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Politics Live: February 9, 2016

Date

Senior writer

View more articles from Stephanie Peatling

Email Stephanie

The week's themes are coalescing around tax and asylum seekers but a new front is opening up around whether or not the government wants to outsource a large swathe of Medicare.

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  • Please Tech crew fix the problems, it's incredibly frustrating.

    Commenter
    A country gal
    Date and time
    February 09, 2016, 5:14PM

    • 184 Comments.

      Ladies & Gentlemen we have a new record.

      Commenter
      A Green
      Location
      Australia
      Date and time
      February 09, 2016, 5:06PM

      • I got 190. My record's bigger than your record.

        Commenter
        Banjo
        Location
        Eden
        Date and time
        February 09, 2016, 5:15PM

      • 683.

        Commenter
        Pluto
        Location
        Melbourne
        Date and time
        February 09, 2016, 5:16PM

    • Page auto refreshed back to 1:58PM Comment.

      Telstra starting to look good.

      Commenter
      A Green
      Location
      Australia
      Date and time
      February 09, 2016, 5:05PM

      • 5.02 pm. No mention of Sarah's abusive dummy spit. Hmmm.

        Commenter
        enough is enough
        Date and time
        February 09, 2016, 5:04PM

        • The Dodson Report is positive on many fronts.It affirms that 88% have positive view of social relations and its primacy in our Society. It affirmed that more people, 65%, had amiable relations with other Australians. It concluded that 67% felt at ease in their general society.Lastly, it noted that when Australians converse, ethnicity or whatever word is the flavour of any time, is irrelevant and unnecessary, in conversation with other Australians. .

          Commenter
          Robert - Hunter
          Location
          Hunter Valley
          Date and time
          February 09, 2016, 4:59PM

          • No, the left won't focus on the positives. It doesn't give them a chance to abuse and rant on about their ideology.

            Commenter
            enough is enough
            Date and time
            February 09, 2016, 5:03PM

          • I find it incredibly dispiriting that a third of Indigenous people have suffered racist abuse in the past 6 months.

            Commenter
            Banjo
            Location
            Eden
            Date and time
            February 09, 2016, 5:19PM

        • IS SHY going to apologize for the "Pig" remark or is it because it she is a female calling a male a Pig it's ok. Just imaging the outcry if it was the other way round. The outrage and screams of sexism and misogynist would be deafening

          Commenter
          Really
          Date and time
          February 09, 2016, 4:58PM

          • Featured Comment of the Year.

            Commenter
            enough is enough
            Date and time
            February 09, 2016, 5:01PM

          • You think Macca needs a tissue?

            Commenter
            Conservative disease
            Date and time
            February 09, 2016, 5:03PM

          • I suppose witch is OK though?

            Commenter
            neo ugh is neo ugh
            Date and time
            February 09, 2016, 5:04PM

        • Now the comments are back to 1.58
          And please stop the automatic videos.

          Commenter
          A country gal
          Date and time
          February 09, 2016, 4:51PM

          • Will the contract for the twelve news subs be given to Japan to prop up jobs for the Japanese, PM Turnbull?

            Or will Australians be given the opportunity to find employment in the sub building industry right here in Australia? You know, jobs for Australians and it is OUR money.

            Commenter
            Sharron
            Date and time
            February 09, 2016, 4:50PM

              • "News subs"
                Is Rupert building a fleet of subs?

                Commenter
                Thought Bubble
                Date and time
                February 09, 2016, 4:55PM

              • Funny : ) but he wishes!

                Commenter
                Sharron
                Date and time
                February 09, 2016, 4:56PM

              • They're not too concerned about Australian jobs Sharron.
                I'll be surprised if they are built here, but there's a few Lib seats in SA they are concerned about, so who knows.
                Mr Fixit is concerned about his.
                Meanwhile we have 200,000 457's and extra's who will come under the FTA's.
                They do not value Australian Workers- that is a given. Yet they whinge about welfare.

                Commenter
                A country gal
                Date and time
                February 09, 2016, 4:57PM

              • You are absolutely right, Country Gal. That's why we have to throw this Turnbull-LNP crew out and stop this 457 fiasco asap.

                Commenter
                Sharron
                Date and time
                February 09, 2016, 5:00PM

            • 4.39- What happened to the Budget Emergency?
              So they want to demolish Medicare to fill the coffers of private corporations and probably send our info OS.
              Yet they are still obsessed with the toys of War. they don't even have the crew to "man"them.

              Commenter
              A country gal
              Date and time
              February 09, 2016, 4:48PM

              • Turnbull had better not give that contract to the Japanese.

                Commenter
                Sharron
                Date and time
                February 09, 2016, 4:51PM

              • Don't worry I believe the third world countries in which they will be deployed have basic health services.

                Commenter
                Thought Bubble
                Date and time
                February 09, 2016, 4:52PM

              • "they don't even have the crew to "man"them"

                Yeah they do. The rats off the sinking LNP ship ha ha ha : )

                Commenter
                Sharron
                Date and time
                February 09, 2016, 4:54PM

            • Roy Morgan - Here we go, here we go here we go!

              "In early February L-NP support fell 2.5% to 52.5% cf. ALP up 2.5% to 47.5% on a two-party preferred basis. If a Federal Election were held now the L-NP would still win.

              Primary support for the L-NP is 43.5% (unchanged) with ALP at 29% (up 1%). Support for the Greens is up 1% to 16%, Nick Xenophon Team 1% (down 1%; 15% in South Australia), Katter’s Australian Party is 0.5% (down 1.5%), Palmer United Party is 0.5% (unchanged) and Independents/ Others are at 9.5% (up 0.5%)."

              Commenter
              rod steiger
              Location
              toukley
              Date and time
              February 09, 2016, 4:47PM

              • Essential Poll has it 51/49 Rod. Re-fill the popcorn.

                Commenter
                Conservative disease
                Date and time
                February 09, 2016, 4:56PM

            • Comment stuck on 2:00PM

              Has everyone gone home ?

              Commenter
              A Green
              Location
              Australia
              Date and time
              February 09, 2016, 4:39PM

              • Looks like they came back just for you!

                Commenter
                Pluto
                Location
                Melbourne
                Date and time
                February 09, 2016, 4:43PM

              • You have again caused panic and people have exited quickly.

                Commenter
                enough is enough
                Date and time
                February 09, 2016, 4:44PM

              • I'm excited.

                Commenter
                Neo ugh is Neo ugh
                Date and time
                February 09, 2016, 4:47PM

            • Patrick Dobson is a wonderful person and he would be a fantastic Prime Minister!

              Commenter
              Sharron
              Date and time
              February 09, 2016, 4:30PM

              • Surely Sarah Hanson-Young get Featured Comment. Let's examine the criteria.

                Extreme far left - tick.
                Believes in fairies - tick.
                Accidents happen - tick.
                Confected outrage - tick.
                Repeat offender - tick.
                Nasty comments ignored by media - tick.

                Commenter
                enough is enough
                Date and time
                February 09, 2016, 4:10PM

                • Tick..Tick...Tick...

                  Commenter
                  Tones
                  Date and time
                  February 09, 2016, 4:36PM

                • Always astounds me how Sarah Hanson-Young is able to wind up the average neo nut. A few words of compassion and humanity and it's cerebral meltdowns all round.

                  Commenter
                  Conservative disease
                  Date and time
                  February 09, 2016, 4:40PM

                • It's been a pig of the day for a few of us, eie.

                  Commenter
                  Banjo
                  Location
                  Eden
                  Date and time
                  February 09, 2016, 4:46PM

                • 'cerebral meltdowns all round.'

                  That explains their hallucinations and fulminations about <insert variant of 'political correctness gone mad' >

                  Commenter
                  WhiskyTangoFoxtrot
                  Date and time
                  February 09, 2016, 5:15PM

              • Closing the Gap was another Abbott failure.

                Commenter
                A Green
                Location
                Australia
                Date and time
                February 09, 2016, 4:08PM

                • hard to believe this lot have only been in office 2 1/2 years...

                  the most outrageous squandering of political capital since Federation

                  political careerists?... amateurs

                  Commenter
                  rod steiger
                  Location
                  toukley
                  Date and time
                  February 09, 2016, 4:01PM

                  • The LNP's innovation policy which should've been called the redundancy policy means Australia will find itself isolated from the community of nations and researchers devoting serious attention to climate change.
                    Good work Mal.

                    Commenter
                    Thought Bubble
                    Date and time
                    February 09, 2016, 4:01PM

                    • For getting A Featured Comment I would like to thank :

                      My Mum

                      My Dad

                      All my Aunties on my Mum's side.

                      All my Uncles on my Dads Side.

                      My telco .... not Telstra.

                      my computer

                      hope I haven't forgotten anyone ?

                      Oh oh ! .... of course all my love and thanks go to Mr Dutton for being a prized ........

                      Commenter
                      A Green
                      Location
                      Australia
                      Date and time
                      February 09, 2016, 3:58PM

                      • Congrats AG.

                        Commenter
                        A country gal
                        Date and time
                        February 09, 2016, 4:59PM

                      • ACG

                        I put it all down to "Innovation".

                        enough is enough should take pointers.

                        Commenter
                        A Green
                        Location
                        Australia
                        Date and time
                        February 09, 2016, 5:08PM

                    • @3.40. In the spirit of inclusiveness and integration this makes sense. I'm guessing teenage Boys who watch SBS after 11pm and fans of Lee Lin Chin may be disappointed.

                      Commenter
                      Piped Piper
                      Date and time
                      February 09, 2016, 3:57PM

                      • Been a busy day Stephanie.

                        Have a cup of tea before approaching that wine bottle.

                        We need you in first class condition tomorrow.

                        You may have to purchase some farewell flowers on our behalf, for Roberts.

                        Commenter
                        A Green
                        Location
                        Australia
                        Date and time
                        February 09, 2016, 3:53PM

                        • Good lord, A Green, Stephanie's only halfway through her day. Still got to pick up the kids, feed and water them, then bed-time cuddles and stories, maybe cook dinner, chuck a load in the washer, empty the dishwasher. Don't know how she returns to us each day with such patience.

                          Commenter
                          Banjo
                          Location
                          Eden
                          Date and time
                          February 09, 2016, 4:00PM

                      • Not even Medicare can remove Robert from the front pages - but the Medicare idea will disappear too - for the same reason as the GST - the LNP Marginal seat holders don't want to rejoin the real world of low(er) pay, no entitlements and declining standard of living

                        Commenter
                        Banish Blue Ties
                        Date and time
                        February 09, 2016, 3:52PM

                        • 1.49 Try as I may, I just can't pull that facial expression that Mac did.
                          Not an easy task to look that glum.
                          Must be a trick.

                          Commenter
                          A country gal
                          Date and time
                          February 09, 2016, 3:49PM

                          • Imbibe 10 glasses of red first, and you should possibly be able to then copy L'il Bills loopy grin

                            Commenter
                            gc
                            Date and time
                            February 09, 2016, 3:57PM

                        • Mark Dreyfus is not The Attorney General spokesman. He is in Opposition, spokesperson to be PC ?

                          Commenter
                          gc
                          Date and time
                          February 09, 2016, 3:49PM

                          • PC
                            gc
                            well I'll be

                            Commenter
                            Thought Bubble
                            Date and time
                            February 09, 2016, 3:55PM

                        • http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/picture/2016/feb/08/first-dog-on-the-moons-list-of-ways-in-which-malcolm-turnbull-has-disappointed-us

                          Now will our msm please ask some tough
                          questions?

                          Commenter
                          misspunch
                          Date and time
                          February 09, 2016, 3:45PM

                          • Classic isn't it, I referred that earlier in other articles.
                            Just says it all in good doggy fashion.

                            Commenter
                            A country gal
                            Date and time
                            February 09, 2016, 3:55PM

                        • The opposition digging up the corpses of dead, buried, and cremated.

                          Commenter
                          Koel
                          Date and time
                          February 09, 2016, 3:33PM

                          • what was in the pit oven?

                            Commenter
                            rod steiger
                            Location
                            toukley
                            Date and time
                            February 09, 2016, 3:44PM

                          • If it was truly cremated there wouldn't be a corpse to dig up. Everybody knows that statement meant no more than the policy was filed away to be resurrected later.

                            Commenter
                            mitch of ACT
                            Date and time
                            February 09, 2016, 3:46PM

                          • Well the LNP need to dig deeper holes to stop the bodies from being found

                            Commenter
                            Banish Blue Ties
                            Date and time
                            February 09, 2016, 3:47PM

                          • Koel - watching the Government at the moment is like watching the latest episode of the walking dead.

                            Commenter
                            ah ha
                            Date and time
                            February 09, 2016, 3:50PM

                          • There's a few slippery skeletons in the closet.

                            Commenter
                            Thought Bubble
                            Date and time
                            February 09, 2016, 3:50PM

                          • @Thought Bubble. That sounds very forensic. Are there creepy crawlies to tell the government's time of death?

                            Commenter
                            Pluto
                            Location
                            Melbourne
                            Date and time
                            February 09, 2016, 3:59PM

                          • Yes, well the cabinet was leaky and the bugs suggest that it related to speaker/ ministerial impropriety.
                            Time of death somewhere around Tone's watch.

                            Commenter
                            Thought Bubble
                            Date and time
                            February 09, 2016, 4:30PM

                        • So Mr Roberts refuses to answer the question put to him and gives a fluff non answer as a way to delay the inevitable. No wonder we got the leak about Medicare to try and deflect attention away from their behavior.

                          The government knows from their experience with Mal Brough at Roberts is guilty of being at best incompetent or at worst deliberately using his position for the LNP's and his own personal gain.

                          It is Bronniegate all over again as the LNP show they only act in their own interest and those of their big donor mates.

                          Commenter
                          Lance
                          Date and time
                          February 09, 2016, 3:30PM

                            • That a government would flag a move to divest itself of responsibility as a way of papering over a failure to take responsibility ...

                              Commenter
                              Emu of Justice
                              Date and time
                              February 09, 2016, 3:46PM

                            • Bank Bench needs to be expanded - it is already crowded - give it a week or so for new furniture to be rolled in

                              Commenter
                              Banish Blue Ties
                              Date and time
                              February 09, 2016, 3:48PM

                          • Brough v Robert ? Hmm - well the Slipper affair is well known for what it was - no wonder half hearted defence. Robert ? Maybe stupidity ? Although as a Duntroon Boy you would think he would acquaint himself with the Code of Conduct book - that would have been ingrained as a soldier

                            Commenter
                            Really ?
                            Date and time
                            February 09, 2016, 3:24PM

                            • particularly if the travelling card declares he was on government business

                              Commenter
                              rod steiger
                              Location
                              toukley
                              Date and time
                              February 09, 2016, 4:10PM

                            • As a Prime Minister, you'd reckon Miracle Mal would enforce it.

                              Commenter
                              Real Politik
                              Date and time
                              February 09, 2016, 4:21PM

                          • The Pulse 3:17PM

                            Desperate people, desperate.

                            Commenter
                            A Green
                            Location
                            Australia
                            Date and time
                            February 09, 2016, 3:23PM

                            • Well when pressured over Stuart Robert's conduct Turnbull starts banging on about unions. I distinctly remember Abbott doing the same when under pressure. By stalling the inevitable Turnbull you are showing clearly that your judgement is flawed and guided by political damage control. A Clayton's prime minister who has nothing to offer than a shiny distraction.

                              Commenter
                              Conservative disease
                              Date and time
                              February 09, 2016, 3:19PM

                              • and the slowest most ineffective and archaic NBN on the planet

                                Thanks Fraudband Mal

                                Commenter
                                DirkDiggler
                                Location
                                LNPHQ
                                Date and time
                                February 09, 2016, 4:12PM

                            • If the Government won't let the opposition lecture them on integrity and responsibility, who would they take such lectures from?

                              Commenter
                              Sanga
                              Date and time
                              February 09, 2016, 3:18PM

                              • Sanga

                                Murdoch.

                                Or Jerry.

                                Either Seinfeld or Hall.

                                Commenter
                                A Green
                                Location
                                Australia
                                Date and time
                                February 09, 2016, 3:24PM

                            • Do you actually have ANY policies about ANYTHING Mr Turnbull?????

                              Commenter
                              Thought Bubble
                              Date and time
                              February 09, 2016, 3:17PM

                              • I'm confused is that Julia Turnbull or Malcom Gillard?

                                Commenter
                                Thought Bubble
                                Date and time
                                February 09, 2016, 3:15PM

                                • Mal's spouse does guided tours and not hair dressing.

                                  Commenter
                                  Pluto
                                  Location
                                  Melbourne
                                  Date and time
                                  February 09, 2016, 3:30PM

                              • Surely the Human Services Minister could just tell Australia what he put on his passenger card.

                                Save some of that investigation money the Budget is hemorrhaging.

                                Commenter
                                A Green
                                Location
                                Australia
                                Date and time
                                February 09, 2016, 3:15PM

                                • Truss stop it, you are lying.
                                  You retrospectively changed the conditions for Drought Assistance for your own voters. Deeming West Wimmera and Wycheproof Shires not remote enough in Victoria to qualify for assistance.
                                  They are the remotest!
                                  Mr Broad of course was unavailable for comment.

                                  Commenter
                                  A country gal
                                  Date and time
                                  February 09, 2016, 3:15PM

                                  • The high point of today's viewing is Here Come the Habibs. I'm sure there will be parralells with politics - the not so friendly and inclusive neighbours no doubt vote LNP

                                    Commenter
                                    MST
                                    Date and time
                                    February 09, 2016, 3:14PM

                                    • The Deputy Sleeper doesn't want to talk about the Bruce Highway in Qld.

                                      Must be something about him coming from Qld and thinking its a conflict of interest.

                                      Commenter
                                      A Green
                                      Location
                                      Australia
                                      Date and time
                                      February 09, 2016, 3:12PM

                                      • Warren is now the Deputy Deputy.

                                        Commenter
                                        Real Politik
                                        Date and time
                                        February 09, 2016, 3:11PM

                                        • 2:58pm. (Again, we are on very familiar ground. Remember the final sitting fortnight of last year when Mr Brough answered countless questions with the same reply?)
                                          Stephanie, I'm just so pleased that you can remind us and keep an overview, keep track, check it out and keep us informed.

                                          Commenter
                                          Pluto
                                          Location
                                          Melbourne
                                          Date and time
                                          February 09, 2016, 3:10PM

                                          • It's the Minister for Meat again!

                                            Commenter
                                            A country gal
                                            Date and time
                                            February 09, 2016, 3:07PM

                                            • When is Good Govt starting ? This situation with inept Ministers not observing Code Of Conduct and being caught out is wearing a bit thin. You wanted to be PM Mal - that includes making decisions that might be unpopular with LNP backroom and supporters. Walk the Walk and get rid of the dead wood.

                                              Commenter
                                              MST
                                              Date and time
                                              February 09, 2016, 3:05PM

                                              • You'd have to think that 54-44 is more like 51-47 now.

                                                Won't be long.

                                                Commenter
                                                Real Politik
                                                Date and time
                                                February 09, 2016, 3:13PM

                                              • Tick...Tick...Tick...

                                                Commenter
                                                Tones
                                                Date and time
                                                February 09, 2016, 3:25PM

                                              • Good gov't is scheduled to start right after the next election but not with the present incumbents. The colour of the ties and scarves has to change first from blue to red.

                                                Commenter
                                                mitch of ACT
                                                Date and time
                                                February 09, 2016, 3:49PM

                                            • 76 new Comments in one go.

                                              Is Telstra back online ?

                                              Commenter
                                              A Green
                                              Location
                                              Australia
                                              Date and time
                                              February 09, 2016, 3:05PM

                                              • Hang on I'll just check the switchboard.
                                                ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................6hrs later...........................................................nope.

                                                Commenter
                                                Thought Bubble
                                                Date and time
                                                February 09, 2016, 3:10PM

                                              • Beat you AG 88 for me.

                                                Commenter
                                                A country gal
                                                Date and time
                                                February 09, 2016, 3:11PM

                                              • No chance of leadership challenge today then. What a shame

                                                Commenter
                                                Piped Piper
                                                Date and time
                                                February 09, 2016, 3:19PM

                                            • Miracle Mal has lost his temper!

                                              Hahahahahahahaha

                                              Commenter
                                              Real Politik
                                              Date and time
                                              February 09, 2016, 3:03PM

                                              • he's channelling Gillard

                                                "I will not be lectured to by a man who..."

                                                Commenter
                                                rod steiger
                                                Location
                                                toukley
                                                Date and time
                                                February 09, 2016, 3:09PM

                                            • 2.58 Stephanie.
                                              With the same end result I trust.
                                              Trust, sorry, strange word to use when referring to a con frere,

                                              Commenter
                                              fizzybeer
                                              Date and time
                                              February 09, 2016, 3:02PM

                                              • Looks like Stuart Robert (or is that Robert Stuart...) is as guilty as a puppy sitting next to a pile of poo.

                                                Commenter
                                                davemac
                                                Location
                                                Melbourne
                                                Date and time
                                                February 09, 2016, 3:02PM

                                                • Oh goody, Bill's got some fertiliser for his Medicare scare campaign(and the lettuce), how thoughtful

                                                  Commenter
                                                  Smack
                                                  Location
                                                  City of the Fallen
                                                  Date and time
                                                  February 09, 2016, 3:38PM

                                              • The Pulse 2:58PM

                                                Looks like the same piece of carpet heading to the Dispatches Box is going to have to be replaced.

                                                Commenter
                                                A Green
                                                Location
                                                Australia
                                                Date and time
                                                February 09, 2016, 3:02PM

                                                • He's been fitted out with a pair of Kadaitcha (emu feather, hair and dried blood) shoes.
                                                  They leave no tracks.

                                                  Commenter
                                                  A country gal
                                                  Date and time
                                                  February 09, 2016, 3:41PM

                                              • ...says the man who wants to take away cleaning worker's penalty rates. What a phoney.

                                                Commenter
                                                Real Politik
                                                Date and time
                                                February 09, 2016, 3:02PM

                                                • Mal Feasance seems a lot more sober than 4 months ago

                                                  The New Era of Innovation, Tranquility and Niceness seems to be evaporating

                                                  Commenter
                                                  rod steiger
                                                  Location
                                                  toukley
                                                  Date and time
                                                  February 09, 2016, 2:59PM

                                                  • His life destiny appears to be to age as quickly as possible as a result of shielding the ministers he appointed from the heat of the kitchen fire.

                                                    Commenter
                                                    fizzybeer
                                                    Date and time
                                                    February 09, 2016, 3:04PM

                                                • Frydenberg is still pushing the barrow for India to get cheap energy, reading between the lines, (coal)

                                                  Hunt gave Adani the go ahead for him to gouge the earth for more coal, seems like the main reason Adani hasn't taken up the baton, is twofold

                                                  First the arse has fallen out of the price for coal

                                                  Second he is having trouble getting finance for this folly

                                                  But Josh is doing his best to get him across the line

                                                  Commenter
                                                  fiberal
                                                  Location
                                                  darwin
                                                  Date and time
                                                  February 09, 2016, 2:57PM

                                                  • fiberal

                                                    http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/business/comment-and-analysis/adani-a-dud-candidate-for-government-support-20150605-ghhfqx

                                                    Commenter
                                                    A Green
                                                    Location
                                                    Australia
                                                    Date and time
                                                    February 09, 2016, 3:06PM

                                                  • The most recent approval for Adani was given by the ALP state government in QLD!
                                                    They are pushing for it to start soon.

                                                    Commenter
                                                    andrew
                                                    Date and time
                                                    February 09, 2016, 3:10PM

                                                • "What we know in the past is what we know now"

                                                  Dutton protecting us ....... from logic ?

                                                  Commenter
                                                  A Green
                                                  Location
                                                  Australia
                                                  Date and time
                                                  February 09, 2016, 2:56PM

                                                  • When the going gets tough the LNP bring out the Blue Ties aas per today's gent in the spotlight - you would think they would have worked out that it is not good to associate with an Abbottism - not a good career move

                                                    Commenter
                                                    Banish Blue Ties
                                                    Date and time
                                                    February 09, 2016, 2:56PM

                                                    • @1.06

                                                      Robert looks like he's taken a swig of vinegar

                                                      a very sour day for him

                                                      Commenter
                                                      rod steiger
                                                      Location
                                                      toukley
                                                      Date and time
                                                      February 09, 2016, 2:52PM

                                                      • Rice Wine vinegar most likely.

                                                        Commenter
                                                        A country gal
                                                        Date and time
                                                        February 09, 2016, 2:54PM

                                                      • Year of the Monkey

                                                        Commenter
                                                        MST
                                                        Date and time
                                                        February 09, 2016, 2:57PM

                                                      • Mai Tai (blue, of course).

                                                        Commenter
                                                        Min Wingster
                                                        Location
                                                        State Circle
                                                        Date and time
                                                        February 09, 2016, 3:10PM

                                                    • While we’re talking of privatisation,
                                                      and the things that are good for the nation,
                                                      why not flog off this Question Time twaddle —
                                                      surely selling it would be a doddle?

                                                      Who will bid for this packaged flapdoodle?
                                                      Come on people, try using your noodle!
                                                      Just imagine its myriad uses,
                                                      and forget all those silly excuses!

                                                      Let me see now, there’s er…um…oh golly!
                                                      Wait a minute now, what price a pollie
                                                      if you cost them by what they’re achieving,
                                                      or perhaps by their skill at deceiving?

                                                      I’ll accept any bids that you’re making,
                                                      get a move on, they’re up for the taking!
                                                      Fifty bucks? No? Well, how about twenty?
                                                      If you need some hot air, they’ve got plenty!

                                                      They could heat your whole house pretty cheaply,
                                                      for the prices are going up steeply,
                                                      so let’s hear it — if I was to wake ’em,
                                                      is there anyone willing to take ’em?

                                                      Commenter
                                                      Gazza from Grong Grong
                                                      Date and time
                                                      February 09, 2016, 2:52PM

                                                      • 7 cents if you throw in the steak knives.

                                                        Commenter
                                                        fizzybeer
                                                        Date and time
                                                        February 09, 2016, 2:55PM

                                                      • Sorry, Gazza, I'm decluttering.

                                                        Commenter
                                                        Banjo
                                                        Location
                                                        Eden
                                                        Date and time
                                                        February 09, 2016, 3:07PM

                                                    • 12:43 – “The government has moved to gag Mr Dreyfus”.

                                                      So once again, here we have the Liberals trying to block any debate and hide their Ministers from being held to account. Once again running protection for their own, but they don’t seem to get it, that you can’t run and hide from these scandals like they did back in the day. Just ask Brough and Briggs how that turned out.

                                                      In the end, Turnbull just looks weak and the entire party looks shonky. Feathering their own nests and protecting each other from accountability is their first, second and third priority. Acting on behalf of their Constituents barely rates a mention for these Liberals. For Shame!

                                                      Commenter
                                                      Snapperhead
                                                      Location
                                                      The Reef
                                                      Date and time
                                                      February 09, 2016, 2:52PM

                                                      • They learnt well under the Gillard Rudd governments and their gagging of debate!

                                                        Commenter
                                                        andrew
                                                        Date and time
                                                        February 09, 2016, 2:57PM

                                                      • Just as well we have 7:30 report, Media Watch, Insiders & Q&A. Some forums at least for politicians to be held to account. No real equivalent in the privately-held media as that would mean biting the hand that feeds.

                                                        Commenter
                                                        mitch of ACT
                                                        Date and time
                                                        February 09, 2016, 3:02PM

                                                    • Looks like Mr Robert plans on hanging in with an iron grip - he is "confident" he has done nothing wrong - don't think he is the best judge of that. Did he vote for Mal - is that why he is not getting the push ASAP ?

                                                      Commenter
                                                      Banish Blue Ties
                                                      Date and time
                                                      February 09, 2016, 2:51PM

                                                      • How dare shonky Turnbull stand in our parliament talking about a 21C economy, when he deliberately ruined our top-of-the-line NBN.

                                                        Anyone tripped over his unsightly fibre to the node boxes popping up like mushrooms? They’ve become potentially dangerous obstacles to all pedestrians , cyclists, the disabled etc Won’t be long before some gets seriously hurt and sues this incompetent LNP.

                                                        Turnbull laughs off privatising Medicare & Aged Care payments lying it brings us into digital age. Note, laughs – Turnbull seems to think everything is funny. Try & contact Centrelink? Nigh impossible online and via phones after serious LNP cuts.

                                                        Australians now learn major banks are lining up to provide these services. possibly processed offshore. Lets get real here. This LNP don’t believe in ‘a social contract’ and put profit before people. The banks are jostling to make profits.

                                                        Hundreds of thousands (probably millions) spent on the White & Green Papers which Turnbull/Morrison refuse to release. Well – now Australians glean what they’re hiding.

                                                        This LNP will continue to do their ideological worst. No transparency, no democracy. Laughing Turnbulls just like them; unpalatable.

                                                        Commenter
                                                        misspunch
                                                        Date and time
                                                        February 09, 2016, 2:50PM

                                                        • Got any facts mixed in there Punch?
                                                          Plenty of "probably" and "potentially", but not much "actually"...

                                                          Do you come from the same fear-school as Shorten?

                                                          Commenter
                                                          The Sniper
                                                          Location
                                                          Under your bed
                                                          Date and time
                                                          February 09, 2016, 2:57PM

                                                        • Sniper - a bit like the Govt with policies and programs

                                                          Commenter
                                                          MST
                                                          Date and time
                                                          February 09, 2016, 3:02PM

                                                        • Sniper
                                                          Incompetence at its best from the LNP on public viewing.

                                                          Commenter
                                                          Apopiso
                                                          Date and time
                                                          February 09, 2016, 3:04PM

                                                      • Miracle Mal is talking of Tenterfield Saddler as if he knows what the song is about.

                                                        He looks more shallow as each day passes.

                                                        Commenter
                                                        Real Politik
                                                        Date and time
                                                        February 09, 2016, 2:50PM

                                                        • Good point, RP.

                                                          Commenter
                                                          Quick Comment.
                                                          Date and time
                                                          February 09, 2016, 2:59PM

                                                        • Give him a break. He is trying very hard to be a man of the people. Which people, I don't know. But people. Some people. Any one really.

                                                          Commenter
                                                          Pluto
                                                          Location
                                                          Melbourne
                                                          Date and time
                                                          February 09, 2016, 3:15PM

                                                      • 2:38 Little Chrissie is 0 for 2 in QT, so much for being a fixer.

                                                        Commenter
                                                        John
                                                        Date and time
                                                        February 09, 2016, 2:48PM

                                                        • The Pulse 2:45PM

                                                          The Humans are not getting serviced.

                                                          It's like listening to the Finance Dept.

                                                          Commenter
                                                          A Green
                                                          Location
                                                          Australia
                                                          Date and time
                                                          February 09, 2016, 2:47PM

                                                          • Those photos of LNP pollies look like a bunch of yesterday's men - at least Phil is finally hanging up his safari suit. Just need Abbott, Bishop, et al to follow

                                                            Commenter
                                                            Banish Blue Ties
                                                            Date and time
                                                            February 09, 2016, 2:41PM

                                                            • bored out of their minds waiting for the opposition to actually ask something worth listeni9ong to............
                                                              Talk about a waste of tax payers money!......

                                                              Commenter
                                                              andrew
                                                              Date and time
                                                              February 09, 2016, 2:55PM

                                                            • Bored out of their minds with the inept Govt - probably pondering what they will do when they are tossed out at the next election - they a ll thought dumping Tony was the answer - they need to dump his policies and dead wood pollies as well

                                                              Commenter
                                                              MST
                                                              Date and time
                                                              February 09, 2016, 3:01PM

                                                          • i sense that Robert is going to go the way of all Broughs

                                                            Commenter
                                                            rod steiger
                                                            Location
                                                            toukley
                                                            Date and time
                                                            February 09, 2016, 2:40PM

                                                            • Captain Robert rod. Another Duntroon alumni. I wonder how many Duntroon boys are in the House.
                                                              Hastie another, Nicolic?

                                                              Commenter
                                                              A country gal
                                                              Date and time
                                                              February 09, 2016, 2:50PM

                                                          • All gone.
                                                            Pulse weakening.
                                                            Outlook as grim as Hockey making a comeback to show Scomo the way to balance the books.

                                                            Commenter
                                                            fizzybeer
                                                            Date and time
                                                            February 09, 2016, 2:37PM

                                                            • You're showing your socialist tendencies there fizzy - outsourcing doesn't have to be public / private.

                                                              You could even outsource your commenting services, but we'd all be poorer for it !

                                                              Commenter
                                                              Hacka
                                                              Location
                                                              Canberra
                                                              Date and time
                                                              February 09, 2016, 2:36PM

                                                              • Deja vu vu.
                                                                Have we met before?

                                                                Commenter
                                                                fizzybeer
                                                                Date and time
                                                                February 09, 2016, 2:54PM

                                                            • Hacka,

                                                              I've been out so only now responding to your comment about outsourcing Public Service functions to Private Enterprise to save money on Medicare.

                                                              Outsourcing public service functions has a bad track record.

                                                              In his disastrous Budget of 2014, Hockey sacked Public Servants and outsourced their activities to Private Contractors. Initial saving $182 million dollars.

                                                              Cost of having functions outsourced $432 million dollars.

                                                              So much for outsourcing.

                                                              Everything that has been taken off the PS in Victoria and given to Private Enterprise has been a disaster and I mean everything!

                                                              Commenter
                                                              Good to Go
                                                              Location
                                                              Melbourne
                                                              Date and time
                                                              February 09, 2016, 2:35PM

                                                              • GtG - your example doesn't help much if we don't know what the total cost of the service was prior to transfer to contractors.

                                                                If your dig is at removing public servants, don't forget that Gillard chopped 12,500.

                                                                Commenter
                                                                Hacka
                                                                Location
                                                                Canberra
                                                                Date and time
                                                                February 09, 2016, 3:00PM

                                                            • Good one Tanya.

                                                              Commenter
                                                              A country gal
                                                              Date and time
                                                              February 09, 2016, 2:33PM

                                                              • Is she polishing her knife ready to tell Billy he has her full support?

                                                                Commenter
                                                                andrew
                                                                Date and time
                                                                February 09, 2016, 3:05PM

                                                              • No she's polishing Tones dagger.

                                                                Commenter
                                                                Thought Bubble
                                                                Date and time
                                                                February 09, 2016, 3:13PM

                                                            • While Miracle Mal waffles on with a reply to a Dixer, Labor MP's are all looking at their phones and IPads.

                                                              I hope they keep it up. After a few months poor old Jellyback will begin to lose some of his excessive self-regard.

                                                              Commenter
                                                              Real Politik
                                                              Date and time
                                                              February 09, 2016, 2:24PM

                                                              • I think we have the next winner!

                                                                Commenter
                                                                fizzybeer
                                                                Date and time
                                                                February 09, 2016, 2:27PM

                                                              • Real Politik

                                                                Probably can't believe that Telstra is out.

                                                                An "Innovation" thingy.

                                                                Commenter
                                                                A Green
                                                                Location
                                                                Australia
                                                                Date and time
                                                                February 09, 2016, 2:28PM

                                                              • ah they look at their phones and ipads when even their own people are asking a question and then the ALP turn into an infantile rabble!

                                                                Commenter
                                                                andrew
                                                                Date and time
                                                                February 09, 2016, 2:35PM

                                                            • The extremely uncomfortable relationship between the LNP and Telstra continues. It goes back a long way and Turnbull as Comm Minister didn't hurt but looks like the Medicare privatisation plan has been a long time in the works and I daresay probably even before the 2013 election.

                                                              http://www.smh.com.au/business/telstra-dives-into-online-health-services-20141021-119on6.html

                                                              Commenter
                                                              More Monkey Business
                                                              Date and time
                                                              February 09, 2016, 2:20PM

                                                              • Billy has been in the veggie aisle again buying his lettuce to try to damage the government!
                                                                What type today ?

                                                                Commenter
                                                                andrew
                                                                Date and time
                                                                February 09, 2016, 2:17PM

                                                                • The gov't is probably willing that Bill would lettuce alone.

                                                                  Commenter
                                                                  mitch of ACT
                                                                  Date and time
                                                                  February 09, 2016, 2:22PM

                                                                • You don't need to buy anything when the other side is full of cabbages.

                                                                  Commenter
                                                                  ah ha
                                                                  Date and time
                                                                  February 09, 2016, 2:22PM

                                                                • pineapple lettuce

                                                                  Commenter
                                                                  rod steiger
                                                                  Location
                                                                  toukley
                                                                  Date and time
                                                                  February 09, 2016, 2:23PM

                                                                • I guess it would be the sort of veggies they throw into the LNP trough.

                                                                  Commenter
                                                                  Emu of Justice
                                                                  Date and time
                                                                  February 09, 2016, 2:24PM

                                                                • Emu - we need to keep the pigs away from the trough.

                                                                  Commenter
                                                                  ah ha
                                                                  Date and time
                                                                  February 09, 2016, 2:26PM

                                                                • ...I'm told pigs really like cabbages.

                                                                  Commenter
                                                                  Thought Bubble
                                                                  Date and time
                                                                  February 09, 2016, 2:27PM

                                                                • When asked why he was there, he just said, "Cos."

                                                                  Commenter
                                                                  shayne
                                                                  Date and time
                                                                  February 09, 2016, 2:32PM

                                                                • emu maybe he just grabbed a few leaves from the ALP trough on his way in ??

                                                                  Commenter
                                                                  andrew
                                                                  Date and time
                                                                  February 09, 2016, 2:32PM

                                                                • You can just imagine the Pieman saying " Lettuce us rejoice, there's no need for a GST scare campaign any more"....

                                                                  Commenter
                                                                  Smack
                                                                  Location
                                                                  City of the Fallen
                                                                  Date and time
                                                                  February 09, 2016, 2:35PM

                                                                • sour grapes from the fruit isle

                                                                  Commenter
                                                                  davemac
                                                                  Location
                                                                  Melbourne
                                                                  Date and time
                                                                  February 09, 2016, 2:35PM

                                                                • Green lines are obviously not your strong point, Andrew. If I could make a couple of suggestions…

                                                                  They’re hunting for an advantage… lettuce prey. It will all come to a head at the OK Coral. Why? Cos, that’s why.

                                                                  No, not at all. You’re most welcome.

                                                                  Commenter
                                                                  Gigondas
                                                                  Date and time
                                                                  February 09, 2016, 2:37PM

                                                                • Red Mignonette probably.

                                                                  Commenter
                                                                  Hacka
                                                                  Location
                                                                  Canberra
                                                                  Date and time
                                                                  February 09, 2016, 2:41PM

                                                                • Lettuce prey.

                                                                  Commenter
                                                                  Banjo
                                                                  Location
                                                                  Eden
                                                                  Date and time
                                                                  February 09, 2016, 2:42PM

                                                                • @shayne. Very good. Very fresh.

                                                                  Commenter
                                                                  Pluto
                                                                  Location
                                                                  Melbourne
                                                                  Date and time
                                                                  February 09, 2016, 2:44PM

                                                                • Sorry, Gig, great minds and all that once again.

                                                                  Commenter
                                                                  Banjo
                                                                  Location
                                                                  Eden
                                                                  Date and time
                                                                  February 09, 2016, 2:46PM

                                                                • @Shayne - Ziiiiinnnnggggggeeerrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!

                                                                  Commenter
                                                                  ah ha
                                                                  Date and time
                                                                  February 09, 2016, 2:50PM

                                                                • @ah ha: we need to get rid of the trough.

                                                                  @andrew: do you reckon the ALP trough is as good as the LNP trough?

                                                                  Commenter
                                                                  Emu of Justice
                                                                  Date and time
                                                                  February 09, 2016, 2:50PM

                                                                • emu Depends if they let the unions build it or not.

                                                                  Commenter
                                                                  andrew
                                                                  Date and time
                                                                  February 09, 2016, 3:01PM

                                                                • @andrew: haha! ZING!

                                                                  Commenter
                                                                  Emu of Justice
                                                                  Date and time
                                                                  February 09, 2016, 3:10PM

                                                              • Hastie's getting a few Q's in this sitting. Perhaps he's considered photogenic.

                                                                Commenter
                                                                A country gal
                                                                Date and time
                                                                February 09, 2016, 2:14PM

                                                                • He could pass on some grooming tips to Senator McDonald.

                                                                  Commenter
                                                                  stevek
                                                                  Location
                                                                  Sydney
                                                                  Date and time
                                                                  February 09, 2016, 2:24PM

                                                                • and not geriatric

                                                                  Commenter
                                                                  rod steiger
                                                                  Location
                                                                  toukley
                                                                  Date and time
                                                                  February 09, 2016, 2:24PM

                                                                • Did he also bring in a big package Acg?

                                                                  Commenter
                                                                  fizzybeer
                                                                  Date and time
                                                                  February 09, 2016, 2:29PM

                                                                • With ministers dropping like flies, and the likes of Andrews and BBish to choose from, it's not hard to get a gig.

                                                                  Commenter
                                                                  davemac
                                                                  Location
                                                                  Melbourne
                                                                  Date and time
                                                                  February 09, 2016, 2:36PM

                                                                • fizzy, eeaawwwh does nothing for me.
                                                                  Abbott apprentice.

                                                                  Commenter
                                                                  A country gal
                                                                  Date and time
                                                                  February 09, 2016, 3:23PM

                                                                • not a patch on Porter?

                                                                  Commenter
                                                                  fizzybeer
                                                                  Date and time
                                                                  February 09, 2016, 4:16PM

                                                              • Truffles is spruiking up productivity, innovation and jobs. Trouble is he means 457 visas and a sellout TPP.

                                                                Tea Party war on the electorate continues.

                                                                Commenter
                                                                Arthur McKenzie
                                                                Location
                                                                Canberra
                                                                Date and time
                                                                February 09, 2016, 2:09PM

                                                                • Not TPP.
                                                                  Foreign Aid.
                                                                  Source.
                                                                  Berg.
                                                                  IPA.

                                                                  Commenter
                                                                  fizzybeer
                                                                  Date and time
                                                                  February 09, 2016, 2:13PM

                                                                • And privatising our public sector (I know) to overseas operators.

                                                                  Just what will Australians do for a living in future? We can't all be waiting on tables and shuffling cards.

                                                                  Commenter
                                                                  Real Politik
                                                                  Date and time
                                                                  February 09, 2016, 2:14PM

                                                                • Face it Arthur, they, our politicians, will not be happy until every body in Australia is unemployed, or if they are employed they live every day in fear that their job will be outsourced and that they will be made redundant. And as has happened, they will have to train the 457 Visa holders to do their jobs, before being made redundant.

                                                                  Commenter
                                                                  Pluto
                                                                  Location
                                                                  Melbourne
                                                                  Date and time
                                                                  February 09, 2016, 2:16PM

                                                                • The peak year for 457 visa approvals was under the Gillard government and O'Connor as minister

                                                                  Commenter
                                                                  andrew
                                                                  Date and time
                                                                  February 09, 2016, 2:20PM

                                                                • andrew
                                                                  trajectory rising.
                                                                  How many comply with the sponsorship and 59k rules?

                                                                  Commenter
                                                                  fizzybeer
                                                                  Date and time
                                                                  February 09, 2016, 2:42PM

                                                              • Can you imagine the outrage if Tony Abbott tried to bring in a rise of the GST, can you imagine the outrage if Abbott tried to outsource Medicare to the private sector, I can tell you there would be mass protests in the streets, just like there was with ssm

                                                                This false PM is taking liberties, all in the name of a high % of popularity between him and Shorten

                                                                I double dare you Turnbull to go to an election with those as your innovative policies, what a complete fraud

                                                                Commenter
                                                                fiberal
                                                                Location
                                                                darwin
                                                                Date and time
                                                                February 09, 2016, 2:08PM

                                                                • Probably Terry Butler's turn to get her marching orders today. Doesn't she realize that even that won't take the attention away from Shorten's unpopularity in the polls and his lies about tax reform .

                                                                  Commenter
                                                                  enough is enough
                                                                  Date and time
                                                                  February 09, 2016, 2:05PM

                                                                  • What tax reform?

                                                                    Commenter
                                                                    Nuff Nuff
                                                                    Date and time
                                                                    February 09, 2016, 2:10PM

                                                                  • Speaking of lies EiE.
                                                                    How did you go with that truth in politics component of your plan to run for parliament?
                                                                    Still working on it?

                                                                    Commenter
                                                                    fizzybeer
                                                                    Date and time
                                                                    February 09, 2016, 2:16PM

                                                                  • The silliness of the thought of the tactic even working underscores the ridiculousness of merely proposing the tactic.

                                                                    Commenter
                                                                    Quick Comment.
                                                                    Date and time
                                                                    February 09, 2016, 2:27PM

                                                                • This is about giving Liberal Party donors access to $50 billion dollars worth of taxpayer's money set aside to be spent on health.

                                                                  None of the aforementioned players provide health services, which gives you some idea of what is really going on here.

                                                                  Commenter
                                                                  Real Politik
                                                                  Date and time
                                                                  February 09, 2016, 2:04PM

                                                                    • I think our politicians are so dismal I might pencil in a box for Bernie Sanders, US Senator for Vermont, at our next election, and vote for him. (Our lot seem never to have any vision of anything for anything at all)

                                                                      Commenter
                                                                      Pluto
                                                                      Location
                                                                      Melbourne
                                                                      Date and time
                                                                      February 09, 2016, 2:39PM

                                                                  • 1:57 - live video - computer says no ?

                                                                    Outsource it !

                                                                    Commenter
                                                                    Hacka
                                                                    Location
                                                                    Canberra
                                                                    Date and time
                                                                    February 09, 2016, 2:03PM

                                                                    • It isn't taxpayer owned hacka.
                                                                      They can't.

                                                                      Commenter
                                                                      fizzybeer
                                                                      Date and time
                                                                      February 09, 2016, 2:17PM

                                                                    • They already have most of it haven't they ?

                                                                      Commenter
                                                                      andrew
                                                                      Date and time
                                                                      February 09, 2016, 2:22PM

                                                                    • You're showing your socialist tendencies there fizzy - outsourcing doesn't have to be public / private.

                                                                      You could even outsource your commenting services, but we'd all be poorer for it !

                                                                      Commenter
                                                                      Hacka
                                                                      Location
                                                                      Canberra
                                                                      Date and time
                                                                      February 09, 2016, 2:31PM

                                                                    • flattery, even perhaps ironic, will get you everything but an easy ride:)

                                                                      Commenter
                                                                      fizzybeer
                                                                      Date and time
                                                                      February 09, 2016, 2:45PM

                                                                  • Well yes tucky, you can fire them, you just have to wait until September

                                                                    Commenter
                                                                    fiberal
                                                                    Location
                                                                    darwin
                                                                    Date and time
                                                                    February 09, 2016, 2:03PM

                                                                    • 1.57
                                                                      No loss Stephanie.
                                                                      Your comments portray a better picture.

                                                                      Commenter
                                                                      fizzybeer
                                                                      Date and time
                                                                      February 09, 2016, 2:02PM

                                                                      • Do we have to be subjected to Li'l Bills ugly silly grin dial each time the page refreshes - it is enough to put me off my lunch

                                                                        Commenter
                                                                        gc
                                                                        Date and time
                                                                        February 09, 2016, 2:01PM

                                                                        • @gc, the other day on here you denied that the photo of the decrepit Nauru hospital, as shot by an asylum seeker, was the Nauru hospital. Well it is a hospital on Nauru. The RON Hospital or Republic of Nauru hospital. Google images have a wide-shot of the entrance to the hospital grounds with the RON Hospital sign and the photographed building clearly visible in the background. Next time you seek to run damage control for a failed asylum seeker policy get your facts right.
                                                                          http://www.vladsokhin.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/No_Way_But_Nauru_45.jpg

                                                                          Commenter
                                                                          mitch of ACT
                                                                          Date and time
                                                                          February 09, 2016, 2:21PM

                                                                        • try a caesar salad.
                                                                          lettuce is good for you.

                                                                          Commenter
                                                                          fizzybeer
                                                                          Date and time
                                                                          February 09, 2016, 2:59PM

                                                                        • @mitch of act. The truth will out.

                                                                          Commenter
                                                                          Pluto
                                                                          Location
                                                                          Melbourne
                                                                          Date and time
                                                                          February 09, 2016, 3:22PM

                                                                        • Mitch as usual lefties fail to get it right, and tell fibs . I disputed that the pic was of the refugee camp hospital. I said it was a pic of the Nauru hospital down town as now confirmed by your good self

                                                                          Commenter
                                                                          gc
                                                                          Date and time
                                                                          February 09, 2016, 3:32PM

                                                                        • gc, as usual neocons short on fact

                                                                          Nauru has 2 hospitals, none at the detention centre.

                                                                          Nauru Phosphate Corporation Hospital

                                                                          Nauru General Hospital

                                                                          which one are you referring to "at the refugee camp"??

                                                                          as the detainees are clearly going to one of these above - and one of them is the one pictured

                                                                          ps not expecting a cogent answer

                                                                          Commenter
                                                                          rod steiger
                                                                          Location
                                                                          toukley
                                                                          Date and time
                                                                          February 09, 2016, 3:51PM

                                                                      • Steph - just ran an old video - it is the same farce every day - you could superimpose the ABC radio feed so that we get todays verbal "efforts" and yesterdays tv tape.

                                                                        Commenter
                                                                        MST
                                                                        Date and time
                                                                        February 09, 2016, 2:00PM

                                                                        • 1.06 Now there's an unflattering shot of Roberts. He looks 20 years at least, older than 45.
                                                                          Must be the stress.

                                                                          Commenter
                                                                          A country gal
                                                                          Date and time
                                                                          February 09, 2016, 1:58PM

                                                                          • Absolutely. He could be trying to do some kind of impersonation though, for a future career in entertainment other than the line of entertainment he is currently in. (Pretending he is someone or something else, just like Malcolm. You know a small L Liberal pretending he is not a small L Liberal just to keep his job. But that's another story) Politics and ventriloquism seem made for each other.

                                                                            Commenter
                                                                            Pluto
                                                                            Location
                                                                            Melbourne
                                                                            Date and time
                                                                            February 09, 2016, 2:59PM

                                                                          • But Pluto, he can't even remember his lines, he only has one reply- a la Brough.
                                                                            "Refer to my last statement".

                                                                            Commenter
                                                                            A country gal
                                                                            Date and time
                                                                            February 09, 2016, 3:10PM

                                                                          • @A country gal. It's the first line they learn at pollie school. And how to pull the wool over the eyes of the electorate is the second.

                                                                            Commenter
                                                                            Pluto
                                                                            Location
                                                                            Melbourne
                                                                            Date and time
                                                                            February 09, 2016, 3:28PM

                                                                        • 1:00 PM Ley has got to be kidding. This is typical LNP privatisation for the sake of privatisation. Yippee get on the LNP is in government gravy train. The technology she is talking about is not something that needs major overhaul such as, total privatisation or outsourcing. This is smoke and mirrors.

                                                                          Examples of privatisation like electricity and gas has resulted in higher costs by bringing in an extra player - retail and lack of competition.

                                                                          Centrelink outsourcing Jobsearch has been a money grab by dodgy operators. See report on 4 Corners last year. I also know people having used this service and what they get is underpaid and under qualified people that tell them to look up the yellow pages for local businesses and ask them for a job. Really.

                                                                          Telstra has probably the worst customer service on the planet and its systems are like a bowl of spaghetti. It is also mostly outsourced itself so you are adding another layer of cost.

                                                                          I see another disaster from the LNP and this is only the start. It has nothing to do with reform and innovation. God help us if they get another term.

                                                                          Commenter
                                                                          More Monkey Business
                                                                          Date and time
                                                                          February 09, 2016, 1:58PM

                                                                          • To me, the timing of Medicare issue has the effect of taking the heat out of a LNP minister who was officially received by a Chinese vice minister in the former's private capacity.

                                                                            Hmm...I swear that I saw pigs flying in the sky in their flying outfits.....

                                                                            Commenter
                                                                            A student
                                                                            Date and time
                                                                            February 09, 2016, 4:04PM

                                                                        • I'm not sure any camera angle would make much difference to some Senators or MP's. A makeover in the other hand . . . . Pity Entitlements don't extend to this. My guess is that they don't want the average punter in the street telling them what they think a la the PM in Manuka this week - keep the camera away and they can stay largely unknown

                                                                          Commenter
                                                                          MST
                                                                          Date and time
                                                                          February 09, 2016, 1:57PM

                                                                          • $keptic 11.48
                                                                            no doctor $keptic
                                                                            This sounds eerily similar to the experiences of a friend of ours.
                                                                            Eventually found to be twisted bowel.
                                                                            Get is sorted and good luck.

                                                                            Commenter
                                                                            fizzybeer
                                                                            Date and time
                                                                            February 09, 2016, 1:55PM

                                                                            • Fizzy

                                                                              Met with a specialist at Cabrini yesterday and suspect the same. Have his card and the next time it occurs, he will try and make it to the hospital to perform a laparoscopy whilst I am still in the suffering mode. Otherwise, having one now is like finding a needle in the haystack. Waiting game now

                                                                              Commenter
                                                                              $keptic
                                                                              Location
                                                                              Melborne
                                                                              Date and time
                                                                              February 09, 2016, 2:27PM

                                                                          • Trigg's remains the most featured photograph. Must be a hidden message in that.

                                                                            Commenter
                                                                            enough is enough
                                                                            Date and time
                                                                            February 09, 2016, 1:53PM

                                                                            • Stats? Accompanying analysis showing over-representation in respect to issues of the day?

                                                                              Commenter
                                                                              Quick Comment.
                                                                              Date and time
                                                                              February 09, 2016, 2:09PM

                                                                            • yes, we know, you'd prefer pics of MacDonald

                                                                              Commenter
                                                                              rod steiger
                                                                              Location
                                                                              toukley
                                                                              Date and time
                                                                              February 09, 2016, 2:15PM

                                                                            • Job advertisement?

                                                                              Commenter
                                                                              Smack
                                                                              Location
                                                                              City of the Fallen
                                                                              Date and time
                                                                              February 09, 2016, 2:38PM

                                                                            • Fairfax forgotting that voting for Australian activist of the year has closed already and a winner has already been announced.

                                                                              Commenter
                                                                              Fruitcakes and Watermelons
                                                                              Date and time
                                                                              February 09, 2016, 2:45PM

                                                                          • 1.49 pm. This is getting emotional.

                                                                            Commenter
                                                                            enough is enough
                                                                            Date and time
                                                                            February 09, 2016, 1:51PM

                                                                            • Photo at 1.06pm
                                                                              Frydenburg and Baldwin doing grief counselling with Robert over his ailing career.

                                                                              Commenter
                                                                              Pat McGroyne
                                                                              Date and time
                                                                              February 09, 2016, 1:51PM

                                                                              • That photo at 11:08am, "Liberal MP Tony Abbott leaves the house after a division at Parliament House in Canberra on Monday 8 February. Photo: Andrew Meares" I keep on going back to it. What on earth is that gizmo sticking out of the wall? Is it a camera, an air-conditioner, a loud-speaker? I imagine that it is some kind of giant vacuum cleaner that tries to suck politicians as they stroll past. The Australian people appreciate a sparkly and fresh parliament with scrupulously sparkly and fresh, and clean, politicians.

                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                Pluto
                                                                                Location
                                                                                Melbourne
                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                February 09, 2016, 1:48PM

                                                                                • It's a camera. The same as they have in the Senate and also what's now known as the Federation Chamber (used to be the Main Committee Room) where they always do press conferences when the Premiers are in town. Being used for Estimates at the moment.

                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                  Min Wingster
                                                                                  Location
                                                                                  State Circle
                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                  February 09, 2016, 2:59PM

                                                                                • Thanks for enlightening us. Seriously.

                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                  Pluto
                                                                                  Location
                                                                                  Melbourne
                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                  February 09, 2016, 3:20PM

                                                                              • Ian Macdonald is just following Liberal policy of blaming the messenger. Just as workers on Manus and Nauru are not allowed to say anything bad about conditions there, Ian thinks that photographers should not take photos that challenge his image of himself as a latter day Clark Gable.

                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                Gigondas
                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                February 09, 2016, 1:43PM

                                                                                • Ha ha - he needs to get his eyes checked me thinks

                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                  MST
                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                  February 09, 2016, 2:01PM

                                                                              • I think the Australian people are getting a little sick and tired of the LNP's shenanigans, rorts and conduct in general. Turnbull has shown how poor his judgement is first with Brough, then Briggs and now Stuart Robert. Throw in failures on taxation, health, education, climate change and even the rusted ons must be scratching their heads. They need to be punted at the election so they can purge their current rabble and be taught a lesson. Nothing's changed since Abbott was knifed, if anything it seems to be getting worse.

                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                Conservative disease
                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                February 09, 2016, 1:43PM

                                                                                • The Libs are well in the running to be consigned to a telephone box at the next election. Beset by no policies, failures, debt blowout, scandals, sackings, child cruelty. What an enviable record.

                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                  mitch of ACT
                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                  February 09, 2016, 2:03PM

                                                                              • Has Sarah calmed down and apologised yet? This is a test of Di Natale. I suspect he will fail again.

                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                enough is enough
                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                February 09, 2016, 1:38PM

                                                                                • He will if Abbott will.
                                                                                  if we are still around to witness the end of the Abbott apology.

                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                  fizzybeer
                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                  February 09, 2016, 1:43PM

                                                                                • No doubt Penny & Tanya will demand sackings over this....

                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                  The Sniper
                                                                                  Location
                                                                                  In the trough
                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                  February 09, 2016, 1:44PM

                                                                                • Giver her time, EiE - the party is still digesting all your other tips from today on how to run the party.

                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                  Emu of Justice
                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                  February 09, 2016, 1:44PM

                                                                              • sarah hanson young would be a excellent choice for Immigration minister under the next Labor Green govt in sept 2016

                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                will
                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                February 09, 2016, 1:36PM

                                                                                • SHY is a joke and a serial bawler, sniffle, sob ,and tells too many porkies

                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                  gc
                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                  February 09, 2016, 2:07PM

                                                                                • Start the Boats, recruit those Greens votes.

                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                  Fruitcakes and Watermelons
                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                  February 09, 2016, 2:41PM

                                                                              • Is it just me or are we descending into a Democrat/Republican style paralysis here in Australia.
                                                                                Neither Liberal or Labor can have a grown up conversation with each other and get something done for the country.
                                                                                Enough of the agendas and start doing what is right.

                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                Drewboy
                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                February 09, 2016, 1:32PM

                                                                                • who will set the agenda to do right?

                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                  rod steiger
                                                                                  Location
                                                                                  toukley
                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                  February 09, 2016, 1:42PM

                                                                              • The polemic by Tucky, reveals a shortsighted view of contemporary politics. It reveals one, who will not be involved in the process of government, of the political system. If Tucky is sincere in seeking accountability of politicians, then why is Tucky reluctant to be part of the process, be seen to be involved in party politics, governmental accountability and the role of Government. It is very easy to mock the system, but where is Tucky. Sadly, Tucky belongs to that unhappy band of malcontents, who are disinterested in ensuring that elected Representatives honour their Public Office. With all the faults of Public Office, our system has respect for public comment. That is not the reality in other regimes. where Public Office is absent. Succinctly, stop whinging and be involved. It is, after all, your country..

                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                Robert - Hunter
                                                                                Location
                                                                                Hunter Valley
                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                February 09, 2016, 1:32PM

                                                                                • Mocking the system and those who defend its deficiencies IS a part of the political process. Stipulating that one must become a part of the inner workings of politics in order to be truly involved in it puts the lie to your claim that Public Office respects public comment. The respect you are outlining here, Robert - Hunter is the self-respect of those in the political system, not the respect of those whom it has power over.

                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                  Quick Comment.
                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                  February 09, 2016, 2:08PM

                                                                                • Could get crowded if we all attend the party in the big tent.
                                                                                  Of course we are all interested in seeing our elected representatives fulfil their responsibilities of public office.
                                                                                  What do you think we bother to comment for?
                                                                                  The honour you mention, well, a few most certainly do.
                                                                                  And a lot..........?

                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                  fizzybeer
                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                  February 09, 2016, 2:12PM

                                                                              • 12.48
                                                                                Perhaps Senator MacDonald should've put some Lippy on.

                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                A country gal
                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                February 09, 2016, 1:24PM

                                                                                • I liked Rod Steiger's suggestion at 12.59 that MacDonald could consider a makeover. John Howard had one. Hell, even Margaret Thatcher had one, complete with elocution lessons.

                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                  Banjo
                                                                                  Location
                                                                                  Eden
                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                  February 09, 2016, 1:40PM

                                                                                • Yes Banjo and the way that mouth is so downturned the lippy wouldn't show.
                                                                                  Howard had a drastic one, brows, teeth, eyes.
                                                                                  Maybe Ian could join the Botox club, that seems to be the rage. Kev could give him some tips on hair colour.Some spandex to tuck the paunch in. New glasses or contacts.
                                                                                  Job done.

                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                  A country gal
                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                  February 09, 2016, 1:55PM

                                                                                • Banjo

                                                                                  Speaking of elocution lessons, I do wish Shorten would have some speech lessons - he is so awkward I am surprised nobody has suggested it to him.

                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                  PEarn
                                                                                  Location
                                                                                  Melbourne
                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                  February 09, 2016, 2:46PM

                                                                                • Agree, PEarn

                                                                                  I don't mind that Bill Shorten is softly spoken, and in fact that's quite a relief after Abbott's loud aggressive tones. Bill speaks in a monotone, and needs to deliver with some rise and fall in his speech rhythms. He also needs to speak more directly to the cameras. His eye should engage with his putative listeners/watchers.

                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                  Banjo
                                                                                  Location
                                                                                  Eden
                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                  February 09, 2016, 3:04PM

                                                                              • @1:15, Nick proudly indicates how many times last year he managed to remain in the house for an entire Question Time.

                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                Gigondas
                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                February 09, 2016, 1:24PM

                                                                                • I thought he was wittily saluting Alex Ellinghausen.

                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                  Banjo
                                                                                  Location
                                                                                  Eden
                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                  February 09, 2016, 2:38PM

                                                                              • hacka
                                                                                Far from private enterprise doing anything that was taxpayer owned at half the cost, the rule of thumb is that they will do it at twice the profit.
                                                                                And we pay twice.
                                                                                Once to set up the taxpayer owned service.
                                                                                And forever to access it at inflated rates.
                                                                                The only beneficiary is the con freres.

                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                fizzybeer
                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                February 09, 2016, 1:22PM

                                                                                • The Pulse @ 12. 48 pm

                                                                                  So Ian Macdonald is one angry chap,
                                                                                  for he is objecting to Alex’s snap,
                                                                                  but it’s a real beauty, a thing of delight
                                                                                  that cheered me immensely, and made the day bright.

                                                                                  I thought of the Muppets, and all that they do
                                                                                  to bring us some laughter, and out of that crew
                                                                                  there’s Statler and Waldorf, and that’s who I saw
                                                                                  in that ripper photo…and shouted “Encore!”

                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                  Gazza from Grong Grong
                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                  February 09, 2016, 1:22PM

                                                                                  • So many parliamentarians, so many muppets.

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    Banjo
                                                                                    Location
                                                                                    Eden
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    February 09, 2016, 1:42PM

                                                                                  • Statler: Wake up you old fool. You slept through the show.
                                                                                    Waldorf: Who's a fool? You watched it.

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    stevek
                                                                                    Location
                                                                                    Sydney
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    February 09, 2016, 1:56PM

                                                                                • 1.00 Well Ms Ley why can't the Govt advance with it's IT?
                                                                                  Why use the excuse only private industry has the capabilities.
                                                                                  After all didn't Mal invent the Internet?
                                                                                  No- yet more spin, this is IPA policy 101.

                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                  A country gal
                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                  February 09, 2016, 1:21PM

                                                                                  • @acg, maintaining IT infrastructure is expensive. That's why Centrelink is in such a mess in dealing with clients. An external IT provider has the number of clients to make maintaining up-to-date IT worthwhile and more cost-efficient. It could make sense to outsource IT functions if client privacy could be ensured. But the moment that data leaves our shores nothing can be guaranteed. An external provider is only interested in processing offshore due to cheaper labour and sheer volume from many clients.

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    mitch of ACT
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    February 09, 2016, 1:42PM

                                                                                  • Mitch surely a few less of those flying lemons and Subs would be a good start in improving Govt IT.
                                                                                    How many squillions spent on the ASIO new building etc- which was not without flaw from Hackers.
                                                                                    They can do it but they are just intent on privatising whatever they can that isn't nailed down.
                                                                                    Speaking of finances ScoMo has been totally ignoring the ASX and stock market- too intent on trashing medicare now his GST hike has all but disappeared.

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    A country gal
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    February 09, 2016, 2:05PM

                                                                                  • ACG

                                                                                    I don't get the constant sniping against Centrelink and Medicare - Centrelink exceedingly polite and helpful, Medicare, payment into my account the day after claiming online.

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    PEarn
                                                                                    Location
                                                                                    Melbourne
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    February 09, 2016, 2:42PM

                                                                                  • PEarn, they've been trying to dismantle Medicare since it's inception.
                                                                                    Ideologically opposed to a fair system.
                                                                                    They've revisited the "IPA 75", not that they ever left it.
                                                                                    I feel for the Frontline crew, re lack of them.
                                                                                    They have been savagely cut under this mob. I've recently had a lot to do with Public Hospitals re Op (conducted the next day) then daily dressings- excellent service.
                                                                                    They are biting more than they can chew on this one, most Australians are proud of Universal Health care.
                                                                                    They deliberately cut funding to coerce the States to agree to a rise in GST.

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    A country gal
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    February 09, 2016, 4:10PM

                                                                                • Macdonald complaining about his picture?

                                                                                  Isn't he supposed to be concentrating on Senate Estimates? What's he doing playing with his phone? Get back to work!!

                                                                                  Thank goodness photographs capture images and don't measure IQ!

                                                                                  And if O'Sullivan suggests no difference in refugee health outcomes if they lived in a suburb in Australia, then LET THEM LIVE IN A SUBURB IN AUSTRALIA!

                                                                                  Are these clowns being paid to spruik this nonsense?

                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                  Grizwald
                                                                                  Location
                                                                                  Sydney
                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                  February 09, 2016, 1:20PM

                                                                                  • Miracle Mal is reported to have told his party room today that the claimed benefits of a 15% GST didn't withstand scrutiny.

                                                                                    At last, a politician who will admit that a regressive consumption tax does not benefit any nation's people or economy.

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    Real Politik
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    February 09, 2016, 1:20PM

                                                                                    • That's not going to go down well with the puppets tea party masters.

                                                                                      Things just got interesting

                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                      DirkDiggler
                                                                                      Location
                                                                                      LNPHQ
                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                      February 09, 2016, 1:43PM

                                                                                  • An interesting development on the Stuart Robert China trip. It seems Robert flew to Singapore on the taxpayer's dime (on official business), and then took a side trip to China from Singapore. While the SIN-China-SIN legs were not publicly-funded, Robert's trip to China was effectively subsidised by the tax-payer because his fare was only from SIN and not SYD, which would have been a lot more expensive. And let's not forget the SYD-SIN-SYD flights were Business Class, so the subsidy is greater than would have been the case for economy fare.

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    Lou Kneewright
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    February 09, 2016, 1:13PM

                                                                                    • It all boils down to whether or not it is acceptable for Ministers to use their position to further the interests of private parties.

                                                                                      Turnbull's Ministerial Code of Conduct says it isn't. But as with everything Turnbull says, that doesn't mean much.

                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                      Real Politik
                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                      February 09, 2016, 1:33PM

                                                                                  • The Pulse 100PM

                                                                                    Australians spend $20 billion on gambling every year ...... and no one has a problem collecting that money.

                                                                                    So what has this govt being doing the last 29 months ?

                                                                                    Appears its not a tax problem but a how to pick up the taxes problem.

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    A Green
                                                                                    Location
                                                                                    Australia
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    February 09, 2016, 1:13PM

                                                                                    • True, and all that gambling money should be put into the GST pot every year. But considering the Eastern-centric Feds, I doubt that will ever happen.

                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                      Sure
                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                      February 09, 2016, 1:33PM

                                                                                  • Is it just me or does the parliament seem to have a particularly mean streak to it today, from all sides perspective ?

                                                                                    And it's only lunchtime.

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    Hacka
                                                                                    Location
                                                                                    Canberra
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    February 09, 2016, 1:11PM

                                                                                    • i thought you were the champion of robust debate, you know, about fathers dying of shame and such

                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                      rod steiger
                                                                                      Location
                                                                                      toukley
                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                      February 09, 2016, 1:29PM

                                                                                    • gee rod, can you go back into the archives a bit further? Clutching, more suited to chooks.

                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                      Sure
                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                      February 09, 2016, 1:35PM

                                                                                    • Sure

                                                                                      pretty much every day of Sir Pository's reign you'll find some droll dig from the LNP

                                                                                      some stand out as clear champions though, most from the era of Ditch the [enter your derogatory epithet here]

                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                      rod steiger
                                                                                      Location
                                                                                      toukley
                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                      February 09, 2016, 2:11PM

                                                                                  • Einie
                                                                                    This is a good one for you and your far right brethren (including Tone).
                                                                                    Luke 6:31
                                                                                    Do to others as you would have them do to you

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    Thought Bubble
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    February 09, 2016, 1:10PM

                                                                                    • Sorry, I meant Sen. McDonald, not Sen McFaralne.

                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                      stevek
                                                                                      Location
                                                                                      Sydney
                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                      February 09, 2016, 1:09PM

                                                                                      • 1PM "The Turnbull Government remains committed to Medicare,"

                                                                                        Hasn't "remain committed to" become on e of the great doublespeak lines of the 21st C (in the same vein as "X enjoys my full confidence".). The commitment is usually to getting rid it. some time in the future.

                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                        stevek
                                                                                        Location
                                                                                        Sydney
                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                        February 09, 2016, 1:08PM

                                                                                        • Just reading Sussan Ley's statement about Medicare and Centrelink. If what she is saying is that they need to get a private sector contractor to build a new system for data and payments then I have no problem, provided the finished product is managed by an Australian Govt agency.

                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                          Lou Kneewright
                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                          February 09, 2016, 1:07PM

                                                                                          • Trust Shorten to turn a discussion about reforming Medicare to equate it to killing medicare. Can we have a debate or discussion on anything with Shorten resorting to catch cries instead of going to the crux of the policy detail and coming up with a counter argument. We saw it with $100k uni degrees, the GST, how long before we hear $1000 medical bills? He may be able to insult the intelligence of 13% of the population. Coincidentally the same proportion of union membership in the workforce but the majority don't buy his empty rhetoric dressed as a credible alternative.

                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                            Piped Piper
                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                            February 09, 2016, 1:06PM

                                                                                            • Bill is correct.
                                                                                              Con double speak.
                                                                                              Reform = destroy

                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                              fizzybeer
                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                              February 09, 2016, 1:30PM

                                                                                            • Catch cries?
                                                                                              Axe the tax. Stop the boats. Jobs and growth. Rorts, rackets and rip-offs. Leaners and lifters.

                                                                                              Others may add to the list.

                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                              Lou Kneewright
                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                              February 09, 2016, 1:34PM

                                                                                            • you mean like the ALP warnings the LNP was going to gut the climate change capabilities of the CSIRO?

                                                                                              oh hang, they did

                                                                                              because the LNP lie their way into office then take their own agenda

                                                                                              Mal Turn Bull is just Abbot in a better suit

                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                              rod steiger
                                                                                              Location
                                                                                              toukley
                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                              February 09, 2016, 1:34PM

                                                                                            • $100 leg of lamb still good though piped?

                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                              fizzybeer
                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                              February 09, 2016, 1:37PM

                                                                                            • Hey PP

                                                                                              Would you like a $100 lamb roast?
                                                                                              Been to the wasteland of division, Port Augusta recently?
                                                                                              .........................
                                                                                              The ALP have been taking lessons from the master of negativity, dysfunction and lies - good old clownshoes.

                                                                                              And do not take this as my agreement/support to the approach of either party. They are both quite appalling - the worst politics I have seen after voting in some 19 federal elections. But I do have to say this govt is looming as an odds on favourite to plumb the depths of the worst, bar none.

                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                              Baldone
                                                                                              Location
                                                                                              Canberra
                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                              February 09, 2016, 1:38PM

                                                                                            • Hey rod what section the 513 jobs lost in the CSIRO under the Swannie Gillard "efficiency dividends" from??

                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                              andrew
                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                              February 09, 2016, 2:31PM

                                                                                            • Replacing a now deprived of GST scare campaign for a new Medicare destroyed scare campaign, beats prattling on about lettuce though PP

                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                              Smack
                                                                                              Location
                                                                                              City of the Fallen
                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                              February 09, 2016, 2:43PM

                                                                                          • 12:43

                                                                                            Steph, please stop showing your blatant bias against the LNP. You are worse than the ABC.

                                                                                            May I remind you that you are to remain fair and balanced no matter how ridiculous the statement, thought bubble or piece of spin that is discharged.

                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                            davemac
                                                                                            Location
                                                                                            Melbourne
                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                            February 09, 2016, 1:05PM

                                                                                              • Oh they do that in spades every time the ex bullocky posts.

                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                fizzybeer
                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                February 09, 2016, 1:28PM

                                                                                              • Now, now, davemac, stop stirring the pot. Stephanie is being remarkably droll, restrained and even understated. Katharine is having conniptions over at the G.

                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                Banjo
                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                Eden
                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                February 09, 2016, 1:29PM

                                                                                              • Haha, good one Dave! Non-biased against the LNP on this site, ho ho.

                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                Sure
                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                February 09, 2016, 1:30PM

                                                                                              • .... and what would the 'fair and balanced' response have been, davemac?

                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                Emu of Justice
                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                February 09, 2016, 1:35PM

                                                                                            • Senator Macdonald should ask the Foreign Minister for Movie Stars how to be more photogenic.

                                                                                              Perhaps he could take some selfies with BFF O'Sullivan.

                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                              A Green
                                                                                              Location
                                                                                              Australia
                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                              February 09, 2016, 1:05PM

                                                                                              • When all else fails, start on personal appearances.

                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                Sure
                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                February 09, 2016, 1:28PM

                                                                                              • is that why MacDonald brought up appearances?

                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                rod steiger
                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                toukley
                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                February 09, 2016, 1:41PM

                                                                                              • Sure – Only thing, all else hasn't failed.

                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                PhilC
                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                Sydney
                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                February 09, 2016, 3:11PM

                                                                                            • Sounds like the May budget is going to upset those overstaffed Union controlled Depts that have obvious inefficiencies that are costing taxpayers $ billions. Morrison is going to deliver a great first budget.

                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                              enough is enough
                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                              February 09, 2016, 1:05PM

                                                                                              • Sorry eie - you need to polish that crystal ball of yours. It's tarnished big time!!

                                                                                                Try looking for some clarity and reality.

                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                Grizwald
                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                Sydney
                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                February 09, 2016, 1:41PM

                                                                                              • yer,

                                                                                                we've been waiting for their first budget surplus that they promised 3 years ago, which was going to be in their first year and one every year thereafter.

                                                                                                Still waiting.

                                                                                                BTW, deficit now up to $600b under LNP, double in only 2 1/12 years from labor.

                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                Econorat
                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                Sydney
                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                February 09, 2016, 2:20PM

                                                                                            • Why is it that whenever I see a picture of TA he look like he should be wearing six guns a cowboy hat and talking like John Wayne sorry he does that last one doesn't he "damn the torpedoes full speed ahead"

                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                              Me again
                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                              February 09, 2016, 1:04PM

                                                                                              • It's the gait, Mum never sent him to deportment school.

                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                A country gal
                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                February 09, 2016, 1:27PM

                                                                                            • @12:48. It is good to have someone of Sen McFarlane's calibre in control. Ensuring the important issues are addressed such as having one's best side presented in the media. Or not letting the facts get in the way of Senate Committee appearances. It is merely good enough for one to front up and ask some penetrating questions about anything. Let the public servants worry about the minor things like reports and facts; isn't that what they are paid for? Oh, and putting those feisty types like Senator SHY in their places when it is called for. Don't they know the adults are in charge?

                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                              stevek
                                                                                              Location
                                                                                              Sydney
                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                              February 09, 2016, 1:00PM

                                                                                              • Opps, that should be Senator McDonald, of course

                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                stevek
                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                Sydney
                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                February 09, 2016, 1:31PM

                                                                                            • poor Sen McDonald

                                                                                              In public life, and someone's taken his photo

                                                                                              maybe he should commission a makeover

                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                              rod steiger
                                                                                              Location
                                                                                              toukley
                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                              February 09, 2016, 12:59PM

                                                                                              • I think it's time that some of our Senators spend a few days on Nauru and Manus, and then they can decide whether those environments would be harmful to people's health.

                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                Oliver More
                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                February 09, 2016, 12:57PM

                                                                                                • Send the Cabinet.
                                                                                                  Let them work out their own way of getting back in.

                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                  fizzybeer
                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                  February 09, 2016, 1:27PM

                                                                                                • I hear Nauru are very picky about who they give visas to. Charge like wounded bulls too. One Chris Kenny from the Oz is the only journalist they've allowed, at the princely cost of $8000, payable on application and non-refundable if the visa's refused.

                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                  Banjo
                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                  Eden
                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                  February 09, 2016, 1:34PM

                                                                                              • 12.43 pm.
                                                                                                Independent. Always.

                                                                                                Any opinion on SHY 'pig' abuse.

                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                enough is enough
                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                February 09, 2016, 12:57PM

                                                                                                • shoe fits Sullivan

                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                  rod steiger
                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                  toukley
                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                  February 09, 2016, 1:25PM

                                                                                                • Question or statement eenie?

                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                  Immal
                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                  melbourne
                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                  February 09, 2016, 1:30PM

                                                                                              • Amusing that commenters who've criticised the ABC for incorrectly reporting the age of the Nauru sexual abuse victim have spelled Mike Pezzullo incorrectly as Pelluzzo.
                                                                                                Stones - Glass Houses / Pots - Kettles.

                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                Pat McGroyne
                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                February 09, 2016, 12:57PM

                                                                                                • 12:48pm. What, is Senator MacDonald calling Alex Ellinghausen partisan? Is he calling Alex Ellinghausen sexist? Is Senator MacDonald being too sensitive by far?

                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                  Pluto
                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                  Melbourne
                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                  February 09, 2016, 12:53PM

                                                                                                  • Vanity, thy name is MacDonald. But if you could see yourself as we see you, you would think that the photo is the least of your problems.,

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    mitch of ACT
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    February 09, 2016, 12:56PM

                                                                                                  • Well if you are a boring looking old man in a suit you have to live with a photo showing that - does he want to be photoshopped - hmm more shades of George Clooney or Brad Pitt perhaps ?

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    Really ?
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    February 09, 2016, 12:58PM

                                                                                                  • Bet he also complains about not getting a Featured Comment.

                                                                                                    Ahhh Macca, the gift that keeps on giving.

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    davemac
                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                    Melbourne
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    February 09, 2016, 12:59PM

                                                                                                  • He's just that sort of new age guy, Pluto.

                                                                                                    Don't stop, Alex Ellinghausen!

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    Banjo
                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                    Eden
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    February 09, 2016, 1:20PM

                                                                                                  • Perhaps you would be sensitive when the child Senator Sarah "accidents happen, tragedies happen" Hanson Young resorts to that leftist default position of hate and abuse to call him a "pig" on the record.

                                                                                                    No one hates like a leftist. They are truly a mad lot.

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    housemartin
                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                    hong kong
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    February 09, 2016, 1:33PM

                                                                                                  • @housemartin. "I want you to get up right now. Sit up. Go to your windows. Open them and stick your head out and yell – ‘I’m as mad as hell and I’m not gonna take this anymore!’ Things have got to change. But first, you’ve gotta get mad!" (Network, 1976). Yep, we're mad and shouting.

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    Pluto
                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                    Melbourne
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    February 09, 2016, 2:01PM

                                                                                                  • Oh dear Pluto, are you ok?

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    housemartin
                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                    hong kong
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    February 09, 2016, 4:37PM

                                                                                                • If we sell off most of our government services, they will end up in offshore control. Saves a lot of time in any invasion plans. We would just receive a call from an overseas call centre at an inconvenient time and of course we would instantly hang-up. We would miss the important bit that said our government has been privatised and new rules will apply.

                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                  Tucky
                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                  Warragul
                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                  February 09, 2016, 12:52PM

                                                                                                  • WHY don't we keep the services and sell off the government

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    Me again
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    February 09, 2016, 12:58PM

                                                                                                  • They're already onto it in Beijing with a special "unit" of topflight party officials working 24/7 in a bunker under the Forbidden City. They're also onto in Delhi but will probably not get round to our case until sometime down the track. They'll give you a call. Don't hang up.

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    Pluto
                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                    Melbourne
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    February 09, 2016, 1:03PM

                                                                                                  • Pluto there's actually a poster with an Indian sounding name defending the privatisation of Mumbai's health services on the main article.
                                                                                                    Job creation no doubt.

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    A country gal
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    February 09, 2016, 1:33PM

                                                                                                  • @Me again, didn't Murdoch & the fossil-fuel industry put in a winning bid 2+ years ago.

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    mitch of ACT
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    February 09, 2016, 1:49PM

                                                                                                • @12:43 Are we paying this guy?

                                                                                                  this reminds me of a story....

                                                                                                  many years ago in Sydney there was a great controversy about the quality of water near the sewage outfalls. Believe it or not some fishermen were complaining that they would lose great fishing spots at the outlet pipe if deep sea outfalls were built....

                                                                                                  anyway..... there was a politician (Carmel Tebuutt?) that went swimming amongst the blind mullet and brown trout to show that there was nothing wrong with the water.

                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                  Time to change
                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                  February 09, 2016, 12:51PM

                                                                                                  • No doubt Albo put her up to it.

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    enough is enough
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    February 09, 2016, 12:54PM

                                                                                                  • Wasn't it radio announcer Cliver Robertsson who once quipped about bathers at Bondi swimming 'undeterred' despite raw sewerage from the ocean outfalls?

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    stevek
                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                    Sydney
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    February 09, 2016, 1:29PM

                                                                                                  • Time
                                                                                                    It was Byron Bay after they had installed tertiary treatment and the Liberals didn't believe the water was clean enough to swim in.
                                                                                                    Personally, I liked the builder of the Malabar plant drinking a glass of the treated water at the commissioning ceremony.

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    Steve
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    February 09, 2016, 1:33PM

                                                                                                • What’s this Government has been doing for the last 2 years? We now find out that they still have not appointed a Sex Discrimination Commissioner despite one being due over 5 Months Ago. Turnbull promised an Economic Vision for the Nation, but all we have seen is the idea to increase the GST to 15% which has now been tossed out the window thanks to a few negative headlines. Other than that, what has Turnbull done and what has changed since the Abbott Regime? The answer is NOTHING has changed. It’s the same old rabble sailing the same ship carrying nothing but dodgy Abbott Policies and handouts for their mates and donors.

                                                                                                  What has become clear is that whilst doing nothing for running the country, they have been busy feathering their own nests. Just ask Stuart Roberts who appears to have been using his Government Position to further his own investment portfolio, or Abbott who has been neglecting his Electorate whilst he conducts his speaking tour, all whilst still claiming his payments from the Australian Tax Payer. Or Kevin Andrews who decided it was more important to speak at a right wing think-tank than it was to turn up to Parliament to do the job in which we pay him for.

                                                                                                  Add in Mal Brough and Jamie Brigs, and these Liberals are really starting to show their true colours. It’s all about their Born to Rule mentality and furthering their own interests and has ZERO to do with working for their Constituents. Malcolm was installed because it is all about power and using it to feather their own nests. They have no interest in the Working Man or any true reform. It’s all smoke and mirrors to keep us confused whilst they get away with the loot.

                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                  Snapperhead
                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                  The Reef
                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                  February 09, 2016, 12:51PM

                                                                                                  • We don't need a Sex (Female) Discrimination Commissioner, we need just a plain old Discrimination Commissioner that looks after ALL of us.

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    Sure
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    February 09, 2016, 1:27PM

                                                                                                  • Snapperhead, the occasional thesis is a touch bearable, but a bloated polemic every time you post doesn't actually have people reading what you say. Instead the first reaction is "who could be bothered". Everyone knows it's going to be nothing more than an exercise in deep sludge and self loathing bile.

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    housemartin
                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                    hong kong
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    February 09, 2016, 1:37PM

                                                                                                  • housemartin taking the Sen MacDonald defence

                                                                                                    "I didn't read it because I don't like it"

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    rod steiger
                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                    toukley
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    February 09, 2016, 1:51PM

                                                                                                  • Thanks Housemartine, because we all know that you speak on behalf of all readers…. Yeah right.

                                                                                                    Maybe its time to concentrate your focus a little more locally than constantly lecturing others for what you yourself are guilty of.

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    Snapperhead
                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                    The Reef
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    February 09, 2016, 1:54PM

                                                                                                  • Snapperhead: Thanks for the short response.

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    housemartin
                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                    hong kong
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    February 09, 2016, 4:39PM

                                                                                                • Privatize medicare and we will have the same system as they did in America no coverage no service go and die somewhere else add to that increases to the GST and reintroduced workplace agreement and who but the rich will be able to afford health cover where only the rich will survive let me thank LNP in advance if you get these ones through because inequality breeds hate,hate breeds violence and that's what we will have here mark my words you can only push people so far.So I hope you give all these policies a very long hard look it's not just about winning election it's about real people.

                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                  Me again
                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                  February 09, 2016, 12:47PM

                                                                                                  • What the 'Fat Cats' will soon come to realise is once they make the hoi polloi so poor that we cannot buy the goods and services that they produce... in time the dividends will dwindle, the USA are experiencing it first hand and it will come to pass across the world. Less middle class spenders and profits dwindle. Ah but myopia seems to be a disease of the wealthy

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    SanchoP
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    February 09, 2016, 1:29PM

                                                                                                • So Turnbull rejected Gillian Triggs. I bet he asked Tony first, but Tony much happier now lecturing on Christian morals and theology in the USA, thought better of it. Now Malcolm is probably asking someone. Perhaps another male, a sacked chief of staff, a liberal party donor, a failed politician, a friend of he family, someone who knows too much and needs to be kept quiet, or even someone who's into a bit of "shredding"! You just never know with the Liberals.

                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                  Pluto
                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                  Melbourne
                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                  February 09, 2016, 12:46PM

                                                                                                  • Of course Ahmed Fahour would be interested in privatising Medicare payments. He saw how the CEO of Medibank private got a 400% pay rise when that was privatised.

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    Dr Bombay
                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                    Sydney
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    February 09, 2016, 12:39PM

                                                                                                    • 10:11 Ian Macdonald once again highlighting the incompetence of this government by showing his total lack of understanding of the difference between a Government Appointed yes man and an Independent Statutory Body. If you can’t even understand why we need Independent Statutory Bodies as opposed to everyone being a Government appointee, then you should not be anywhere near the Halls of Power. But this is what we get from the Libs these days. A total inability to tell the difference between Government and Private business, just ask Stuart Roberts.

                                                                                                      As for Ian Macdonald, who could forget him for such classics as when he ripped into Gillian Trigg for her perceived bias but then, as head of the committee, he admitted that he had not even bothered to read the report he was criticising. This is the calibre of people we have running the country. They will criticise and totally disregard a report that they have not even bothered to read. Well done Ian Macdonald. You are a true Liberal. Totally out of your depth.

                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                      Snapperhead
                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                      The Reef
                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                      February 09, 2016, 12:34PM

                                                                                                      • If the ALP grandstanding Premiers want to take on National responsibilities could they start paying the $1 billion a month interest bill Swan and Wong left us.

                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                        enough is enough
                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                        February 09, 2016, 12:34PM

                                                                                                        • And now that NSW has flogged off public assets maybe it can use the money to finance the interest on the even larger debt that Joe and Tony have left us with . . . . the RBA got billions it did not need - since they are across the road from NSW Parliament that sounds fair enough to me

                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                          Really ?
                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                          February 09, 2016, 12:56PM

                                                                                                        • Yeah, bloody Mike Baird.

                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                          davemac
                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                          Melbourne
                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                          February 09, 2016, 12:58PM

                                                                                                        • @eie, Another great post on behalf of the comrades as it allows me to ask who should pay the interest on the extra amount of debt that the Libs have added in their 2+ years. Doubled the debt, they tell me.

                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                          mitch of ACT
                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                          February 09, 2016, 1:00PM

                                                                                                        • EiE
                                                                                                          Perhaps when Liberal Premiers start paying Hockey's $2bn a month interest bill on this hopeless government's debts.

                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                          Steve
                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                          February 09, 2016, 1:20PM

                                                                                                        • Say what?

                                                                                                          We're too busy paying of the second mortgage taken out by Abbott, Hockey and Turnbull.

                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                          Real Politik
                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                          February 09, 2016, 1:25PM

                                                                                                        • Debt ceiling is not actual debt. Any debt is a legacy of Swan's debt bomb Abbott inherited. The Greens signed off on the debt ceiling. Oh the irony Mitch.

                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                          enough is enough
                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                          February 09, 2016, 1:29PM

                                                                                                        • Once again. any debt we have is due to Howard's squandering over $300 Billion on election bribes and leaving nothing in the bank for a rainy day. The structural deficit he left didn't help much either.

                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                          DWM
                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                          February 09, 2016, 1:43PM

                                                                                                        • eie

                                                                                                          The debt was being serviced with the carbon tax - it was you guys who got rid of it. Don't be complaining about lack of funds now.

                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                          PEarn
                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                          Melbourne
                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                          February 09, 2016, 2:30PM

                                                                                                      • 12.22
                                                                                                        As if they would have the admirable advocate Proff Triggs on the panel.
                                                                                                        Begs belief they can appoint a Wind Commisioner with such haste.
                                                                                                        But no Sex Discrimination (for 5 months) or Disability Commissioner at all.
                                                                                                        Priorities, priorities.....

                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                        A country gal
                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                        February 09, 2016, 12:34PM

                                                                                                        • they need that Commissioner to protect their wind

                                                                                                          @11.32

                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                          rod steiger
                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                          toukley
                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                          February 09, 2016, 12:52PM

                                                                                                      • Just looking at Shorten's terrible performance. I can't decide if it's Rudd or Gillard or both of them advising Shorten each day. Anyway, the ALP is just the same old same and won't learn any lessons from the 2007-2013 train wreck.

                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                        enough is enough
                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                        February 09, 2016, 12:30PM

                                                                                                        • i think you mean eleventy kazillion

                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                          rod steiger
                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                          toukley
                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                          February 09, 2016, 12:54PM

                                                                                                        • he has a lot of liberal scalps from his terrible performance, imagine when he starts trying.

                                                                                                          Don't poke the bear

                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                          DirkDiggler
                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                          LNPHQ
                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                          February 09, 2016, 1:01PM

                                                                                                        • Never mind 2007-12, the Liberal Party have had since 1945 to work out how to run a country and still haven't managed to work out how to do it.

                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                          Emu of Justice
                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                          February 09, 2016, 1:02PM

                                                                                                        • That may be so* my fine feathered friend, but at the moment MT looks to be driving the Libs express off Clayton's ravine. Will he make it to 88mph? Great Scott!!!!

                                                                                                          *it's not

                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                          davemac
                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                          Melbourne
                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                          February 09, 2016, 1:07PM

                                                                                                        • EiE
                                                                                                          Is Turnbull learning any lessons from the Abbott train wreck?
                                                                                                          Or is Turnbull busy thanking Shorten for helping him get rid of Tony and get to the Lodge?

                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                          Steve
                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                          February 09, 2016, 1:22PM

                                                                                                        • davemac - and it's not true because?

                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                          Emu of Justice
                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                          February 09, 2016, 1:31PM

                                                                                                      • Can we the public who actually pay our politicians demand key performance indicators? Can we ask for value for money? Can we insist that productivity gains be set against any proposed pay rise? Can we fire them for incompetence, continual tardiness and abuse of privileges? Even Fairwork Australia couldn't possibly dismiss our case on those grounds. But then again, although we pay them and we cover their holidays, healthcare, superannuation and other add-ons; we actually aren't their bosses. Somehow they tell us what to do. Not sure how that happened or when that happened. Must have blinked.

                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                        Tucky
                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                        Warragul
                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                        February 09, 2016, 12:30PM

                                                                                                        • The Libs want to impose the same standards on union leaders as apply to company directors. Fair enough. The same standards should also apply to politicians. False and misleading statements of the type politicians make every day and especially at election time would have company directors up on charges of misleading the market. Abbott won the last election with a score of broken promises, a fraud on the electorate. If the stricter rules applied he would be 2 years in to a 5 year stretch.

                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                          mitch of ACT
                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                          February 09, 2016, 1:10PM

                                                                                                        • mitch

                                                                                                          Those standards should also be applied to the banks.

                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                          PEarn
                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                          Melbourne
                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                          February 09, 2016, 2:38PM

                                                                                                      • The Pulse @ 11.44

                                                                                                        Australia Post and Medicare?
                                                                                                        Now there’s a juicy mix,
                                                                                                        a jolly romp, a mad affair
                                                                                                        that’s ripe for politics.

                                                                                                        I guess advice would come by mail
                                                                                                        if you were feeling ill,
                                                                                                        but that’s now slower than a snail
                                                                                                        that’s climbing up a hill.

                                                                                                        They’ve also upped the bloody price
                                                                                                        for service that is less,
                                                                                                        which really isn’t very nice,
                                                                                                        and hardly spells success.

                                                                                                        So there’s a message that’s quite clear —
                                                                                                        you’d better not get sick,
                                                                                                        for fixing things would be quite dear,
                                                                                                        and not exactly quick!

                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                        Gazza from Grong Grong
                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                        February 09, 2016, 12:28PM

                                                                                                        • Government is trying everything to paint a picture of economic doom & gloom to get what it wants and have the GST increased.
                                                                                                          Perhaps if they'd spent the 30 or 40 mill to keep the car companies in business there wouldn't so many families in Australia with poor financial outlooks and spending would be higher.

                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                          Bushy
                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                          the Bush
                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                          February 09, 2016, 12:24PM

                                                                                                          • And who would be buying those cars, oh great one?

                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                            The Sniper
                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                            Behind you
                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                            February 09, 2016, 1:14PM

                                                                                                        • Triggs and Hanson-Young are looking a tad inconsistent. Didn't they conference with each other before the Senate hearing?

                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                          enough is enough
                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                          February 09, 2016, 12:22PM

                                                                                                          • Foundation 51 getting a run in the Finance estimates with Electoral Commission answering questions.

                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                            A Green
                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                            Australia
                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                            February 09, 2016, 12:22PM

                                                                                                            • For those disturbed by Bill's nasal twang, do what I did, mute the speaker

                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                              fiberal
                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                              darwin
                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                              February 09, 2016, 12:20PM

                                                                                                              • Oh Dear, the media telling leftie porkies again, and crawling apologies are in order, lol, lock em up !

                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                gc
                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                February 09, 2016, 12:20PM

                                                                                                                • gc
                                                                                                                  Yes, perhaps you can tell us the difference between rape and sexual assault.
                                                                                                                  While you are there, can you tell us why it is less traumatic for a 10 year old to be raped than a 5 year old?

                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                  Steve
                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                  February 09, 2016, 1:25PM

                                                                                                              • Pen - one for you. the rest of the extreme far left are welcome to use it as well.

                                                                                                                “Set, O Lord, a guard over my mouth; keep watch, O Lord, at the door of my lips!” (Psalm 141:3).

                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                enough is enough
                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                February 09, 2016, 12:20PM

                                                                                                                • FDOTM succinctly explains Mals 147 days to date, his ahem successes in policy.

                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                  A country gal
                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                  February 09, 2016, 12:19PM

                                                                                                                  • Pomposity belongs to Triggs

                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                    gc
                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                    February 09, 2016, 12:18PM

                                                                                                                    • AFP running out of funding ..... after the loss of their number one boarder ?

                                                                                                                      Hope this revelation doesn't come under Section 35p.

                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                      A Green
                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                      Australia
                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                      February 09, 2016, 12:17PM

                                                                                                                      • They spent it all on medals for their own, probably solid gold with a cheque or overseas trip not to Nauru.

                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                        Me again
                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                        February 09, 2016, 12:53PM

                                                                                                                    • Senate Finance Estimates has the Electoral Commissioner explaining above and below the line voting.

                                                                                                                      Now they moved onto voters of unsound mind being removed.

                                                                                                                      A couple of the panel sound like they should have their names removed.

                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                      A Green
                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                      Australia
                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                      February 09, 2016, 12:13PM

                                                                                                                      • It's OK to be popular and preferred PM, but that does not equate to being voted back in

                                                                                                                        Surely the people can see yes, Turnbull is popular, most would look good against Tony Abbott, hell Bill Shorten was more popular than TA

                                                                                                                        But the people will not vote for the Liberals with this disgusting rabble, divided, and continuing to wreck our living standards

                                                                                                                        Continuing to trash our way of life, the bitterness of dumping TA because of bad polling still reeks around the Libs

                                                                                                                        This is not a united party, yes they say it publicly this is a ruse, they are as divided as Labor were, just hiding it better

                                                                                                                        If the people of Australia vote for these vandals, which I doubt, they deserve everything they get

                                                                                                                        starting with higher cost of health, education, and every other thing you could possibly imagine

                                                                                                                        And if you can't afford it, TOUGH

                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                        fiberal
                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                        darwin
                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                        February 09, 2016, 12:12PM

                                                                                                                        • How fascinating, the progs are restive and bitter because the Libs refuse to inflict their internal divisions onto the public like a freight train that was Labor's screaming, abusive and vulgar hatreds for each other that we all had to witness with utter shame and embarrassment.

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          housemartin
                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                          hong kong
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          February 09, 2016, 1:44PM

                                                                                                                      • 21 weeks as PM and Turnbull has kyboshed Knights and Dames and announced a vague Innovation Policy a month before sacking hundreds of scientists.

                                                                                                                        We hear rumours of proposed tax measures and privatisations but nothing has been said of any substance.

                                                                                                                        Cuts to Medicare and Gonski funding have proceeded as planned under Abbott and policy settings across the board are unchanged from the time of his leadership.

                                                                                                                        5 months of Abbott's policies and Turnbull's empty rhetoric. And that's it.

                                                                                                                        We are no better of for his ascension to to top job that I can see.

                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                        Real Politik
                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                        February 09, 2016, 12:11PM

                                                                                                                        • Malcolm is terrified, and likes The Lodge too much.

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          Pluto
                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                          Melbourne
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          February 09, 2016, 12:48PM

                                                                                                                      • Just finished listening to Fairfax Radio. Gee, very refreshing open and honest about another ABC bunch of lies on last night's TV about Superannuation. Then more about the GST scare campaign and Shorten's inability to do simple maths. The ABC's agenda is standing out like a sore thumb, bias towards the ALP is undeniable. Good work Fairfax Radio. Let's hope the trend continues across all of Fairfax.

                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                        enough is enough
                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                        February 09, 2016, 12:05PM

                                                                                                                        • enough is enough

                                                                                                                          Yeah yeah ..... who cares about the advertising.

                                                                                                                          Tell us how well educated you are now.

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          A Green
                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                          Australia
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          February 09, 2016, 12:08PM

                                                                                                                        • Not sure that this is a "Featured Comment" either.....

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          Time to change
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          February 09, 2016, 12:09PM

                                                                                                                        • accessing more love media einie?

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          rod steiger
                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                          toukley
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          February 09, 2016, 12:10PM

                                                                                                                        • I know lets just let Australia Post run the gubment and we can all go on tax payer funded junkets.

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          Thought Bubble
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          February 09, 2016, 12:13PM

                                                                                                                        • I've stopped watching the ABC's current affairs/politico show because of its sickening and undignified grovelling to this government and you're accusing it of pro-Labor bias.

                                                                                                                          Even the news isn't safe anymore.

                                                                                                                          One of us is not seeing things clearly.

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          Real Politik
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          February 09, 2016, 12:14PM

                                                                                                                        • Cmon mods give the big fella a Featured and all will be sweeeeeeeet!

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          davemac
                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                          Melbourne
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          February 09, 2016, 12:15PM

                                                                                                                        • I listened to the same show. Are you sure you don't work for the ABC? The amount of factual errors in your reporting is astounding. I wonder if it is because you are incompetent at reporting facts or you are just biased?

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          ah ha
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          February 09, 2016, 12:15PM

                                                                                                                        • @eie, Comrade, you've excelled yourself. So many topics in just one post. All of those anti-Labor themes will have the pro-Labor fans responding in droves pointing out how Labor's policies on those topics are so far ahead of the LNP's non-existent policies. Great job. Keep up the good work. We might find a safe Labor seat for you yet. Talent like yours should not go to waste.

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          mitch of ACT
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          February 09, 2016, 12:15PM

                                                                                                                        • But to be fair, eie, I think in your haste to spur the pro-Labor fans into action you have resorted to the sin of making things up. I had ABC TV on all night last night and don't recall any of those topics being presented in the way you are referring to. But if it serves the great Labor cause then the greater good must take precedence over the truth.

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          mitch of ACT
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          February 09, 2016, 12:23PM

                                                                                                                        • Do you have anything of your own to contribute, or just rely on radio stations for your input?

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          fiberal
                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                          darwin
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          February 09, 2016, 12:29PM

                                                                                                                        • Nuffy

                                                                                                                          Do you really believe anyone takes notice of posts? At best they are a faux jokes, which insults intelligence.

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          Pen of hrba
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          February 09, 2016, 12:31PM

                                                                                                                        • I gave my love a chicken, it had no bones

                                                                                                                          Sorry, thought we were just putting funny comments here

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          DirkDiggler
                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                          LNPHQ
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          February 09, 2016, 12:31PM

                                                                                                                        • Oh Margie
                                                                                                                          you came and you gave me a turkey
                                                                                                                          on my vacation away from worky

                                                                                                                          He is priceless

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          DirkDiggler
                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                          LNPHQ
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          February 09, 2016, 12:32PM

                                                                                                                        • I am surprise that you are actually listening to the Fairfax Radio and reading this Newspaper - would have thought Murdock private papers are more to your line of thinking.

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          Mais51
                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                          Sydney
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          February 09, 2016, 12:37PM

                                                                                                                        • I would deny that the ABC is biased in favor of Labor. I think their agenda is to disseminate the facts, not the LNP agenda.

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          Dr Bombay
                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                          Sydney
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          February 09, 2016, 12:43PM

                                                                                                                        • Don't hold your breath. Like the ABC, Fairfax newspapers are more about advocacy then reporting.

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          southpark
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          February 09, 2016, 12:47PM

                                                                                                                      • OK so Abbott is at it again. Apart from the very problematic issue with Murdoch's hands on approach to political power in Australia and Abbott is obviously his preferred toy according to Media Watch last night the Abbott dines with Turnbull story turns out to be a date with Murdoch and maybe a handshake with the president. It has unravelled like the would you believe catch phrase from Get Smart.

                                                                                                                        Max: Would you believe that in 60 seconds we will be surrounded by the first fleet.

                                                                                                                        Nope

                                                                                                                        Max: What about 2 fishing boats and a rubber dinghy?

                                                                                                                        Nope

                                                                                                                        Max: Would you believe 2 men in a bath tub?

                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                        Hymie
                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                        February 09, 2016, 12:03PM

                                                                                                                        • Hymie

                                                                                                                          Murdoch prefers Abbott's company to Jerry's.

                                                                                                                          Senility has really set in.

                                                                                                                          And one can see it everyday in the Terrorgraph.

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          A Green
                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                          Australia
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          February 09, 2016, 12:07PM

                                                                                                                        • Hymie

                                                                                                                          Or a 60 Minutes interview with Yes?No Brough.

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          A Green
                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                          Australia
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          February 09, 2016, 12:09PM

                                                                                                                        • I thought the earlier line that Abbott was there as Murdoch's date summed it up.

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          mitch of ACT
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          February 09, 2016, 12:17PM

                                                                                                                        • "A particularly pathetic report from the ABC’s Media Watch tonight. It reveals that although the Daily Telegraph reported Tony Abbott having a meeting with Barack Obama at an “exclusive” dinner, the truth is that - er - Tony Abbott met Barack Obama at an exclusive lunch"
                                                                                                                          Too bad nobody at Media watch has the integrity to all out the ABC over their distortion truth regarding the 5 year old boy who was allegedly raped - except it didn't happen.
                                                                                                                          I suppose when you are working flat out for 3 hours a week t get your 10 minute program to air who has time for facts when you can dump on Abbott and News Ltd at the same time?

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          southpark
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          February 09, 2016, 12:53PM

                                                                                                                        • southpark, that misinformation that two 5 year olds were sexually assaulted when it was a 5 year old and a 10 year old (know any kids that age?) was corrected late yesterday.

                                                                                                                          I'd say it'll be in next weeks' Media Watch, ya think?

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          rod steiger
                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                          toukley
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          February 09, 2016, 2:21PM

                                                                                                                      • Is Bill patting himself on the back or reaching for the cutlery?

                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                        Tucky
                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                        Warragul
                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                        February 09, 2016, 12:02PM

                                                                                                                        • The issue of outsourcing Medicare payments is an interesting one, out of left field too. No doubt Labor will paint it as outsourcing medical services (which are outsourced to GP's et al anyway), but the issue is payments.

                                                                                                                          There's thousands, if not tens of thousands of back office DHS staff who manage the payments engine. In this day and age, why can't say 80% of simple payments be managed electronically and automatically ?

                                                                                                                          And why stop at Medicare and aged care - the $150 billion in annual welfare payments is equally worthy.

                                                                                                                          The Centrelink and Medicare shop fronts were merged a few years ago. Why not the back office functions too. The private sector - it would have to be onshore - would probably do it for half the cost.

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          Hacka
                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                          Canberra
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          February 09, 2016, 12:00PM

                                                                                                                          • Hacka,

                                                                                                                            You're talking to Victorians here.

                                                                                                                            Every privatisation in this state has led to price gouging on an unprecedented scale.

                                                                                                                            I have no doubt that the Libs will get rid of as much of Medicare as they can - but it won't be at half of the cost.

                                                                                                                            It will be at double or quadruple.

                                                                                                                            Don't even try to talk about privatisation bringing lower costs to the consumer - that's never happened.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            Good to Go
                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                            Melbourne
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            February 09, 2016, 12:14PM

                                                                                                                          • Let's go the whole hog and process all payments to politician's through the private sector.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            mitch of ACT
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            February 09, 2016, 12:19PM

                                                                                                                          • But the private sector wouldn't keep it "onshore" for long. They have form when it comes to outsourcing. Be prepared for your medical records to be the toast of Bangalore.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            Pluto
                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                            Melbourne
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            February 09, 2016, 12:23PM

                                                                                                                          • All we are getting at the moment is an abundance of "interesting ideas", thought bubbles going out to see if it is politically acceptable or not. When is this government going to stop talking about what might be an interesting idea and actually do something about the financial mess they have created? Leaders should lead, and if they have a proposal put it out so we can seethe details.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            Deafening
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            February 09, 2016, 12:23PM

                                                                                                                          • Out of left field? No, out of right field.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            Banjo
                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                            Eden
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            February 09, 2016, 12:24PM

                                                                                                                          • Sure Hacka - India can do it for 1/10 of the cost - the problem is the 9/10 saving will not be enough to pay unemployment benefits for the sacked workers - be it private or public.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            Mais51
                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                            Sydney
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            February 09, 2016, 12:34PM

                                                                                                                          • The private sector does not do things at "half the cost". The private sector is "for profit". Govt is "not for profit". Whoever bought the contract for Centrelink/Medicare payments would be a large corporation, which also means no taxes would be paid on profits.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            Lou Kneewright
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            February 09, 2016, 12:36PM

                                                                                                                          • Not out of left field the outsourcing of Centrelink and Medicare was floated back in the 80's. Whats old is new again. Be nice to see some original thought from all parties.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            Wise One
                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                            Great Southern Land
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            February 09, 2016, 12:44PM

                                                                                                                          • GtG - there's almost 30,000 people at DHS. Do we seriously need that many people to process payments ?

                                                                                                                            There's plenty of examples of both outsourcing and automating and delivering significant cost benefits. Even worked on a few of them. You wouldn't do this one offshore - the skills and responsibility would have to be maintained in Australia.

                                                                                                                            The potential for saving is mammoth, given we're talking about the payment of almost half of government expenditure (when welfare is added in).

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            Hacka
                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                            Canberra
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            February 09, 2016, 1:02PM

                                                                                                                          • Wise One - the state of information technology is rather different today than it was in the 1980's.

                                                                                                                            It'd be innovation - Malcolm's buzzword.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            Hacka
                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                            Canberra
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            February 09, 2016, 1:04PM

                                                                                                                          • Hacka
                                                                                                                            Can you point to anything that the LNP has privatised that has led to better services or lower cost??
                                                                                                                            Anything?
                                                                                                                            Anything at all?
                                                                                                                            Even an equivalent cost?
                                                                                                                            Anything?
                                                                                                                            Oh, don't bother then.
                                                                                                                            Just give away our taxes to your mates then.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            Steve
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            February 09, 2016, 1:37PM

                                                                                                                          • Gee Steve, lettuce think ....

                                                                                                                            Commbank, Telstra come quickly to mind. As do state insurance companies, third party CTP, worker's compensation.

                                                                                                                            Outsourcing back office functions have significant economies, as long as they're done right.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            Hacka
                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                            Canberra
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            February 09, 2016, 1:49PM

                                                                                                                          • Hacka
                                                                                                                            What a hoot!
                                                                                                                            Commbank, Telstra, State insurance companies, third party CTP, worker's compensation.
                                                                                                                            They are all great examples of us now paying much more for much less service.
                                                                                                                            Have you changed sides in this debate?
                                                                                                                            Outsourcing back office functions only have economies for private enterprise because they want to clear liabilities off their books.
                                                                                                                            Governments don't have the benefits of depreciation or tax avoidance, so it doesn't make sense.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            Steve
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            February 09, 2016, 2:44PM

                                                                                                                        • The word for today is "Roberts"

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          fiberal
                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                          darwin
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          February 09, 2016, 11:59AM

                                                                                                                          • fiberal

                                                                                                                            Are you sure ?

                                                                                                                            I thought Standing Orders had "obfuscate" as the word.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            A Green
                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                            Australia
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            February 09, 2016, 12:01PM

                                                                                                                          • Has anyone worked out who the new House Fathers/Mothers will be?

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            Sanga
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            February 09, 2016, 12:16PM

                                                                                                                          • Really? I thought it was 'pig', SHY style. But as long as it's not sexist, this type of abuse is ok. She's a disgrace.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            Sure
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            February 09, 2016, 1:18PM

                                                                                                                        • @11.32

                                                                                                                          ...that's not very inspiring is it ...

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          rod steiger
                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                          toukley
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          February 09, 2016, 11:58AM

                                                                                                                          • No it isn't. And isn't it marvelous how a photograph captures the essence of that lack. Gosh, I'm sure we all are thinking: oh dear, oh dear; and much more colourful thoughts besides.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            Pluto
                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                            Melbourne
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            February 09, 2016, 12:06PM

                                                                                                                          • rod steiger

                                                                                                                            They both look like they are watching the mushy peas being put on a pie.

                                                                                                                            Disappointment writ large.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            A Green
                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                            Australia
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            February 09, 2016, 12:11PM

                                                                                                                        • Fahour is interested in medicare.
                                                                                                                          Surely not to run it.
                                                                                                                          Australia Post is going so well isn't ?

                                                                                                                          What is wrong with this government, did they check in their intelligence when signing up to the pension plan?

                                                                                                                          They certainly see the majority of us as having lost ours.

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          fizzybeer
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          February 09, 2016, 11:53AM

                                                                                                                          • I see that back in August 2014 when Peter Dutton was Health Minister there was talk of privatising the payment of medicare rebates and pharmaceutical benefits. It was mooted they'd be "given" to Australia Post or one of the big 4 banks.

                                                                                                                            What could possibly go wrong with that?

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            Banjo
                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                            Eden
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            February 09, 2016, 12:03PM

                                                                                                                          • Australia Post has a network of regional offices. Putting MediCare into Centrelink offices is a failure try lodging a claim. Networking Medicare through Australia Post Offices makes good business sense. It was floated back in the 80's

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            Wise One
                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                            Great Southern Land
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            February 09, 2016, 12:07PM

                                                                                                                          • Refunds in 7 days. Buy a $1 express sticker and we'll make it 6.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            davemac
                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                            Melbourne
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            February 09, 2016, 12:16PM

                                                                                                                        • Ruddock......Australia's first special envoy for human rights???????????????????? Me thinks someone got it very very wrong.

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          Bazza
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          February 09, 2016, 11:52AM

                                                                                                                          • Bazza

                                                                                                                            Its no joke.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            A Green
                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                            Australia
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            February 09, 2016, 11:57AM

                                                                                                                          • Bazza,

                                                                                                                            You're absolutely right.

                                                                                                                            Back in the day, there was no member of parliament who showed more contempt for human rights than one Philip Ruddock.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            Good to Go
                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                            Melbourne
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            February 09, 2016, 12:01PM

                                                                                                                          • Ruddock's record just means his advocacy is doomed to fail. Who could take him seriously as an advocate for human rights. Even Amnesty want their badge back. The whole exercise looks like an attempt to prop-up Ruddock's retirement even with his super-generous pollie's pension.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            mitch of ACT
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            February 09, 2016, 12:02PM

                                                                                                                          • It's a perfect fit, Bazza. He's human, and he's from the right.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            Gigondas
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            February 09, 2016, 12:02PM

                                                                                                                          • @Gig

                                                                                                                            ...and he has a pulse?

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            rod steiger
                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                            toukley
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            February 09, 2016, 12:06PM

                                                                                                                          • They'll flesh out the minor details later, rod.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            Gigondas
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            February 09, 2016, 12:11PM

                                                                                                                          • David Hicks should apply for the job of his secretary.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            Real Politik
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            February 09, 2016, 12:21PM

                                                                                                                          • Nonetheless a convenient way to get rid of him.
                                                                                                                            The 30 year release of Cabinet docs as AG will make for some interesting reading.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            A country gal
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            February 09, 2016, 12:25PM

                                                                                                                        • In Senate Finance estimates hearing the blockhead from the west takes responsibility for non publication of Finance documents.

                                                                                                                          Bring Hockey back to have a cigar with blockhead.

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          A Green
                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                          Australia
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          February 09, 2016, 11:51AM

                                                                                                                          • If Mr Fahour is interested in parts of Medicare should it be privatised then we should beware. Since he took over Australia Post we have seen major increases in postage rates, decline in services, closing of post offices and a two tier service put in place. Postal workers are up in arms. (Thank God we are not in the States as that would be literal). Medicare workers and consumers beware. Mr Fahour is just one of many talented people ready to gut a great service.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            Tucky
                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                            Warragul
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            February 09, 2016, 11:51AM

                                                                                                                            • The Pulse 11:44AM

                                                                                                                              Australia Post boss justifies his remuneration and $1 postage stamps.

                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                              A Green
                                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                                              Australia
                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                              February 09, 2016, 11:49AM

                                                                                                                              • Did Senator Macdonald actually read anything this time to prepare for this or is it his usual partisan rubbish. Time to go Ian, you're an anachronism in search of a nursing home

                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                phil from kilmore
                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                February 09, 2016, 11:46AM

                                                                                                                                • Can someone please tell me why the video keeps playing automatically when my settings are set for manual. I'm sick of hearing Bill's nasal twang.

                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                  Tucky
                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                  Warragul
                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                  February 09, 2016, 11:45AM

                                                                                                                                  • I asked that question too, damn annoying. Especially if you hop from one article to another. No matter who is speaking it's damn annoying and uses up unnecessary bandwidth.
                                                                                                                                    Perhaps the Ex communications Minister can fix it, just like Fraudband.

                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                    A country gal
                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                    February 09, 2016, 11:57AM

                                                                                                                                  • Oh and to add Tucky, the 10.31 vid is a blank- nothing to see, just the play arrow.

                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                    A country gal
                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                    February 09, 2016, 12:15PM

                                                                                                                                  • Whoops 11.22.

                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                    A country gal
                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                    February 09, 2016, 12:16PM

                                                                                                                                  • Who has Fairfax outsourced their IT to ??
                                                                                                                                    Isn't the editing done in New Zealand?

                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                    andrew
                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                    February 09, 2016, 12:30PM

                                                                                                                                • Mr Turnbull, you are the leader, lead, make a decision, get some stuff off the table and into policy

                                                                                                                                  You will be remembered as the man who was responsible for introducing the new way leaders are elected

                                                                                                                                  If your popularity in the polls fall below a certain level, you are automatically deposed

                                                                                                                                  The only reason Libs changed leaders is because of bad polls, who gives a toss about the country, not this disgusting Liberal government, it's not about the voters, they don't even know you, they don't give a rats ass about you

                                                                                                                                  OK so Bill is not faring well in the popularity stakes, have they ditched him, no, unlike the rattled Libs

                                                                                                                                  They care about people, jobs, health and education, how in hell does a Liberal government even get elected, they get elected when Labor are bad, and they were dysfunctional under RGR, no question, but this band of infighting unsavory, leaderless rabble, are far worse than the previous government

                                                                                                                                  You don't lose a treasurer, PM, and speaker in under 2 years, and be a united party, this grubby lot are unelectable

                                                                                                                                  Labor should be driving home this fact

                                                                                                                                  How many ministers now gone from Turnbull's government in 4 months, added to the disaster that was Abbott government

                                                                                                                                  Labor are a shoe in for the next election

                                                                                                                                  hacka and eie are backing a loser again, just like they did with Abbott

                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                  fiberal
                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                  darwin
                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                  February 09, 2016, 11:45AM

                                                                                                                                  • Wake me up when it is Wednesday

                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                    $keptic
                                                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                                                    Melbourne
                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                    February 09, 2016, 11:49AM

                                                                                                                                  • Fiberal says: "If your popularity in the polls fall below a certain level, you are automatically deposed". Interesting. So how much lower does Shorten have to go? Might be breaking new depths very soon.

                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                    Piped Piper
                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                    February 09, 2016, 11:53AM

                                                                                                                                  • $keptic

                                                                                                                                    I tried that last Wednesday and you were still asleep yesterday.

                                                                                                                                    Try reading something that "Soapy" Brandis reads.

                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                    A Green
                                                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                                                    Australia
                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                    February 09, 2016, 12:00PM

                                                                                                                                  • Because Labor have such a great record when it comes to keeping on unpopular leaders.

                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                    adrian
                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                    February 09, 2016, 12:31PM

                                                                                                                                • Coach Brandis! For the love of God, throw in the towel!

                                                                                                                                  Sullivan is totally mismatched! He'll get murdered!

                                                                                                                                  I can't watch... yes I can :)

                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                  rod steiger
                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                  toukley
                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                  February 09, 2016, 11:44AM

                                                                                                                                  • Photo @ 11:08...

                                                                                                                                    I did but see Him passing by,
                                                                                                                                    Yet I will love him 'til I die.

                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                    Gigondas
                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                    February 09, 2016, 11:39AM

                                                                                                                                    • Quiet chuck.

                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                      Banjo
                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                      Eden
                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                      February 09, 2016, 11:46AM

                                                                                                                                    • Yesterday's zero

                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                      Deafening
                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                      February 09, 2016, 11:59AM

                                                                                                                                  • one thing stuart robert has done...

                                                                                                                                    made sure today's QT will be spicy

                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                    rod steiger
                                                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                                                    toukley
                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                    February 09, 2016, 11:38AM

                                                                                                                                    • "Since the change in leadership our base have been on alert for signs of softening in our stance on boat arrivals or the need to defeat the global insurgency."
                                                                                                                                      What base is Tony talking about? Is it the Liberal base? The far right base? The naval base? Or has Tony just sunk to the lowest base of common decency and morality?

                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                      Tucky
                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                      Warragul
                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                      February 09, 2016, 11:35AM

                                                                                                                                      • Might be the Lunar Base, tucky.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        Gigondas
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        February 09, 2016, 11:41AM

                                                                                                                                      • Last bit.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        fizzybeer
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        February 09, 2016, 11:43AM

                                                                                                                                      • "Baseball bat" at the ready in the delusion he wil dethrone the King.
                                                                                                                                        I sort of hope he does.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        A country gal
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        February 09, 2016, 11:54AM

                                                                                                                                      • So does Bill Shorten Acg

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        stevek
                                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                                        Sydney
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        February 09, 2016, 12:03PM

                                                                                                                                      • Stevek, you betcha.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        A country gal
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        February 09, 2016, 12:12PM

                                                                                                                                    • A featured comment. It's great to be at the top of the page

                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                      David Morrison
                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                      Blue Mountains
                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                      February 09, 2016, 11:33AM

                                                                                                                                      • You should try Twitter, it will provide endless satisfaction.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        Real Politik
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        February 09, 2016, 12:23PM

                                                                                                                                    • So the big issues of the day so far:

                                                                                                                                      1. The Stuart Robert affair looks like another case of self interest from the tories. Is it just about just him or about the entire party? Apparently they are in it to server the country.

                                                                                                                                      2. Speaking of serving your country there are governments that are nation builders and then there is the LNP. Selling off Medicare. If you want to know what the LNP's MO is just look at the achievements of over a decade of Howard and Costello. Will the electorate never learn. It's all about what they think they can get away with. Nothing to do with good government, democratic principles and a social contract with the people.

                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                      More Monkey Business
                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                      February 09, 2016, 11:31AM

                                                                                                                                      • 3 and there are those who think you can just tax , borrow and spend your way out of your economic mess a la Shorty!

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        andrew
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        February 09, 2016, 12:32PM

                                                                                                                                    • My late mother once told me that the quickest way to lose an argument is to resort to an insult. Some will say Sarah Hanson Young is passionate. Well maybe but you don't win any friends in an argument through belligerence always looking irked. The Greens would be better off with a difference spokesperson for immigration if it wants their position on asylum seekers to be listened to by the mainstream and sway public opinion.

                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                      Piped Piper
                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                      February 09, 2016, 11:31AM

                                                                                                                                      • Fair enough piped,
                                                                                                                                        how many govt ministers would be left.
                                                                                                                                        Most of them insult us on a daily basis with their secrecy, most often offset by leaks, and incompetency.
                                                                                                                                        Self interest and looking after their mates seems to dictate the behaviour of so many.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        fizzybeer
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        February 09, 2016, 11:48AM

                                                                                                                                      • ergo, swapping one permanent short sighted adolescent with another.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        Fruitcakes and Watermelons
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        February 09, 2016, 11:52AM

                                                                                                                                      • One of the great escape routes in an argument in which you know you've either lost or have no credibility is to demand that your interlocutor use your own language and standards of language; if you fail in one attempt at gaining the moral high ground, find it here somewhere else.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        Quick Comment.
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        February 09, 2016, 11:59AM

                                                                                                                                      • Piped, yes agreed she should refine herself, but unlike Dutton who is a serial performer, she is not a Minister.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        A country gal
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        February 09, 2016, 12:03PM

                                                                                                                                    • Ho many women Ministers have had to be sacked, asked to be stood aside or resigned? Perhaps that would be a good selling point for boost female numbers in Cabinet and shadow ministry.

                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                      Tucky
                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                      Warragul
                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                      February 09, 2016, 11:26AM

                                                                                                                                      • I read on the weekend that Peta Credlin is being touted as the next sex discrimination commissioner. So it looks again like the LNP is giving out taxr funded jobs (in this case) for the girls like they did with Hockey etc. I wonder how much she got paid to be retrenched and then lands this plumb job and all paid for out of our tax dollars?

                                                                                                                                        The LNP really are the born to rule party and in it for they can get aren't they?. This is just a continuation of the Bronnegate and similar rorting where they treat the Australian people like a ATM for their own enrichment. Have they no self respect?

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        Lance
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        February 09, 2016, 11:25AM

                                                                                                                                        • Lance, Jacinta Collins asked this question directly of George Brandis in the HRC estimates committee meeting this morning and the answer was "No".

                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                          Banjo
                                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                                          Eden
                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                          February 09, 2016, 11:45AM

                                                                                                                                        • Carnell another.

                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                          A country gal
                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                          February 09, 2016, 11:45AM

                                                                                                                                        • Banjo. YES, it is TRUE, they have NO self-respect.

                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                          Pluto
                                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                                          Melbourne
                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                          February 09, 2016, 11:56AM

                                                                                                                                        • Perhaps another case of advocacy masquerading as journalism. ...suckered in like the protesters. She was NEVER considered.

                                                                                                                                          I am assuming Di Natali will be calling for Hanson Youngs resignation after rdcent events.

                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                          Sick of the left
                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                          February 09, 2016, 12:35PM

                                                                                                                                      • 11:08 - It always seems to generate a certain level of excitement whenever Tony Abbott chimes in to any policy debate.

                                                                                                                                        Don't we expect our backbenchers to make a contribution to the parliament where they feel they have some value to add ?

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        Hacka
                                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                                        Canberra
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        February 09, 2016, 11:25AM

                                                                                                                                        • trouble with Sir Pository's contribution is you have to tip it out the window in the morning

                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                          rod steiger
                                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                                          toukley
                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                          February 09, 2016, 11:39AM

                                                                                                                                        • Yes, backbenchers are welcome to make all the veiled threats they like about how the party is run.

                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                          davemac
                                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                                          Melbourne
                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                          February 09, 2016, 11:42AM

                                                                                                                                        • Hacka,

                                                                                                                                          Point taken - but when I see Tony Abbott's comments they seem to be more about locking Turnbull into a position that he doesn't like rather than contributing something fresh and useful to the debate.

                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                          Good to Go
                                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                                          Melbourne
                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                          February 09, 2016, 11:48AM

                                                                                                                                        • He's probably been leaking on Roberts so he has another chance at a Ministry.
                                                                                                                                          There's that mortgage to pay.

                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                          A country gal
                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                          February 09, 2016, 11:49AM

                                                                                                                                        • There's your problem right there Hacka, Tones has nothing of 'value' to add.

                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                          PEarn
                                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                                          Melbourne
                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                          February 09, 2016, 11:54AM

                                                                                                                                        • There's a hint of hesitation in your posts today, Hacka. Re this Coalition government, you're either losing confidence or acquiring diffidence.

                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                          Banjo
                                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                                          Eden
                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                          February 09, 2016, 11:54AM

                                                                                                                                        • GtG - only if that's what you want to read into Abbott's comments.

                                                                                                                                          The counter argument is that he's generating some debate, which is never a bad thing.

                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                          Hacka
                                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                                          Canberra
                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                          February 09, 2016, 12:07PM

                                                                                                                                      • What are the chances of the Senate allowing our medicare to be gifted to the rent seekers?
                                                                                                                                        None.
                                                                                                                                        Their is so much rubbish being left on the table it is making it difficult for the con freres to dine at our expense.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        fizzybeer
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        February 09, 2016, 11:24AM

                                                                                                                                        • After the Mad Hatters Tea Party , which passed itself off as the Abbott government, all thats left on the table are the crumbs of the desperate ideas of the LNP to get themselves rel-elected.
                                                                                                                                          Theyre quite adept at rorts and scandals though, got to give them credit where its due.
                                                                                                                                          I think we're all still waiting for this " good government " arent we?

                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                          mirrorsofsmoke
                                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                                          Sydney
                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                          February 09, 2016, 11:44AM

                                                                                                                                      • The Pulse 11:08AM

                                                                                                                                        How did the Dutton tea and cakes meeting go ?

                                                                                                                                        Did Abbott bring his own cake ?

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        A Green
                                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                                        Australia
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        February 09, 2016, 11:23AM

                                                                                                                                        • That's Women's work, Peta baked it after she finished the ironing.

                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                          A country gal
                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                          February 09, 2016, 11:38AM

                                                                                                                                      • Tony Abbott did such an outstanding job as Minister for Women that he will probably be Australia's next Sex Discrimination Commissioner.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        Banjo
                                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                                        Eden
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        February 09, 2016, 11:22AM

                                                                                                                                        • It would be nice if the Opposition could perform as good as some of the Commenters here.

                                                                                                                                          Why there could even be a place for Hacka and enough is enough to lighten the mood when things get a bit sticky for the govt.

                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                          A Green
                                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                                          Australia
                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                          February 09, 2016, 11:22AM

                                                                                                                                          • If we're getting Phil Ruddock as Special Envoy on Human Rights, how about Sophie Mirabella as Sex Discrimination Commissioner? She hasn't got much on and is as qualified for that gig as Phil is for his.

                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                            Persiflage
                                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                                            Brisbane
                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                            February 09, 2016, 11:17AM

                                                                                                                                            • Way to go Tony - NOT

                                                                                                                                              "So far they see continuity in policy and are not flirting with more extreme alternatives."

                                                                                                                                              What could be more extreme than getting on a leaky boat ? Or does Tony mean "more extreme" Govt policies to demonise these wretcherd people ?

                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                              Disgusted
                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                              February 09, 2016, 11:14AM

                                                                                                                                              • So we now have a minister making representations on the behalf of a large LNP donor and meeting with a Chinese government minister in the area dealing with that big donor. This is worse than Bronnigate in terms of potential corrupt behavior.

                                                                                                                                                To say he was on holidays or the like is nonsense as he is a minister in the government is specifically prevented from using his position for personal gain. Yes, he isn't the minister in area but he wouldn't have got the meeting with the Chinese minister if he was just Joe Blow.

                                                                                                                                                I think we need a Federal ICAC asap to see what these LNP blokes (wasn't a pun on the lack of female representation in the LNP) are up to. It certainly seems to me that the LNP are in it for all they can get.

                                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                                Lance
                                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                                February 09, 2016, 11:14AM

                                                                                                                                                • @11.08

                                                                                                                                                  Thank you, Sir General Tony Pository

                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                  rod steiger
                                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                                  toukley
                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                  February 09, 2016, 11:11AM

                                                                                                                                                  • Born to Rule Dummie spit you won't let us have our GST rise so we're going to take your medicare away (stick tongue out and screw up face) like little spoilt brat.

                                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                                    Me again
                                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                                    February 09, 2016, 11:11AM

                                                                                                                                                    • Or Super, or Neg Gearing ?? Bet Medicare is higher on the list than middle class welfare

                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                      Disgusted
                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                      February 09, 2016, 11:15AM

                                                                                                                                                    • Me again

                                                                                                                                                      It like a game of ping pong.

                                                                                                                                                      Ping goes the GST.

                                                                                                                                                      Pong goes Medicare.

                                                                                                                                                      Ping goes GST.

                                                                                                                                                      etc

                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                      A Green
                                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                                      Australia
                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                      February 09, 2016, 11:17AM

                                                                                                                                                    • A new blockbuster "Return of The IPA 75"

                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                      A country gal
                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                      February 09, 2016, 12:09PM

                                                                                                                                                  • Re: “Only Labor can be trusted with Medicare.”

                                                                                                                                                    Err, let me see now, like the ALP and the LNP was trusted with the privatisation of

                                                                                                                                                    • Commonwealth Bank of Australia
                                                                                                                                                    • Commonwealth Industrial Gases
                                                                                                                                                    • Commonwealth Oil Refineries
                                                                                                                                                    • Commonwealth Serum Laboratories
                                                                                                                                                    • Electricity and natural gas supply companies in Victoria
                                                                                                                                                    • Government Cleaning Service in New South Wales
                                                                                                                                                    • Government Insurance Office in New South Wales
                                                                                                                                                    • Government Printing Service in New South Wales
                                                                                                                                                    • Public transport in Melbourne
                                                                                                                                                    • Qantas
                                                                                                                                                    • Sydney Airport
                                                                                                                                                    • Telstra
                                                                                                                                                    • State-owned betting-agencies in most states
                                                                                                                                                    • Many long-distance and urban passenger railway services
                                                                                                                                                    • All freight railway services
                                                                                                                                                    • Most State-owned banks
                                                                                                                                                    • Medibank Private
                                                                                                                                                    • Australia Post

                                                                                                                                                    About 50 Commonwealth assets have been sold since 1987, most during 1995-1999. So why sell? Medibank fully owned by the Commonwealth, last financial year it paid a dividend of $150 million to the government to average $325 million per annum over the last three years.

                                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                                    Pen of hrba
                                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                                    February 09, 2016, 11:08AM

                                                                                                                                                    • "About 50 Commonwealth assets have been sold since 1987, most during 1995-1999"

                                                                                                                                                      And who was in power for the most part of 1995-1999? Hint: It wasn't Labor.

                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                      Mr Burns
                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                      February 09, 2016, 11:31AM

                                                                                                                                                  • The ABC has made a mess,
                                                                                                                                                    resulting in some great distress
                                                                                                                                                    to Hacka and poor eie,
                                                                                                                                                    so here’s a way to set them free.

                                                                                                                                                    If privatising Medicare
                                                                                                                                                    is on the cards, then why stop there?
                                                                                                                                                    Let’s privatise old Auntie too
                                                                                                                                                    so all the righties don’t feel blue.

                                                                                                                                                    Then put in charge some humble men,
                                                                                                                                                    so self-effacing even when
                                                                                                                                                    they cast their pearls before the swine
                                                                                                                                                    who think that they are quite divine.

                                                                                                                                                    I speak, of course, of Alan Jones,
                                                                                                                                                    with Bolt and Hadley, on their thrones,
                                                                                                                                                    those paragons who come on strong,
                                                                                                                                                    quite certain that they’re never wrong.

                                                                                                                                                    Perfection is so rare these days,
                                                                                                                                                    we should bow down and give them praise
                                                                                                                                                    for all the wisdom they impart —
                                                                                                                                                    their IQs must be off the chart!

                                                                                                                                                    Imagine how the ABC
                                                                                                                                                    could prosper with the chance to be
                                                                                                                                                    controlled by them as they saw fit,
                                                                                                                                                    their judgements held as holy writ.

                                                                                                                                                    What paradise! What joy on earth,
                                                                                                                                                    if only men of such great worth
                                                                                                                                                    could make their thoughts so widely heard
                                                                                                                                                    that millions hung on each wise word.

                                                                                                                                                    For Hadley, Jones, and Andrew Bolt
                                                                                                                                                    can never, ever be at fault.
                                                                                                                                                    The ABC should see the light
                                                                                                                                                    and recognise they’re always…right!

                                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                                    Gazza from Grong Grong
                                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                                    February 09, 2016, 11:05AM

                                                                                                                                                    • There once was a fell called Hacka
                                                                                                                                                      The ABC he sure liked to wacka
                                                                                                                                                      A mistake he did see
                                                                                                                                                      He called eie
                                                                                                                                                      To decide which presenter they sacka!

                                                                                                                                                      (Gazza - be gentle, at least I tried).

                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                      davemac
                                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                                      Melbourne
                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                      February 09, 2016, 11:26AM

                                                                                                                                                    • Nice ambiguity in the final pronoun, Gazza!

                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                      Banjo
                                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                                      Eden
                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                      February 09, 2016, 11:26AM

                                                                                                                                                    • dave, your prose is sharp and witty,
                                                                                                                                                      But your verse is somewhat... unconvincing.

                                                                                                                                                      (No, really, good effort. But not quite up to Gazza's standard.)

                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                      Gigondas
                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                      February 09, 2016, 11:51AM

                                                                                                                                                    • There's no distress that i can see
                                                                                                                                                      Just more of aunty being fact free
                                                                                                                                                      It has become all too frequent
                                                                                                                                                      Makes some of us just want to vent

                                                                                                                                                      So here's a tip for Ms Guthrie
                                                                                                                                                      Take a week or please take three
                                                                                                                                                      But culture change is needed soon
                                                                                                                                                      The ABC needs a different tune

                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                      Hacka
                                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                                      Canberra
                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                      February 09, 2016, 12:13PM

                                                                                                                                                    • Yes Gig, I know:

                                                                                                                                                      (bowing)
                                                                                                                                                      "I'm not worthy!"
                                                                                                                                                      "I'm not worthy!"

                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                      davemac
                                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                                      Melbourne
                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                      February 09, 2016, 12:20PM

                                                                                                                                                    • The mind boggles!

                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                      Ruth
                                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                                      Melbourne
                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                      February 09, 2016, 12:47PM

                                                                                                                                                    • Hacks, your prose
                                                                                                                                                      Is on the nose,
                                                                                                                                                      But your verse
                                                                                                                                                      Is much, much worse.

                                                                                                                                                      (But points for effort. You're the Eric the Eel of poetry.)

                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                      Gigondas
                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                      February 09, 2016, 12:52PM

                                                                                                                                                  • The Liberals have failed at every single target that they set themselves when they took over Government.

                                                                                                                                                    They've lied and spun every single failure.

                                                                                                                                                    Which has simply meant that the failures have intensified.

                                                                                                                                                    However, trying to change the NBN is their biggest mistake.

                                                                                                                                                    Trying to incorporate antiquated 1970's technology into a new internet technology has increased the cost and created a system that's obsolete even before it's built.

                                                                                                                                                    In ten years time when we look back and see the businesses and jobs we've lost as a result of this absurd decision we'll ask ourselves -

                                                                                                                                                    "What on earth were they thinking.? Just how dumb were they?".

                                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                                    Good to Go
                                                                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                                                                    Melbourne
                                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                                    February 09, 2016, 11:02AM

                                                                                                                                                    • I'll have you know we have only the finest idiots in our government!!

                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                      rod steiger
                                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                                      toukley
                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                      February 09, 2016, 11:18AM

                                                                                                                                                    • Yes it goes against everything Turnbull has waffled about, innovation, technology, future, jobs, etc. I told you about words and actions, this guy waffles about being innovative, agile, and mixes old technology with the new, but hey, he's not a complete idiot, nobody's perfect

                                                                                                                                                      I doubt this PM will last any longer than Abbott

                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                      fiberal
                                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                                      darwin
                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                      February 09, 2016, 11:20AM

                                                                                                                                                  • Whoever is making 20 minutes of Comments disappear when the page refreshes .... stop it.

                                                                                                                                                    If i'm going to pay for internet coverage I want to get what I am paying for otherwise I will go to another outlet.

                                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                                    A Green
                                                                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                                                                    Australia
                                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                                    February 09, 2016, 10:56AM

                                                                                                                                                    • ... I'll have to refer you to mal turn bull about this Fraudband issue

                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                      rod steiger
                                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                                      toukley
                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                      February 09, 2016, 11:07AM

                                                                                                                                                    • France has fibre to the house, Fraudband Mal was telling people how good it was, but not good enough for us. We will have shiny copper

                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                      DirkDiggler
                                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                                      LNPHQ
                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                      February 09, 2016, 11:51AM

                                                                                                                                                  • Windmill
                                                                                                                                                    you seem to think (10.48) that EiE might in fact be paid to produce such dross.
                                                                                                                                                    It would seem to me if that was the case bias against the taxpayer funded ABC would indicate a certain duplication of standards.

                                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                                    fizzybeer
                                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                                    February 09, 2016, 10:56AM

                                                                                                                                                    • 10:31 - SHY seems more feisty than usual today. Fair enough, she had gone to town on that ABC report, and must be somewhat humiliated now she's been sprung repeating the baseless claims.

                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                      Hacka
                                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                                      Canberra
                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                      February 09, 2016, 10:53AM

                                                                                                                                                      • Baseless claim in this instance, perhaps, but so believable when you take into account what has happened many times to children in that hell-hole.

                                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                                        mitch of ACT
                                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                                        February 09, 2016, 10:59AM

                                                                                                                                                      • will we ever find out about ones that aren't baseless?
                                                                                                                                                        Secret over the other side of the water rules o.k.

                                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                                        fizzybeer
                                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                                        February 09, 2016, 11:00AM
                                                                                                                                                    Comments are now closed