue reading "Gillard’s make or break carbon price plan" »
Another day in Canberra, another question time.
Catch all the action here on The Punch via Malcolm Farr, News.com.au’s National Political Editor.
News.com.au’s in-depth and up-to-date coverage of Christchurch in the wake of the earthquake can be found here.
Continue reading "Question Time Live Feb 24 2011… Open Thread" »
Latest 2 of 9 comments
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MMR 25 Feb 2011 says:
It seems, from today’s Question Time evidence 24 February 2011, that the only decent question times in Australia are Insight 7.30 pm 1930 Tuesday Nights SBS TV and Q & A 9.30 pm 2130 Monday Nights. The 2pm 1400 weekdays ABCTV Parliamentary Question Times should be renamed ” TheDaily Verbal… Read more »
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Gladys says:
JMJ! If even a talented journo can’t make this format of Question Time interesting, you’ve got to wonder why you’d do it at all. Read more »
An old lady rang Tony Delroy’s late-night program on ABC Radio after midnight on Tuesday with a complaint. She was a contestant in his popular quiz, and before she tried to answer a general knowledge question, she chatted with Delroy about how fed up she was with the saturation coverage the Christchurch earthquake was receiving.
She said she couldn’t believe that most of the free to air television stations had interrupted their regular programming to run continuous coverage of this event. She was upset that her usual soaps and game shows weren’t on. It’s probably not as upsetting as being in a massive earthquake, but there you go.
It struck me as a selfish and heartless complaint. But perhaps this old lady had an acutely-developed sense of that natural human repulsion towards tragedy.
Latest 2 of 89 comments
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nossy says:
Thank god ya back Mags - now we have hit an all time low lovie ! hahaahahahahah Read more »
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notSue says:
I agree with SM on this one, iansand. Although I deplore excessive wringing of the emotion of situation, conveying the reactions of victims/witnessses to the events is integral to telling the story. I find dry facts and figures (ie how many bodies recovered) far more ghoulish. I also feel that… Read more »
Cardinal George Pell has been a spiritual adviser to Tony Abbott and he would have provided welcomed guidance to the Opposition Leader over the years.
But a mild-mannered weather forecaster has raised the prospect that Cardinal Pell might have misled his closest friend in his political flock on the secular issue of climate change policy.
Dr Greg Ayers is director of the Bureau of Meteorology and on Monday night he used a Senate estimates committee hearing to take on the cardinal, his scientific adviser, and a handful of senators who thought they could talk him down.
Continue reading "Pell does not have the gospel truth on climate change" »
Latest 2 of 241 comments
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MarK says:
” iansand says: 03:09pm | 24/02/11 I think that it is a moot point, as more and more molecules are being produced. As an example, the largest component of the atmosphere of Venus is CO2. The surface temperature of Venus is over 400 degrees. “ HAHAHAHAHAHAHA. This is… Read more »
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Shelly says:
Bobw - again I understand the thinking - but they’ve left out the mechanism. Let me put it simply - how will taking (more of) my money stop bad climate change? Because I’m sure you’re not trying to suggest that the climate will completely cease changing. Are you? Actually, while… Read more »
These past two days I’ve been gazing at my fellow office workers and wondering: If an earthquake struck here, who would be a hero? Who would run back into the crumbling building for a mate, who would risk their life for another?
I had imagined that, of the hundreds of people, a few would shine.
Maybe that chick over there that always looks calm and competent. Maybe not that bloke who can never manage eye contact.
I also wondered what I would do and had a terrifying thought that I would be a panicker, a useless screamer (or swearer, more likely) who only contributed to the chaos.
But, as it turns out, more people are everyday heroes than I thought.
Latest 2 of 27 comments
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marley says:
@Sarah - “aussie spirit?” No, read the article again. She’s saying that Queenslanders and Kiwis alike have what she and I would call the “human spirit.” Something all people, of all origins, colours and beliefs, bogans and latte sippers alike, share. Read more »
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Kate says:
Not to take away from the serverity of the disaster Matt, but I’d imagine their resources and organisational capacity are because earthquakes in New Zealand are fairly common. Christchurch had one not six months ago. You can’t plan for the human response and that’s been inspirational, but the resources and… Read more »
Floods, earthquakes, droughts and cyclones are becoming more frequent around the world and the number of people affected by them is growing. In developed countries such as Australia and New Zealand we are experiencing firsthand the demands these events place on those directly affected and on those responding. In developing countries these challenges are amplified.
As Australia’s aid program continues to grow – in line with the bi-partisan commitment for aid funding to reach half a per cent of our national income by 2015 – it will become even more important to make sure we are using this money effectively. The current Independent Review of Aid Effectiveness, led by Sandy Hollway, is timely, needed and most welcome.
Australia’s aid program has experienced an unusually high profile in recent weeks. Opposition Leader Tony Abbott’s proposal to ‘defer’ a $448 million aid program to Indonesian schools – and the alleged ructions in Shadow Cabinet over it – generated a lively public debate.
Continue reading "Four very good reasons why every aid dollar is needed" »
Latest 2 of 47 comments
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Gran says:
I use to donate to all who asked before now i refuse to donate to any charities who send money overseas,as a tax payer the goverment is doing that for me now,so no more double dipping,500 million to Indonesian this year in foreign aid what the hell for they don’t… Read more »
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St. Michael says:
If there’s any organisation that can assure people their money actually gets to people in need, it isn’t Oxfam really: http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/98946/oxfam-may-sack-10-over-tsunami-aid-fraud I wonder if the 10 who were “possibly” up for dismissal actually got dismissed. And I wonder if the other 12 who were up for “disciplinary action” are still… Read more »
Many doctors are concerned that an overcrowded world will be unhealthy, unhappy and hungry; we must not allow Australia to make this mistake.
In Australia our concerns over the effects of a growing population are just part of our concerns for the health of all our patients. For these reasons Doctors for the Environment Australia has a population policy which explains the links between population and health.
It is fairly obvious that the present rate of population growth in Australia has imposed considerable strain on existing health services in terms of trained personnel, finance and administration. Any increase in population must be constrained by the rate at which services can be maintained.+
Continue reading "Science, not vested interests, must shape population policy" »
Latest 2 of 40 comments
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acotrel says:
@therureal Who then is going to pay the taxes to support me in my old age? I worked all my life in good faith and paid taxes, with the expectation that there would be a safety net. What should I do - top myself if I can’t afford to live,… Read more »
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acotrel says:
, what do you think are the key indicators of an environmentally sustainable community? When the level of education is such that members of the community have the tools to recognise what is needed, and the political clout to pursue it. The way to combat the population explosion is to… Read more »
What was it that we women set out to achieve so long ago I can hardly remember the detail? Did we want to take over the world? Did we want to make men subservient to our will? Were we angry enough to march in the streets for our right for equality? No to the first two and yes, to the last.
I remember the US author Deidre Bair telling us at a Writers’ Week that what we wanted was equality, we all had men as friends, lovers, husbands, sons, brothers, we just wanted to have the same opportunities as they had and that bitterness had no place in a brave new world.
Well, for some it had, those most mistreated in some cultures, but for most of us women living in affluent Australia, it didn’t seem too hard to expect that we could easily settle for equality of opportunity. So, why now, in another century ,is it still so hard to achieve that equality?
Continue reading "SA Parliament: Where have all the women gone?" »
Latest 2 of 52 comments
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Ray says:
Progressive ....unite. I’m afraid it’s you that doesn’t understand. Aboriginals deserve it women don’t. Aboriginals are in specific need women are not. Women have the guilt edged guarantees and want more of it because it is so good. Get orff yr arse accept that some people are better, get better… Read more »
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Rose says:
Sorry James1, I’m pretty sure she meant Mary MacKillop, the Virgin Mary is not a Saint, she is the Mother of God, big difference. You’re right Tedd, female leadership within the Church is way overdue, but KH, grow up! Whatever you have against the churches it is pretty immature to… Read more »
I recently wrote a letter of complaint to my local library.
Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to lodge an official complaint with your management team regarding the horrible amount of noise that emanates from your establishment. I recently bought “A Touch of Frost” on DVD and your supposed “place of learning” has made it increasingly difficult to enjoy my purchase.
I constantly have to turn up the volume to drown out the hideous thumps coming from the library. Overwhelmed by this outrageous sound, I yesterday visited the building to investigate it. It has come to my attention that people are closing their books too loudly.
Continue reading "Hey complaint-lodgers, just soundproof your house" »
Latest 2 of 146 comments
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Thomas says:
I understand people want to have fun with their friends, especially on weekends or public holidays. I understand people’s children are not always perfect angels and that they occasionally make noise. I understand that dogs bark. What I don’t understand is loud music and drunken shouting at two in the… Read more »
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LauraBoBaura says:
Totally, I have lovely neighbours now… they’re elderly and very much deaf, never hear a thing. Read more »
One wonders whether David Gonski, appointed by Julia Gillard when Minister for Education to head the Commonwealth Government’s school funding review, is familiar with the saying, ‘let Caesar’s wife be above suspicion?’ Even though Pompeia had committed no crime, suspicion that she had been unfaithful was enough to cause Caesar to act.
If Gonski is aware of such a warning, then it is difficult to understand why he gave the speech he did at the Australian Education Union’s AGM.
A speech from which the teacher union President, Angelo Gavrielatos, quotes at some length suggesting that the AEU and Gonski are in agreement when it comes to funding issues.
Continue reading "Gillard setting private schools up for a fall" »
Latest 2 of 68 comments
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Democrat says:
‘Christian’ charity on full display. If that is the extent of the language capabilities of those who have attended or are attending private schools then the future is far from bright. Read more »
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Cat says:
Let me just add something to this debate - something most people ignore. The private sector has done more than its fair share to accommodate children with disabilities, children the state sector (which is supposed to champion the rights of ALL children) refuse to take. I know of at least… Read more »
- Punch on: Open thread 24/02/2011 34
- Live from Planet Earth now dead and buried 40
- Help out the brus in Christchurch 0
- A response: (Unborn) Human Rights 101 273
- 100 per cent pure pain, 100 per cent pure mateship 88
- KRudd. Lonely. Bitter. Savage. And quite chatty. 97
- Nixongate in the Hotelgate with the Schoolgate Girlgate 48
- The West has let itself be bluffed by Gaddafi 93
- Cripples have many (many) reasons to be angry 101
- Chewing the fat is a dangerous occupation 8
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Up to the minute Twitter chatter
Ricky Nixon on being honest and upfront. Hugely ironic read from the Alpha archives circa 2007 http://tinyurl.com/5wvs7p4
RT @abcmarkscott: A conversation worth having: @GreenJhttp://bit.ly/fbAXA1 and @penbohttp://bit.ly/eQHvh7 on disaster coverage.
Ten rounds
All the news that's fit to click
- Earthquake rescue teams move into Christchurch suburbs [New Zealand Herald]
- Aussie mum threw herself on top of son in middle of earthquake [News.com.au]
- 100 people feared dead in one building [The Age]
- Curfew in place as quake rescue continues [abc]
- Video: quake rescuers work through the night [The Australian]
- Suncorp's perfect storm as floods, cylcone and quakes take toll [The Australian]
- Middle Eastern media see end of Gaddafi [BBC]
- Diggers in Afghanistan farewell fallen mate [ABC]
- Lachlan Murdoch takes charge at channel Ten [The Guardian]
- Braith Anasta set to sign new deal with Sydney Roosters [The Daily Telegraph]
Opinion from everywhere
- The media is not there to help. It does not feel your pain. [Jonathan Green, The Drum]
- Disaster coverage triggers global response [Sally Bennett, Herald Sun]
- Dictator's useful idiots happy to take his money [Greg Sheridan, The Australian]
- Aid agencies ready to battle disaster fatigue [Ian Woolverton, National Times]
- Rixon Nixon scandal ushering new era for sex politics [Miranda Devine, Herald Sun]
- Libs must fight back on unions [Peter Reith, The Australian]
- The truth about sex addiction [John Cloud, Time Magazine]
- The price of whinge-ocracy [Mark Rolfe, The Drum]
- Chile: where abortion isn't an option [Catalina May, The Guardian]
- Royal wedding fever at London Fashion Week [Robin Givhan, The Daily Beast]
Most commented
The talk of the town
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- Publishers and book sellers have sealed their own fate 346
- Desperation is driving the asylum seeker debate 294
- A response: (Unborn) Human Rights 101 273
- The loss of brave young men is becoming hard to justify 257
- Pell does not have the gospel truth on climate change 241
- A reasonable person's guide to modern driving 229
- Sex education + contraception = fewer abortions 200
- Grubby & grubbier: The sad girl and the wayward agent 173
Gentle jabs to the ribs
Help out the brus in Christchurch
This is a worthwhile little fund raising video for victims of the Christchurch earthquake from the same… Read more
The story behind the picture
Images of the Egyptian revolution
The Egyptian protests that have led to the overthrow of President Hosni Mubarak have produced some incredible… Read more
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