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Politics Live: March 1, 2016

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Senior writer

View more articles from Stephanie Peatling

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Tax, election, tax, election - a familiar refrain greets us as we begin the day in politics.

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  • @3.23. So basically she can't serve under Shorten. Oh well at least she's being honest and not using the "spending more time with family" line. As a non ALP voter I found myself cheering you on when you spoke out against Metadata but I wish you had made more a fuss knowing the majority of ALP voters were behind you on children in detention. Sincerely I wish you all the best for the future. Conviction politicians are in short supply and even though i'd probably find myself on the opposite side of the argument on most occasions, parliament needs more people like you.

    Commenter
    Piped Piper
    Date and time
    March 01, 2016, 3:37PM

    • Pen, why are you so anti-defence. I think war is futile but humans have flaws and sometimes leaders have higher ambitions. History has shown that. We'd probably be speaking Japanese if you were in some position of influence in the 1940's.

      Commenter
      Piped Piper
      Date and time
      March 01, 2016, 3:26PM

      • Lucky we weren't with pig iron Bob in charge.
        The only deterrent is the big one piped.
        Nasty, but if the other mob has it and we don't the argument is over before it starts.

        Commenter
        fizzybeer
        Date and time
        March 01, 2016, 3:32PM

      • PP

        Its not "anti defence".

        Just look at Hitler's big mistake in WW2 of not proceeding with the ME 262.

        Then look at Abbott proceeding with the F-35.

        2 classic stuff ups.

        Commenter
        A Green
        Location
        Australia
        Date and time
        March 01, 2016, 3:35PM

      • Hi Piper

        Indeed war is futile, the idea is to discourage the waging of war, not to encourage it by building obsolete defence systems that give potential enemies an advantage. Make sense?

        Commenter
        Pen of hrba
        Date and time
        March 01, 2016, 3:37PM

    • Labor, you should change your leader now.

      Commenter
      Sharron
      Date and time
      March 01, 2016, 3:21PM

      • They might if you do
        anyone left?

        Commenter
        fizzybeer
        Date and time
        March 01, 2016, 3:24PM

      • Why?
        He is about to see off a second Liberal Leader.
        And he has done it without the lies that Abbott used.

        Commenter
        Steve
        Date and time
        March 01, 2016, 3:26PM

      • I agree. With Malcolm demonstrating as much backbone as a marshmallow we are in real need of genuine leadership.I notice that truthless tony has made a few comments again (including praising Turnbull which is always the kiss of death) and so it won't be long before he has another crack

        Commenter
        Lance
        Date and time
        March 01, 2016, 3:28PM

    • 3:02 - the time ?

      If the pre-selectors would be good enough, it's time for a new candidate for MacKellar.

      Commenter
      Hacka
      Location
      Canberra
      Date and time
      March 01, 2016, 3:19PM

      • is this a Rolex moment?

        Commenter
        fizzybeer
        Date and time
        March 01, 2016, 3:27PM

      • Hacka
        Leaving it to the faceless men?
        Remember to thank Tony Burke for all the help in getting rid her.

        Commenter
        Steve
        Date and time
        March 01, 2016, 3:30PM

      • Hacka

        What about Yes?No Brough ?

        Commenter
        A Green
        Location
        Australia
        Date and time
        March 01, 2016, 3:36PM

    • @2:50, "Fortunately we have an embarrassment of riches on the front bench."

      This is true only if "of riches" is deleted.

      Commenter
      Gigondas
      Date and time
      March 01, 2016, 3:19PM

      • "Mad Max, Fury Road? "

        Is that the new name given for the Defence White Paper?

        Commenter
        Pen of hrba
        Date and time
        March 01, 2016, 3:18PM

          • Pen

            The Minister for Foreign Movie Stars is trying to show she has some local content.

            Just don't ask if it was filmed entirely in Australia.

            Commenter
            A Green
            Location
            Australia
            Date and time
            March 01, 2016, 3:23PM

          • More Triremes and Hoplites, if you had your way Pen.

            Commenter
            SteveH.
            Date and time
            March 01, 2016, 3:25PM

          • Steve H

            At least they conquered Asia. The White Paper couldn't conquer making a paper plane.

            Commenter
            Pen of hrba
            Date and time
            March 01, 2016, 3:33PM

          • Pen

            A classic ..... "His bewilderment is not unlike Hitler's in 1944?"

            Oh ! .... is that you SteveH.

            Commenter
            A Green
            Location
            Australia
            Date and time
            March 01, 2016, 3:37PM

        • What an incredibly mundane QT.

          Commenter
          A country gal
          Date and time
          March 01, 2016, 3:16PM

          • Hardly the sight of a government in command of the narrative and champing at the bit in anticipation of winning a DD election.

            Commenter
            Too Easy
            Date and time
            March 01, 2016, 3:23PM

          • Too Easy, no not in command at all.
            It's Mojoless Mal and his magnificent minions.

            Commenter
            A country gal
            Date and time
            March 01, 2016, 3:30PM

          • ACG

            "Adults" ..... hard at work ?

            Commenter
            A Green
            Location
            Australia
            Date and time
            March 01, 2016, 3:39PM

        • When Turnbull says he has a Plan, their real plan is to cut services to the Poor and use the revenue to fund tax cuts for the rich. This is Liberal Party Ideology 101

          Commenter
          Snapperhead
          Location
          The Reef
          Date and time
          March 01, 2016, 3:14PM

          • That proves it.
            Same puppet
            different suit.

            Commenter
            fizzybeer
            Date and time
            March 01, 2016, 3:20PM

        • The opposition is getting annoyed that Mr Turnbull likes to deflect questions to other ministers. It raises a point of order.

          Leader of the house Christopher Pyne says it is entirely within the standing orders: "Fortunately we have an embarrassment of riches on the front bench."

          I'm not sure the embarrassment is of riches....probably just an embarrasment full stop.

          Commenter
          Geoff
          Location
          Melbourne
          Date and time
          March 01, 2016, 3:14PM

          • You've had six months and told us nothing Malcolm. By the time of the Budget it will have been eight months.

            Commenter
            Too Easy
            Date and time
            March 01, 2016, 3:07PM

            • Steve H

              Russian Pilot to Chinese Pilot: hey Chang have you got 58 F35’s coming our way on your radar.

              Chang: Whoopee, Boris yes I have them.

              Ok, Chang this is what to do, turn and run and keep out of missile range.

              Gottcha, Boris I'm with you. When they get low on fuel we turn to chase those slow moving little buggers. With our superior speed and range we can send missiles up their massive exhausts. To give them splash time baby, let’s do it.

              Commenter
              Pen of hrba
              Date and time
              March 01, 2016, 3:03PM

              • Pen

                Ahhhh ! .... its such fun having a laugh at the Coalition's spokesperson on Defence.

                I wonder what he's like at building canoes ?

                Commenter
                A Green
                Location
                Australia
                Date and time
                March 01, 2016, 3:07PM

              • This is what happens when you've watched Top Gun too many times.

                Commenter
                SteveH.
                Date and time
                March 01, 2016, 3:28PM

              • He's probably thinking how to build a stealth canoe as an anti missile defence system. Should we tell him not to use the F35 stealth?

                Commenter
                Pen of hrba
                Date and time
                March 01, 2016, 3:29PM

            • "Every PM loves their backbench, every backbencher is valued and Mr Bandt should value all backbenchers equally. We have no tolerance for bullying of backbenchers. It is unacceptable on whatever basis that bullying occurs, whether it is on the basis of a backbencher's prejudices, their bigotry, their homophobia or their base ideology".

              Commenter
              Thank God!
              Location
              Right Behind You
              Date and time
              March 01, 2016, 2:59PM

              • Perhaps if Tones had deflected all QT answering responsibility he may have retained his job.

                Commenter
                ah ha
                Date and time
                March 01, 2016, 2:59PM

                • They probably plan to increase immigration that demands more housing, inflates the housing bubble and crosses fingers.

                  Commenter
                  Pen of hrba
                  Date and time
                  March 01, 2016, 3:06PM

                • Pen, Oh there is a definite need for higher immigration. I just cannot not find a nail technician or suitable ahem massage therapist in my area.

                  Commenter
                  Pluto
                  Location
                  Melbourne
                  Date and time
                  March 01, 2016, 3:14PM

                • Pluto! Recent exchange with a Chinese nurse in a Melbourne hospital. She saw that I came from Eden and mentioned that her cousin worked there. What does she do, I asked. Runs a nail and massage parlour, was the reply. Needless to say, I've never met Cindy.

                  Commenter
                  Banjo
                  Location
                  Eden
                  Date and time
                  March 01, 2016, 3:32PM

              • A PM who goes into QT with barely an even-money chance of winning the day would be a fool to book the venue for his 1st Anniversary party.

                Commenter
                Too Easy
                Date and time
                March 01, 2016, 2:59PM

                • this being the featured comments just reflects one of the reason the once worthy Fairfax is heading in a southerly direction

                  Commenter
                  ian
                  Date and time
                  March 01, 2016, 2:58PM

                  • 2:20
                    So Scott Morrison admits that they are supplementing the Defence budget with taxes that offset rich investors Negative Gearing.

                    Commenter
                    Steve
                    Date and time
                    March 01, 2016, 2:54PM

                    • 2:50

                      Embarrassment, Chrissie? Quite.

                      Commenter
                      davemac
                      Location
                      Melbourne
                      Date and time
                      March 01, 2016, 2:53PM

                      • Did Roy duck for cover?

                        Commenter
                        fizzybeer
                        Date and time
                        March 01, 2016, 2:56PM

                    • I noticed a little further down the latest Essential Poll result - 50/50. How many of these before we can claim a trend?

                      They also show overwhelming support for Senate voting reform, even among ALP voters - so there's good and bad news for both sides.

                      Commenter
                      BC
                      Date and time
                      March 01, 2016, 2:48PM

                      • Both major parties will go backwards in next election.
                        Greens will get balance of power in both houses. Only then we can stop wasting billions of dollar in defense and offshore detention centers.

                        Commenter
                        sam
                        Location
                        Newtown
                        Date and time
                        March 01, 2016, 2:55PM

                      • Read the pre-amble to their poll last week.

                        They identified a move in sentiment and it looks like it may be emerging as a trend.

                        Commenter
                        Too Easy
                        Date and time
                        March 01, 2016, 2:57PM

                      • @ Too Easy:

                        ['Greens will get balance of power in both houses.']

                        You don't think you're being a tad optimistic?

                        Commenter
                        Jason of Gold Coast
                        Date and time
                        March 01, 2016, 3:01PM

                    • 2:30 - why review the safe schools program ?

                      Maybe because most ten year old boys haven't even discovered girls yet, and here's a program trying to teach them about boys. Yikes.

                      Commenter
                      Hacka
                      Location
                      Canberra
                      Date and time
                      March 01, 2016, 2:47PM

                      • The program is to teach them about tolerance not sexuality. Maybe you should have a look, you could learn something

                        Commenter
                        delores
                        Date and time
                        March 01, 2016, 2:52PM

                      • Thought you might be a bit more open minded.

                        The teacher who helped write the program gave some great reasons why the program is very much needed on QA last night.

                        It's pretty pathetic to hear the false sympathy from those want it gone - eg 'noone wants to see bullying' blah blah blah. Yeah, right.

                        Commenter
                        davemac
                        Location
                        Melbourne
                        Date and time
                        March 01, 2016, 2:57PM

                      • Makes you wonder why the Liberal Government would introduce such a program? what were they thinking?

                        Commenter
                        phil of kilmore
                        Date and time
                        March 01, 2016, 3:01PM

                      • delores
                        the LNP are obsessed with it!

                        Commenter
                        fizzybeer
                        Date and time
                        March 01, 2016, 3:03PM

                      • Yikes !

                        Hacka reverts to ACL birds and bees.

                        A return to 1950.

                        Probably not of much interest to Hacka , though !

                        Commenter
                        A Green
                        Location
                        Australia
                        Date and time
                        March 01, 2016, 3:10PM

                      • delores - kids have to learn the sexuality component before they can comprehend the tolerance aspect.

                        phil - RGR proposed and funded it, Penny Wong specifically.

                        Commenter
                        Hacka
                        Location
                        Canberra
                        Date and time
                        March 01, 2016, 3:10PM

                      • Hacka
                        It is a pity that you have to revert to lies on this important issue.
                        If it wasn't for the impending plebiscite, this would be a non-issue.

                        Commenter
                        Steve
                        Date and time
                        March 01, 2016, 3:11PM

                      • dave - did you teach the maclets about the birds and the bees before they were ten years old ?

                        Seems a bit odd to teach them about other forms of nature until they've learnt the basics.

                        Commenter
                        Hacka
                        Location
                        Canberra
                        Date and time
                        March 01, 2016, 3:14PM

                      • They should ban education completely Hacka. Imagine if we taught grammar and a whole lot of ten years wanted to turn into past participles. Imagine if we taught maths and kids yearned to be a integer when they grew up. Imagine if we taught history and poor little Tommy wanted to grow up to be a Pyramid at Giza!
                        Your argument is lame Hacka, you know what the Safe School program is teaching and yet you promulgate the nonsense arguments of bigoted backbenchers, pretending they care about children, but really they feel threatened by LGBTI people.

                        Commenter
                        Immal
                        Location
                        Melbourne
                        Date and time
                        March 01, 2016, 3:17PM

                      • @Hacka - you haven't been around kids for a while have you? Boys that age are definitely aware of girls and also of homosexuality and that is why it is the most appropriate time time teach them tolerance and understanding of others (and not just their sexuality).

                        It seems to me the ones who have the problem with this are out of touch as to what is happening with children and seem to have a very very myopic view of how society works. We live in the digital age and kids start at a very early age getting the information that the likes of tony seem to want to hide. news flash - it can't be hidden, it is all around and the kids notice it. Teach them tolerance and understanding otherwise we get a continuation of the boof head bullies.

                        Commenter
                        Lance
                        Date and time
                        March 01, 2016, 3:25PM

                      • Immal - you'll be pleased to know that schools do teach all those mainstream subjects. It's known as the curriculum.

                        phil - accusing me of lies hey, sounds much like you're trying to stifle debate. To what "lie" do you refer ?

                        Commenter
                        Hacka
                        Location
                        Canberra
                        Date and time
                        March 01, 2016, 3:27PM

                      • The program is for Year 7 and 8 @H.

                        Quite old enough to be taught that not all people fit into convenient little boxes.

                        Plus, it's opt in for each school.

                        What part of it scares you the most?

                        Commenter
                        davemac
                        Location
                        Melbourne
                        Date and time
                        March 01, 2016, 3:36PM

                    • Just turned the volume down while ScMo was speaking. In his body language he actually comes across as half competent.

                      Perhaps he should try silent cinema.

                      Commenter
                      ah ha
                      Date and time
                      March 01, 2016, 2:46PM

                      • Great Tax Debate.

                        Thanks Tony Abbott for instigating the process.

                        Commenter
                        4Ken
                        Location
                        Auburn
                        Date and time
                        March 01, 2016, 2:46PM

                          • He didn't, Shorten did.

                            Commenter
                            delores
                            Date and time
                            March 01, 2016, 2:54PM

                          • Crap,

                            Get your facts right!

                            Commenter
                            4Ken
                            Location
                            Auburn
                            Date and time
                            March 01, 2016, 2:59PM

                          • I'll see your crap and raise you a bullsh1t....what progress did The Tones ever make on tax except for a $7 co-payment?

                            It was the reason MT knifed him.

                            Commenter
                            davemac
                            Location
                            Melbourne
                            Date and time
                            March 01, 2016, 3:03PM

                          • THe ALP has a negative gearing policy.

                            Abbott is still talking from the backbench.

                            Catch up 4Ken.

                            Commenter
                            A Green
                            Location
                            Australia
                            Date and time
                            March 01, 2016, 3:05PM

                          • True. But the policy will cause the collapse of the housing industry.

                            In case you do not know. The building and construction industry is the biggest employer in the country.

                            You want Labor to implement the wholesale destruction of employment and investment?

                            Let the International Companies walk away with not paying there fair share?

                            You must be very Labor!

                            Commenter
                            4Ken
                            Location
                            Auburn
                            Date and time
                            March 01, 2016, 3:12PM

                        • Slomo
                          if you are an advocate for investing in an area that sustains an average loss what hope do we have.
                          I have an innovation for you Scott, support investing in something that makes money.
                          This is such a waste of effort, silly rebuttals of policy where a house can turn into a used car!
                          This bloke would bomb in a year 10 debate, and Turnbull has to defer to him?

                          Commenter
                          fizzybeer
                          Date and time
                          March 01, 2016, 2:45PM

                          • Lol Morrison accuses Labor of locking out a part time teacher on 40k out of their 2nd property IN SYDNEY.

                            On what planet can a part time teacher on 40k buy their first home let alone investment properties? IN SYDNEY NO LESS.

                            What a clown that bloke is.

                            Commenter
                            Jules
                            Location
                            Melbourne
                            Date and time
                            March 01, 2016, 2:45PM

                            • I never thought I would see a treasurer as bad as Hockey but Morrison's now got the title. Champion ranter though. It's not easy having to actually answer a question is it Morrison.

                              Commenter
                              Rolle the Rolex's' Big Adventure.
                              Date and time
                              March 01, 2016, 2:45PM

                              • "The four years of surpluses I announce tonight are a powerful endorsement of the strength of our economy, resilience of our people, and success of our policies."

                                Commenter
                                Fruitcakes and Watermelons
                                Date and time
                                March 01, 2016, 2:56PM

                              • Fruitcakes.
                                At least Swan got close to a surplus.
                                These twits are getting so much in debt that it will take generations to recover.

                                Commenter
                                Steve
                                Date and time
                                March 01, 2016, 3:13PM

                              • Steve
                                and all done with the same plan as getting us out of Iraq.
                                None.

                                Commenter
                                fizzybeer
                                Date and time
                                March 01, 2016, 3:18PM

                            • If I may be so bold as to give the honourable Prime Minister and the honourable Treaser some economic advice, we need to DISCOURAGE BAD investments. We can discourage these by not giving them taxbreaks like negative gearing.

                              Then there will be more enthusiasm and demand for GOOD INVESTMENTS.

                              Commenter
                              Rort Olympics
                              Date and time
                              March 01, 2016, 2:44PM

                              • Morrison just said again that a house becomes less desirable to a prospective buyer the moment the first owner puts a key in the front door.

                                What a fool we have for Treasurer and his appointment shows the depths to which Turnbull will take us as we indulge his ambition.

                                Commenter
                                Too Easy
                                Date and time
                                March 01, 2016, 2:43PM

                                • I thought Bercardi and Rum went together well but Bernardi and Rudd working together at the UN? Now that would be worthy of a sitcom.

                                  Commenter
                                  Piped Piper
                                  Date and time
                                  March 01, 2016, 2:42PM

                                  • Truly, an odd couple.

                                    Commenter
                                    davemac
                                    Location
                                    Melbourne
                                    Date and time
                                    March 01, 2016, 3:00PM

                                • Pen, so you agree that China's Subs have to travel above water to reach adequate water depth which will be where the Good Guy's Subs will be waiting to take them out. See, you are a fast learner.

                                  Commenter
                                  enough is enough
                                  Date and time
                                  March 01, 2016, 2:40PM

                                  • Anybody not negative gearing a property is subsidising those who do.

                                    Commenter
                                    Too Easy
                                    Date and time
                                    March 01, 2016, 2:40PM

                                    • Anybody not operating a mine is subsidising those who do.

                                      Commenter
                                      fizzybeer
                                      Date and time
                                      March 01, 2016, 3:02PM

                                  • I'm listening to J. Bishop talking to the parliament with the sound off. My God it's an improvement.

                                    Commenter
                                    Pen of hrba
                                    Date and time
                                    March 01, 2016, 2:39PM

                                    • had to do the same, and with Pyne.
                                      No wonder the cons message is falling on deaf ears.
                                      No messengers.

                                      Commenter
                                      fizzybeer
                                      Date and time
                                      March 01, 2016, 2:58PM

                                  • Adam Bandt contributes nothing. Hasn't he got a protest sit in somewhere to attend?

                                    Commenter
                                    enough is enough
                                    Date and time
                                    March 01, 2016, 2:38PM

                                    • ahahaha.. that was gold !!!

                                      Commenter
                                      simba
                                      Date and time
                                      March 01, 2016, 2:53PM

                                  • Julie Bishop sounds like her old self. As Education Minister.

                                    Commenter
                                    Too Easy
                                    Date and time
                                    March 01, 2016, 2:38PM

                                    • Can Greens, Adam Bandt and Shortern plus labor can come out of inner city issues and address problems faced by 97 % other Australian.
                                      We all know its going to be hot contenst on the seats of Albo and Pibersek

                                      Commenter
                                      ring tail
                                      Date and time
                                      March 01, 2016, 2:37PM

                                      • They all pay tax.
                                        They all need schools
                                        They all need Higher Education.
                                        They all need Medicare.
                                        What is your point?

                                        Commenter
                                        Steve
                                        Date and time
                                        March 01, 2016, 3:25PM

                                    • Two questions in two days. Wow, LNP internal polling in Lindsay must be dire.

                                      Commenter
                                      Too Easy
                                      Date and time
                                      March 01, 2016, 2:35PM

                                      • Someone should have told Shorten it is March 1 not April 1..
                                        Or is it just deja vu ground hog day all over again?

                                        Commenter
                                        andrew
                                        Date and time
                                        March 01, 2016, 2:35PM

                                        • I'll say this of Abbott even though his policies and ideology flawed he at least believed in what he said and did. Contrast that with Turnbull who appears be nothing more than a press secretary or PR consultant. His defence of his actions which are guided by the Abbottistas is truly galling. His leadership credentials are in tatters. He is all over the place.

                                          Commenter
                                          Rolle the Rolex's' Big Adventure.
                                          Date and time
                                          March 01, 2016, 2:34PM

                                          • Abbott lied so much it's hard to know what he believed. I agree with your analysis of Turnbull's leadership. He's all over the shop.

                                            Commenter
                                            Banjo
                                            Location
                                            Eden
                                            Date and time
                                            March 01, 2016, 3:05PM

                                        • What the Labor Party has done, PM, is propose a policy that experts in the field have said will achieve its aims.

                                          All open and upfront.

                                          We know nothing of any policy under this government. In fact, we know of no policies.

                                          Commenter
                                          Too Easy
                                          Date and time
                                          March 01, 2016, 2:33PM

                                          • After a tough couple of weeks looks like the PM is back in form & on top of his game again.

                                            Of course when your facing Bill each day it's easy to get complacent & go thru the motions. It's not like your facing a political giant.

                                            Anyway, normal programming has resumed, Bill is looking weak again especially with his terrible Negative Gearing policy. Bill, even the CMFEU would question this one.

                                            Commenter
                                            Shane
                                            Location
                                            Hammondville
                                            Date and time
                                            March 01, 2016, 2:31PM

                                            • Must be why he is handpassing questions to other Ministers.

                                              Four so far by my count, and three Minsters no less.

                                              Commenter
                                              Too Easy
                                              Date and time
                                              March 01, 2016, 2:50PM

                                            • ...and shane if you click your heels together three times you'll be back in Kansas. Oh Toto!

                                              Commenter
                                              davemac
                                              Location
                                              Melbourne
                                              Date and time
                                              March 01, 2016, 3:02PM

                                          • I'll take that as a consolation prize. But I do have a little speech prepared, remind me - how much time do I have?

                                            Commenter
                                            enough is enough
                                            Date and time
                                            March 01, 2016, 2:29PM

                                            • Five seconds. Your time starts ....now!

                                              Commenter
                                              Crusty
                                              Date and time
                                              March 01, 2016, 2:32PM

                                            • There's never enough time, eie. Just speak spontaneously for once.

                                              Commenter
                                              Banjo
                                              Location
                                              Eden
                                              Date and time
                                              March 01, 2016, 2:40PM

                                            • I'd like to comment but the moderator, would reject my criticisms though they be benign.

                                              Commenter
                                              MichaelP
                                              Location
                                              Canberra
                                              Date and time
                                              March 01, 2016, 2:41PM

                                            • Less time than you think!

                                              Commenter
                                              PhilC
                                              Location
                                              Sydney
                                              Date and time
                                              March 01, 2016, 2:45PM

                                            • give us something time-less

                                              Commenter
                                              rod steiger
                                              Location
                                              toukley
                                              Date and time
                                              March 01, 2016, 2:55PM

                                          • Why are they wasting so much time on the nonsensical idea that we can have an economy of which the mainstay is housing?
                                            I thought we earned our bread by what we can export.
                                            Are we to become a nation of pre-fabricated home builders exporting yurts to Mongolia?

                                            Commenter
                                            fizzybeer
                                            Date and time
                                            March 01, 2016, 2:25PM

                                            • An economy up to the eyeballs in property debt.

                                              No worries for an ex-banker.

                                              Commenter
                                              gus the snail
                                              Date and time
                                              March 01, 2016, 2:36PM

                                            • Was thinking the same thing fizz, the Libs have themselves tied in so many knots they have no argument.

                                              Hey first home buyers...let's hear from you! MT basically saying you don't matter.

                                              Commenter
                                              davemac
                                              Location
                                              Melbourne
                                              Date and time
                                              March 01, 2016, 2:50PM

                                            • davemac

                                              If there were to be a major correction, said 'first-time' home buyers would still be left out of the market. Without a correction, they will be in the same boat for another generation. For mine, they should reduce NG over 7-10 years and ditch the grandfather clause. More than enough time to alter the asset class.

                                              Commenter
                                              $keptic
                                              Location
                                              Melbourne
                                              Date and time
                                              March 01, 2016, 3:28PM

                                            • Not sure how you get that $keptic, for mine I think the Libs are right and that less investors at an auction make it more likely that a home buyer gets it, plus at a lower price sue to less competition. The Libs are painting that as a disaster. I just see it as the swings and roundabouts of investment.

                                              I don't mind your idea of phasing in tho, probably achieves a similar outcome in the long term.

                                              Commenter
                                              davemac
                                              Location
                                              Melbourne
                                              Date and time
                                              March 01, 2016, 3:40PM

                                          • Not the bullies, Malcolm, they have no appreciation whatsoever of the damage that bullying causes to people.

                                            Commenter
                                            Too Easy
                                            Date and time
                                            March 01, 2016, 2:25PM

                                            • '50% GST-increase' Malcolm preaching caution in changes to the tax system.

                                              Nice speaking voice for ranc hyporisy

                                              Commenter
                                              gus the snail
                                              Date and time
                                              March 01, 2016, 2:24PM

                                              • Mal has lost of lot of lot his bravado today. In fact, he look and sounds quite flat.

                                                Would it be the result of today's Party-Room,
                                                where he received a similar response to when he addressed the NSW's division, claiming there are no factions in the Tory Party.

                                                Commenter
                                                Jason of Gold Coast
                                                Date and time
                                                March 01, 2016, 2:22PM

                                                • Jason
                                                  Well it's hard to constantly defend an irrational position.
                                                  You need the energy of Abbott to do that, and even he ended up failing.

                                                  Commenter
                                                  Steve
                                                  Date and time
                                                  March 01, 2016, 2:37PM

                                              • ... and there was the nose-rub right in the middle of his indefensible defence of negative gearing on existing properties.

                                                Commenter
                                                Too Easy
                                                Date and time
                                                March 01, 2016, 2:22PM

                                                • So, that's a no then.

                                                  The Prime Minister will not rule out retrospective tax changes.

                                                  Commenter
                                                  Too Easy
                                                  Date and time
                                                  March 01, 2016, 2:20PM

                                                  • Looks like Labor has Linda Burney lined up as their next leader.

                                                    Commenter
                                                    Sharron
                                                    Date and time
                                                    March 01, 2016, 2:19PM

                                                    • ...and the LNP has ...Tone.

                                                      Commenter
                                                      Vote Mal Eat Pal
                                                      Date and time
                                                      March 01, 2016, 2:37PM

                                                  • On a most serious note, I note that Bishop, B has taken to wearing predominantly black.

                                                    Commenter
                                                    Jason of Gold Coast
                                                    Date and time
                                                    March 01, 2016, 2:19PM

                                                    • Conversely Mal's colour coordination leaves a bit to be desired today.
                                                      Bit tough on the eyeballs.

                                                      Commenter
                                                      A country gal
                                                      Date and time
                                                      March 01, 2016, 2:34PM

                                                    • Do you think her parliamentary ambitions have died?

                                                      Commenter
                                                      Banjo
                                                      Location
                                                      Eden
                                                      Date and time
                                                      March 01, 2016, 2:39PM

                                                    • It's her Queen Victoria period. Mourning for the fallen glory that was the Abbot gubmint

                                                      Commenter
                                                      rod steiger
                                                      Location
                                                      toukley
                                                      Date and time
                                                      March 01, 2016, 3:18PM

                                                  • It would be best for the LNP to put Slomo back into witness protection (thankyou Stephanie)
                                                    He is an embarrassment.
                                                    Turnbull is taking a massive risk if he allows this bloke to present a pre-election budget.

                                                    Commenter
                                                    fizzybeer
                                                    Date and time
                                                    March 01, 2016, 2:17PM

                                                    • "average rent loss of $9300"

                                                      WELL IT'S NOT SUCH A GOOD INVESTMENT THEN, IS IT ScoMo

                                                      Surely Mal and ScoMo should know this!

                                                      Why are we subsidising BAD INVESTMENTS with negative gearing?

                                                      Commenter
                                                      Rort Olympics
                                                      Date and time
                                                      March 01, 2016, 2:17PM

                                                      • Why is Cory Bernadi going to the UN for 3 months? Is this Malcolm's way of getting rid of him? Why not send him on a study tour of New Zealand, or Alaska, or Siberia for 3 months?

                                                        Commenter
                                                        Sharron
                                                        Date and time
                                                        March 01, 2016, 2:15PM

                                                        • Obviously to bring Jesus to the bible belt? However, no one ever existed of that name so, it is another LNP exercise in stupidity.

                                                          Commenter
                                                          Pen of hrba
                                                          Date and time
                                                          March 01, 2016, 2:36PM

                                                      • Hopefully Cory will work with the UNHCR (Refugee Agency) and pick up some tips for Dutto.
                                                        Or the UNHRC (Human Rights Council) and pick up some tips on dealing with people who are different than right wing and straight.

                                                        Commenter
                                                        Tucky
                                                        Location
                                                        Warragul
                                                        Date and time
                                                        March 01, 2016, 2:15PM

                                                        • Clearly he's been sent to help with the selection process for the Syrian refugee intake of (supposedly) 12,000. No doubt Bernardi would be favouring Christians over other asylum seekers.

                                                          Commenter
                                                          Bulletproof Monk
                                                          Date and time
                                                          March 01, 2016, 2:57PM

                                                      • Shorten needs to go away on one of those meditation retreats to sort out his head. He's a mess with every QT another embarrassment to intelligence and common sense.

                                                        Commenter
                                                        enough is enough
                                                        Date and time
                                                        March 01, 2016, 2:14PM

                                                        • No, he is fine, just doing his job as you should recognise.
                                                          I certainly realise when a person is just doing their job EiE.

                                                          Commenter
                                                          fizzybeer
                                                          Date and time
                                                          March 01, 2016, 2:31PM

                                                        • Yet another cerebral moment for you . Nuffy. Have you thought of advising Trump?

                                                          Commenter
                                                          Pen of hrba
                                                          Date and time
                                                          March 01, 2016, 2:31PM

                                                        • EiE
                                                          I'm sure you hope Shorten will go away.
                                                          Every QT he shows what an embarrassment to intelligence and common sense this government is.

                                                          Commenter
                                                          Steve
                                                          Date and time
                                                          March 01, 2016, 2:35PM

                                                      • hacka 1.14
                                                        You and piped were right.
                                                        It hasn't worked with Turnbull.
                                                        Who would have thought he would go from a MP with principles to a PM with repetitive hollow sound bites.
                                                        So
                                                        Who next?
                                                        Take a punt on Julie Bishop?
                                                        ( please don't say Slomo!)

                                                        Commenter
                                                        fizzybeer
                                                        Date and time
                                                        March 01, 2016, 2:12PM

                                                        • No more changes Fizzy. We just want a Liberal PM with the spine to make the tough decisions. Abbott was that PM but had a propensity to make decisions the majority couldn't stomach and had many high profile media personalities after his head ever since he was elected making his Prime Ministership untenable.

                                                          Commenter
                                                          Piped Piper
                                                          Date and time
                                                          March 01, 2016, 2:34PM

                                                        • Yeah, what Piped said, +1.

                                                          Commenter
                                                          Hacka
                                                          Location
                                                          Canberra
                                                          Date and time
                                                          March 01, 2016, 2:50PM

                                                        • Piped
                                                          his destruction was pre-determined by who he is.
                                                          I really think Malcolm is approaching the point of no return for a similar reason.
                                                          He doesn't remember what he used to believe in, as evidenced by getting a non performer to take his questions.
                                                          Weak as......

                                                          Commenter
                                                          fizzybeer
                                                          Date and time
                                                          March 01, 2016, 2:53PM

                                                        • Piped: Correct, it was personality politics at its worst by the left and it mattered not that it was to the detriment of the country.

                                                          Commenter
                                                          housemartin
                                                          Location
                                                          hong kong
                                                          Date and time
                                                          March 01, 2016, 2:59PM

                                                      • Morrison really is a second-rater and would have done better to keep his head down in a junior ministry until he could pull of a coup in a decade or so (after Dutton and a few others have followed on from Abbott).

                                                        Commenter
                                                        Too Easy
                                                        Date and time
                                                        March 01, 2016, 2:12PM

                                                        • @12.16. As a social liberal and a fiscal conservative, I've always relied on the ALP to keep the LNP in line when it came to issues of social justice. Now the problem with Bill is he lost his right to claim the moral high ground to discuss SSM and indigenous rights when he ignored his constitutency and outsourced freedom limiting and expensive metadata retention laws and the detention of children to the LNP without a whimper, which will ultimately kill the chances of the only 2 successors (Tanya and Albo) who will lose their seats to the greens after his election defeat, with Tanya and Albo no chance of getting re-elected it will resign the ALP rank and file to another 3 years of Mr 14% stand for nothing Bill who was elected by the people who represent 14% of the working force..

                                                          Commenter
                                                          Piped Piper
                                                          Date and time
                                                          March 01, 2016, 2:12PM

                                                          • I don't think you like Bill.
                                                            But a rough old link from metadata to SSM and Indigenous Rights?
                                                            Don't you think Bill is actually making the running and trying to lead the nation from the opposition benches?
                                                            He is doing a far better job than the PM for what?

                                                            Commenter
                                                            fizzybeer
                                                            Date and time
                                                            March 01, 2016, 2:39PM

                                                        • No fotos of Terri Butler yet? Is she sick or something?

                                                          Commenter
                                                          paul
                                                          Location
                                                          Brisbane
                                                          Date and time
                                                          March 01, 2016, 2:10PM

                                                            • You have answered your own question. Fully.

                                                              Commenter
                                                              enough is enough
                                                              Date and time
                                                              March 01, 2016, 2:30PM

                                                            • You missed the point of order, then.

                                                              Commenter
                                                              Jason of Gold Coast
                                                              Date and time
                                                              March 01, 2016, 2:40PM

                                                            • Probably ejected before the security check, wouldn't put it past her to be turfed from Parliament even before the kick off.

                                                              Commenter
                                                              Fruitcakes and Watermelons
                                                              Date and time
                                                              March 01, 2016, 2:42PM

                                                            • Surely you saved a copy from yesterday?

                                                              Commenter
                                                              nuffsnuff
                                                              Date and time
                                                              March 01, 2016, 2:59PM

                                                            • no questions from paul about Terri yet? oh wait......

                                                              Commenter
                                                              davemac
                                                              Location
                                                              Melbourne
                                                              Date and time
                                                              March 01, 2016, 2:59PM

                                                            • Paul: She's desperately jockeying behind the scenes on how to get her face in front of the cameras again. She reminds me of Roxon, the atypical self righteous industrial lawyer where all bosses are evil but without them you can't make your pockets of dosh.

                                                              Introducing a SSM debate into the Coalition dominated HOR is a start.

                                                              MBC? Tells the whole story.

                                                              Commenter
                                                              housemartin
                                                              Location
                                                              hong kong
                                                              Date and time
                                                              March 01, 2016, 3:03PM

                                                            • housemartin
                                                              Funny you should mention Roxon.
                                                              Her work on helping other countries introduce plain paper packaging will save the world trillions in medical costs.
                                                              Just thank her and move on.

                                                              Commenter
                                                              Steve
                                                              Date and time
                                                              March 01, 2016, 3:17PM

                                                          • Turnbull defending the taxbreak rorts on property speculation like a champion property speculator.

                                                            Commenter
                                                            Rort Olympics
                                                            Date and time
                                                            March 01, 2016, 2:10PM

                                                            • Turnbull has no idea what this economic future we are transitioning to looks like.

                                                              Not a single industry has he named in three minutes of waffle on "that new economy" that needs "investment" and "innovation" to get going.

                                                              Not one industry like renewable energy generation, for instance and here comes another three minutes of nothing in reply to a Dixer.

                                                              Commenter
                                                              Too Easy
                                                              Date and time
                                                              March 01, 2016, 2:07PM

                                                              • @2.03 - the way things are going the depth of experience will soon be so shallow that the rats jumping will have no need to fear drowning.

                                                                Commenter
                                                                tasch2
                                                                Location
                                                                Mornington Peninsula
                                                                Date and time
                                                                March 01, 2016, 2:06PM

                                                                • Cory Bernardi is being seconded to the UN? How embarrassment.

                                                                  Commenter
                                                                  Banjo
                                                                  Location
                                                                  Eden
                                                                  Date and time
                                                                  March 01, 2016, 2:03PM

                                                                  • The Pulse 1:42PM

                                                                    I didn't think Bernardi was a supporter of the U.N.

                                                                    Commenter
                                                                    A Green
                                                                    Location
                                                                    Australia
                                                                    Date and time
                                                                    March 01, 2016, 2:01PM

                                                                    • If the Greenie armchair generals were running defence they'd be giving the Navy sailing ships because the wind isa renewable energy.

                                                                      The Army would be getting the latest in chariots instead of armoured vehicles, because you can put the manure on the veggie patch.

                                                                      And the RAAF would be flying cutting box kites (probably made in China).

                                                                      Commenter
                                                                      SteveH.
                                                                      Date and time
                                                                      March 01, 2016, 2:01PM

                                                                      • How long will these ships last against missiles that can land on a twenty cent piece when fired from several thousand kilometres away?

                                                                        Minutes or hours, do you reckon?

                                                                        Millions of man-hours to build a fish refuge and permanent grave site for Australian sailors.

                                                                        Commenter
                                                                        Too Easy
                                                                        Date and time
                                                                        March 01, 2016, 2:14PM

                                                                      • And no wasted billions of dollars like the LNP attempt to relive WWII defence strategy.

                                                                        Commenter
                                                                        Pen of hrba
                                                                        Date and time
                                                                        March 01, 2016, 2:14PM

                                                                      • Actually, I am an armchair field commander.

                                                                        Commenter
                                                                        Nuff Nuff
                                                                        Date and time
                                                                        March 01, 2016, 2:14PM

                                                                      • Emissions are generated by running a air craft carrier / submarine or tim flannery's kimberly 5 star diesel engine powered sea cruise are all harmful and increases global warming !

                                                                        Commenter
                                                                        tougue in cheek
                                                                        Date and time
                                                                        March 01, 2016, 2:16PM

                                                                      • If the Greenie armchair generals were running the armies of the world there would be no need for any navy ships, army or air force.

                                                                        Imagine the budget then.

                                                                        Commenter
                                                                        ah ha
                                                                        Date and time
                                                                        March 01, 2016, 2:22PM

                                                                      • It's a fun joke, SteveH, but as the US Navy is already working to reduce its dependence on non-renewable energy sources the Australian Navy will probably follow in their footsteps if it's so inclined.

                                                                        http://www.navy.mil/features/Navy_EnergySecurity.pdf

                                                                        Commenter
                                                                        Emu of Justice
                                                                        Date and time
                                                                        March 01, 2016, 2:24PM

                                                                      • SteveH
                                                                        Well it makes more sense than wasting $200bn on obsolete toys while children starve in the NT and innocent victims languish in Nauru and Manus Is.

                                                                        Commenter
                                                                        Steve
                                                                        Date and time
                                                                        March 01, 2016, 2:27PM

                                                                      • Ah ha, just imagine.

                                                                        Commenter
                                                                        Banjo
                                                                        Location
                                                                        Eden
                                                                        Date and time
                                                                        March 01, 2016, 2:28PM

                                                                      • @ SteveH:

                                                                        Xi Jinping would be shaking in his boots by our military buildup.

                                                                        When Trump is elected, we should join the US flotilla steaming through the disputed territory in the South China Sea.

                                                                        Gunship diplomacy always works.

                                                                        Commenter
                                                                        Jason of Gold Coast
                                                                        Date and time
                                                                        March 01, 2016, 2:32PM

                                                                      • So far the greenie armchair generals haven't succeeded in running anything.

                                                                        You'll just have to keep dreaming.

                                                                        Commenter
                                                                        SteveH.
                                                                        Date and time
                                                                        March 01, 2016, 2:36PM

                                                                      • Perhaps you'll just have to keep fearmongering hoping that the day doesn't come.

                                                                        You are being awfully Orwellian with this.

                                                                        Commenter
                                                                        ah ha
                                                                        Date and time
                                                                        March 01, 2016, 2:48PM

                                                                      • Good, George Orwell was right about many things.

                                                                        Commenter
                                                                        SteveH.
                                                                        Date and time
                                                                        March 01, 2016, 3:06PM

                                                                    • 1.44 WHAT !!!!
                                                                      And in what capacity I may ask?
                                                                      Does this mean no more Senator Cory?
                                                                      One must live in hope.

                                                                      Commenter
                                                                      A country gal
                                                                      Date and time
                                                                      March 01, 2016, 2:00PM

                                                                      • We can only hope that is part of the UN Peace Corps, volunteered for operations in Dafur or Syria.

                                                                        Commenter
                                                                        stevek
                                                                        Location
                                                                        Sydney
                                                                        Date and time
                                                                        March 01, 2016, 2:15PM

                                                                    • Absolutely loving SteveH digging the hole deeper :

                                                                      http://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/americas-f-35-stealth-fighter-vs-russias-su-35-who-wins-13855

                                                                      For a browned off LNP supporter he certainly shows how to hang onto something long past its use by date.

                                                                      Commenter
                                                                      A Green
                                                                      Location
                                                                      Australia
                                                                      Date and time
                                                                      March 01, 2016, 1:59PM

                                                                      • from memory AG these turkeys can only carry 2 inside of fuselage ordnance.

                                                                        Commenter
                                                                        fizzybeer
                                                                        Date and time
                                                                        March 01, 2016, 2:20PM

                                                                      • I read the story and this is what it says:

                                                                        "If the F-35s were left to their own devices, they would probably be alright even against the Su-35––if they played their cards right. The F-35s pilots would have to use their stealth, onboard and offboard sensors and smart tactics that play to the F-35s strengths and avoid its weakness. That means using the jet’s stealth and sensors to engage enemy fighters from beyond visual range and avoiding a visual range turning fight where the F-35 is vulnerable."

                                                                        The F-35 is a multi-mission aircraft not solely dedicated to air superiority, like the F18 it is designed to perform a variety of missions.

                                                                        However the issue of Australia buying a plane solely dedicated to air superiority doesn't even arise, because there isn't one being manufactured in the western world

                                                                        The greenie armchair generals don't really want the RAAF to get any modern attack aircraft, that's their real mission here.

                                                                        Commenter
                                                                        SteveH.
                                                                        Date and time
                                                                        March 01, 2016, 2:24PM

                                                                      • SteveH
                                                                        no, I want the best for our pilots, our nation.
                                                                        F22

                                                                        Commenter
                                                                        fizzybeer
                                                                        Date and time
                                                                        March 01, 2016, 2:28PM

                                                                      • Shush, he's happy living his fantasy of how slow moving ships are a deterrent against long range missiles. And F35's can take on superior Russian and Chinese planes and come home safely.

                                                                        His bewilderment is not unlike Hitler's in 1944?

                                                                        Commenter
                                                                        Pen of hrba
                                                                        Date and time
                                                                        March 01, 2016, 2:29PM

                                                                      • SteveH
                                                                        So what do these "greenie armchair generals" look like...just so I know, in case I see one?

                                                                        Commenter
                                                                        Vote Mal Eat Pal
                                                                        Date and time
                                                                        March 01, 2016, 2:42PM

                                                                      • It doesn't take much to shoot down the greenie armchair generals made up 'facts' that's for sure.

                                                                        If they were capable doing more than just skimming google searches they would already know that the F-22 went out of production several years ago.

                                                                        And was always banned from export in the first place.

                                                                        Commenter
                                                                        SteveH.
                                                                        Date and time
                                                                        March 01, 2016, 2:56PM

                                                                    • 1:44 - Bernardi gets a three month stint at the UN - doing what exactly ?

                                                                      Wonder if Kevin Rudd provided a reference.

                                                                      Commenter
                                                                      Hacka
                                                                      Location
                                                                      Canberra
                                                                      Date and time
                                                                      March 01, 2016, 1:53PM

                                                                      • Probably trying to dismantle it from within?

                                                                        I'd be checking his briefcase if I was them.

                                                                        Commenter
                                                                        davemac
                                                                        Location
                                                                        Melbourne
                                                                        Date and time
                                                                        March 01, 2016, 2:12PM

                                                                      • In that case dave his appointment is endorsed.

                                                                        Cory - start with that k-k-krazy $100 billion enviro-social wealth redistribution fund.

                                                                        Commenter
                                                                        Hacka
                                                                        Location
                                                                        Canberra
                                                                        Date and time
                                                                        March 01, 2016, 2:28PM

                                                                      • It's just to get him out of the country in the lead up to the election.

                                                                        Commenter
                                                                        Steve
                                                                        Date and time
                                                                        March 01, 2016, 2:30PM

                                                                      • Maybe Julie Bishop, she's really keen on the UN!

                                                                        Commenter
                                                                        PhilC
                                                                        Location
                                                                        Sydney
                                                                        Date and time
                                                                        March 01, 2016, 2:40PM

                                                                    • @1:44

                                                                      Gosh.... I hope he represents Australia well.

                                                                      Perhaps Mr Tuirnbull would do better to line up some of these appointments during the election campaign!

                                                                      Commenter
                                                                      Time to change
                                                                      Date and time
                                                                      March 01, 2016, 1:51PM

                                                                      • @1:44 LOL wut?
                                                                        It's March 1st, not April 1st.

                                                                        Commenter
                                                                        Oliver More
                                                                        Date and time
                                                                        March 01, 2016, 1:48PM

                                                                        • The true agenda of the greenie armchair generals isn't that the ADF should have the best weapons available.

                                                                          It's really that the ADF should have no significant weapons platforms at all.

                                                                          Flying white bedsheets is their preferred option to the F-35.

                                                                          Commenter
                                                                          SteveH.
                                                                          Date and time
                                                                          March 01, 2016, 1:42PM

                                                                          • Even a Sopwith with starched canvas would be preferable to the F35, at least a Sopwith pilot was reasonably safe in combat.

                                                                            Commenter
                                                                            Pen of hrba
                                                                            Date and time
                                                                            March 01, 2016, 2:12PM

                                                                          • l actually, form what I have read of the Camel.... the biggest danger to the pilot was the aircraft itself!!

                                                                            The big rotary engine torque gave it an incredible ability to turn in one direction rather than the other.... but if you were not prepare the aircraft could o into a spin form which it would never recover.

                                                                            Commenter
                                                                            Time to change
                                                                            Date and time
                                                                            March 01, 2016, 2:30PM

                                                                          • Well that just illustrates the true depth of your knowledge on this subject and your much self touted concern for our pilots Pen.

                                                                            Commenter
                                                                            SteveH.
                                                                            Date and time
                                                                            March 01, 2016, 2:41PM

                                                                          • SteveH
                                                                            Defence procurement should be based on defence needs, not trade-offs for FTAs.
                                                                            The F35s were traded for the US FTA.
                                                                            The submarines are a trade-off for the Japan FTA.
                                                                            At least the China FTA has only cost us a couple of farms so far.

                                                                            Commenter
                                                                            Steve
                                                                            Date and time
                                                                            March 01, 2016, 2:41PM

                                                                          • Oh it's all a big conspiracy now, it couldn't be because Japan is capable of designing a modern submarine custom build for the Pacific, rather than the Baltic or the Atlantic.

                                                                            It has to be because of FTA's, I wonder what phase the moon is in tonight.

                                                                            Commenter
                                                                            SteveH.
                                                                            Date and time
                                                                            March 01, 2016, 3:02PM

                                                                        • Malcolm Turnbull, the Pointer Sister of the Liberal party:

                                                                          I'm so excited
                                                                          And I just can't hide it
                                                                          I'm about to lose control of the Back Bench and I think I like it.

                                                                          Commenter
                                                                          Snapperhead
                                                                          Location
                                                                          The Reef
                                                                          Date and time
                                                                          March 01, 2016, 1:38PM

                                                                          • 1.13 pm. ALP rank and file pre-selection? Is this a first? or just another sick joke.

                                                                            Commenter
                                                                            enough is enough
                                                                            Date and time
                                                                            March 01, 2016, 1:37PM

                                                                            • another sick joke.

                                                                              Commenter
                                                                              Sharron
                                                                              Date and time
                                                                              March 01, 2016, 2:25PM

                                                                            • Are there two "Sharron's"?

                                                                              Commenter
                                                                              Jason of Gold Coast
                                                                              Date and time
                                                                              March 01, 2016, 2:41PM

                                                                          • "11:28am: "I ride a bike and I'm certainly not a Green," Labor senator Stephen Conroy protests."

                                                                            As a cyclist (ok, I admit it, and a Green, sorry Sen. Conroy,sir), I feel a pressing need to know what this was in relation to.

                                                                            Commenter
                                                                            Rob
                                                                            Location
                                                                            Melbourne
                                                                            Date and time
                                                                            March 01, 2016, 1:37PM

                                                                            • As if all cyclists are greens.

                                                                              I ride and err...well...

                                                                              Commenter
                                                                              davemac
                                                                              Location
                                                                              Melbourne
                                                                              Date and time
                                                                              March 01, 2016, 2:13PM

                                                                          • Ah, Tony Nutt on the ABC sounding like Malcolm Turnbull on Liberal Party factions.

                                                                            Commenter
                                                                            Too Easy
                                                                            Date and time
                                                                            March 01, 2016, 1:26PM

                                                                            • Tony Abbott, Tony Abbott.

                                                                              Everyone is fearing him. Why ?

                                                                              Is it because he is a man of substance and conviction.

                                                                              Every policy is still there.

                                                                              The white Paper on Defence.

                                                                              The Tax discussion that we are having.

                                                                              Can not wait for him to sit where he rightly belongs.

                                                                              Now, all of you can complain and criticize as you all do. But the truth is the truth!

                                                                              Have a nice day all.

                                                                              I can feel the trembling from the fear of Tony's Return

                                                                              Commenter
                                                                              4Ken
                                                                              Location
                                                                              Auburn
                                                                              Date and time
                                                                              March 01, 2016, 1:14PM

                                                                              • Too right (ahem) we fear him. He showed during the 2 years in power that he was unfit for the job of leading this country. His own party didn't want him.

                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                stevek
                                                                                Location
                                                                                Sydney
                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                March 01, 2016, 2:09PM

                                                                              • No, looking forward to it.

                                                                                Is there a limit to how many times a political party can jump the shark?

                                                                                He sure peps up the banter on the Pulse at the very least.

                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                davemac
                                                                                Location
                                                                                Melbourne
                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                March 01, 2016, 2:15PM

                                                                            • 12:48pm

                                                                              So the Libs are removing Media Ownership Laws which will now allow their Mates in News Corp to own an even greater share of our Media Market. I guess this fits perfectly with their Negative Gearing and Capital Gains Policy whereby they are also trying to concentrate more and more of our home ownership in the hands of their rich mates and donors, by rigging the system to price the average Aussie out of the market.

                                                                              The Liberals, doing what they can to widen the gap between rich and poor.

                                                                              Young people need to wake up and realise that under a Liberal Government, your chances of ever owning your own home are getting slimmer by the day. The Liberals would prefer you were paying massive rents to their rich mates and donors, rather than you having the security of owning the roof over your head.

                                                                              Everything they do is to rig the game to favour their rich mates and donors.

                                                                              Commenter
                                                                              Snapperhead
                                                                              Location
                                                                              The Reef
                                                                              Date and time
                                                                              March 01, 2016, 1:13PM

                                                                              • This government has removed any semblance of cover for their representation of the 1%ers.

                                                                                If we elect this mob again there will be no excuses and we'll get what we deserve.

                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                Too Easy
                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                March 01, 2016, 2:09PM

                                                                            • It would be unfortunate if the Senate were to pass changes to its election procedures, only to see the amendments thrown out by the High Court.

                                                                              If a DD has already been called it will be a sight to behold as the States rush to pass new laws to enable them to elect their Senators directly.

                                                                              Commenter
                                                                              Too Easy
                                                                              Date and time
                                                                              March 01, 2016, 1:05PM

                                                                              • Re: “Abbott tells Turnbull to cut spending?”

                                                                                Err, hang on a minute.

                                                                                “23 Apr 2014, Tony Abbott has confirmed that Australia will buy 58 more F-35
                                                                                Joint Strike Fighters (JSF) at a cost of more than $12 billion after the Federal Government gave the go ahead yesterday.
                                                                                The $12.4 billion price tag makes the Joint Strike Fighters Australia's most expensive defence asset. The extra aircraft will bring Australia’s total Joint Strike Fighter force to 72 aircraft, with the first of them to enter service in 2020.”

                                                                                4 Aug 2015, Tony Abbott announced detailed plans to build $40 billion worth of new surface ships for the Navy. The Government will also build a fleet of frigates and a further fleet of Offshore Combatant Vessels. Total acquisition costs including new submarines were in the order of $89 billion. Now $150 billion for the submarines alone.

                                                                                April 10 2015, Tony Abbott has confirmed Australia will acquire two additional Boeing C-17 airlifters. The $1 billion acquisition comprises $700 million for the two aircraft plus sustainment.

                                                                                Abbott: “Take a leaf out of my book, Mal: cut spending?

                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                Pen of hrba
                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                March 01, 2016, 1:05PM

                                                                                • 12:55pm Senator Mitch Fifield has just held a press conference to detail the government's plan to overhaul gender identity and genital laws.
                                                                                  "The existing laws are old fashioned although they were well intentioned", Senator Fifield says.
                                                                                  The government also wants to get rid of what's known as the "over-reach rule" that prevents the state from telling consenting adults what to do with their genitals, when more than 75 per cent of the population agrees it is none of the government's business.

                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                  Thank God!
                                                                                  Location
                                                                                  Melbourne
                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                  March 01, 2016, 1:02PM

                                                                                  • as long as you don't let them drive your car for you or run free at the beach without a leash

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    numbat
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 01, 2016, 1:56PM

                                                                                  • Love it.
                                                                                    Watch out for those overreaching genitals.

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    A country gal
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 01, 2016, 1:58PM

                                                                                  • Good to see the gubment getting to the nub of the issues...while Rome burns.

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    Vote Mal Eat Pal
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 01, 2016, 2:17PM

                                                                                • Can't Fifield just close down the ABC. Australia demands an end to the socialist/ALP/Greens broadcaster.

                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                  enough is enough
                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                  March 01, 2016, 12:57PM

                                                                                  • how will the inner city residents be able to see their hero tony jones & q&a then ?

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    sideways
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 01, 2016, 1:48PM

                                                                                  • Btw eie did you notice in the paper today - the architect of the Safe Schools program is a card carrying marxist who's admitted the goal is social reform.

                                                                                    And who approved the $8m funding - your buddy Penny.

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    Hacka
                                                                                    Location
                                                                                    Canberra
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 01, 2016, 1:50PM

                                                                                  • enough is enough

                                                                                    I doubt that he can even shut you up.

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    A Green
                                                                                    Location
                                                                                    Australia
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 01, 2016, 1:50PM

                                                                                  • What would you have left to complain about then?

                                                                                    Actually I'm sure you'd find something.

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    numbat
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 01, 2016, 1:53PM

                                                                                  • @EIE.... well you demand an end.... I think many Australians are very happy with the ABC.

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    Time to change
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 01, 2016, 1:54PM

                                                                                  • Oh I see the problem, by 'Australia' you really mean 'you'.

                                                                                    Easy mistake to make.

                                                                                    15-0.

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    davemac
                                                                                    Location
                                                                                    Melbourne
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 01, 2016, 1:56PM

                                                                                  • we can't always just shut something down because we don't like it EiE.
                                                                                    Think of all the others who find the ABC stimulating, informative, entertaining.
                                                                                    Would you prefer we just had a broadcast live daily from LNP HQ?

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    fizzybeer
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 01, 2016, 1:56PM

                                                                                  • Nah, you're not "Australia", sunshine.

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    Oliver More
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 01, 2016, 1:58PM

                                                                                  • Hacka, did you realise the person that led the banning of guns was the self confessed most conservative liberal in history. What was he trying to achieve, social reform.

                                                                                    Whats your point. Marxists, despite it being central to their ideology should not be able to conduct social reform? Give me a spell.

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    ah ha
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 01, 2016, 2:04PM

                                                                                  • ah ha - think it might have been called gun reform, not social reform.

                                                                                    But if you want a spell - "bubble, bubble, toil and trouble ....". Did it work ?

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    Hacka
                                                                                    Location
                                                                                    Canberra
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 01, 2016, 2:08PM

                                                                                  • Malcolm Turnbull 12/3/2013

                                                                                    "It is very important that the government, through this debate, stop trying to represent the National Disability Insurance Scheme, the NDIS, as being a Labor reform. It is not a Labor reform; it is a reform that has the wholehearted support of all sides of politics and it is one that will be more compelling and more likely to come to realisation if it is seen as being one of those causes, those political or social reforms, that is not the property of one side of politics or another. "

                                                                                    get with the program hakka, Sir Pository is gawn, social reform is ok now

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    rod steiger
                                                                                    Location
                                                                                    toukley
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 01, 2016, 2:15PM

                                                                                  • I'm with you EIE. Last thing we need is tge ABC. Being bi partisan and at times reporting positives about Labor. Whilst there at it the could Kegislate that Murdoch can buy 100% of the media shut down anyone that won't tie the Party line and be part of the Conservative propaganda machine. No it's not enough that with the shock jocks, Murdoch press and channell 10 being a conservative bastion refer Bolt report give the LNP propaganda section 75% of the market. Let's go 100% and refer to Malcon as Dear Leader

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    Jessica
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 01, 2016, 2:18PM

                                                                                  • Hey, did you read in the propaganda sheet today... "the “scare campaign” being run by opponents of Safe Schools Coalition has been “nothing short of disgraceful”.

                                                                                    “The comments from federal MPs like Cory Bernardi and George Christensen are perfect examples of the kind of attitudes that we need to change,” he said.

                                                                                    And what's the difference between social reform and social engineering?

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    nuffsnuff
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 01, 2016, 2:21PM

                                                                                  • Hacka - no you are still missing the point. Try throwing in some hemlock.

                                                                                    Gun reform is social reform. If thats the best you can do why not call Safe School educational reform.

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    ah ha
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 01, 2016, 2:26PM

                                                                                • Can you imagine the outpouring of support Gillard would have received from the love media if she cried. It would go on for days with headlines of how tough she was; how this shows her compassion, the emotional strength shown to continue as PM. Enough to make you sick.

                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                  enough is enough
                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                  March 01, 2016, 12:56PM

                                                                                  • Your posts seem to be getting a bit angrier and more desperate lately, eie. Is the pressure getting to you as the wheels come off this conservative nightmare of a government?

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    MJ
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 01, 2016, 1:49PM

                                                                                  • enough is enough

                                                                                    Take 2 vitamin pills and have a lie down.

                                                                                    The perfect remedy for a metrosexual like yourself.

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    A Green
                                                                                    Location
                                                                                    Australia
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 01, 2016, 2:02PM

                                                                                  • I doubt that very much eie. She would have been pilloried and slammed for using her feminine wiles to gain sympathy, or have you forgotten the attacks on her after the misogyny speech. She was slapped about for days for using the feminist card. Bishop I might note was the chief junkyard dog in that matter. But let's not let in the way of a right wing rant.

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    Geoff
                                                                                    Location
                                                                                    Melbourne
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 01, 2016, 2:53PM

                                                                                • If it wasn't obvious before that the reason Turnbull was inserted as PM, it is now,

                                                                                  His sole purpose is to get the 2014 budget still stuck in the senate passed

                                                                                  They have not dumped 100k degrees, they have not dumped co payments

                                                                                  Abbott and Hockey could not sell them because they were unfair

                                                                                  Cue Turnbull, first move, disband the senate, second move, gain the numbers to control the senate, third, rush through Abbott's policies into legisltion

                                                                                  If you are a conspiracy fan, chew on that

                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                  fiberal
                                                                                  Location
                                                                                  darwin
                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                  March 01, 2016, 12:45PM

                                                                                  • At least the LNP's media laws aren't like Gillard's where she tried to shut down any justified criticisms of her hopeless Govt.

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    enough is enough
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 01, 2016, 12:45PM

                                                                                    • Sort of like the LNP with the ABC...hang on?

                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                      Vote Mal Eat Pal
                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                      March 01, 2016, 1:51PM

                                                                                    • I assume you mean "justified" in my opinion"????????????

                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                      Geoff
                                                                                      Location
                                                                                      Melbourne
                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                      March 01, 2016, 2:47PM

                                                                                  • 11:48am
                                                                                    Alex's photograph just proves who is actually running the Government with the 'big fella' constantly looking over ever move and listening to every word in the cabinet room that the 'new fella' says and does.
                                                                                    The conspiracy is confirmed.

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    DukeofWoyWoy
                                                                                    Location
                                                                                    Central Coast NSW
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 01, 2016, 12:44PM

                                                                                    • 12.04
                                                                                      A similar situation to asking if politicians are paid.
                                                                                      Surely a relevant question?

                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                      fizzybeer
                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                      March 01, 2016, 12:43PM

                                                                                      • Pen, how do all those Chinese Subs get around in the South China Sea's shallow waters?

                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                        enough is enough
                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                        March 01, 2016, 12:40PM

                                                                                        • The crews probably have them stay on the surface until they are in deeper waters, but then the eye spy sats can track them. So explain the sense in spending $150 billion on boats that can be tracked and destroyed by a press of a button? Go ahead, Nuffy tell us.

                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                          Pen of hrba
                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                          March 01, 2016, 2:19PM

                                                                                      • 11:31
                                                                                        We are giving Glen Druery too much credit.
                                                                                        The independents were all elected on Liberal Party preferences.
                                                                                        If the LNP had put the Greens or Labor ahead of the independents, we would only have Xenophon.
                                                                                        No-one else would have gotten the numbers.

                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                        Steve
                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                        March 01, 2016, 12:40PM

                                                                                        • Shorten's grandstanding about wanting the Govt to implement all the RC's recommendations is pathetic. The RC hasn't even finished it's work or made any final recommendations. Playing political games with people whose lives were wrecked is disgraceful, cheap political point scoring. Shorten will never be PM with pathetic tactics that any person can see straight through. The love media should be attacking him.

                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                          enough is enough
                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                          March 01, 2016, 12:39PM

                                                                                          • EiE

                                                                                            Good points. Have some knowledge here and if someone registers today with a valid complaint against the clergy, you will meet with the commissioner in at least 10 months' time. At this stage, it will be still be going well into 2017, then who knows how long before the final report is handed down.

                                                                                            Yes, this is simply political posturing and a headline grab.

                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                            $keptic
                                                                                            Location
                                                                                            Melbourne
                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                            March 01, 2016, 1:56PM

                                                                                          • I agree once again EiE.
                                                                                            It is TURC you are referring to?

                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                            fizzybeer
                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                            March 01, 2016, 1:57PM

                                                                                          • einie, you show your inability to research any topic on a daily basis, I admire your stamina and consistency.

                                                                                            the RC issued a report last year https://www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au/policy-and-research/redress/final-report-redress-and-civil-litigation

                                                                                            the government has not agreed to all recommendations
                                                                                            SMH 29/1/2016
                                                                                            "The Turnbull government has agreed to lead a national redress scheme for child sexual abuse survivors but has not committed to contributing any shortfall funding for institutions that cannot pay compensation."

                                                                                            now do you understand?

                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                            rod steiger
                                                                                            Location
                                                                                            toukley
                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                            March 01, 2016, 2:03PM

                                                                                        • Photo11:48am: Great photo. Is Malcolm having a quite word in the ear of Tony such "Pull your head in. We have an election to win. One that you couldn't and wouldn't."
                                                                                          Or is Malcolm a mere shadow of Tony?

                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                          Tucky
                                                                                          Location
                                                                                          Warragul
                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                          March 01, 2016, 12:38PM

                                                                                          • Good comment, Hacka.

                                                                                            All of the leaders since 2004 have led us in the same direction - straight downhill.

                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                            Good to Go
                                                                                            Location
                                                                                            Melbourne
                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                            March 01, 2016, 12:35PM

                                                                                            • 12.28, I trust Mitch has conferred with Rups and the changes have his blessing.

                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                              A country gal
                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                              March 01, 2016, 12:34PM

                                                                                              • 12.21. You did avoid a monster Shorten.
                                                                                                The response from the star witness this morning was palpable.
                                                                                                "It was of no interest to him".
                                                                                                Watching his responses was enough to make me livid.

                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                A country gal
                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                March 01, 2016, 12:25PM

                                                                                                • Re: "Mr Abbott was not quiet this morning."

                                                                                                  Since when beating on an empty drum is seen to be quiet? Duh!

                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                  Pen of hrba
                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                  March 01, 2016, 12:16PM

                                                                                                  • Bloody crowded under enough is enough's bed with Marxists, preference whisperers, ACL, terrorists, Abbott, Bernardi and big George Christensen.

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    A Green
                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                    Australia
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    March 01, 2016, 12:09PM

                                                                                                    • Socialists now peeping through bedroom windows.

                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                      enough is enough
                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                      March 01, 2016, 1:43PM

                                                                                                    • At least he doesn't kiss and tell?

                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                      Vote Mal Eat Pal
                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                      March 01, 2016, 1:45PM

                                                                                                  • Abbott is right and he had a clear mandate for it in 2013. Turnbull needs to show some guts and go after Negative gearing and cut unnecessary spending. Too much blood has been shed to just sit back and do nothing and allow the ALP to set the agenda when they have spending programs in mind from a clamp down in negative gearing.

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    Piped Piper
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    March 01, 2016, 12:07PM

                                                                                                    • Ahh the M - word. Mandate.

                                                                                                      What exactly did Abbott have a mandate for, any form of cuts no matter how unfair?

                                                                                                      And neg gearing needs to be tamed. Very few countries have it, and it prices new home buyers out of the market. Typical Lib philosophy tho, along the lines of Joes "go out an get a good job to afford a house"

                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                      davemac
                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                      Melbourne
                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                      March 01, 2016, 1:43PM

                                                                                                    • Yes he did indeed have a mandate. But not a mandate to break every pre election promise he ever made. The only mandate Tony Abbott respects is the one he said he would sell to become PM.

                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                      Geoff
                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                      Melbourne
                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                      March 01, 2016, 2:44PM

                                                                                                  • 11.48am Well done, Alex Ellinghausen. That photo looks almost like a sepia print from the olden days. And that politician looks almost like ...

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    Banjo
                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                    Eden
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    March 01, 2016, 12:03PM

                                                                                                    • @11.28
                                                                                                      The election battle has begun early between Labor vs Greens, on who has got higher moral, environmental and socialist ground

                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                      fight fight fight
                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                      March 01, 2016, 12:02PM

                                                                                                      • You mean it is a no contest then?

                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                        Pen of hrba
                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                        March 01, 2016, 1:38PM

                                                                                                    • 11:57

                                                                                                      Really get the sense that The Tones is starting to believe again. Go, The Tones, everyone loves the underdog.

                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                      davemac
                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                      Melbourne
                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                      March 01, 2016, 11:59AM

                                                                                                      • 11.48
                                                                                                        Indeed
                                                                                                        A piece of work.
                                                                                                        great photograph also.

                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                        fizzybeer
                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                        March 01, 2016, 11:56AM

                                                                                                        • touche!

                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                          Time to change
                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                          March 01, 2016, 1:38PM

                                                                                                      • So what you are saying is, Turnbull is trying to sell the Abbott and Hockey policies, the ones that were unfair

                                                                                                        Severe cuts to the lower paid people, the ones that are still hiding in the senate, which Libs want to disband, so they can push through Abbott's policies

                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                        fiberal
                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                        darwin
                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                        March 01, 2016, 11:55AM

                                                                                                        • @12.48

                                                                                                          "... and this is Uncle Tony when he was young. And much happier"

                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                          rod steiger
                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                          toukley
                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                          March 01, 2016, 11:54AM

                                                                                                          • All this talk about when the election will be, my guess is the Spring. Don't know of any one who likes being out and about in the winter.

                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                            Rod
                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                            the Coast
                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                            March 01, 2016, 11:53AM

                                                                                                            • "Only God and Malcolm knows?"

                                                                                                              Well that is a statement amounting to absolutely nothing.

                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                              Pen of hrba
                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                              March 01, 2016, 11:50AM

                                                                                                              • Now now Pen, you bleat on about the Bible and God each and every day. Why the fascination?

                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                enough is enough
                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                March 01, 2016, 12:42PM

                                                                                                            • 10.55am Yesterday's Hero

                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                              Ruth
                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                              Melbourne
                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                              March 01, 2016, 11:43AM

                                                                                                                • Yesterday's nightmare.

                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                  A country gal
                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                  March 01, 2016, 12:09PM

                                                                                                                • Yes.... And so is Turnbull.
                                                                                                                  A touching Oscar performance he put in last night (we know that part of the stirring up fear campaign is to get the 'emotional edge' with the voters, and Turnbull took it a little too far IMO).
                                                                                                                  I'm not buying what he's selling. Thanks.

                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                  Jump
                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                  March 01, 2016, 1:17PM

                                                                                                                • The most stable of all pollsters Essential is reported by Bernard Keane as a 2 point fall in support for the Turnbull Coalition to be 50%-50% with Labor. Behind the paywall.

                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                  dipaha
                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                  March 01, 2016, 1:33PM

                                                                                                              • How about a pep talk on submissions to the Greens-instigated Senate inquiry on Jan 7th 2016? Retired Wing Commander Chris Mills said. “The F-35 was never designed to achieve air superiority and was outclassed by advanced new Russian aircraft entering service in regional air forces.”

                                                                                                                Aeronautical engineer Danny Nowlan said, “Advances in radar technology would soon erode the F-35's stealth capability while the aircraft's basic design was fundamentally broken and couldn't be fixed.”
                                                                                                                The F35’s stealth is an inferior version to that employed on the F22.

                                                                                                                Former RAAF officer, retired Wing Commander Anthony Wilkinson, a former F-111 navigator, said, “The JSF's range was too short and its bombload too small for it to be a proper strike aircraft. I would argue that defence planners have lost the plot."

                                                                                                                Nowlan’s comment, “The aircraft's basic design was fundamentally broken and couldn't be fixed.” Echoes what I have been saying: “The F35 design includes an enlarged fuselage to accommodate a 1.25 metre-diameter lift fan for vertical flight, costs determined additional fuselage width be included on all F35 variants. Therefore the F-35 design increases drag, affords no rear-view, decreases acceleration, denies a second engine compromises fuel efficiency, and limits flying range, hence Australian pilots will die should they fly F35’s in combat.”

                                                                                                                Commenters here are uncaring if our pilots die in combat flying F35’s which doesn’t afford a chance of survival. Arguing it will not be in close combat is hoping an enemy will comply? I cite Stillion and Perdue’s August 2008 war simulation of F35s in combat against Chinese warplanes. “Despite the claim that F35’s could evade detection by radar, they were blown out of the sky. The F35 is double-inferior.”

                                                                                                                Our pilots are too precious for everyone not to contact senators and MP’s to demand they end the F35 programme.

                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                Pen of hrba
                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                March 01, 2016, 11:41AM

                                                                                                                • In time of conflict they are a most precious commodity as they can't be replaced.
                                                                                                                  The yanks are keen to off load this lemon onto their supposed mates, but won't even let their best mates anywhere near the F22.

                                                                                                                  Expendable?

                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                  fizzybeer
                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                  March 01, 2016, 12:01PM

                                                                                                                • Pen

                                                                                                                  Here's hoping the usual suspects take their choice of missile before running off at the mouth about how good the F-35 and submarines are supposed to be :

                                                                                                                  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_active_missiles_of_the_United_States_military

                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                  A Green
                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                  Australia
                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                  March 01, 2016, 12:11PM

                                                                                                                • Pen

                                                                                                                  How about this Aussie who issued warnings to the Senate :

                                                                                                                  http://warisboring.com/articles/aussie-who-led-weapons-tests-knocks-f-35/

                                                                                                                  Only yesterday it was said that no Aussies were panning the F-35.

                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                  A Green
                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                  Australia
                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                  March 01, 2016, 12:14PM

                                                                                                                • You should check your facts for yourself Pen, the Australian version of the F-35 will actually have a greater combat radius that the current F18 Super Hornet.

                                                                                                                  Because the weapons are stowed internally and not externally on plyons, like your story about 'drag' its just so much hot air. The F-35 has an obvious advantage in that regard.

                                                                                                                  F/A-18 E/ Super Hornet:

                                                                                                                  Range: 1,275 nmi (2,346 km) clean plus two AIM-9s

                                                                                                                  Combat radius: 390 nmi (449 mi, 722 km) for interdiction mission

                                                                                                                  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_F/A-18E/F_Super_Hornet

                                                                                                                  F-35 A CTOL:

                                                                                                                  Range 1,228 nmi (2,275 km)

                                                                                                                  Combat radius on internal fuel 614 nmi (1,137 km)

                                                                                                                  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lockheed_Martin_F-35_Lightning_II#F-35A

                                                                                                                  The F-35 A CTOL

                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                  SteveH.
                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                  March 01, 2016, 12:32PM

                                                                                                                • Steve H

                                                                                                                  Why on earth are you comparing the F35 with an ageing F18 Super Hornet? The idea is to compare it with modern enemy planes.

                                                                                                                  In ‘stealth’ mode, the F-35 can carry only two bombs and two anti-aircraft missiles. Both Russian and Chinese planes can carry up to eight?
                                                                                                                  In ‘non-stealth’ mode the F-35 can carry seven external objects. The faster, more manoeuvrable and longer-ranged Russian and Chinese aircraft can carry double that.

                                                                                                                  None of these differences can be improved through F35 upgrades. And nothing can be done to alter the fact that the F-35 in its current form has less armament, shorter range, less manoeuvrability, a slower rate of climb and lower speeds than Russian and Chinese counterparts.

                                                                                                                  China and Russia are also pressing ahead with their 5th Generation fighter programs. Russia states it will have no less than 55 new T-50 stealth fighters operational by 2020. They’re also not limited by building only one airframe: China is working on no less than four designs. China’s copy of the F35 is also superior having no desire to encumber the plane with a large fuselage to house a lift fan.

                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                  Pen of hrba
                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                  March 01, 2016, 2:03PM

                                                                                                                • Pen yesterday I invited you to post your source for your story about sub killing satellites, today you could consider doing the same for your latest claims.

                                                                                                                  There are many considerations and which go into determining what the better aircraft, but regardless of your undocumented speculations, it isn't practical for Australia to buy Russian or Chinese planes, even if they were for sale to Australia.

                                                                                                                  To make any sense at all your comparison has to between a western built aircraft and the F-35.

                                                                                                                  Otherwise its a non-sequitur.

                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                  SteveH.
                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                  March 01, 2016, 2:34PM

                                                                                                              • Tony Abbott's most frustrating habit as PM was to argue that black is white in the face of overwhelming evidence.

                                                                                                                Turnbull is wont to do the same.

                                                                                                                He knows the stuff he says on NG is rubbish but it suits his agenda.

                                                                                                                Turnbull will, ultimately, live or die on his political skill, or lack thereof, because any other image is untenable.

                                                                                                                Going on poor decisions made to date, he isn't a good politician, let alone a great one, and he's going to struggle.

                                                                                                                He needs an election soon. His image will be shattered by the Spring.

                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                Too Easy
                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                March 01, 2016, 11:37AM

                                                                                                                • I'm getting confused between the words chameleon and charlatan. A chameleon is "a person who changes their opinions or behaviour according to the situation". A charlatan is "a person falsely claiming to have a special knowledge or skill."
                                                                                                                  I looked both of them up on Google images and pictures of Malcolm Turnbull showed up.

                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                  Tucky
                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                  Warragul
                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                  March 01, 2016, 11:37AM

                                                                                                                  • Do you always look pictures to discover the meaning of words?

                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                    SteveH.
                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                    March 01, 2016, 12:14PM

                                                                                                                  • He was probably playing charades, Tucky.

                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                    Banjo
                                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                                    Eden
                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                    March 01, 2016, 1:16PM

                                                                                                                • Hacka

                                                                                                                  How much per day did the CoA cost?

                                                                                                                  Malcolm is still affected by that lullaby.

                                                                                                                  Bill has Malcolm on the back foot with very nice change of pace this has caused Malcolm to fend of the CGT and NG bouncers.

                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                  Buffalo Bill
                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                  Sydneys Northshore
                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                  March 01, 2016, 11:31AM

                                                                                                                    • Buff - agreed that Bill has actually produced an idea which has Turnbull looking a little bereft of one. Time for MT to fight back with spending cuts.

                                                                                                                      Good to see the party room having a good chat about it today too.

                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                      Hacka
                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                      Canberra
                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                      March 01, 2016, 1:17PM

                                                                                                                    • still parroting Sir Pository hakka?

                                                                                                                      i thought you went off him when Mal got in?

                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                      rod steiger
                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                      toukley
                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                      March 01, 2016, 1:52PM

                                                                                                                    • Sir Pository?

                                                                                                                      Hyperbowl

                                                                                                                      See, it's just one big yawwn isn't it? Not even conservatives labour so heavily on such pointless and inane name calling. The left really are terribly childish.

                                                                                                                      The worst is that it's those who'd call themselves adults doing it.

                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                      housemartin
                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                      hong kong
                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                      March 01, 2016, 3:12PM

                                                                                                                  • I noticed the party room pep speech by old slick tongue this morning. He went over tax reform (which he has already squibbed on), the attacked Labor's proposed reforms (at least it has them) such as negative gearing which only effects thee foreign investors, the pointy end of town and his back bench, then went on about housing housing which no one can afford. But then again he was wearing a blue tie at the time.

                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                    The Lad
                                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                                    4340
                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                    March 01, 2016, 11:22AM

                                                                                                                    • I swore after the last election following the Rudd, Gillard, Rudd fiasco that I would never vote Labor again. After watching how spectacularly incompetent this current Turnbull administration is, I can't believe what I'm about to say, but I'm actually hoping that Labor get back in.

                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                      Adam R
                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                      Northmead NSW
                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                      March 01, 2016, 11:17AM

                                                                                                                      • In hindsight Labor was so much better.
                                                                                                                        So disappointing for swinging voters to have been hoodwinked by Abbott.....
                                                                                                                        and then along came Mal.
                                                                                                                        Even the rusted ons are showing their frustration.

                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                        fizzybeer
                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                        March 01, 2016, 11:21AM

                                                                                                                      • It is two and a half years of incompetent display after incompetent demonstration and the MSM still take them seriously to the point that they're helping to secure this mob a second term.

                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                        Too Easy
                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                        March 01, 2016, 11:27AM

                                                                                                                      • Ha Ha! Labor social media drones agree to vote Labor.

                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                        SteveH.
                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                        March 01, 2016, 11:42AM

                                                                                                                      • So you two love birds have chosen idiocy over idiocy, well done. What do do for an encore on your roundabout to nowhere?

                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                        Pen of hrba
                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                        March 01, 2016, 11:52AM

                                                                                                                      • Certainly seeing a trend in comments expressing a similar sentiment.

                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                        A country gal
                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                        March 01, 2016, 11:56AM

                                                                                                                      • Yeah I think a few people are seeing that the main problem with RGR was the leadership fiasco. The policy was actually quite good.

                                                                                                                        Policy - Libs, maybe try it some day. The positive kind, not just simply unwinding what Labor did.

                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                        davemac
                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                        Melbourne
                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                        March 01, 2016, 11:57AM

                                                                                                                      • SteveH
                                                                                                                        the alternative is to listen to Mal droning on and on and on.....
                                                                                                                        to be replaced by Blackadder after the election.
                                                                                                                        For more droning on and on and on, ....and another period of divisiveness.
                                                                                                                        Wasn't sure about voting Labor but your comments certainly help to discard the main alternative.

                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                        fizzybeer
                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                        March 01, 2016, 12:14PM

                                                                                                                      • Solution is obvious Fizzy, don't listen to it,
                                                                                                                        I know I don't.

                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                        SteveH.
                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                        March 01, 2016, 1:36PM

                                                                                                                    • ["We offer Australia a clear vision," Mr Turnbull says.]

                                                                                                                      Just when I thought that in reaction to widespread criticism of his feel-good lines, he'd mend his ways.

                                                                                                                      And, just what is your clear vision Mal? You've been all other the place for six months.

                                                                                                                      Oh well, I guess it's a little better than Tones' banging on about the "Death Cult."

                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                      Jason of Gold Coast
                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                      March 01, 2016, 11:11AM

                                                                                                                      • Jason
                                                                                                                        this bloke is empty.
                                                                                                                        I thought he had something.
                                                                                                                        All he does is bang on about being excited.
                                                                                                                        My mates looking for work in New Guinea aren't too excited.
                                                                                                                        6% unemployed aren't excited.
                                                                                                                        I guess the 457s are happy but only their employers have a vote.

                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                        fizzybeer
                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                        March 01, 2016, 11:27AM

                                                                                                                      • ["We offer Australia a clear vision," Mr Turnbull says.]

                                                                                                                        Yes but what the heck is it?

                                                                                                                        So far Malcolm has shown that he can get lost in round room.

                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                        Buffalo Bill
                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                        Sydneys Northshore
                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                        March 01, 2016, 11:35AM

                                                                                                                      • The clear vision is clear. The LNP look after the top ten percent.

                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                        Rod
                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                        the Coast
                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                        March 01, 2016, 12:32PM

                                                                                                                    • 10.55am Yesterday's Men - Tony should follow Warren's example and bow out

                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                      MST
                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                      March 01, 2016, 11:06AM

                                                                                                                      • Absolutely right! And Nutt should go as well.

                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                        Sharron
                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                        March 01, 2016, 11:13AM

                                                                                                                      • I can only imagine that Mr Abbott plans to stand again because:-
                                                                                                                        1. he has no other options and no other skill set and
                                                                                                                        2. he think he will be PM again.

                                                                                                                        Please Mr Abbott, my local member, move on.

                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                        Time to change
                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                        March 01, 2016, 11:21AM

                                                                                                                    • Wonders never cease. Turnbull shows compassion and I truly believe his tears were genuine and he is accused of being fake. I don't like Rudd but I never questions his tears or his heartfelt apology to the stolen generations and I rank it up there as one of the better moments in our parliament. If you want to slap someone with a crocodile tear tag over a serious matter it just demonstrates a weakness in your character that you would judge someones empathy based on what political party they belong to.

                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                      Piped Piper
                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                      March 01, 2016, 11:04AM

                                                                                                                      • Piped
                                                                                                                        No tears on display for the plight of the children we are keeping in detention.
                                                                                                                        The weakness in character has been on display with this group for a long time.

                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                        fizzybeer
                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                        March 01, 2016, 11:14AM

                                                                                                                      • Piped, I'm less than convinced and I don't accept that as a character weakness.

                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                        jofek
                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                        March 01, 2016, 11:16AM

                                                                                                                      • He touches his nose in the first seconds of the clip... and then away he goes.

                                                                                                                        It's the worst tell in politics.

                                                                                                                        It's too easy to be interviewed on a subject that you can easily bring yourself to tears over.

                                                                                                                        Especially when your image is taking a belting.

                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                        Too Easy
                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                        March 01, 2016, 11:19AM

                                                                                                                      • Let's just say his tears were fake, what is the point in bringing it up? You want to tell the indigenous community that the PM of the land is faking it because he leads the LNP.

                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                        Piped Piper
                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                        March 01, 2016, 11:26AM

                                                                                                                      • Sounds like a scene from "Broadcast News" piper?

                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                        davemac
                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                        Melbourne
                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                        March 01, 2016, 11:58AM

                                                                                                                      • Hawke was another weeper. Whether the tears are genuine or fake is beside the point. Only girly men cry in public.

                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                        Flex
                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                        March 01, 2016, 12:20PM

                                                                                                                      • Piped
                                                                                                                        you brought it up and provided an answer to your own question.
                                                                                                                        Mal and sincerity is wearing thin.
                                                                                                                        Sincere about so many things as an MP and now?
                                                                                                                        Nothing springs to mind except him reaching his life long goal.
                                                                                                                        Go back a year Piped.
                                                                                                                        You and hacka didn't want this bloke.
                                                                                                                        You and hacka were right.
                                                                                                                        The ABBA factor was paramount in him ascending his throne.

                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                        fizzybeer
                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                        March 01, 2016, 12:23PM

                                                                                                                      • Yes Piped, the tears were real, he learned hoe to tur them on and off at will while he had a brief stay at N.I.D.A., he was there at the same time as Rudd was there.
                                                                                                                        Does that solve the problem??

                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                        DukeofWoyWoy
                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                        Central Coast NSW
                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                        March 01, 2016, 12:49PM

                                                                                                                      • jofek

                                                                                                                        Next you will be telling us that Julia Gillard had no idea she was about to to become PM, until the knock on the door, 5 minutes beforehand.

                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                        $keptic
                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                        Melbourne
                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                        March 01, 2016, 12:58PM

                                                                                                                      • Is that an onion in your pocket or are you just sad to see me?

                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                        Vote Mal Eat Pal
                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                        March 01, 2016, 1:43PM

                                                                                                                      • ahh Flex, that girly-man comment, memories...

                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                        rod steiger
                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                        toukley
                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                        March 01, 2016, 1:49PM

                                                                                                                      • $keptic, stay on topic buddy.

                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                        jofek
                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                        March 01, 2016, 3:08PM

                                                                                                                    • Abbott running the country from the back bench

                                                                                                                      Trying to make policy from the bleachers, we know who is running the Liberal party

                                                                                                                      And it's not Turnbull

                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                      fiberal
                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                      darwin
                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                      March 01, 2016, 10:58AM

                                                                                                                      • 10:52 - Independent Day, sounds like an Oscar nominee.

                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                        Hacka
                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                        Canberra
                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                        March 01, 2016, 10:55AM

                                                                                                                        • Everything Mal repeats about being excited and pragmatically realistic is more Ground Hog Day.

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          fizzybeer
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          March 01, 2016, 11:11AM

                                                                                                                        • Tomorrow When Good Government Began?

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          rod steiger
                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                          toukley
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          March 01, 2016, 2:32PM

                                                                                                                      • Turnbull must be getting very desperate if he has resorted to letting the press into his Cabinet Meetings.

                                                                                                                        I am a little confused by his comments though. He is rabbiting on about how exciting it is to be alive and then claims that Labor is getting in the way of that “Program”.

                                                                                                                        What Program would that be Mal? The “It is the most exciting time to be alive program”?

                                                                                                                        What does that Program involve Mal? Do we all stand around clapping and getting excited?

                                                                                                                        I have seen some pretty dodgy ideas in my time, but this one takes the cake Mal!

                                                                                                                        Here is an idea, rather than telling us how excited we should be, how about you do your job and develop some policies? This is not a pep rally. You are not a pompom girl. Shut down all the Ideological Garbage flowing out of your back bench and develop some proper policies and govern for ALL Australians and not just your Big Business Mates and Donors.

                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                        Snapperhead
                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                        The Reef
                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                        March 01, 2016, 10:55AM

                                                                                                                        • It's exciting too see just how much money can be taken from the poor and given to the rich.

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          Vote Mal Eat Pal
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          March 01, 2016, 11:03AM

                                                                                                                        • It's like when the failed LNP governed in Qld, they had a plan, that's all they could say, and are still saying "we have a plan". How could we voters be stupid enough not to vote for them when they had a 'plan'. Never, ever, found out what the 'plan' was, but I pretty much know what the current coalition 'plan' is and it won't be to the benefit of mr average.

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          nuffsnuff
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          March 01, 2016, 11:05AM

                                                                                                                        • Empty rhetoric is boring.
                                                                                                                          Who is behind this puerile campaign?
                                                                                                                          Being so excited all the time dulls the senses.
                                                                                                                          Which explains the non performance of this regime.

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          fizzybeer
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          March 01, 2016, 11:10AM

                                                                                                                        • It's so exciting, so it's comforting to know that Kel an Kat's Depend products lend you the confidence and security to sit out a long partroom blather from the PM

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          rod steiger
                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                          toukley
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          March 01, 2016, 12:10PM

                                                                                                                        • VMEP, you can just picture the Libs sitting behind closed doors laughing to themselves wondering why people still vote for them when it is against their own interests. It must be confusing for them to always whack the Low and Middle Income earners and yet, still receive their votes. It must be like a game to keep seeing how far they can push their ideology and still get voted for.

                                                                                                                          Nuffsnuff, yep just like the Libs at last election who ran around with the Glossy Pamphlet claiming they had a plan and a raft of fully costed policies, and then they get elected and we find out that they had nothing but a lot of 3 word slogans and a raft of ideological ideas to pay back their big business mates and political donors.

                                                                                                                          Fizzy, Malcolm Turnbull the Pointer Sister of the Liberal Party. I’m so excited!!

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          Snapperhead
                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                          The Reef
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          March 01, 2016, 1:34PM

                                                                                                                      • We have become a Nation of Victims , not one day passes when some group or other claims victim status.

                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                        Old Aged Pensioner
                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                        Brisbane
                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                        March 01, 2016, 10:54AM

                                                                                                                        • I AGREE!!!!

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          Sharron
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          March 01, 2016, 10:59AM

                                                                                                                        • We have become victims of victim mentality but let's not get into victim blaming shall we ?? Errr...?!!!

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          stevek
                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                          Sydney
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          March 01, 2016, 11:17AM

                                                                                                                        • including the rich.......

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          Geoff
                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                          Melbourne
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          March 01, 2016, 2:26PM

                                                                                                                      • It's time for Turnbull to get on the front foot and start preparing us for spending cuts in the budget. All this focus on revenue ignores the real problem - a 26% spending level.

                                                                                                                        Show some leadership Malcolm - start making the case that Abbott and Joe couldn't, despite having the Commission of Audit. Tell us where the cuts will be and most importantly, why they're needed.

                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                        Hacka
                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                        Canberra
                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                        March 01, 2016, 10:52AM

                                                                                                                        • Shouldn't he be talking about TAX CUTS? There's an election coming, and votes need to be bought.

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          nuffsnuff
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          March 01, 2016, 11:07AM

                                                                                                                        • @Hacka, there is much about which you and I do not agree.

                                                                                                                          On this point though we are in full agreement.... Mr Turnbull needs to put forward some ideas and use his strong communication abilities to get the electorate on board.

                                                                                                                          Personally, I think that the sooner he goes to an election the better. he needs to end the destablising commentary coming form his own right wing and claim a mandate to be moderate and forward looking.

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          Time to change
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          March 01, 2016, 11:07AM

                                                                                                                        • I'm sick and tired of him also hacka.
                                                                                                                          All he does is talk!
                                                                                                                          Time has shown the the only thing he had going for him was the ABBA factor and that has worn out.

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          fizzybeer
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          March 01, 2016, 11:16AM

                                                                                                                        • Hacka, how about looking into both the 'ins' and the 'outs'?

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          jofek
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          March 01, 2016, 11:18AM

                                                                                                                        • Maybe he should just ask Labor. They are the only ones doing their jobs and formulating policy. Turnbull is too busy showboating around telling everyone how excited they should be.

                                                                                                                          2 & a half years and the Liberals have done nothing. They begged us to elect them and they have repaid the peoples trust with a never ending fear campaign and half thought out ideas to syphon off more of the nation’s wealth and give it to their big business mates and donors. The Liberals have failed Australia and it is time to boot them out.

                                                                                                                          They have already been given a 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th chance to get it right and they have failed. They deserve no more chances. They have failed. Time to go!

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          Snapperhead
                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                          The Reef
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          March 01, 2016, 11:18AM

                                                                                                                        • Agreed Hacka but the political climate and Labor emboldening the what's in it for me mob doesn't really help when backbenchers in marginal seats get spooked.

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          Piped Piper
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          March 01, 2016, 11:28AM

                                                                                                                        • The LNP have only themselves to blame...How about they actually do something. One full term and zero accomplishments unless you allow mounting debt as an achievement.

                                                                                                                          "The MYEFO confirms that tax revenue will rise to 23.1 per cent of GDP in 2018-19…Not Whitlam, nor Keating, nor Rudd, nor Gillard ever taxed this high. The only government to have a higher tax-to-GDP ratio was John Howard, who exceeded this rate in eight of his years in office."
                                                                                                                          Despite the big taxing, the big spending is even bigger, hence the deficit and debt growth. The government will spend 25.9 per cent of GDP this financial year and will stay at or above 25.3 per cent out to 2018-19. Spending under Gillard/Swan averaged 24.9 per cent

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          Econorat
                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                          Sydney
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          March 01, 2016, 11:45AM

                                                                                                                        • Here is a cut for you Hacka of $74.3 billion, plus $150 billion, plus another $30 billion, total $254.3 billion. All on redundant and idiotic military programmes that do work in warfare games of today.

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          Pen of hrba
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          March 01, 2016, 11:47AM

                                                                                                                        • Things are grim indeed @H, when you feel the need to start calling for leadership.

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          davemac
                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                          Melbourne
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          March 01, 2016, 11:56AM

                                                                                                                        • Hacka
                                                                                                                          For once you are right.
                                                                                                                          The LNP is always the party of big tax and bigger spending.
                                                                                                                          Whitlam handed Fraser an economy with tax as 22% of GDP.
                                                                                                                          Fraser handed Hawke an economy with tax as 26% of GDP.
                                                                                                                          Keating handed Howard an economy with tax at 22% of GDP.
                                                                                                                          Howard handed Rudd an economy with tax as 26% of GDP.
                                                                                                                          Rudd handed Abbott an economy with tax as 23% of GDP.
                                                                                                                          Now these twits have it back at 26% and still cannot give us a surplus.
                                                                                                                          Their problem is that they are hamstrung by the 1% and cannot cut any corporate or middle class welfare.

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          Steve
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          March 01, 2016, 12:31PM

                                                                                                                        • Piped - problem is we've almost reached the point of paralysis. When Abbott removed the big spending RGR he did so on a promise to first and foremostly fix the budget. Many Australians supported the need.

                                                                                                                          But of course as soon as the 2014 budget fixes meant someone was worse off - as would happen with spending cuts - the people rebelled. Not in my back yard they moaned. So what did Abbott do in 2015 - sent spending north again.

                                                                                                                          An obstructionist Senate and an opposition in full fiscal denial meant getting anything through was almost impossible. Which now means the damage Swan did to the budget is largely locked into the forward estimates.

                                                                                                                          It's time for a reset, it's time for some courage. If Malcolm can't do it in his dream to be elected, then he's the wrong bloke for the job. He nominated the budget as a reason for replacing Abbott - it's now time to put up or shut up.

                                                                                                                          Econorat - the nation has Labor to blame for our budget spending, and as is the Howard lesson, only the Coalition can fix it. Labor remain in full denial, with not a spending cut proposal on the table. Astonishing.

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          Hacka
                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                          Canberra
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          March 01, 2016, 1:14PM

                                                                                                                        • Hacka,
                                                                                                                          another right wing brilliance from you. Cut spending so those who need it most will pay more. Cut what Hacka? Hospitals, Education, Medicare? Give the born to rule a company tax cut so that they can enjoy more profit?.
                                                                                                                          Why not try to increase revenue by taxing those who are currently not taxed. Negative gearers, corporations, rich superannuants.
                                                                                                                          Tax the polluters the evaders don't cut services.
                                                                                                                          But that is not in the LNP makeup or in their hearts.
                                                                                                                          Come into the 21st century Hacks. It might be innovative.

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          ASK
                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                          Canberra
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          March 01, 2016, 1:39PM

                                                                                                                        • Hacka, you live in dreamland. When the Liberals propose to fix the budget by whacking the poor and middle class, whilst leaving their mates in the top 20% untouched, then don’t act surprised when the people revolt. If you want help fixing the budget, then drop all the ideological claptrap and look at the real issue of Multi National Tax Avoidance, Negative Gearing, Capital Gains, Super Concessions and tax rorts for the rich.

                                                                                                                          Wealthy People have it easy enough in this country, they don’t need any assistance from Government.

                                                                                                                          As for your bogus claim that Howard fixed the Budget. Yeah right, it is because of Howard that we are in this mess because he undermined the structural integrity of the budget by giving unsustainable tax cuts and tax concessions to the wealthy. Here is a basic lesson for you. If your income over many years has remained constant X but then you have a few lucky years and your income increases to Y (mining boom), you don’t tear up your budget and re structure it based on Y because this is unsustainable over the long term. Instead, you take the windfall and you INVEST IT. But Nooo, not Honest John, he assumed the mining boom would never end to he tore up the budget based on Y and handed out cash by the truckload and then you all act surprised when the mining boom ends and then all of a sudden we are in debt.

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          Snapperhead
                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                          The Reef
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          March 01, 2016, 1:59PM

                                                                                                                        • econorat, be fair, we have got a Sir Prince Philip out of this government

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          rod steiger
                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                          toukley
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          March 01, 2016, 2:43PM

                                                                                                                      • Turnbull claims they have offer Australia a clear vision… yeah right.

                                                                                                                        According to Turnbull, all options are on the table and nothing is ruled in or ruled out. When all options are open, this is the most unclear vision imaginable.

                                                                                                                        Everything is totally possible and impossible at the same time. He has obviously been watching too much Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy and they have modelled their tax policy based on the infinite improbability drive.

                                                                                                                        Next thing you know, he will be claiming he has been awarded the “Galactic Institute's Prize for Extreme Cleverness”

                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                        Snapperhead
                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                        The Reef
                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                        March 01, 2016, 10:45AM

                                                                                                                        • When Turnbull states the voters will be the only ones to benefit from "reforms" to Senate voting two things occur to me.

                                                                                                                          Why should I believe a man who before becoming PM had so many passionate opinions on a wide range of subjects only to discard them for political advancement?

                                                                                                                          Will it again be just the small portion of the voting public he identifies with who benefit?

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          fizzybeer
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          March 01, 2016, 10:43AM

                                                                                                                          • There is one positive side-effect; this will go close to finishing the Greens as a serious player.

                                                                                                                            There were plenty of lessons to be learnt from the Democrats experiment, but Meg Di Natale has decided to ignore them.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            Too Easy
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            March 01, 2016, 11:25AM

                                                                                                                        • I wonder what announcements Prime Minister Tony Turnbull will have for us today. His policy director Corey Bernadi will surely enlighten us at some stage.

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          Rollee the Rolex's Big Adventure
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          March 01, 2016, 10:34AM

                                                                                                                          • Yes in the LNP primeval swamp we have the jellyfish in charge of the crocodile.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            Nuff Nuff
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            March 01, 2016, 10:38AM

                                                                                                                          • It's a great time to be Australian.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            Jason of Gold Coast
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            March 01, 2016, 10:45AM

                                                                                                                        • SSM, DD, ACL, RC, MP, PM, ALP, LP, NP, PUP, EIE or just plain old RS. Is there an acronym for acronyms?

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          Tucky
                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                          Warragul
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          March 01, 2016, 10:30AM

                                                                                                                          • We certainly do exist in an ARE (Acronym Rich Environment).

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            Gigondas
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            March 01, 2016, 10:39AM

                                                                                                                          • Correction - eie is in lower case. The luvvies can't understand upper case and lower case.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            enough is enough
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            March 01, 2016, 10:41AM

                                                                                                                          • TLA?

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            stevek
                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                            Sydney
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            March 01, 2016, 10:41AM

                                                                                                                          • "A".

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            Sharron
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            March 01, 2016, 10:46AM

                                                                                                                          • It is to eieio an apology. Sorry

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            Tucky
                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                            Warragul
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            March 01, 2016, 11:40AM

                                                                                                                          • Let me play the pedant, Tucky. An acronym is an abbreviation formed from the initial letters of other words and pronounced as a word (e.g. ASCII, NASA ). Apart from PUP, what you've got appear to be initials.
                                                                                                                            And yes, eie, some of we "luvvies" were taught the difference even though it was in public schools.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            MichaelP
                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                            Canberra
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            March 01, 2016, 12:02PM

                                                                                                                          • MichaelP – Let me play the pedant, Tucky. An acronym is an abbreviation formed from the initial letters of other words and pronounced as a word (e.g. ASCII, NASA ). Apart from PUP, what you've got appear to be initials.
                                                                                                                            And yes, eie, some of we "luvvies" were taught the difference even though it was in public schools.

                                                                                                                            A group of initials not able to be pronounced as a word is known as an initialism. Public school here also.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            PhilC
                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                            Sydneyydney
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            March 01, 2016, 2:35PM

                                                                                                                        • While being no fan of MT, in other far-Left forums the general consensus is that his tears were of the croc. variety.

                                                                                                                          I don't think they were; I think he was being genuine on this particular occasion.

                                                                                                                          Had Abbott publicly displayed his human side, he may've had more public support.

                                                                                                                          But he'd view shedding a public tear as weakness, not to be countenanced under any circumstances.

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          Jason of Gold Coast
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          March 01, 2016, 10:25AM

                                                                                                                          • Jules didn't care about Kevin 07's croc tears. No compassion just a lust for power at any cost. Whatever it takes.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            enough is enough
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            March 01, 2016, 10:43AM

                                                                                                                          • I'm sure at that point, his mind shifted to his mother, who left him as a young boy, that's what produced the tears, not some unknown indigenous Australian, get real

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            fiberal
                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                            darwin
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            March 01, 2016, 10:43AM

                                                                                                                        • Post at 9.52 has Turnbull saying:

                                                                                                                          "This is the most exiting time to be an Australian."

                                                                                                                          He must be thinking our scientists.

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          Wentworth whitewash
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          March 01, 2016, 10:23AM

                                                                                                                          • The question I ask is why?
                                                                                                                            What has he done?
                                                                                                                            I am bored by his nothingness.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            fizzybeer
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            March 01, 2016, 10:51AM

                                                                                                                        • No doubt we can look forward to a self-appointed Tony Abbott leading the "NO" campaign in the ME plebiscite.

                                                                                                                          Turnbull is about to oversee the most divisive political process this nation has ever witnessed.

                                                                                                                          Friendships and families will be broken forever over this. And for what and for why?

                                                                                                                          So Turnbull can be PM.

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          Too Easy
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          March 01, 2016, 10:19AM

                                                                                                                          • Vote "NO" for SSM!

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            Sharron
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            March 01, 2016, 10:22AM

                                                                                                                          • @Sharrrron: why are you opposed to Soft systems methodology?

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            stevek
                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                            Sydney
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            March 01, 2016, 10:27AM

                                                                                                                          • steve, I think she may mean the Sarawak Sovereignty Movement, unless of course she's highly outraged by the actions of the European Central Bank's Single Supervisory Mechanism.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            Gigondas
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            March 01, 2016, 10:37AM

                                                                                                                          • "ME plebiscite" is not the Marriage Equality plebiscite?

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            Sharron
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            March 01, 2016, 10:56AM

                                                                                                                          • "ME plebiscite"?
                                                                                                                            Do we get to vote on the existence of Hobbits?

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            Double Disillusion
                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                            Sydney
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            March 01, 2016, 11:00AM

                                                                                                                          • I'm not so sure about that.

                                                                                                                            I have faith in the good sense of most Australians, who'll approach the matter with an open mind, evidenced by polling, one of which records that 78% are in favour, including the majority of Christians.

                                                                                                                            If Catholic Ireland can do it, I suspect secular Australia will do likewise, albeit they'll be some collateral damage ensuing, caused in the main by the Christian-Right.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            Jason of Gold Coast
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            March 01, 2016, 11:01AM

                                                                                                                          • ha ha ha ha : ) funny, Gigondas

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            Sharron
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            March 01, 2016, 11:02AM

                                                                                                                          • Ah thanks Gig. Is hould've have known that.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            stevek
                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                            Sydney
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            March 01, 2016, 11:13AM

                                                                                                                        • Silly Billy is at it again - fix the 'structural problems' with indigenous matters. What did Rudd and Gillard do for 6 years except plan each others demise whilst poor forgotten first Australians were ignored. The ALP has much to answer for. Disgraceful.

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          enough is enough
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          March 01, 2016, 10:10AM

                                                                                                                          • Did you enjoy Mal's "performance" with the Stan Grant interview EiE?

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            fizzybeer
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            March 01, 2016, 10:16AM

                                                                                                                          • Don't you think it would be good if the "first" Australians got off their backsides and studied or worked for a change instead of receiving endless handouts for doing nothing?

                                                                                                                            I'm sick and tired of hearing about the poor "hard done by first" Australians!!

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            Sharron
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            March 01, 2016, 10:17AM

                                                                                                                          • Sharron

                                                                                                                            Are there two of you? because there is a Sharron out there who has Left-ish responses and now you with your far right responses. Are you one and the same or two different people, in which case you might want to clarify your difference with perhaps a suburb against your name.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            PEarn
                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                            Melbourne
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            March 01, 2016, 10:30AM

                                                                                                                          • Dopey, don't forget that the Coalition has been in power 14 of the last 20 years. What have they been doing?

                                                                                                                            Nothing. For no one except themselves. Typical.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            blah
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            March 01, 2016, 10:43AM

                                                                                                                          • PEarn, every election year Labor rolls out an Indigenous candidate, one who doesn't have to go through the democratic processes like other Party members.

                                                                                                                            This practice is an election trick played by Labor at every election.

                                                                                                                            It's time that the Indigenous people of Australia began to work and study. They are given titles of "Dr" and "Professor" and they do nothing for these titles.

                                                                                                                            Not one person is helping these people by constantly throwing money at them without them doing something with their lives other than doing nothing!

                                                                                                                            Bill Shorten and Labor will do anything to win an election and that includes using Indigenous people for their campaigns.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            Sharron
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            March 01, 2016, 10:54AM

                                                                                                                          • Wow - Sharron. I'm shocked to learn that no Indigenous person in Australia has ever worked or achieved anything worthy of praise. Although I do admit my subscription to the International Journal of Gross Prejudice and Vapid Generalisations has lapsed so I'm not fully up to speed with the latest research.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            Jaw on Floor
                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                            Land of Generalisations
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            March 01, 2016, 11:06AM

                                                                                                                          • Jaw on Floor
                                                                                                                            There is an interesting article in the Journal of Conservative Dinosaurs Scared Witless before an Election.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            Vote Mal Eat Pal
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            March 01, 2016, 11:15AM

                                                                                                                          • @PEarn, I think there are two Sharrons, one who identifies as being from Canberra and who gives leftish responses, and then there is this Sharron.

                                                                                                                            @Sharron, I think the jaw-dropper has given the best possible response to your gross and offensive generalisations but I'll offer you this anecdote: living right next door to me is the first indigenous person to gain a PhD and that was in the early 1990s, 25 years ago.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            Banjo
                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                            Eden
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            March 01, 2016, 11:32AM

                                                                                                                          • yes, the Sharron conundrum has puzzled me for a while..

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            rod steiger
                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                            toukley
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            March 01, 2016, 12:14PM

                                                                                                                          • Aahh , your memory lapse again EiE , silly Billy was Billy MacMahon. Was our worst PM then Tony stepped up and took the title so easy off Billy . The memories remember them EiE .

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            Supa350
                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                            Wodonga
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            March 01, 2016, 12:31PM

                                                                                                                        • @9:27
                                                                                                                          Mr Abbott, surely the same rational must then apply to the Chaplain's program in state schools?

                                                                                                                          One person's social engineering is another person's education n basic bahavioural norms.

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          Time to change
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          March 01, 2016, 10:08AM

                                                                                                                          • “It is useless to attempt to reason a man out of a thing he was never reasoned into.”
                                                                                                                            ― Jonathan Swift

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            stevek
                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                            Sydney
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            March 01, 2016, 10:17AM

                                                                                                                        • I feel sick every time Q&A is mentioned. Who watches this rubbish and why are taxpayers money wasted on crap TV.

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          enough is enough
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          March 01, 2016, 10:05AM

                                                                                                                          • Not me, it's rubbish TV.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            Too Easy
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            March 01, 2016, 10:28AM

                                                                                                                          • Really complex problem you have there, EIE. Here are my solutions:
                                                                                                                            1) Change channel
                                                                                                                            2) Turn off TV
                                                                                                                            3) Smash TV
                                                                                                                            4) Give TV away
                                                                                                                            5) Put fingers in ears
                                                                                                                            6) Bury head in sand
                                                                                                                            7) Read a book
                                                                                                                            8) Crochet
                                                                                                                            9) Join an amateur theatre group
                                                                                                                            10) Mindfulness exercises

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            immal
                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                            Melbourne
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            March 01, 2016, 10:39AM

                                                                                                                          • Yeah right on einie, lets waste it on submarines and bombs instead.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            Vote Mal Eat Pal
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            March 01, 2016, 10:39AM

                                                                                                                          • I presume you are criticising Lyle Shelton and his peculiar brand of poison there.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            Wentworth whitewash
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            March 01, 2016, 10:40AM

                                                                                                                          • The reason people don't like it could be that the ultra Conservatives regularly come unstuck explaining their views.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            Rod
                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                            the Coast
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            March 01, 2016, 11:35AM

                                                                                                                          • @Immal, not all good thinkers can write well, but in your case the skill sets come together brilliantly.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            Banjo
                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                            Eden
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            March 01, 2016, 12:29PM

                                                                                                                          • eieio – I assume by your comment that you do not watch Q&A. How do you know if it is crap TV?
                                                                                                                            Suffering from confirmation bias??

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            PhilC
                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                            Sydneyydney
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            March 01, 2016, 2:27PM

                                                                                                                        • There's Mal Brough large as life, they really do have a hide these politicians and absolutely no qualms about anything they do except when caught and even then they feel badly done by. It definitely takes a strange, no different type to be a politician and it's no wonder so many are treated with distain by the people.

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          RTP
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          March 01, 2016, 10:04AM

                                                                                                                          • Linda Burney fails in State politics and now wants to get onto the gravy train of Federal politics. The ALP are desperate. No preselection contest? no democracy.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            enough is enough
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            March 01, 2016, 10:02AM

                                                                                                                            • The Gravy Train of federal politics eie.
                                                                                                                              The cons are running a Gravy Train.
                                                                                                                              And all your own thoughts!
                                                                                                                              Well done!

                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                              fizzybeer
                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                              March 01, 2016, 10:10AM

                                                                                                                            • I agree, EIE. Exactly the same tactic Gillard used for Nova Peris.

                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                              Sharron
                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                              March 01, 2016, 10:14AM

                                                                                                                            • “I suppose it is tempting, if the only tool you have is a hammer, to treat everything as if it were a nail.” - Maslow

                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                              stevek
                                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                                              Sydney
                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                              March 01, 2016, 10:15AM

                                                                                                                            • Yes we have a failed PM who also wants to remain on the LNP gravy train....oh and the other failed ex ministers

                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                              n720ute
                                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                                              North Coast NSW
                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                              March 01, 2016, 1:06PM

                                                                                                                          • ["It's not an anti-bullying program, it's a social engineering program,"]

                                                                                                                            Gee, that came completely out of left field.

                                                                                                                            I wonder if Dear former leader has been in contact with his chief spiritual adviser.

                                                                                                                            Oh, I forgot: he's currently got other more substantive things to occupy his mind.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            Jason of Gold Coast
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            March 01, 2016, 10:01AM

                                                                                                                            • Far right field actually

                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                              Tucky
                                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                                              Warragul
                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                              March 01, 2016, 10:03AM

                                                                                                                            • Touche, Tucky.

                                                                                                                              It did worry me about associating Tones with anything Left, but that's how the idiom goes.

                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                              Jason of Gold Coast
                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                              March 01, 2016, 10:29AM

                                                                                                                          • 9:27am Interesting watching QandA last night. There were many people on twitter suggesting that the Safe School program has been targeted as a precursor to the SSM fear campaign. I think it is also a far right strategy to destabilise Turnbull. Either way I don't think any rational thinking Australian cares about what these people think but bringing their own brand of fear and hatred in the mainstream to divide the nation is pretty crook. If Turnbull had a spine he would end it now it by legislating. I hope the ALP take him to task on this all the way to the election. I found watching Lyle Shelton last night the most disturbing television I have seen for quite some time.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            monkeybiz
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            March 01, 2016, 10:01AM

                                                                                                                            • I'm impressed with those who have left office or been demoted because they are always open about the way things should be. Sadly when they had the opportunity in a more powerful position to make changes they didn't have the wisdom or the courage. These people come from both sides of Parliament.

                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                              Tucky
                                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                                              Warragul
                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                              March 01, 2016, 9:59AM

                                                                                                                              • Good point.

                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                stevek
                                                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                                                Sydney
                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                March 01, 2016, 10:10AM

                                                                                                                            • ""We offer Australia a clear vision," Mr Turnbull says.
                                                                                                                              "These are the most exciting times to be alive. This is the most exiting time to be an Australian."
                                                                                                                              Really?
                                                                                                                              Have lived in this country for 70 years and been thru some depressing times.
                                                                                                                              But the last few years have been the most soul destroying.
                                                                                                                              .

                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                              Nick
                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                              March 01, 2016, 9:57AM

                                                                                                                              • It is a concern for me that the Australian Christian Lobby purports to represent all Christians in Australia. Heaven forbid! It is a group of people with strident views and even more strident voices who capture the media spotlight. With only the meek inheriting the Earth then they will end up with very little real estate.

                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                Tucky
                                                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                                                Warragul
                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                March 01, 2016, 9:55AM

                                                                                                                                • The ACL may purport to represent Australian Christians, but judging by the poll result advised by the Morgan representative on Q&A last night, it sure as hell doesn't represent the views of middle-Australia.

                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                  Jason of Gold Coast
                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                  March 01, 2016, 10:08AM

                                                                                                                                • I understand that the Australian Christian Lobby is a minority who do not represent those more free thinking Christians like our wonderful Father Bob.

                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                  PEarn
                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                  Melbourne
                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                  March 01, 2016, 10:24AM

                                                                                                                                • Best comment, Tucky. I've come in late today and am just catching up but your dry wording stopped me in my tracks.

                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                  Banjo
                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                  Eden
                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                  March 01, 2016, 11:40AM

                                                                                                                              • Did I just hear Malcolm lauding Gary Gray for standing up for his convictions (re Senate reform)?! Hmmmm.

                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                Passionfruit
                                                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                                                Sydney
                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                March 01, 2016, 9:53AM

                                                                                                                                • I would have thought the AFP would have raided offices at least 3 years ago, hard to imagine there is new evidence hanging around someone's drawer

                                                                                                                                  I'm still waiting on their report on B Bishop falsifying travel documents

                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                  fiberal
                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                  darwin
                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                  March 01, 2016, 9:49AM

                                                                                                                                  • If the Coalition has descended into Kaos. would that make Malcolm Turnbull, Simon the Likeable and
                                                                                                                                    Tony Abbott, Shtarker? Who then would be Max and 99 on the opposition benches? What villain would Christopher Pyne play and Peter Dutton too?

                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                    Tucky
                                                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                                                    Warragul
                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                    March 01, 2016, 9:49AM

                                                                                                                                    • Shorten as Siegfried?

                                                                                                                                      Siegfried: How do I know you're not Control?
                                                                                                                                      Maxwell Smart: If I were Control, you'd already be dead.
                                                                                                                                      Siegfried: If you were Control, you'd already be dead.
                                                                                                                                      Maxwell Smart: Neither of us is dead, so I am obviously not from Control.
                                                                                                                                      Shtarker: That actually makes sense.

                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                      rod steiger
                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                      toukley
                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                      March 01, 2016, 2:30PM

                                                                                                                                  • Abbott has made a comment and the keyboards are busy typing. Find it ironic that those standing up for an anti-bullying program resort to bullying the ACL guy on Q&A for standing up for his beliefs. I don't agree with the ACL on his opposition to SSM but Lyle came across as more respectful and rational than Dr Kerryn.

                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                    Piped Piper
                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                    March 01, 2016, 9:37AM

                                                                                                                                    • I must have been watching a different Q&A last night then.

                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                      Nick
                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                      March 01, 2016, 9:51AM

                                                                                                                                    • Piped

                                                                                                                                      Not bullying - knocking down misinformation.

                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                      PEarn
                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                      Melbourne
                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                      March 01, 2016, 9:51AM

                                                                                                                                    • Well I thought he did a pretty good job of insulting her, and I wonder has he ever met a transgender person, I have a close friend who is I went to Bangkok with her for reassignment surgery ten years ago she is so happy it's a joy to see except when you walk down the street anywhere in Australia and listen to the nasty rude disrespectful comments thrown her way. Lyle seems obsessed with sexual matters and not too concerned about a persons happiness.

                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                      Amro
                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                      March 01, 2016, 9:57AM

                                                                                                                                    • Dr Phelps was perhaps a bit over-enthusiastic at times in opposing Lyle Shelton and the ACL position on Safe Schools at times but her points were valid nonetheless. I saw Tony Jones pull her up for interjecting on at least one occasion to let Shelton answer.
                                                                                                                                      I found Shelton's answers rather specious and I think we all understand that he, Abbott, Bernardi, Christensen et al would settle for nothing less than abolition of the program

                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                      stevek
                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                      Sydney
                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                      March 01, 2016, 10:09AM

                                                                                                                                    • Lyle comes from another century, no doubt about that but it's a view held by many people. Respect from both sides is required and Kerryn needs to tone down the emotive responses and condescending attitude towards those of the Christian faith who hold strong to the bible. It's a position I don't agree with either but we need to respect the diversity of beliefs out there.

                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                      Piped Piper
                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                      March 01, 2016, 10:29AM

                                                                                                                                    • Having your own beliefs is your own right but it doesn't entitle to expect everyone else to adopt those beliefs. That is what ACL and the right wing Christian lobby want. It's also what some on the Left or from other fundamentalist religious organisations want as well. The problem with ACL is not its views but the connection to those in power who share those views and have the power to enact those views.

                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                      stevek
                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                      Sydney
                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                      March 01, 2016, 10:49AM

                                                                                                                                    • Really piper? He sat there offending people in the audience and couldn't understand why they were saying they were personally offended!

                                                                                                                                      Sorry, you come in with a minority viewpoint and you shouldn't expect a standing ovation.

                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                      davemac
                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                      Melbourne
                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                      March 01, 2016, 11:55AM

                                                                                                                                    • Piped
                                                                                                                                      I must have seen a different Q&A.
                                                                                                                                      The one I saw was an ACL representative being called out every time he lied.
                                                                                                                                      Calling out liars is not bullying.

                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                      Steve
                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                      March 01, 2016, 12:53PM

                                                                                                                                  • The word for the day is "SOBBING" I had to endure a grown man seeking the sympathy vote on TV over my corn flakes

                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                    fiberal
                                                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                                                    darwin
                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                    March 01, 2016, 9:36AM

                                                                                                                                    • More Tony Abbott tripe, if there is a more obnoxious man, I haven't seen him, here's a clue Tony

                                                                                                                                      removed from the top job because of comments like this pearler about safe schools

                                                                                                                                      Someone tell this geek he is no longer PM

                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                      fiberal
                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                      darwin
                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                      March 01, 2016, 9:33AM

                                                                                                                                      • He gets airplay because his views are core conservative views, he represents mainstream conservatism in Australia.
                                                                                                                                        Malcolm, on the other hand is quiet, because he realises these views do not align with the majority of Australian voters in 2016.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        Nuff Nuff
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 01, 2016, 9:50AM

                                                                                                                                      • I find it absolutely gob-smacking that a (failed) ex-PM whose own sister is gay can actively lobby against SSM.

                                                                                                                                        If he were my brother I would disown him and be way more vocal about what an outdated dip-sh!t he is.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        PEarn
                                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                                        Melbourne
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 01, 2016, 9:56AM

                                                                                                                                    • Tony, if you didn't like the Safe Schools Program, why didn't you do something about it while you were the PM for 2 years, while you apparently were a 'strong leader'.

                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                      Shane
                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                      Hammondville
                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                      March 01, 2016, 9:33AM

                                                                                                                                      • Because restoring Knights and Dames was far more important.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        A country gal
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 01, 2016, 11:26AM

                                                                                                                                      • Shane
                                                                                                                                        Because there wasn't an impending plebiscite and a sudden need to demonise gays.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        Steve
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 01, 2016, 12:54PM

                                                                                                                                    • Tax, election, tax election? What about the the two most significant issues facing Australia today and in the foreseeable future?

                                                                                                                                      God forbid the dunderheads in the green room discuss climate change and proper defence of the country. The apathy shown towards these extremely important issues is beyond understanding and demands that we all recognise that this government and opposition are not worth the time of day.

                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                      Pen of hrba
                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                      March 01, 2016, 9:32AM

                                                                                                                                      • I don't get why Liberal backbenchers fear losing their seats if they go to an election proposing to tweak Negative Gearing. Labor is going to the election on the same thing. Are baby boomers going to start voting for the Greens who also propose changes to Negative gearing? It's the right thing to do but it is essential that it is not reformed in the hands of the wrong party that botched so many tax reforms before it. This notion that the LNP will get smashed at an election for it is complete BS if all parties are on a change negative gearing platform.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        Piped Piper
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 01, 2016, 9:30AM

                                                                                                                                          • Unfortunately, Piped, our politicians think that agreeing with each other is a sign of weakness, even if it is in the national interest.

                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                            Gigondas
                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                            March 01, 2016, 10:06AM

                                                                                                                                          • Ah yes piped
                                                                                                                                            the wonderful record of cons and tax reform.
                                                                                                                                            Not an argument I would choose to debate, I like to be on the side that promotes fairness..

                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                            fizzybeer
                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                            March 01, 2016, 10:07AM

                                                                                                                                        • The founder of the Safe Schools Coalition has admitted that the program is part of a broader Marxist strategy to change society. The truth is slowly coming out.

                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                          enough is enough
                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                          March 01, 2016, 9:30AM

                                                                                                                                          • Well society needs changing, theses are the views of people with their head stuck in the past

                                                                                                                                            Just because we did something hundreds of years ago, doesn't mean we have to continue to do it, evolve, move on, I know it's hard for you and the Abbott type thinkers, who are perpetually stuck in the past

                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                            fiberal
                                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                                            darwin
                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                            March 01, 2016, 9:45AM

                                                                                                                                          • The last time I checked out what you claimed John Fraser Head of Treasury had said - I found out you were telling porkies.

                                                                                                                                            So I know you won't mind if I treat your claim about a Marxist Safe Schools plot with derision.

                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                            Good to Go
                                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                                            Melbourne
                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                            March 01, 2016, 9:48AM

                                                                                                                                          • eie

                                                                                                                                            You just don't see that you align yourself with the Trumps and neo-nazis of this world who are ridiculed for the absolute gumph they put out there.

                                                                                                                                            You must be very proud.

                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                            PEarn
                                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                                            Melbourne
                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                            March 01, 2016, 9:53AM

                                                                                                                                          • The founder of the Safe Schools Program or one of the founders of the Safe Schools Coalition, which is it, and what is this persons name?

                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                            nuffsnuff
                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                            March 01, 2016, 9:54AM

                                                                                                                                          • Spot on EIE, control/scare/indoctrinate the kiddies through the education pahase and the rest will follow. The socialists are banking on it (with other peoples' money of course, never their own).

                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                            Fruitcakes and Watermelons
                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                            March 01, 2016, 10:01AM

                                                                                                                                          • Marxist? The only people who utter that word these days are right wing troglodytes rooted (and I use the word advisedly) in the past, misty eyed, reliving ancient battles. The sensible centre moved into the 3rd Millennium 16 years ago.

                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                            Gigondas
                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                            March 01, 2016, 10:03AM

                                                                                                                                          • Yes, the strategy is to change society by allowing gay couples access to the same institution you can access without hindrance.
                                                                                                                                            I expect the word 'marxist' is one you added, though.
                                                                                                                                            Why do you object to people you don't know being able to marry someone they're in a legal and consensual relationship with?

                                                                                                                                            Society changes. This change, when it comes (not 'if') will benefit many, and disadvantage none. How interesting that you wish to restrict people.

                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                            micky2shoes
                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                            March 01, 2016, 10:05AM

                                                                                                                                          • So fruitsalad

                                                                                                                                            Do you think you can just talk them out of it should your children identify as gay? It is parents like yourself (assuming you are a parent) who do not recognise that their children have a 10% chance of being gay and there is nothing you can do about it but show support in your views and comments.

                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                            PEarn
                                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                                            Melbourne
                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                            March 01, 2016, 10:21AM

                                                                                                                                          • @enough is enough did Tony Abbott really say that, after Safe Schools was implemented on his watch.

                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                            The Lad
                                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                                            4340
                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                            March 01, 2016, 11:27AM

                                                                                                                                          • PEarn, that's Mr Drumpf to you

                                                                                                                                            good to know Trump's real name rhymes with gumph

                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                            rod steiger
                                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                                            toukley
                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                            March 01, 2016, 11:34AM

                                                                                                                                        • Do we really need to be lectured on life in the 21st millennium by hard right religious
                                                                                                                                          zealots

                                                                                                                                          Let people live their lives, as they see fit, I don't need bible bashers telling me what is right and wrong according to their outdated beliefs, someone tell these clowns it's 2016, not 1816

                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                          fiberal
                                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                                          darwin
                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                          March 01, 2016, 9:26AM

                                                                                                                                          • Not totally disagreeing with your basic message, fiberal, but I will point out that the 21st Millennium is roughly 18 000 years away. Hopefully by then we’ll have made a decision on SSM. We might even have a Republic.

                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                            Gigondas
                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                            March 01, 2016, 9:51AM

                                                                                                                                          • In 1816 The Enlightenment was well and truly established, science governed what man thought and did. I think this government is Pre-Enlightenment...say 1616?

                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                            Geoff
                                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                                            Melbourne
                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                            March 01, 2016, 1:53PM

                                                                                                                                        • Well, well, well who would have thought?

                                                                                                                                          “Third, the White Paper offers no coherent military strategy, so it says nothing about the kinds of operations that would most cost-effectively achieve our strategic objectives. Is it plausible for example to imagine that we could have any effect in a major regional conflict by chancing our small army on amphibious operations against adversaries easily able to find and sink our ships? Nor does it say anything substantive about how we might defend Australia against major attack.

                                                                                                                                          So it offers no solid grounds for deciding what forces to buy. Some of its biggest-ticket commitments – like nine new frigates costing more than $30 billion – have no robust strategic rationale. Much of the investment program seems designed to help industry rather than maximise security – and only an incurable optimist would imagine one can do both” (Hugh White professor of strategic studies at the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, ANU).

                                                                                                                                          But yet again nothing on the fiscal and military disaster that is the F35, despite a growing number of experts demanding its procurement be scrapped. So, what do ALP and LNP politicians do, NOTHING other than play games.

                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                          Pen of hrba
                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                          March 01, 2016, 9:24AM

                                                                                                                                          • Pen being our resident expert on military matters have you seen the article in the guardian about the new trident submarines being doomed by drones of the future.

                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                            Amro
                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                            March 01, 2016, 9:48AM

                                                                                                                                          • Amro

                                                                                                                                            I have said for over a year that we should have dumped the F35 programme and invested in the UK's Taranis drone programme. Far more cost effective, a far superior plane, and we could have 500 of them cheaper than 100 F35's.

                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                            Pen of hrba
                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                            March 01, 2016, 11:29AM

                                                                                                                                        • The saddest thing about the touch footy game is that they actually look as if it matters who wins. If only Barnaby put as much endeavour into writing constructive policies as he appears to be putting into playing footy.

                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                          Gigondas
                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                          March 01, 2016, 9:21AM

                                                                                                                                          • So now we know that our future wealth will depend on us building lots of houses for ourselves.

                                                                                                                                            Wouldn’t it be better to actually make something (perhaps invest in a renewable energy industry), or make our society better and our economy stronger (invest in education) rather than investing in ever- larger McMansions?

                                                                                                                                            Sounds like a national real estate Ponzi scheme. Thank you, Mr Turnbull.

                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                            Gigondas
                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                            March 01, 2016, 9:17AM

                                                                                                                                            • I'm back... (in the country)... no wrecking, no undermining, and no sniping...

                                                                                                                                              ABC "Abbott issues challenge on tax

                                                                                                                                              The former prime minister Tony Abbott has issued a challenge to the party leadership to make further budget savings.

                                                                                                                                              ABC political editor Chris Uhlmann reports that Mr Abbott has addressed the joint partyroom in Canberra, following debate about the Federal Government's tax changes.

                                                                                                                                              Party sources say he told the meeting it's:

                                                                                                                                              '... time for the leadership to take on the savings challenge again.'"

                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                              rod steiger
                                                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                                                              toukley
                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                              March 01, 2016, 11:31AM

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