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Politics Live: March 3, 2016

Date

Senior writer

View more articles from Stephanie Peatling

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The Prime Minister calls in the police to investigate a leak that may or may not have something to do with his predecessor - it's just like old times. Suspicion and tax are the themes of the day.

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  • Andrew and Alex, you've done a fine line in political faces today: bewildered, bemused,snarling, angry, supercilious, pensive, vindictive, partially obscured by hands scratching noses or expressing fatigue or despair. You've even done sprout-like. And you've done the lovely positive visage of Pat Dodson. You make the Pulse much livelier. Thanks.

    Commenter
    Banjo
    Location
    Eden
    Date and time
    March 03, 2016, 4:42PM

    • Wow modded a bit today and very confused why......I was being nice...honest.....

      Commenter
      davemac
      Location
      Melbourne
      Date and time
      March 03, 2016, 4:36PM

      • Relax, have a quiet beer later. And save one for Bill, he needs it after today.

        His one little idea, up in smoke, or is that shrapnel ?

        Commenter
        Hacka
        Location
        Canberra
        Date and time
        March 03, 2016, 4:47PM

    • Well that was one of the most inept fortnights of Parliamentary performance I have ever seen from a Government. The coalition are treating all Australians like mugs.

      The fact that they would rather spend time celebrating the election pork barreling vote buyer is indicative both of their disdain for the Australian people and the fact that they have no idea what they are actually meant to be doing.

      Truly pathetic.

      Commenter
      ah ha
      Date and time
      March 03, 2016, 4:35PM

      • When ScoMo destroyed Labor's negative gearing thought bubble today I thought Bowen was looking for a hole to bury himself. There wouldn't be a hole big enough to bury the mess he has created! It's all over red rover for this year's election and you can blame Bowen for his ineptitude, which is only matched by Wayne Swan on designing new taxes

        Commenter
        Allan
        Date and time
        March 03, 2016, 4:52PM

      • Its funny that ScoMos inept attempt at a "destroyation" relied on a document that has been poo pooed by every economist worth their salt in todays press and was evenshown to be false by the fact checker before it even came out. Ironic. No wonder the LNP have been the most profligate managers of the economy in Australian history. They can' even get their advisers right.

        Time to wake up and realise that the coalition are only good at living off other peoples hard work whether they be the low wage earners they pulverize with cash or riding the gravy train developed by Hawke/Keating.

        Economic and intellectual nobodys who are facing electoral defeat before they flush the country down the drain.

        Commenter
        ah ha
        Date and time
        March 03, 2016, 5:04PM

    • While the LNP contemplates spending $300.4 billion on useless defence with no enemy in sight, sea levels are rising several times faster than in the past 2,800 years and are accelerating because of man-made global warming, according to new studies.

      Since 1993 the rate has soared to 30cm and two different studies, published on Monday in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, said that by 2100 the world's oceans would rise between 28 and 131cm, depending on how much heat-trapping gas Earth's industries and vehicles expel.

      If seas continue to rise as projected, another 45cm of sea-level rise will cause lots of problems and expense, especially with surge during storms, said study co-author Stefan Rahmstorf, of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research in Germany.

      So what is the LNP doing, spending $330.4 billion on defence and nothing to fight sea rise?

      Commenter
      Pen of hrba
      Date and time
      March 03, 2016, 4:34PM

      • Ha Ha! the greenie armchair general doesn't even realise the RAAF is flying combat missions over Syria.

        What else doesn't he know.

        Commenter
        SteveH.
        Date and time
        March 03, 2016, 4:58PM

      • Steve Ha Ha, Pen can itemise the cost of those missions for you.

        Tell me, has Australia declared war on Syria? Tell me how long it took to get permission from Iraq for Australian troops to enter the country on special passports. Tell me why Australia's jets are flying daily out of the UAE rather than Iraq, at phenomenal cost.

        Steve Ha Ha, we should get out of the Middle East and concentrate on dealing with terrorist threats by way of ASIS, ASIO and the Border Farce, and even the AFP.

        Commenter
        Banjo
        Location
        Eden
        Date and time
        March 03, 2016, 5:13PM

    • @3:55 "They're a set of ideas and I don't give them much weight,"

      huh... the defense white paper that you oversaw... not much weight... oh dear.

      Commenter
      Time to change
      Date and time
      March 03, 2016, 4:34PM

      • 2.06

        Turnbull has a real skill in answering a question without answering it.

        Commenter
        PEarn
        Location
        Melbourne
        Date and time
        March 03, 2016, 4:27PM

        • Going by the number of government advertisements being played ad nauseam in the media at the moment, one gets the distinct feeling that it is not just "God and Malcolm Turnbull" who know exactly when the next election is.

          Commenter
          Josh
          Location
          Creswick
          Date and time
          March 03, 2016, 4:11PM

          • I've noticed that too. And they're so vague about detail, just trumpeting generalised blah blah blah. It's on.

            Commenter
            Banjo
            Location
            Eden
            Date and time
            March 03, 2016, 4:23PM

        • Q&A will have Alan Jones on next Monday night. A big boost to it's failing ratings no doubt.

          Commenter
          enough is enough
          Date and time
          March 03, 2016, 4:10PM

          • You still aren't allowed to watch. You know how you get upset when you realise it's all a bit high brow. Stick to MKR.

            Commenter
            davemac
            Location
            Melbourne
            Date and time
            March 03, 2016, 4:32PM

          • Who's Alan Jones ?

            Commenter
            Adults
            Location
            Illawarra
            Date and time
            March 03, 2016, 4:33PM

          • That's interesting...
            Believe it or not, I think that Mr Jones is actually an articulate and intelligent gentleman. He chooses to behave otherwise for his audience!

            Commenter
            Time to change
            Date and time
            March 03, 2016, 4:36PM

          • Adults "whose" [sic] . . The rabid right wing own him all by themselves.

            Commenter
            A country gal
            Date and time
            March 03, 2016, 5:15PM

        • Shorten's bumbling crew of incompetents are looking sad after this week. What an inept useless mob of nobodies.

          Commenter
          enough is enough
          Date and time
          March 03, 2016, 4:09PM

          • We'll all be saying that in three years time about your mob - including you.

            Commenter
            Good to Go
            Location
            Melbourne
            Date and time
            March 03, 2016, 4:34PM

        • Good strong week for the government. They've mortally wounded the opposition's negative gearing policy, just when a bit of a swagger was returning to the opposition benches.

          The Senate reforms are looking promising, the social reengineering policies of the Gillard government are being removed - ooop sorry, reviewed - and the West Australian branch of the ALP has been decimated.

          And of course, the 20 year Howard anniversary. Now there was a leading example of good government.

          Commenter
          Hacka
          Location
          Canberra
          Date and time
          March 03, 2016, 4:04PM

          • Hacka, your ability to describe a muddy pig so it ends up sounding like a gorgeous model in glitter and fancy shoes is breath taking. On one strange level I admire it. Have you thought of a career in real estate?

            Commenter
            Joe Pierre
            Location
            Orange
            Date and time
            March 03, 2016, 4:29PM

          • We must have been looking at different governments.

            I was looking at Australia, where were you looking?

            Gee you haven't pulled the 'good week for the govt' line in a while. With good reason.

            Commenter
            davemac
            Location
            Melbourne
            Date and time
            March 03, 2016, 4:31PM

          • We must have been looking at different governments.

            I was looking at Australia, where were you looking?

            Gee you haven't pulled the 'good week for the govt' line in a while. With good reason.

            Commenter
            davemac
            Location
            Melbourne
            Date and time
            March 03, 2016, 4:31PM

          • So good that he lost his seat !

            Commenter
            Good to Go
            Location
            Melbourne
            Date and time
            March 03, 2016, 4:36PM

          • Love is blind.
            Scrapnel firmly implanted in Morrison's frontal lobes.
            On that note my garden begs me, I've a headache after that childish and bullying session.

            Commenter
            A country gal
            Date and time
            March 03, 2016, 4:40PM

          • Canberra dave, world's best city too.

            Commenter
            Hacka
            Location
            Canberra
            Date and time
            March 03, 2016, 4:56PM

          • Keep dreaming Hacka. The only one mortally wounded is Turnbull and his Leadership.

            The Phantom Abbott has resumed his place in the shadows and he is just awaiting his time to strike. The Liberals are finished.

            Commenter
            Snapperhead
            Location
            The Reef
            Date and time
            March 03, 2016, 4:58PM

          • Finished you say Snapper ? Let's discuss on election night, I should start a book of big progressive predictions.

            Commenter
            Hacka
            Location
            Canberra
            Date and time
            March 03, 2016, 5:02PM

        • Well that really takes the cake. The PM has ministers making more than just the odd "MISCHIEF", but he chooses instead to handball the title onto the LOTO.

          Commenter
          Simon
          Location
          Malvern Victoria
          Date and time
          March 03, 2016, 4:02PM

          • Housemartin,

            The answer is no.

            Hacka's answer was wrong.

            Why don't you go and do the research and find out the last year in which a Liberal Government actually cut real Government spending rather than just talking about it ?

            Commenter
            Good to Go
            Location
            Melbourne
            Date and time
            March 03, 2016, 4:02PM

            • Ha, ha, ha GtG. Like all good lefties, I knew you'd predictably say that, so it just so happens:

              1. Costello cut income tax each year following the GST whilst increasing the income rates and a raft of ineffective taxes after the introduction of the GST.

              2. The first Coalition government budget, the public service was "down-sized", the Commonwealth Employment Service (CES) was privatised, and cuts were made to all departments including with the exception of defence. $8 billion in spending cuts were made over the government's first two budgets.

              Next.

              Commenter
              housemartin
              Location
              hong kong
              Date and time
              March 03, 2016, 4:44PM

          • @3:53

            "putting a man on the moon"

            err.... no it is not. There are a number of diesel/electric boats around. in 19 it had never been done before.

            Commenter
            Time to change
            Date and time
            March 03, 2016, 3:57PM

            • Johnston might be able to put an outboard on his canoe.
              Somehow doubt he has the ability to put a man on the moon. Maybe a cow to jump over the cheese, in his fanciful mind.

              Commenter
              A country gal
              Date and time
              March 03, 2016, 4:09PM

          • I'm totally confused now. Is Labor's policy, no NG on anything except new property? Or NG stays on everything (that has it now) bar existing property? Either way I can see unintended consequences for everyone bar the very rich. A fairer approach for both existing and future investors/owners in various assets is some sort of cap to prevent true rorting.

            Commenter
            Passionfruit
            Location
            Sydney
            Date and time
            March 03, 2016, 3:49PM

            • i am distressed at your confusion...

              ... rest awhile here ..

              http://www.alp.org.au/negativegearing

              Commenter
              rod steiger
              Location
              toukley
              Date and time
              March 03, 2016, 3:59PM

            • Passionfruit

              Andrew Leigh confirmed on radio that it will apply to all asset classes; however, the narrative is only on property.

              Commenter
              $keptic
              Location
              Melbourne
              Date and time
              March 03, 2016, 4:45PM

          • Morrison is exhibiting a Scrapnel wound to the head. To declare that rents will rise by 10% is pure speculation.
            Surely if more are able to buy their own homes, then the rental market will become awash with more properties on offer. Hence rents should decrease.
            It's called competition.

            Commenter
            A country gal
            Date and time
            March 03, 2016, 3:48PM

            • They are in election mode and campaigning on a postage stamp policy platform so there is no room for truth. Turnbull's performance during QT today reminded me of Abbott prior to the 2013 election. They love pulling numbers out of nowhere like $100 lamb, $500 savings on power by killing the ETS etc. In reality nothing has changed in 3 years. Even the aesthetics have sunk to Abbottesque standards.

              Commenter
              monkeybiz
              Date and time
              March 03, 2016, 4:08PM

            • monkeybiz, I too was reminded of those awful times.
              A Govt in opposition mode.
              Guess when you've got nothing, abusive yelling, waffle and distraction are the improvisation tools.
              To see the chief groupies claiming success re a win is just downright funny or deluded.
              Labor have gone up heaps in my estimation, heaps.

              Commenter
              A country gal
              Date and time
              March 03, 2016, 5:10PM

          • Has Tony"s Tampa finally arrived?

            Commenter
            dipaha
            Date and time
            March 03, 2016, 3:48PM

            • Turnbull was winning when he was announcing policy directions. Now that he has resorted only to attacking Labor's policies then he starts to lose. The Australian public and his own popularity would be better served by him stating clearly what policies will be in place should he win government.

              Commenter
              Tucky
              Location
              Warragul
              Date and time
              March 03, 2016, 3:38PM

              • Well observed.

                Commenter
                Good to Go
                Location
                Melbourne
                Date and time
                March 03, 2016, 3:48PM

              • Yeah and his policy directions were...ummm...err...

                Commenter
                Vote Mal Eat Pal
                Date and time
                March 03, 2016, 3:49PM

              • then good government could start tomorrow

                Commenter
                rod steiger
                Location
                toukley
                Date and time
                March 03, 2016, 3:52PM

              • Won't happen Tucky. Same as Abbott. The IPA/LNP agenda is too unpopular with the electorate so the strategy is to hide it behind attacks on the ALP whilst carrying on about how everything is on the table which has now morphed into careful analysis. Throw in a few tax cuts to buy votes and watch them go crazy. Even if they can't control the senate who is to say the Greens and Xenophon won't make deals to push their agenda through. It is clear that the Greens and Xenophon are happy to trade for power. The only role the people of Australia have in all this is to give them the keys to the country of another 3 years.

                Commenter
                monkeybiz
                Date and time
                March 03, 2016, 4:00PM

            • Turnbull had a chance to take the higher ground and bring some decorum to parliament. Instead he blatantly lies and puts out misinformation.

              Any joy felt with him taking over from Abbott has dried up.

              Commenter
              PEarn
              Location
              Melbourne
              Date and time
              March 03, 2016, 3:37PM

              • Yep, didn't take long to revert to grubby, negative and uncouth politics.
                A lot of political capital down the drain this fortnight.

                Commenter
                A country gal
                Date and time
                March 03, 2016, 3:40PM

              • @Pearn,
                I share your disappointment with how Mr Turnbull is going. I am hopeful he will improve.....

                As to the comparison with Mr Abbott..... I find it hard to think of anything more problematic for the country than a return of Mr Abbott as PM.

                Commenter
                Time to change
                Date and time
                March 03, 2016, 3:42PM

              • @A country gal. Just goes to show that the saying that the "truth will out" is actually the truth. Nothing can hide their incompetence, even sending Malcolm out as a front could not in the end hide the truth that they were not ready or fit to govern.

                Commenter
                Pluto
                Location
                Melbourne
                Date and time
                March 03, 2016, 3:45PM

              • Talking about the sale of property to certain buyer/investor class as becoming unlawful, illegal, forbidden and not allowed is lying straight out.

                I was never going to vote for his Party so it doesn't matter what I say, but I've lost all personal respect I had for Turnbull over the way he has conducted himself throughout this debate.

                As soon as you start telling deliberate lies, you're gone with me.

                Commenter
                Too Easy
                Date and time
                March 03, 2016, 3:59PM

              • Pluto and note how many warnings Dutton received today. If that was a member of the opposition they'd be out on their ear.
                Re governing, it's not like they haven't had enough time to know what they are on about. Still acting like an opposition, so they might as well be one.

                Commenter
                A country gal
                Date and time
                March 03, 2016, 4:02PM

            • Fancy that another LNP appointment to an industrial tribunal resigns in disgrace.

              Really know how to pick em lads.

              Commenter
              ah ha
              Date and time
              March 03, 2016, 3:35PM

              • No not the Abbott captain's pick whose partner was embezzling union funds...where's Dyson when you need him?

                Commenter
                Nuff Nuff
                Date and time
                March 03, 2016, 3:48PM

            • when tony challenges for the leadership I hope he remembers to tell everyone about his "people skills".
              Cracks me up.

              Commenter
              cranky bilby
              Date and time
              March 03, 2016, 3:33PM

              • 3:16
                Another disastrous Abbott appointee gone.

                Commenter
                Steve
                Date and time
                March 03, 2016, 3:32PM

                • He is an old school mate of mine... and a good man. Something has gone very wrong.

                  Commenter
                  Time to change
                  Date and time
                  March 03, 2016, 3:55PM

              • 3pm Optics again, Stephanie. Whatever is Christopher Pyne angry about? Had a few appointments and missed QT, so not sure of the source of Pyne's fury.

                Commenter
                Banjo
                Location
                Eden
                Date and time
                March 03, 2016, 3:27PM

                • You missed a lot of yelling Banjo.
                  Morrison was hysterically yelling, yelling so much he lost his voice and resembled a young male when their voice breaks.
                  Hardly a stellar performance.
                  Magnifico Mal was channeling the Ex's negativity and scare campaigns.
                  That about raps it up.
                  As for Pyne he had a little spray too.
                  I expect that holey bucket full of defence secrets has them a little tense and edgy.

                  Commenter
                  A country gal
                  Date and time
                  March 03, 2016, 3:35PM

                • Thanks, Gal. They all seem incredibly uncomfortable and out of sorts. I guess if you combine hopeless politics with gala dinners and breakfasts, something's gotta give.

                  Commenter
                  Banjo
                  Location
                  Eden
                  Date and time
                  March 03, 2016, 3:42PM

                • pretty hot in Canberra today too

                  Commenter
                  rod steiger
                  Location
                  toukley
                  Date and time
                  March 03, 2016, 3:54PM

              • Good day ....no fotos today of certain opposition backbencher......sweet.

                Commenter
                Paul
                Location
                Brisbane
                Date and time
                March 03, 2016, 3:26PM

                • You've got a crush on Terri.

                  Commenter
                  A country gal
                  Date and time
                  March 03, 2016, 3:51PM

                • pretty obvious

                  you should go down to the gallery and see if you can catch her eye

                  Commenter
                  rod steiger
                  Location
                  toukley
                  Date and time
                  March 03, 2016, 3:55PM

              • Pinocchio!

                Commenter
                Gazza from Grong Grong
                Date and time
                March 03, 2016, 3:25PM

                • you beat me to it!

                  Commenter
                  Ruth
                  Location
                  Melbourne
                  Date and time
                  March 03, 2016, 3:28PM

              • When Tony challenges for the leadership I hope he uses the "vote for me because I'm not labor" line. It is one of his best.
                Cracks me up.

                Commenter
                cranky bilby
                Date and time
                March 03, 2016, 3:24PM

                • 3:00 MT channeling Vizzini from Princess Bride.

                  Inconceivable!!!

                  Commenter
                  davemac
                  Location
                  Melbourne
                  Date and time
                  March 03, 2016, 3:22PM

                  • eie, Piped - is it just me, or are our progressive friends a little grumpier than usual today ?

                    Commenter
                    Hacka
                    Location
                    Canberra
                    Date and time
                    March 03, 2016, 3:22PM

                    • read piped 's comment below to gauge his grumpiness

                      Commenter
                      rod steiger
                      Location
                      toukley
                      Date and time
                      March 03, 2016, 3:27PM

                    • It's just you.

                      Step away from the bat-phone.....

                      Commenter
                      davemac
                      Location
                      Melbourne
                      Date and time
                      March 03, 2016, 3:27PM

                    • It's just you

                      We are all so happy that the wheels are falling off your cart.

                      Chin up champ

                      Commenter
                      DirkDiggler
                      Location
                      LNPHQ
                      Date and time
                      March 03, 2016, 3:27PM

                    • @Hacka. I think humidity levels in Darwin may be relatively higher than usual.

                      Commenter
                      Piped Piper
                      Date and time
                      March 03, 2016, 3:29PM

                    • I think our con friends are delusional.
                      They should be grumpy with our caretaker government for not taking care of anything, except the puppeteers interests of course.

                      Commenter
                      fizzybeer
                      Date and time
                      March 03, 2016, 3:33PM

                    • Piped - could be the crocs up in Darwin too.

                      Or could it be that BIS Shrapnel report .... ?

                      Commenter
                      Hacka
                      Location
                      Canberra
                      Date and time
                      March 03, 2016, 3:35PM

                    • It's just you Hacka.
                      Mind you that irrational screeching like a pubescent boy's voice breaking a la Morrison did me in.

                      Commenter
                      A country gal
                      Date and time
                      March 03, 2016, 3:38PM

                  • Photo @ 2.13 pm

                    They reckon if I can hang on to my nose
                    then no-one will notice that it slowly grows
                    whenever I do my Pinnochio act
                    to hit back at Malcolm for getting me sacked.

                    I’ll get my revenge, I’m quite certain of that,
                    by finding new methods of skinning the cat,
                    and if it means losing and copping the hits,
                    then I’ll do a Donald and blow things to bits!

                    Commenter
                    Gazza from Grong Grong
                    Date and time
                    March 03, 2016, 3:21PM

                    • ...but really I'm full of bluff
                      and just give everyone the sh1ts

                      Commenter
                      Vote Mal Eat Pal
                      Date and time
                      March 03, 2016, 3:28PM

                    • You've been missed, Gazza, although eie has confessed to enjoying the silence which means that your satirical parodies work to getting under some skin. Yay.

                      Commenter
                      Banjo
                      Location
                      Eden
                      Date and time
                      March 03, 2016, 3:30PM

                  • Turnbull has now officially lost all respect. There is no integrity left in the Liberals ranks. All that matters is power and they will say whatever they think will help them maintain it. Turnbull has now ensured that he will go the way of Abbott. A footnote in the Annals of History.

                    A could have been but never was. The Liar that replaced a liar.

                    Commenter
                    Snapperhead
                    Location
                    The Reef
                    Date and time
                    March 03, 2016, 3:15PM

                    • I agree snapper, he has lost a lot of political capital in this fortnight of sitting.
                      They are once again acting like an opposition, a negative and nasty one at that.

                      Commenter
                      A country gal
                      Date and time
                      March 03, 2016, 3:28PM

                    • It’s just sad to watch ACG. I was hoping Turnbull would be different and lift the Liberals out of the gutter but instead they have grabbed onto him and dragged him in with them. The sad part is that he seems to have done it so willingly. All that capital he built up over the last few years, as the only reasoned voice inside the party, has now all evaporated and he is no better than the man he replaced.

                      One day he will realise that those sitting behind him are cheering him not for what he says, but because he has sunk to their level. Someone else to keep them company in their decent into opposition.

                      Such a shame.

                      Commenter
                      Snapperhead
                      Location
                      The Reef
                      Date and time
                      March 03, 2016, 3:48PM

                    • Yep, whilst I've never and never would vote for the coalition.
                      They collective sigh of relief and hope that some decorum would return, has all but evaporated in this sitting and over Labor's sensible approach to NG.
                      Turnbull will live to regret this new found Abbottesque approach.
                      QT can be full of theatrics, clever oration/wit etc and Party performance without reverting to such uncouthness and deception.
                      Disappointing, he was given a special opportunity to turn things around.

                      Commenter
                      A country gal
                      Date and time
                      March 03, 2016, 4:37PM

                  • The Government are making hard work of QT today. I just wish they would release a policy or two, so they have something to talk about, instead of mocking Labor's policies day in day out.

                    They are obviously marking time until the election. At a minimum - three very long tedious months and it may even stretch beyond six months.

                    Commenter
                    The Inspector
                    Location
                    Geelong
                    Date and time
                    March 03, 2016, 3:14PM

                    • They still think they are in opposition.
                      Perhaps we should put them back in their comfort zone.
                      Then at least the country can recover.

                      Commenter
                      Steve
                      Date and time
                      March 03, 2016, 3:24PM

                    • Steve. "Then at least the country can recover." Do you think? Or will it be that the day, or being generous two weeks, after, we will have to start all over again with the next lot. I reckon that the way things are going we will get a decent government in this country only after everyone contributing to comments today is long gone.

                      Commenter
                      Pluto
                      Location
                      Melbourne
                      Date and time
                      March 03, 2016, 3:33PM

                  • Desperation stuff now to send Barnaby out the front to speak on economic matters. Granted he's better at it than Morrison, but still...

                    Commenter
                    mincing words
                    Date and time
                    March 03, 2016, 3:12PM

                    • Turnbull sounds more like Abbott everyday, reeling off the same old careful measured, etc etc bla bla

                      Commenter
                      Amro
                      Date and time
                      March 03, 2016, 3:11PM

                      • I love watching Barnaby ridicule people for their supposed lack of intelligence.

                        Commenter
                        Immal
                        Location
                        Melbourne
                        Date and time
                        March 03, 2016, 3:09PM

                        • I love Barnaby's heroic use of the English language.

                          Commenter
                          Banjo
                          Location
                          Eden
                          Date and time
                          March 03, 2016, 3:33PM

                        • courageous use Banjo?

                          Commenter
                          rod steiger
                          Location
                          toukley
                          Date and time
                          March 03, 2016, 3:44PM

                        • Why bother with nuance in language, rod. Barnaby never does.

                          Commenter
                          Banjo
                          Location
                          Eden
                          Date and time
                          March 03, 2016, 4:03PM

                      • Four months ago the following was latest news on the UK’s Astute class submarine, recognised as the best submarine in the world having defeated the latest US subs and US AWS warfare systems.

                        “A contract for the completion and delivery of the Royal Navy’s fifth Astute-class of nuclear hunter-killer submarines has been signed by BAE Systems and the British Ministry of Defence. The contract covers the design, remaining build, test and commissioning of HMS Anson.
                        BAE says this most recent contract is worth about a third of the overall £1.3 billion (A$2.54 billion) total cost of the submarine.”

                        The Defence Without Probity document has our new diesel; subs costing $12.5 billion each. Should we not ask why?

                        Commenter
                        Pen of hrba
                        Date and time
                        March 03, 2016, 3:09PM

                        • earth calling stevehaha..

                          Commenter
                          Greenie Armchair General
                          Date and time
                          March 03, 2016, 3:29PM

                        • rod steiger, you are a funny man but you are being extra funny today disguised as an armchair.

                          Commenter
                          Banjo
                          Location
                          Eden
                          Date and time
                          March 03, 2016, 3:39PM

                        • not me, i'm over here

                          Commenter
                          rod steiger
                          Location
                          toukley
                          Date and time
                          March 03, 2016, 3:45PM

                      • Liberals are now borrowing a billion dollars per week to maintain their budget deficit.

                        Foreign Debt now rising almost twice as fast as under Labor.

                        Budget deficit double Labor's.

                        Turnbull Government is spending at record rates.

                        New spends locked in and guarantee continued record spends.

                        Commenter
                        Good to Go
                        Location
                        Melbourne
                        Date and time
                        March 03, 2016, 3:08PM

                        • Did you think to add $300.4 billion for defence?

                          Commenter
                          Pen of hrba
                          Date and time
                          March 03, 2016, 3:27PM

                        • GtG: It has even more impact when you provide some stats to support your claims, (or even look like your attempting to do so) you know those pesky things?

                          The left does like its melodrama though doesn't it?

                          Commenter
                          housemartin
                          Location
                          hong kong
                          Date and time
                          March 03, 2016, 4:12PM

                      • 2:30pm

                        So Turnbull is back to his Captain Negative Tony Turnbull impression that everything will be doom and gloom.

                        I would like to know why it is up to the tax payer to subsides the losses of those who gamble on the stock market or housing market?

                        So currently, we subsidise the losses and we only get tax on 50% of the winnings? Seems like a pretty raw deal to me, but it is just the type of Ponzi scheme these Liberals live for.

                        Turnbull has shown without a doubt, that he does not care one iota for the younger generations or their ability to put a roof over their heads. It’s more important that the taxpayer subsidise Him and His mates and His Donors investment decisions and their property portfolios.

                        No No, don’t worry about young people being able to put a roof over their heads. Let’s just make sure the rich and the wealthy can still negatively gear their investments and minimise their tax back to zero. That’s the most important thing right Malcolm? Your mates and their investments right?

                        Commenter
                        Snapperhead
                        Location
                        The Reef
                        Date and time
                        March 03, 2016, 3:06PM

                        • Mums and dad's gambling that's what it is. What was it about a camel and the eye of a needle.

                          Commenter
                          AMRO
                          Date and time
                          March 03, 2016, 3:37PM

                        • I agree , if someone owns three houses and they can't rent one , why should the taxpayers help them out with tax breaks.
                          Or , if they buy shares in a business and they hit rock bottom , they cry for tax breaks ... Get Real ........

                          Commenter
                          Old Aged Pensioner
                          Location
                          Brisbane
                          Date and time
                          March 03, 2016, 3:49PM

                      • EIE and Hacka,

                        Top economists are ridiculing your statements on negative gearing and describing the BIS Shrapnel report as complete rubbish.

                        Morrison's a dill for quoting from it.

                        Commenter
                        Good to Go
                        Location
                        Melbourne
                        Date and time
                        March 03, 2016, 3:00PM

                        • What do you mean? Both Hacka B.Comm(Hons) MEc and Dr enough is enough MEc DBA are both economic experts. Don't you pay attention to their commentary.

                          Commenter
                          blah
                          Date and time
                          March 03, 2016, 3:21PM

                        • GtG: Aren't you that guy who so confidently asked:

                          So I have two questions for you.

                          1. Who was the last Liberal Prime Minister who actually reduced government spending and in what year?

                          2. Who was the last Liberal Prime Minister to reduce tax as a percentage of GDP?

                          And was then left red faced when the answer was so bvious and easy to find?

                          Commenter
                          housemartin
                          Location
                          hong kong
                          Date and time
                          March 03, 2016, 3:29PM

                      • @Rollee. Desperation? Don't bet on that. The LNP will win comfortably. However that doesn't mean I wouldn't like to see Turnbull/Morrison tackle reform rather than be on your side of the fence talking down the treasurer and economic indicators because you want a bunch of proven economic illiterates back in government to work their magic yet again.

                        Commenter
                        Piped Piper
                        Date and time
                        March 03, 2016, 2:56PM

                        • piped
                          "economic illiterates", c'mon mate, by inference you are saying Morrison et al are economically literate.
                          Surely you don't believe that........
                          if so, on todays showing,
                          WHY?

                          Commenter
                          fizzybeer
                          Date and time
                          March 03, 2016, 3:16PM

                        • Piped
                          Perhaps economic illiteracy is a good thing.
                          We had to listen to years of LNP rusted ons calling Keating and Swan economic illiterates.
                          They turned out to be the best Treasurers Australia has seen.
                          Now look at the destruction we are witnessing from Hockey and now Morrison.

                          Commenter
                          Steve
                          Date and time
                          March 03, 2016, 3:22PM

                      • Turnbull's response to Labor policy is not to defend economic freedoms, it is to defend the non investor in the housing bubble having to subsidise the freedom of investors who choose to take their risk in search of capital gain.
                        A good lurk if you can get away with it.

                        Commenter
                        fizzybeer
                        Date and time
                        March 03, 2016, 2:55PM

                        • Malcolm is giving us a lesson on how business works. NG is so important, business cant survive witthout it. lol. Maybe that $26b for defence " businesses " will benefit.
                          This is seriously funny and tragic for us plebs. The interdependence of crazy policies is scary.

                          Commenter
                          andyfreeze
                          Location
                          pascoe vale
                          Date and time
                          March 03, 2016, 2:55PM

                          • Weird isn't it. But almost no other country allows it but they are all still functioning, many a lot better than ours.

                            Go figure, must be tory logic

                            Commenter
                            DirkDiggler
                            Location
                            LNPHQ
                            Date and time
                            March 03, 2016, 3:19PM

                        • It isn't unlawful to buy investment property. You just can't negatively gear it against wages and salary.

                          Turnbull is lying through his teeth.

                          Commenter
                          Too Easy
                          Date and time
                          March 03, 2016, 2:50PM

                          • ...or he doesn't understand it himself?

                            Commenter
                            Nuff Nuff
                            Date and time
                            March 03, 2016, 3:19PM

                        • The German delegation asked ScoMo to play tuba as a guest in their folk dancing group. He said he doesn't have a tuba. They said he doesn't need an actual tuba, his own voice will do the job.

                          Commenter
                          Heinz
                          Date and time
                          March 03, 2016, 2:48PM

                          • I am having trouble with the live feed, it's repeating and looping itself.
                            I've now heard Katter's Q and the welcome to Hodgeman and Vaille three times!

                            Commenter
                            A country gal
                            Date and time
                            March 03, 2016, 2:48PM

                            • Groundhog Day!

                              "Bob? Bob Katter? Is that you?"

                              Commenter
                              Punxsutawney Phil
                              Date and time
                              March 03, 2016, 3:20PM

                          • If we are to believe the swill Bis Shrapnel are feeding us, they can predict the future, they can see into the long good night, they foresaw the fall of house prices, they saw the rise in rents, I have one word for that

                            Piffle a modern day Nostradamus, God help us

                            Commenter
                            fiberal
                            Location
                            darwin
                            Date and time
                            March 03, 2016, 2:46PM

                            • fiberal
                              The BIS report is probably very sound.
                              It is just being misquoted and misused by a misguided Morrison.
                              The longer this goes on, the better chance Tony has.
                              Malcolm must be so happy with Scott.

                              Commenter
                              Steve
                              Date and time
                              March 03, 2016, 3:28PM

                          • 2:30 - if Turnbull had said "wrecking ball" there, it could have been a Bruce Springsteen reference.

                            Speaking of, hi Swannie.

                            Commenter
                            Hacka
                            Location
                            Canberra
                            Date and time
                            March 03, 2016, 2:45PM

                            • Poor Malcolm - left to clean up ScoMos mess.
                              Well, that's what you get for doing Dirty Deeds.

                              Commenter
                              Steve
                              Date and time
                              March 03, 2016, 3:06PM

                            • Paint it Black.
                              Morrison.
                              Dreamer
                              Turnbull
                              Cannonball
                              Abbott

                              Commenter
                              fizzybeer
                              Date and time
                              March 03, 2016, 3:11PM

                            • You can't be all bad if you are a fan of the Boss @H

                              Commenter
                              davemac
                              Location
                              Melbourne
                              Date and time
                              March 03, 2016, 3:11PM

                            • not a Miley reference?

                              but I guess that would have been to the guy behind his back

                              "I came in like a wrecking ball
                              Yeah, I just closed my eyes and swung
                              Left me crashing in a blazing fall
                              All you ever did was wreck me
                              Yeah, you, you wreck me
                              Yeah, you, you wreck me"

                              Commenter
                              rod steiger
                              Location
                              toukley
                              Date and time
                              March 03, 2016, 3:12PM

                            • Surely it would be a Miley Cyrus reference

                              Commenter
                              Immal
                              Location
                              Melbourne
                              Date and time
                              March 03, 2016, 3:12PM

                            • They could have also referenced Joe.

                              Commenter
                              ah ha
                              Date and time
                              March 03, 2016, 3:23PM

                            • Rod and Ismal, yes I was thinking Miley too, complete with visuals.

                              Commenter
                              A country gal
                              Date and time
                              March 03, 2016, 3:24PM

                            • may I quote from the Boss:

                              "Bring on your wrecking ball
                              Bring on your wrecking ball
                              Come on and take your best shot, let me see what you got
                              Bring on your wrecking ball"

                              Miley schmiley

                              Commenter
                              davemac
                              Location
                              Melbourne
                              Date and time
                              March 03, 2016, 3:26PM

                            • "Surely it would be a Miley Cyrus reference"

                              Surely???Half the planet have recorded songs called 'Wrecking Ball", most of them before Miley. Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young, Gillian Welch. EmmyLou Harris (oh no, that's Neil's one, sorry).

                              Commenter
                              Richard
                              Location
                              Melbourne
                              Date and time
                              March 03, 2016, 3:42PM

                          • "Abbott snaps to attention."

                            The only time he's been straight about anything.

                            Commenter
                            Pen of hrba
                            Date and time
                            March 03, 2016, 2:44PM

                            • Taking away the right to start up a money losing enterprise with operating costs subsidised by taxpayers?

                              You have to be kidding, this rort has to go.

                              Commenter
                              Too Easy
                              Date and time
                              March 03, 2016, 2:43PM

                              • 100k degrees, co payments, tearing down of Medicare, cutting of penalty rates, work choices, cuts to health, all waiting in the bottom drawer of Tony Abbott, waiting for Lazarus to make his comeback

                                This is some of the fair budget you are getting if you elect these fiends, the inquisition comes to mind

                                Commenter
                                fiberal
                                Location
                                darwin
                                Date and time
                                March 03, 2016, 2:43PM

                                • Pyne at long last admits union bosses are good.
                                  Apologies to hacka for pinching another of his bag of tricks, selective quoting, a con instinctive reaction.

                                  Commenter
                                  fizzybeer
                                  Date and time
                                  March 03, 2016, 2:40PM

                                  • Sounds like Shorten channelling Turnbull again and going down the utegate path on Abbott? Turnbull has handed it over to the AFP. Leave it there unless you have no confidence in the AFP to investigate matters and believe you know all then maybe you should be seeking them instead of getting Malcolm to pre-empt something he has no facts on.

                                    Commenter
                                    Piped Piper
                                    Date and time
                                    March 03, 2016, 2:38PM

                                    • Piped
                                      Don't play us for fools.
                                      Malcolm will know by now exactly where t came from.
                                      As does Bill. Hence the pointed question that Malcolm didn't answer.

                                      Commenter
                                      Steve
                                      Date and time
                                      March 03, 2016, 3:08PM

                                  • 2:24pm. Warren, I'm so glad they were able to get the sum total of Howard government supporters in one room.

                                    Commenter
                                    Pluto
                                    Location
                                    Melbourne
                                    Date and time
                                    March 03, 2016, 2:37PM

                                    • This Bis report on NG will be like the Godwin Grech fake email scandal, the Libs think they have got something tangible to attack Labor with, just like When Mal rushed out without checking the facts on Grech's deceit, and slammed Labor, only to have it backfire

                                      This is take two on that debacle, waving a piece of misinformation to attack the credibility of Labor's policy, just wait for the ricochet

                                      Commenter
                                      fiberal
                                      Location
                                      darwin
                                      Date and time
                                      March 03, 2016, 2:37PM

                                      • Oh Barnyard of course the AG exports numbers have nothing to do with the value of the $A.
                                        You think we are totally stupid.

                                        Commenter
                                        A country gal
                                        Date and time
                                        March 03, 2016, 2:36PM

                                        • "Cherry Picking For Dummies"

                                          Haha is that the best troll ever. Very appropriate verb and very appropriate noun. Well done sir.

                                          Commenter
                                          yug
                                          Location
                                          under a bridge
                                          Date and time
                                          March 03, 2016, 2:35PM

                                          • Ok so this negative gearing arguement really annoys me. I am 29, bought my first property at 21 after working 3 jobs and starting my own business. I have paid since owning that property; Income tax, Land tax, GST (as its commercial), water rates, council rates and when I settle on the sale next month, I will be paying CGT at over 30%. How can you tell me that by getting a small reduction in tax from negative gearing, that i haven't paid my fair share of tax?? Instead of whinging, get on the train and help fund your own retirement instead of complaining about everyone else. I for one plan on being a self funded retiree down the track which will be less of a burden on the govt of the future by having a rental income. Yet, i am 'rorting' the system because I get a tax break from NG!

                                            Commenter
                                            MDS
                                            Location
                                            Sydney
                                            Date and time
                                            March 03, 2016, 2:31PM

                                            • If you think your wealth was created just by your hard work, go live in Nigeria or Somalia. How much wealth do you think thoses societies will let you accumulate. You owe your wealth to our stable society. Give some back to maintain it so.

                                              Commenter
                                              andyfreeze
                                              Location
                                              pascoe vale
                                              Date and time
                                              March 03, 2016, 3:06PM

                                            • MDS
                                              Exactly.
                                              You are funding your retirement out of the taxes of the less fortunate.

                                              Commenter
                                              Steve
                                              Date and time
                                              March 03, 2016, 3:10PM

                                            • If the reduction in tax is "only small" why do you have a problem with its removal.
                                              I did similar, without negative gearing, so it makes no difference to me.

                                              Commenter
                                              Nuff Nuff
                                              Date and time
                                              March 03, 2016, 3:12PM

                                            • @andyfreeze. I give back to society in many many forms. I employ people, I pay tax, I volunteer and I represent my community in other forms. Dont tell me I dont give back

                                              Commenter
                                              MDS
                                              Location
                                              Sydney
                                              Date and time
                                              March 03, 2016, 3:12PM

                                            • what percentage of your peers paid income tax, land tax, water rates and council rates on their own mortgaged home? and they didn't benefit from NG

                                              but you got a discount on GST and CGT.

                                              stop whinging

                                              you benefitted from NG that obviously did not convince you to buy the investment property, unless the NG was so beneficial you also discounted your income tax, land tax, water rates and council rates...

                                              in which case, a tax evasion rort

                                              Commenter
                                              rod steiger
                                              Location
                                              toukley
                                              Date and time
                                              March 03, 2016, 3:20PM

                                            • Tell me how making realestate more expensive for everyone is good for society? Sorry but your me me attitude is offensive. Offensive because this attitude is holding up this country. We need to channel the economy into productive enterprises not on stranded non productive assets. Just extrapolate current trends, low wage growth and rising housing costs. How can this go on? In musical chairs only the last person wins, everyone else loses.

                                              Commenter
                                              andyfreeze
                                              Location
                                              pascoe vale
                                              Date and time
                                              March 03, 2016, 3:32PM

                                          • Oh dear, you can see the look of despair on Bill's face every time he turns around & sees Bowen, Burke & Plebesek sitting there, thinking how in God's name can this lot run the country.

                                            Of course Bowen, Burke & Plebesek have the same thought when they look at Bill.

                                            Commenter
                                            Shane
                                            Location
                                            Hammondville
                                            Date and time
                                            March 03, 2016, 2:28PM

                                            • Shane
                                              No.
                                              The despair is about how much worse the country will be before they are give the chance to fix it.
                                              It is Labor's lot to constantly clean up the messes created by the Libs.
                                              First Whitlam, then Hawke & Keating, then Rudd & Gillard.
                                              Unfortunately, every time, people vote the wreckers back in.

                                              Commenter
                                              Steve
                                              Date and time
                                              March 03, 2016, 3:14PM

                                          • I really don’t know how many times I have to say this about negative gearing affecting house prices. We build approximately 95,000- 105,000 new houses each year. Immigration at 220,000 per year must account for 55,000 homes: based on home for every four migrants. Therefore, housing for migrants takes up between 53% and 58% of housing demand. Migration is approximately 70% of population growth, therefore an additional 30% of new housing is required for home grown Australian population growth, approximately 30,000. So demand for new housing is approximately 90,000, therefore demand is between 86% and 95% of supply. Therefore how in God’s name can negative gearing have any effect worthy of the name on house prices? The maths for NG affecting house prices simply do not add up.

                                            Basically it is another LNP scare campaign no different from the carbon tax scare campaign. Any who believes in LNP spin is either an idiot or a LNP spin merchant spreading bullshit.

                                            Commenter
                                            Pen of hrba
                                            Date and time
                                            March 03, 2016, 2:27PM

                                            • Another Policy Labor should put on its bucket list Pen.
                                              Sustainable migration and an enquiry into working visas.

                                              Commenter
                                              A country gal
                                              Date and time
                                              March 03, 2016, 3:05PM

                                          • I can't sleep at night, I'm fearful I'll wake up in the morning and my house will be gone, leaving me with nowhere to live.

                                            Commenter
                                            Too Easy
                                            Date and time
                                            March 03, 2016, 2:25PM

                                              • Two and a half years of it, getting tired myself.

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

                                              • don't worry, apparently they'll be ridiculously cheap

                                                Commenter
                                                rod steiger
                                                Location
                                                toukley
                                                Date and time
                                                March 03, 2016, 3:13PM

                                              • Abbott would've made a good leader of the DLP - a student of B.A. Santamaria.

                                                He just doesn't fit in the Tory camp.

                                                Commenter
                                                Jason of Gold Coast
                                                Date and time
                                                March 03, 2016, 2:24PM

                                            • Oh dear, you can see the look of despair on Bill's face every time he turns around & sees Bowen, Burke & Plebesek sitting there, thinking how in God's name can this lot run the country.

                                              Of course Bowen, Burke & Plebesek have the same thought when they look at Bill.

                                              Commenter
                                              Shane
                                              Location
                                              Hammondville
                                              Date and time
                                              March 03, 2016, 2:24PM

                                              • look at the pic at 2.56 and see if you want to rephrase that comment

                                                Commenter
                                                rod steiger
                                                Location
                                                toukley
                                                Date and time
                                                March 03, 2016, 2:59PM

                                              • ...and we all know the LNP cannot run a chook raffle.

                                                Commenter
                                                Vote Mal Eat Pal
                                                Date and time
                                                March 03, 2016, 3:00PM

                                            • Just listening to Morison on the "Shrapnel " report. Talk about bashing in a fact free zone. How you can extrapolate from no facts has me running back to my maths books, lol.
                                              How can you cry about budget deficit problems, age of entitlement and then say you support NG as is? I suggest the barb wire is inching closer to the source of their testosterone.

                                              Commenter
                                              andyfreeze
                                              Location
                                              pascoe vale.
                                              Date and time
                                              March 03, 2016, 2:23PM

                                              • Is Morrison full aware of the constraints imposed by the Constitution when it comes to tax?

                                                You cannot design a system whereby a PAYG taxpayer in one industry pays a different rate of income tax to a person in another. It isn't lawful.

                                                Commenter
                                                Too Easy
                                                Date and time
                                                March 03, 2016, 2:22PM

                                                • The ALP's stupidity about negative gearing is blowing up in their faces. It's the same economic illiteracy that existed 2007-2013.

                                                  Commenter
                                                  enough is enough
                                                  Date and time
                                                  March 03, 2016, 2:22PM

                                                  • You mean when they expertly guided our country through the GFC?
                                                    Good point eenie.

                                                    Commenter
                                                    fizzybeer
                                                    Date and time
                                                    March 03, 2016, 3:00PM

                                                  • Ok smarty pants. Explain to us your liberal plan to make housing affordable? In a vacuum, nobody can hear you.

                                                    Commenter
                                                    andyfreeze
                                                    Location
                                                    pascoe vale
                                                    Date and time
                                                    March 03, 2016, 3:01PM

                                                • Did I just see Julie rushing off to see if that putty, being used to plug those leaks, had set already. New brand you see.

                                                  Commenter
                                                  Pluto
                                                  Location
                                                  Melbourne
                                                  Date and time
                                                  March 03, 2016, 2:21PM

                                                  • You know when someone is under pressure , they start yelling their head off.

                                                    Commenter
                                                    Old Aged Pensioner
                                                    Location
                                                    Brisbane
                                                    Date and time
                                                    March 03, 2016, 2:19PM

                                                    • Morrison's Latham moment can't be far away. The snarl on the way back to his seat betrays a nasty streak.

                                                      Commenter
                                                      Too Easy
                                                      Date and time
                                                      March 03, 2016, 2:18PM

                                                      • The minister for immigration never gets asked a question, his role is reduced to interjecting to every question from Labor, what a waste of space Dutton is

                                                        Commenter
                                                        fiberal
                                                        Location
                                                        darwin
                                                        Date and time
                                                        March 03, 2016, 2:18PM

                                                        • Morrison needs to say something instead of hoarsely screaming nothing.
                                                          Cringeworthy to watch, excruciating to listen to.

                                                          Commenter
                                                          fizzybeer
                                                          Date and time
                                                          March 03, 2016, 2:18PM

                                                          • Somebody please tell Morrison that his microphone is on.

                                                            Commenter
                                                            A country gal
                                                            Date and time
                                                            March 03, 2016, 2:17PM

                                                            • channelling Barnaby

                                                              Commenter
                                                              rod steiger
                                                              Location
                                                              toukley
                                                              Date and time
                                                              March 03, 2016, 3:04PM

                                                          • Can we now assume that Labor's negative gearing policy is now dead in the water, or is economic hari kari their preferred option ?

                                                            Commenter
                                                            Hacka
                                                            Location
                                                            Canberra
                                                            Date and time
                                                            March 03, 2016, 2:16PM

                                                            • The cons are floundering, leaks are causing some of that condition.
                                                              Incompetence the rest.

                                                              Commenter
                                                              fizzybeer
                                                              Date and time
                                                              March 03, 2016, 2:58PM

                                                            • Labor's kinda hung on consistently to its NG policy, because its a thought out policy

                                                              what's the LNP doing?

                                                              blowing thought bubbles, watching them burst .... because they're bubbles

                                                              Commenter
                                                              rod steiger
                                                              Location
                                                              toukley
                                                              Date and time
                                                              March 03, 2016, 3:02PM

                                                          • How's the deficit coming along Barnaby?

                                                            Commenter
                                                            budget emergency
                                                            Date and time
                                                            March 03, 2016, 2:15PM

                                                            • Morrison is gonna lay it all on the line over a report he didn't commission?

                                                              Commenter
                                                              Too Easy
                                                              Date and time
                                                              March 03, 2016, 2:15PM

                                                              • The deputy PM Barnaby, is this a joke, how did it come to this, we are turning into US style politics, Reagan as President, Trump up there, Schwarzenegger a Governor, are you kidding me

                                                                Now we have the Laurel and Hardy show in Australia, Turnbull and Barnaby, ghastly

                                                                Commenter
                                                                fiberal
                                                                Location
                                                                darwin
                                                                Date and time
                                                                March 03, 2016, 2:14PM

                                                                • Actually Barnaby represents his electorate extremely effectively. He takes his constituents seriously and has always fought for what he believes in. Is that too much to handle? Fair Dinkum Aussie if you ask me!

                                                                  Commenter
                                                                  MDS
                                                                  Location
                                                                  Sydney
                                                                  Date and time
                                                                  March 03, 2016, 3:07PM

                                                              • The speech time before QT is like speech happy hour, get as many words in as possible before happy hour's over and speeches go back to full price.

                                                                Both parties should parachute some auctioneers into a few safe seats.

                                                                Commenter
                                                                yibedda yibedda yibedda
                                                                Date and time
                                                                March 03, 2016, 2:11PM

                                                                • 2:06 - what, is Bill not so keen on chatting about economic matters today ?

                                                                  Can't imagine why.

                                                                  Commenter
                                                                  Hacka
                                                                  Location
                                                                  Canberra
                                                                  Date and time
                                                                  March 03, 2016, 2:10PM

                                                                  • Someone has to do it.
                                                                    Slomo and Turnbull have no idea.

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

                                                                • Watch j. Bishop when Turnbull is questioned on leak.

                                                                  Commenter
                                                                  AMRO
                                                                  Date and time
                                                                  March 03, 2016, 2:10PM

                                                                  • Stop the presses, the new word for the day is a tie, it's 2 words, innovation ,transitioning, I could not split the two, but I have a slight favoritism to innovation, I have lost the number of times Turnbull has spruiked it in QT, it's Mal's word of the month

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

                                                                    • The Member for Solomon
                                                                      The new economy
                                                                      Turnbull, the new economy.
                                                                      What is the new economy?
                                                                      The old economy was mining.
                                                                      Exports.
                                                                      The new economy seems to be concrete slabs that we sell to each other.
                                                                      Is there anything we can sell to others?

                                                                      Commenter
                                                                      fizzybeer
                                                                      Date and time
                                                                      March 03, 2016, 2:09PM

                                                                      • Bill gives the government a Dixer on child abuse to open proceedings and in the process displays his innate decency.

                                                                        I'm pretty sure yesterday's opener on the Cabinet leak was a Dixer too.

                                                                        Will Turnbull do what Abbott did in QT one day and break a trust between he and Bill?

                                                                        Commenter
                                                                        Too Easy
                                                                        Date and time
                                                                        March 03, 2016, 2:06PM

                                                                        • Comments by EiE, hacka and sharon are just that. hot air. It used to be budget repair, now its NG will bring the economy down. It seems that the goal posts keep moving on whats required for reform. Sponging off everyone is ok if you have money but woe if you dont. Remember the liberals started this conversation. Now they have been found wanting. Can they not see the inconsistency in their bleating? pretty soon, nobody will take you guys seriously.

                                                                          Commenter
                                                                          andyfreeze
                                                                          Location
                                                                          pascoe vale.
                                                                          Date and time
                                                                          March 03, 2016, 2:05PM

                                                                          • Only idiots claim GDP growth a good thing when it is driven by increased household spending with negative wages growth. It simply means increasing cost of living is driving up GDP and a decline in the standard of living. But that's Hacka, SteveH and Nuffy for you. Anything goes to support LNP spin.

                                                                            Commenter
                                                                            Pen of hrba
                                                                            Date and time
                                                                            March 03, 2016, 2:35PM

                                                                          • to be fair, I haven't seen any comments from eie or Sharron on NG, and Hacka's wisely only dipped a toe or two into the water on the subject

                                                                            Commenter
                                                                            just not cricket
                                                                            Date and time
                                                                            March 03, 2016, 2:42PM

                                                                          • ...spoke too soon

                                                                            Commenter
                                                                            just not cricket
                                                                            Date and time
                                                                            March 03, 2016, 2:57PM

                                                                        • I can still hear Abbott's voice no fiddling with CGT and Super this was his policies before he was shirt fronted

                                                                          And now he is running Turnbull's policy directions from the bleachers

                                                                          Turnbull and Sco Mo back tracked on GST,

                                                                          Now Abbott want's them to back track from NG, who in hell is running his country, Abbott

                                                                          Commenter
                                                                          fiberal
                                                                          Location
                                                                          darwin
                                                                          Date and time
                                                                          March 03, 2016, 2:05PM

                                                                          • Abbott - the face of the Coalition's faceless men.

                                                                            Commenter
                                                                            Doug
                                                                            Location
                                                                            Canberra
                                                                            Date and time
                                                                            March 03, 2016, 2:29PM

                                                                        • Does the poor sod who paid BIS to produce the NG "analysis" get his/her money back ?

                                                                          Commenter
                                                                          Subgate
                                                                          Location
                                                                          Illawarra
                                                                          Date and time
                                                                          March 03, 2016, 1:59PM

                                                                          • I know each has his own side of politics, those cheering Labor, those cheering Liberal

                                                                            But the Liberal supporters are not honest with themselves, 2 speakers, 2 PM's 2 treasurers all gone, ministers, sacked, AFP investigating 3 or 4 MP's, resignations left right and centre, leaked documents

                                                                            I would shudder if this was the party I supported, all this in 2 and a bit years, be honest, they are worse than RGR, if the Lib supporters here are happy with this bilge, you are easily pleased

                                                                            Commenter
                                                                            fiberal
                                                                            Location
                                                                            darwin
                                                                            Date and time
                                                                            March 03, 2016, 1:50PM

                                                                            • Well unfortunately Labor supporters will have to remember they are living in glasshouses if they start throwing stones of that kind. It's true that Labor is no longer in government but voters don't have to think too far back of the disruption and bench changing during the RGR years. I always prefer those years to the current ones; at least things were achieved.

                                                                              Commenter
                                                                              stevek
                                                                              Location
                                                                              Sydney
                                                                              Date and time
                                                                              March 03, 2016, 2:41PM

                                                                            • stevek
                                                                              Quite right.
                                                                              The difference between Labor and Liberal.
                                                                              Labor were able to manage a country and a minority government while fighting leadership battles while the Libs are just a mess.

                                                                              Commenter
                                                                              Steve
                                                                              Date and time
                                                                              March 03, 2016, 3:04PM

                                                                          • "You laugh because you are bunch of communists. You excute people who disagree with you!"
                                                                            Liberal MP Alex Hawke after Labor burst into laughter when Liberal MP Bert Van Manen said he would cross the floor on the governments life insurance bill. Apparently even the young Libs are stuck in the 50's as well. Hilarious.

                                                                            Commenter
                                                                            Rollee the Rolex's Big Adventure
                                                                            Date and time
                                                                            March 03, 2016, 1:48PM

                                                                            • ScoMo hit by Shrapnel!!

                                                                              Credibility fatally wounded.

                                                                              Commenter
                                                                              Grizwald
                                                                              Location
                                                                              Sydney
                                                                              Date and time
                                                                              March 03, 2016, 1:46PM

                                                                              • Ha..very good

                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                davemac
                                                                                Location
                                                                                Melbourne
                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                March 03, 2016, 2:30PM

                                                                              • We'll soon be able to say that Scot is no longer ON water but UNDER water.

                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                Pluto
                                                                                Location
                                                                                Melbourne
                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                March 03, 2016, 2:31PM

                                                                              • his vocal chords came through it unscathed

                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                crikey blimey
                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                March 03, 2016, 2:36PM

                                                                            • Isn’t it funny, the Liberals are ripping into Labor because apparently, they rushed out their Negative Gearing and Capital Gains Tax Changes too fast but that is exactly what the Liberals are doing with their changes to Voting Legislation. You can’t have it both ways Liberals.

                                                                              What’s becoming clear here is that the Liberals are more concerned with securing more seats in the senate, then they are about releasing policies for the Nation. One again, it’s all about making sure they get their own first. Why is voting reform so important that it take precedence over Budgetary reform?

                                                                              Oh, that’s right, they can use Voting Reform to hold the senate to ransom and then force through all the toxic changes Tony tried in the 2014 Budget. Typical Liberals. If you can’t play by the rules, just change the rules into your favour. By hook or by crook eh fellas!

                                                                              Commenter
                                                                              Snapperhead
                                                                              Location
                                                                              The Reef
                                                                              Date and time
                                                                              March 03, 2016, 1:42PM

                                                                              • Way off Snapperbrain!
                                                                                The voting reform has been on the agenda for quite some time.

                                                                                Do some research....

                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                Snips
                                                                                Location
                                                                                Here & There
                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                March 03, 2016, 2:29PM

                                                                              • Labor thought it thru over over suitable period of time, in amongst all the jibes from the 'year of ideas'. It's just the Libs line to say it's rushed and not thought thru, ironic really as that's pretty much their modus operandi when it comes to any 'policy' that somehow gets leaked out.

                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                davemac
                                                                                Location
                                                                                Melbourne
                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                March 03, 2016, 2:29PM

                                                                              • Snapper
                                                                                Defence has been in the news and has rubbed of on this disintegrating regime.
                                                                                They are so busy trying to putty up the cracks they have no time left for cogent policy.
                                                                                The black hole of continual chaos is sucking the life out of them.
                                                                                No surprise to anyone when they implode.

                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                fizzybeer
                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                March 03, 2016, 2:33PM

                                                                              • Snips: Correct, but the left hate their research it brings up inconvenient truths. The Greens have been banging on about Senate reform for a very long time.

                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                housemartin
                                                                                Location
                                                                                hong kong
                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                March 03, 2016, 5:10PM

                                                                              • Can anyone tell me how many Labor MPs have walked out on the party recently?

                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                housemartin
                                                                                Location
                                                                                hong kong
                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                March 03, 2016, 5:12PM

                                                                            • 1:27pm. '"These people cannot stay in Manus forever," Mr O'Neill says. But whether or not the centre should close is a matter for the Australian government.' Oh Peter, Peter, Peter, they wish you hadn't said that. They so like to foist their problem, as they see it, onto someone else. Although that someone else, does, you must admit like the 'foreign aid' that comes with the job. But that's just by the by.

                                                                              Commenter
                                                                              Pluto
                                                                              Location
                                                                              Melbourne
                                                                              Date and time
                                                                              March 03, 2016, 1:41PM

                                                                              • When one comes into a domain like this, of course there will be differences of opinion, if you are thin skinned, maybe this is not the place for you, most comment on issues of the day, then there are others who wish to comment on the commentators, you know the ones, that continually bitch about pen, about the facts of his posts,

                                                                                I'm within my rights to question this government on any issue without having some inquisitor proof read my posts, if you disagree, fine, don't blame the messenger, keep your post to issues of the day, in all honesty who gives a shii what I post, well piped seems to

                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                fiberal
                                                                                Location
                                                                                darwin
                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                March 03, 2016, 1:41PM

                                                                                • Pen, whilst it is refreshing not see any of your climate change posts I think you have given the defence stuff a good go. How about going back to religion? Yes Pen, there is a big difference between religion and climate change.

                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                  enough is enough
                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                  March 03, 2016, 1:40PM

                                                                                  • what was the middle bit?

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    rod steiger
                                                                                    Location
                                                                                    toukley
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 03, 2016, 2:30PM

                                                                                • 12.57
                                                                                  another dirty deal between Greens and Coalition,
                                                                                  last time they got together to abolish the debt ceiling and now we have rushed senate changes.
                                                                                  what a farce.

                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                  westie
                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                  March 03, 2016, 1:38PM

                                                                                  • I've filled in the entire Senate ballot paper twice before and I'll be doing so again this election for the specific purpose of placing the Greens stone cold last.

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    Too Easy
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 03, 2016, 2:27PM

                                                                                • Looking at Malcolm you wonder with all his wealth why would you put yourself through all this? He is aging before our eyes.

                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                  kbf
                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                  March 03, 2016, 1:35PM

                                                                                    • Power
                                                                                      Revenge
                                                                                      Power

                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                      fizzybeer
                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                      March 03, 2016, 2:26PM

                                                                                    • power is a drug that's hard to quit

                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                      rod steiger
                                                                                      Location
                                                                                      toukley
                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                      March 03, 2016, 2:55PM

                                                                                    • Yes, we saw him as a young gun!

                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                      Ruth
                                                                                      Location
                                                                                      Melbourne
                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                      March 03, 2016, 2:57PM

                                                                                  • So what’s the deal with all the close-up shots of Turnbull today? Has someone got themselves an infatuation?

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    Snapperhead
                                                                                    Location
                                                                                    The Reef
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 03, 2016, 1:34PM

                                                                                    • power is a drug that's hard to quit

                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                      rod steiger
                                                                                      Location
                                                                                      toukley
                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                      March 03, 2016, 2:33PM

                                                                                    • careful, you might offend piped's sensibilities

                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                      rod steiger
                                                                                      Location
                                                                                      toukley
                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                      March 03, 2016, 2:54PM

                                                                                  • Mr. Howard's been very prominent of late.

                                                                                    Seeing him, I yearn for the good old days of a disciplined Tory Party.

                                                                                    Poor Mr. Howard: he must be pulling his hair out watching the Tories implode.

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    Jason of Gold Coast (awash with leakers)
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 03, 2016, 1:33PM

                                                                                    • Just recently Mal said (wwtte) that it's a waste of time trying to track down those responsible for leaking from Cabinet and the Party-Room.

                                                                                      Why's this leak any different?

                                                                                      A bottomless bucket is more watertight than the Turnbull Government.

                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                      Jason of Gold Coast (awash with leakers)
                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                      March 03, 2016, 1:31PM

                                                                                      • There's a hole in the bucket, dear Malcolm, dear Malcolm .....

                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                        stevek
                                                                                        Location
                                                                                        Sydney
                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                        March 03, 2016, 2:18PM

                                                                                      • "Then fix it dear Malcolm…."

                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                        Jason of Gold Coast ( awash with bottomless buckets.
                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                        March 03, 2016, 2:33PM

                                                                                      • Then mend it, dear Scotty, dear Scotty, dear Scotty,
                                                                                        Then mend it, dear Scotty, dear Scotty, mend it.

                                                                                        With what shall I mend it, dear Malcom, dear Malcom?
                                                                                        With what shall I mend it, dear Malcom, with what?

                                                                                        With a straw man, dear Scotty, dear Scotty, Dear Scotty
                                                                                        With a straw man dear Scotty, dear Scotty, a straw man

                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                        rod steiger
                                                                                        Location
                                                                                        toukley
                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                        March 03, 2016, 2:41PM

                                                                                      • Maybe the youger contributors should Google it.

                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                        Jason of Gold Coast
                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                        March 03, 2016, 3:06PM

                                                                                    • 12.26 "Look Mr Christensen we're wearing unisex school uniforms".

                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                      A country gal
                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                      March 03, 2016, 1:28PM

                                                                                      • Banjo. Just read Gabrielle Chan's article at the G. Yep, great. Specially the last bit describing TA as the "death's head at the feast."

                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                        Pluto
                                                                                        Location
                                                                                        Melbourne
                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                        March 03, 2016, 1:24PM

                                                                                    • After so many stuff ups, the Labor party suddenly looks like they are getting it right... ditching a time serving party hack like Joe Bullock was great news, to replace him with someone the calibre of Pat Dodson is a brilliant call. If they keep this up, they may just be electable come September.

                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                      drige
                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                      March 03, 2016, 1:21PM

                                                                                      • Hear of the saying "all talk and no trousers"? how about "all suit and no policies"

                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                        drige
                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                        March 03, 2016, 1:14PM

                                                                                        • LNP policies are the emperor's new clothes.

                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                          Vote Mal Eat Pal
                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                          March 03, 2016, 2:10PM

                                                                                      • International Woman's Day!

                                                                                        I can never think about that day the same way after seeing Deadpool

                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                        F
                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                        March 03, 2016, 1:10PM

                                                                                        • You made me snort at my desk!

                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                          CanberraChick
                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                          March 03, 2016, 2:16PM

                                                                                      • @10:57
                                                                                        I doubt even Coach Taylor could do much with this Government.

                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                        Haggis
                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                        March 03, 2016, 1:07PM

                                                                                        • The LNP have become lazy thanks to the MSM giving them unlimited support and not holding them to account.

                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                          Pec Adillo
                                                                                          Location
                                                                                          Innisfail
                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                          March 03, 2016, 1:04PM

                                                                                          • Even the Featured Comment is giving the opposition newspaper a plug. Paul will be very happy.

                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                            enough is enough
                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                            March 03, 2016, 1:03PM

                                                                                            • I see that Morrisons credibility is following Hopeless Hockeys and going down the gurgler. The BIS report he has been sprouting on about regarding the negative gearing has been shown to be a bit of rubbish and not relevant to the oppositions policy (see link below) but nonetheless he has been using it to make up stuff to support his argument.

                                                                                              Sums up the government doesn't it. A lot of fluff but when you look at the facts they all seem to be wrong. How can you trust these bozzo's to actually start running the economy? They certainly haven't said how they will do it have they?

                                                                                              http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/scott-morrison-under-fire-after-bis-shrapnel-report-used-to-attack-labor-contained-crucial-errors-20160302-gn93kj.html

                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                              Lance
                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                              March 03, 2016, 1:02PM

                                                                                              • The ALP treats voters like mugs. The Govt never spoke about raising the GST yet the ALP ran a deceitful campaign against something that didn't exist. Now the ALP runs away from a comprehensive report on the effects of changing negative gearing which is their policy. The hypocrisy is disgraceful.

                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                enough is enough
                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                March 03, 2016, 12:58PM

                                                                                                • enough is enough

                                                                                                  Only you !

                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                  A Green
                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                  Australia
                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                  March 03, 2016, 2:02PM

                                                                                                • Hang on...I have Chairman Jonnies Little Red Policy Booklet,
                                                                                                  I quote "never ever introduce a GST"

                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                  Nuff Nuff
                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                  March 03, 2016, 2:04PM

                                                                                                • you are so naive. If Malcolm wins the DD, I bet GST gets back onto the table. I remember" its dead and buried, never ever".

                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                  andyfreeze
                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                  pascoe vale.
                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                  March 03, 2016, 2:08PM

                                                                                                • @ enough is enough:

                                                                                                  I used to take the bait...

                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                  Jason of Gold Coast (awash with baiters)
                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                  March 03, 2016, 2:16PM

                                                                                                • Come on Nuffy, please do try to keep up. The Shrapnel report has already been widely discredited and Turnbull and Morrisson are running away from it quicker than you can say 50% increase in GST.

                                                                                                  You see, what you Liberals fail to understand is that Labors campaign against the GST Increase was based on FACT, as backed up by Treasury modelling whereas your Scare Campaign against Labors Negative Gearing and Capital Gains Tax Policy is based on lies, as has been highlighted today by the Gratton Institute tearing apart the BIS Shrapnel “report”.

                                                                                                  What you also fail to understand is that after years of Lies and Deception by Abbott and the Liberals, the General Public no longer believes anything the Liberals say, so when they come out using dodgy reports and analysis to attack Labor, no one really believes them, and when the public then find out the report is dodgy, the Liberal Parties credibility goes down even further.

                                                                                                  It is just like the last days of Howard, when nobody was listening or believing him. Every scare campaign he tried fell on deaf ears. Every Election Bribe was ignored. Just accept the fact that the Liberals cannot be trusted and their time is up. No one is buying what you are selling.

                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                  Snapperhead
                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                  The Reef
                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                  March 03, 2016, 2:25PM

                                                                                                • @EIE - if you bothered to look then you will have realised the report was written before the Labor policies were put up and based on different criteria. In other words, even the authors of the report admit that it doesn't apply to the Labor policies.

                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                  Lance
                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                  March 03, 2016, 2:33PM

                                                                                                • Snapper: You see, what you regressives fail to understand is that long and endless essay length monologues with every post are utterly boring. But a certain Coalition victory in 2016 is exciting showing the electorate doesn't believe a thing Labor says.

                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                  housemartin
                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                  hong kong
                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                  March 03, 2016, 5:16PM

                                                                                              • "The Liberal Party is at war with itself," Mr Shorten said. "The Treasurer has nailed his credibility to a report with no credibility."

                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                Vote Mal Eat Pal
                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                March 03, 2016, 12:54PM

                                                                                                • The illusion is complete; it is reality, the reality is illusion and the ambiguity is the only truth. But is the truth, as Hitchcock observes, in the box? No there isn't room, the ambiguity has put on weight.

                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                  rod steiger
                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                  toukley
                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                  March 03, 2016, 1:24PM

                                                                                              • Photo @10:57 - maybe I need to go to Specsavers, but my first thought was a repeat of that photo of the charming Eric Abetz!! Probably might as well have been given how beholden to those dinosaurs Malcolm now finds himself,

                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                Rugger
                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                Melb
                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                March 03, 2016, 12:53PM

                                                                                                • With the Institutional Abuse of Children RC about to finish why don't Perris and Dodson ask the Govt to start an RC on the abuse of Aboriginal children? the abuse is a long term problem that continues today. Let's see the ALP show some leadership on this terrible situation.

                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                  enough is enough
                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                  March 03, 2016, 12:53PM

                                                                                                  • Abbott ?

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    A Green
                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                    Australia
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    March 03, 2016, 1:15PM

                                                                                                  • After the election they will be able to.

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    fizzybeer
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    March 03, 2016, 1:15PM

                                                                                                  • I'm glad you care so much

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    fiberal
                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                    darwin
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    March 03, 2016, 1:17PM

                                                                                                  • Gazza gave you a mention in his poem.
                                                                                                    Infamy beckons.

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    fizzybeer
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    March 03, 2016, 1:17PM

                                                                                                  • @EIE
                                                                                                    What a good comment.

                                                                                                    Is this a trend?

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    Time to change
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    March 03, 2016, 1:25PM

                                                                                                  • before you blurt, do you ever research a thing?

                                                                                                    Title Ampe Akelyernemane Meke Mekarle: 'Little Children are Sacred': Report of the Northern Territory Board of Inquiry into the Protection of Aboriginal Children from Sexual Abuse 2007

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    rod steiger
                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                    toukley
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    March 03, 2016, 1:27PM

                                                                                                  • Isn't your rabble in charge?

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    PEarn
                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                    Melbourne
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    March 03, 2016, 1:35PM

                                                                                                  • Absolutely agree and I like that bit of prophecy in Labor being the Govt.

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    A country gal
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    March 03, 2016, 1:57PM

                                                                                                  • You do realise that the abuse is within their own families and communities don't you? and that the findings will recommend more removal of children from those environments.

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    enough is enough
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    March 03, 2016, 2:00PM

                                                                                                  • EIE, children are sexually abused in white homes too but we must stay silent on that eh?

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    Amro
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    March 03, 2016, 2:08PM

                                                                                                  • And within what confines does the abuse of non-Aboriginal children occur, EIE? That's right, within their OWN families and communities.

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    Rocky
                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                    Petersham
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    March 03, 2016, 2:38PM

                                                                                                  • eieio – 'You do realise that the abuse is within their own families and communities don't you? and that the findings will recommend more removal of children from those environments.'
                                                                                                    So, you know the findings of an RC which is yet to be held??
                                                                                                    Says it all!

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    PhilC
                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                    Sydney
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    March 03, 2016, 4:32PM

                                                                                                • Nothing much has changed today. Fiberal still throwing cheap shots at anything subtle Malcolm does in a photo from Alex or Andrew. Pen of Hbra still not being able to realise the concept that a dollar spent somewhere can produce a few more elsewhere. I guess adopting that concept would produce a few less zeros. Tony Abbott being judged guilty sans the facts. I guess the what we learnt today will be limited to QT if the ALP quit trying to pass motions that will never see the light of day.

                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                  Piped Piper
                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                  March 03, 2016, 12:44PM

                                                                                                  • Yes piped
                                                                                                    nothing new.
                                                                                                    No lnp policies, well, none that last past the setting of the sun.

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    fizzybeer
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    March 03, 2016, 1:13PM

                                                                                                  • And what about you? are you the keeper of the house, his is a public forum, if you don't like the comment, leave, you are a cry baby

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    fiberal
                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                    darwin
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    March 03, 2016, 1:13PM

                                                                                                  • My shots are anything but cheap, I paid top dollar for them, none were aimed at you, you doth protest too much

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    fiberal
                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                    darwin
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    March 03, 2016, 1:22PM

                                                                                                  • The air of desperation from the rusted on LNP supporters has become so thick it has become a fog that is starting to cloud their judgement. Much like the LNP who are tearing themselves apart. What do you think Hacka, Piped Piper, eie?There has never been a more exciting time to be progressive.

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    Rollee the Rolex's Big Adventure
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    March 03, 2016, 1:27PM

                                                                                                  • piper I suggest if you should look at your own side as well for repeat offenders.

                                                                                                    Yes some people here are predictable and ridiculously biased, but it works both ways.

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    davemac
                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                    Melbourne
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    March 03, 2016, 2:03PM

                                                                                                  • Sigh... nothing changed... same old mealy-mouthed deflections from the cons, pointing past the elephant to concentrate on the crack in the ceiling

                                                                                                    ps, don't think Mal did anything subtle there - was all the work of the photographer.

                                                                                                    Abbot being judged by his peers sans facts as well, just a bit of proactive policing on a repeat offender

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    rod steiger
                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                    toukley
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    March 03, 2016, 2:22PM

                                                                                                  • Rollee - when Labor was in government, I would have thought.

                                                                                                    Opposition's not much fun. Just ask Gary Gray, Melissa Parke, Allanah McTiernan and Joe Bullock.

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    Hacka
                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                    Canberra
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    March 03, 2016, 2:49PM

                                                                                                • 12.10 "Hope you didn't get frisked at Customs like Michael Somare and I have been".

                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                  A country gal
                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                  March 03, 2016, 12:43PM

                                                                                                  • Unlike the author of a book about Putin who was asked to read out loud the customs card your given on the plane, she had a bit of mud on her back pack, weird.

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    AMRO
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    March 03, 2016, 2:16PM

                                                                                                • 12:26 - "I hope that the lady in the blue jacket is not our new mathematics teacher!"

                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                  john
                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                  March 03, 2016, 12:36PM

                                                                                                  • Malcolm Turnbull describes the now debunked BIS Schrapnell report as thorough analysis... this would be true for him. The LNP after nearly three years of govt have nothing to show so I guess anything they see would be thorough analysis.

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    n720ute
                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                    North Coast NSW
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    March 03, 2016, 12:36PM

                                                                                                    • Do you think Howard will throw a few life vests into the water to help Turnbull, or will he just take photos?

                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                      henri
                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                      western australia
                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                      March 03, 2016, 12:32PM

                                                                                                      • A certain new PM, quite some years ago, had family photos taken on the sofa in the Lodge. A certain child, unfortunately, had had her dress made out of the identical fabric to that of the sofa.

                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                        Banjo
                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                        Eden
                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                        March 03, 2016, 12:31PM

                                                                                                        • That's hilarious Banjo, I missed that one.
                                                                                                          Must Google.

                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                          A country gal
                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                          March 03, 2016, 1:10PM

                                                                                                        • Banjo. Human shield eh. I always knew John Howard was good for something.

                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                          Pluto
                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                          Melbourne
                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                          March 03, 2016, 12:28PM

                                                                                                      • Is today the day Turnbull reveals which industries and endeavours will drive the "New Economy" that we are supposedly transitioning too?

                                                                                                        I haven't heard him say a word on renewable energy for months. Abbott has hived off the subs build to Japan. The NBN is of no particular advantage.

                                                                                                        What does the "New Economy" look like?

                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                        Too Easy
                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                        March 03, 2016, 12:24PM

                                                                                                        • Is Howard there to deliver a formal apology?

                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                          Peter Warrington
                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                          marrickville
                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                          March 03, 2016, 12:24PM

                                                                                                          • (Catching up with The Pulse @ 4.24 pm March 1)

                                                                                                            It seems eie hopes I’m “silenced for good”,
                                                                                                            a typical comment from someone who could
                                                                                                            win gold for Australia if ever he went
                                                                                                            where ‘foot-in-your-mouth’ was a medal event.

                                                                                                            He’s quite like the mozzie that whines in your ear,
                                                                                                            the fly that is floating on top of your beer,
                                                                                                            the parson who drones on and on in a church,
                                                                                                            the parrot that’s squawking all day on its perch.

                                                                                                            But if it amuses him, then so be it,
                                                                                                            and maybe in time he’ll develop the wit
                                                                                                            to notice the irony in all the guff
                                                                                                            from someone whose pen name’s “enough is enough”.

                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                            Gazza from Grong Grong
                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                            March 03, 2016, 12:22PM

                                                                                                            • Featured Comment material.
                                                                                                              You didn't take me seriously did you.......

                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                              enough is enough
                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                              March 03, 2016, 1:19PM

                                                                                                            • Gold!

                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                              NelsoninQld
                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                              Brisvegas
                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                              March 03, 2016, 1:26PM

                                                                                                            • Gazza

                                                                                                              That was excellent - my favourite to date.

                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                              PEarn
                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                              Melbourne
                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                              March 03, 2016, 1:32PM

                                                                                                            • Ripper Gazza!!! You put into words what I always thought about eie.

                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                              Freddo
                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                              March 03, 2016, 1:40PM

                                                                                                            • you've been owned eie.

                                                                                                              Don't make Gazza mad.

                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                              davemac
                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                              Melbourne
                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                              March 03, 2016, 2:10PM

                                                                                                            • Magnificent! EIE is now DBC (Dead, Buried and Cremated, though not necessarily in that order.)

                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                              Squeaky McCrinkle
                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                              March 03, 2016, 2:53PM

                                                                                                            • eieio – 'You didn't take me seriously did you.......'
                                                                                                              Who would?

                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                              PhilC
                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                              Sydney
                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                              March 03, 2016, 4:36PM

                                                                                                          • Perhaps when accepting the role as a leader, be it a member of parliament or of the clergy, accountability and responsibility should be highlighted and the phrase "mea culpa" be uttered more frequently.

                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                            Tucky
                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                            Warragul
                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                            March 03, 2016, 12:19PM

                                                                                                            • If Turnbull can't get rid of the albatross of Abbott hanging around his neck the Liberals DLP decade beckons.
                                                                                                              If he can't, or doesn't, get rid of Morrison, chaos beckons.

                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                              fizzybeer
                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                              March 03, 2016, 12:19PM

                                                                                                                • Abbott would've made a good leader of the DLP - a student of B.A. Santamaria.

                                                                                                                  He just doesn't fit in the Tory camp.

                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                  Jason of Gold Coast
                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                  March 03, 2016, 2:24PM

                                                                                                              • Three cheers for that lucky, lucky John Howard, who with Costello frittered all the proceeds of that golden era. We are still stuck with all the profligate schemes to benefit the rich and middle classes plus on going military forays to foreign soils. Indeed a truly great conservative leader, for the USA and his fellow conservatives.

                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                polym
                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                March 03, 2016, 12:19PM

                                                                                                                • @12.10

                                                                                                                  come on people, smile will will you!

                                                                                                                  Everyone! .. say... "Refugeeeeeee"

                                                                                                                  That's it, excellent. Thought you'd react well to that

                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                  rod steiger
                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                  toukley
                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                  March 03, 2016, 12:17PM

                                                                                                                  • 11:58 - the BIS report "widely discredited" ?

                                                                                                                    They put a decimal point in the wrong place - sloppy - but the impact remains the same. People will lose capital and rents will be more expensive.

                                                                                                                    That's bad economics in anyone's language.

                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                    Hacka
                                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                                    Canberra
                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                    March 03, 2016, 12:15PM

                                                                                                                    • rubbbish with a triple b

                                                                                                                      Fairfax 3/3/16
                                                                                                                      "Grattan Institute chief executive John Daley rubbished the research, particularly its modelling on how higher taxes would affect land values. Mr Daley estimated the impact of Labor's policy on home prices would be closer to 2 per cent than the 6 per cent suggested by BIS, and said the report "did not pass the giggle test".

                                                                                                                      "Voters should be asking themselves whether a responsible government would rely on this sort of nonsense in a public policy debate," he said.

                                                                                                                      [but unsurprisingly ]

                                                                                                                      The report was welcomed by property lobbyists including the Real Estate Institute of Queensland, which put out an enthusiastic statement on Wednesday saying the research demonstrated any changes to negative gearing would be "disastrous".

                                                                                                                      hmmm, wonder who the private client was who commissioned the report......

                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                      rod steiger
                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                      toukley
                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                      March 03, 2016, 1:14PM

                                                                                                                    • Hacka

                                                                                                                      You owe me $100.99.

                                                                                                                      Whoops !

                                                                                                                      I meant you owe me $1009.9.

                                                                                                                      Pay up or go with Tinkler.

                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                      A Green
                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                      Australia
                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                      March 03, 2016, 1:18PM

                                                                                                                    • You aught to get out more Hacka - nobody but you believes that, particularly the economic experts. Do you think commenters on this site don't read widely and only take your ill informed "facts" as gospel.

                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                      PEarn
                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                      Melbourne
                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                      March 03, 2016, 1:29PM

                                                                                                                    • But it's not based on the Labor policy, so it's irrelevant. Maybe someone should have read it first.... oh wait, haven't I heard that before. Nobody will be able to tell the effects of the policy until it's up and running, and it sounds pretty much like it will be.

                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                      nuffsnuff
                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                      March 03, 2016, 1:37PM

                                                                                                                    • Hacka - depends which report you read.

                                                                                                                      http://www.smh.com.au/business/the-economy/house-prices-wont-fall-if-negative-gearing-restricted-economists-20160302-gn95q3.html

                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                      Doug
                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                      Canberra
                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                      March 03, 2016, 1:56PM

                                                                                                                    • Thanks rod - so Daley agrees that house prices would fall.

                                                                                                                      That's all we needed to know.

                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                      Hacka
                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                      Canberra
                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                      March 03, 2016, 1:58PM

                                                                                                                    • And the taxpayers pay Hacka the big money out of the public purse to come up with this ideological garbage.

                                                                                                                      No wonder we have a budget emergency wasting public funds on your spin unit.

                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                      Windmill
                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                      March 03, 2016, 2:06PM

                                                                                                                    • House prices will fall when the bubble bursts, then you can blame it on negative gearing.

                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                      nuffsnuff
                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                      March 03, 2016, 2:08PM

                                                                                                                    • @H - what's wrong with prices falling a bit...or at least not rising as fast?

                                                                                                                      I'm sure the hacklets can move into the servants quarters at some point, but some of us would like their maclets to have a chance at buying a house!

                                                                                                                      Libs now trying to paint our economy as riding on the housing 'boom' - I guess they have nothing else to offer.

                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                      davemac
                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                      Melbourne
                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                      March 03, 2016, 2:14PM

                                                                                                                    • why am I unsurprised that's all you take from that quote

                                                                                                                      read the whole article hakka, see if there''s more you can cherry pick

                                                                                                                      you certainly scored with that one, 3rd speaker for the Government

                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                      rod steiger
                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                      toukley
                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                      March 03, 2016, 2:27PM

                                                                                                                  • Tone had the opportunity of double dissolution but despite all his rhetoric didn't take it.
                                                                                                                    The question is does Malcolm have the spine?

                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                    Nuff Nuff
                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                    March 03, 2016, 12:12PM

                                                                                                                    • Scott Morrison won't comment on leaking submarines because it's an under-water issue.

                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                      Steve Hall
                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                      March 03, 2016, 12:12PM

                                                                                                                      • Turnbull and his government look just like Abbott, Gillard, Rudd ... their first goal is the government benches and they do whatever it takes to stay there.

                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                        disillusioned
                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                        March 03, 2016, 12:10PM

                                                                                                                        • Banjo. Good question. But I reckon they served him his special dietary request: onion and white ant omelet.

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          Puto
                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                          Melbourne
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          March 03, 2016, 12:10PM

                                                                                                                        • Scrambled eggs with leeks?

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          Nuff Nuff
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          March 03, 2016, 12:08PM

                                                                                                                      • The government is still trumpeting the soundness of a BIS Shrapnel report on negative gearing (even though it got Australia's GDP wrong).

                                                                                                                        Hans Christenson Anderson comes to mind

                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                        fiberal
                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                        darwin
                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                        March 03, 2016, 12:07PM

                                                                                                                        • Sometimes you buy a product in all good faith believing it to be the best only to get it home and try it to find that it is poor quality.

                                                                                                                          This is the LNP, no policies just politics to counter anything that the other side are doing, no vision politics again, nothing for the benefit of the country just politics, they do not deserve to govern for Australia.

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          n720ute
                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                          North Coast NSW
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          March 03, 2016, 12:06PM

                                                                                                                          • 11.34 The announcement of Pat Dodson "entering the tent" fills me with so much optimism. Not just for the advancement of Indigenous issues, but for the calibre entering Parliament.
                                                                                                                            Because it's so long overdue- enough of the the hacks and staffers.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            A country gal
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            March 03, 2016, 12:03PM

                                                                                                                            • Well I certainly hope he can achieve what he intends to do once he is in Senate and not just toe the party line. If Labor makes it into government at the next election (and that looks rather more possible these days) how much latitude will be be given. Will he be a maverick or will the party support the direction Dodson wants to take? We saw Peter Garrett move away from his green ideology when he joined Labor.

                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                              stevek
                                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                                              Sydney
                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                              March 03, 2016, 1:11PM

                                                                                                                            • Totally agree ACG - a great move from Shorten.

                                                                                                                              And don't try too hard today on your comments - you have already had your moment in the sun!!

                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                              PEarn
                                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                                              Melbourne
                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                              March 03, 2016, 1:25PM

                                                                                                                            • Stevek, let's hope they have learnt some lessons from previous mistakes a la Garrett and how Rudd threw him under the bus.
                                                                                                                              I just feel this is a very proactive move.

                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                              A country gal
                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                              March 03, 2016, 2:12PM

                                                                                                                            • OK PEarn, sheer luck.
                                                                                                                              Hard to compete with Eeeeaaakkk.

                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                              A country gal
                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                              March 03, 2016, 2:16PM

                                                                                                                            • Whoops PEarn it happened again.

                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                              A country gal
                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                              March 03, 2016, 3:11PM

                                                                                                                          • SteveH

                                                                                                                            “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).

                                                                                                                            White is one of many defence experts to reach the same conclusion, yet you continue on your absurd path of pretence that ships have a role to play in modern warfare? Did you learn nothing from the Falklands war? A ship is useless and can do nothing against multiple missile attack or one launched into space that dives at hyper speed on ships. I wonder if you would volunteer to be on board a ship under such circumstances? No? Then why do you insist that others should take the risk?

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            Pen of hrba
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            March 03, 2016, 12:01PM

                                                                                                                            • pen, pen, pen

                                                                                                                              please stop trying to reason with stevehaha

                                                                                                                              it's heartbreaking

                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                              rod steiger
                                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                                              toukley
                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                              March 03, 2016, 1:16PM

                                                                                                                            • Pen

                                                                                                                              You're talking to son of enough is enough.

                                                                                                                              The equivalent of 2 slices of bread ........ and you are expecting answers from both of them.

                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                              A Green
                                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                                              Australia
                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                              March 03, 2016, 1:21PM

                                                                                                                            • Further, Pluto, I've just read a very entertaining article by Gabrielle Chan over at the G, in which she remarks on Mr Turnbull using John Howard as a human shield between himself and Mr Abbott at the celebratory, gala back-slapping dinner at Parliament House last night..

                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                              Banjo
                                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                                              Eden
                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                              March 03, 2016, 12:00PM

                                                                                                                          • The interesting thing about AFP investigations is that they fester away under the surface like a cancer,only to re-emerge at the most unfortunate time.

                                                                                                                            Like the middle of an election campaign.

                                                                                                                            Wasnt there a certain member of the previous PM's office notorious for leaking to certain sections of the Murdoch press?

                                                                                                                            I think Subsgate is going to get very murky and dirty indeed.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            mirrorsofsmoke
                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                            Sydney
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            March 03, 2016, 11:59AM

                                                                                                                            • Look , this might sound silly , but why don't the AFP just ask the journalist where he got the information / leak from , simple ....

                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                              Old Aged Pensioner
                                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                                              Brisbane
                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                              March 03, 2016, 11:55AM

                                                                                                                              • Yes, except journalists have gone to jail protecting sources.

                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                Nuff Nuff
                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                March 03, 2016, 1:15PM

                                                                                                                              • The threat of Jail perhaps?
                                                                                                                                I'm surprised it was actually printed given the new security laws for journo's.
                                                                                                                                And of course journo's don't divulge their sources.

                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                A country gal
                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                March 03, 2016, 1:24PM

                                                                                                                              • Why don't they ask Abbott - he was the one quoting from it.

                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                PEarn
                                                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                                                Melbourne
                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                March 03, 2016, 1:27PM

                                                                                                                            • So the BIS Shrapnel report has been discredited already. You see, this is what happens when you try and argue against Good Policy. In order to try and discredit Good Policy, you have to use dodgy figures and dodgy analysis like Morrison and Turnbull have just done, because you simply cannot argue against good policy when the facts speak for themselves.

                                                                                                                              The Liberals know Labor has released sound policy on Negative Gearing and Capital Gains Tax and they are in full panic mode to try and tear Labor down. Rather than do what is right by the community and accept Labors policy, they would rather use sneaky tricks to try and discredit it, solely for their own political gain and self-interest.

                                                                                                                              What this episode has again proven is that despite getting rid of Abbott, the Liberals still cannot be trusted. They will happily mislead the public to further their own gain. It is all about them and all about maintaining power, by any means necessary. By hook or by crook. Honesty just gets in the way of their goal.

                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                              Snapperhead
                                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                                              The Reef
                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                              March 03, 2016, 11:51AM

                                                                                                                              • Another ex treasurer advocating not to touch NG, this time, Costello, desperate times call for desperate measures and the old tired fogies are being wheeled out to support Turnbull

                                                                                                                                They have nothing of their own, they are going to an election with one thing, NG will not only wreck the economy, it will smash house prices

                                                                                                                                Be prepared for a saturated bombardment of this until polling day

                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                fiberal
                                                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                                                darwin
                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                March 03, 2016, 11:50AM

                                                                                                                                • Particularly when this ex-treasurer is responsible for the structural deficit that got this country into the mess it is in.

                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                  The Lad
                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                  4340
                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                  March 03, 2016, 1:22PM

                                                                                                                              • 3% growth rate.

                                                                                                                                Incomes down.

                                                                                                                                Liberal heaven.

                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                Good to Go
                                                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                                                Melbourne
                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                March 03, 2016, 11:46AM

                                                                                                                                • Unemployment up
                                                                                                                                  Budget deficit up
                                                                                                                                  Balance of trade deficit up
                                                                                                                                  Health services down
                                                                                                                                  Education slashed
                                                                                                                                  Dud NBN
                                                                                                                                  Just to name a few

                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                  The Lad
                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                  4340
                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                  March 03, 2016, 1:24PM

                                                                                                                                • Not their incomes. Liberal heaven.

                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                  Pluto
                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                  Melbourne
                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                  March 03, 2016, 1:31PM

                                                                                                                                • Well isn't this fascinating:

                                                                                                                                  Unemployment up

                                                                                                                                  At the same place that Labor predicted where it would be in their last year in office.

                                                                                                                                  Budget deficit up

                                                                                                                                  2007 - Grose debt $75 billion
                                                                                                                                  2013 - " " $300 "

                                                                                                                                  Gross debt doesn't take into account $117 billion in the Future Fund left by Costello or $96 billion of Labor's debt left by Keating and paid off by Costello and Howard

                                                                                                                                  Balance of trade deficit up

                                                                                                                                  Rubbish.

                                                                                                                                  The trade deficit improved to $2.9 billion in January from $3.5 billion the prior month, beating economists' predictions and offering an indication that the recent resurgence in the economy has carried over into this year.

                                                                                                                                  Health services down

                                                                                                                                  Rubbish.
                                                                                                                                  Health expenditure increased from 6.5% of gross domestic product in 1989–90 to 9.7% of gross domestic product in 2013–14. In latest report released 2016

                                                                                                                                  Education slashed

                                                                                                                                  Rubbish

                                                                                                                                  Expenditure
                                                                                                                                  2008-9 $62,385 million
                                                                                                                                  2013-14 $81,375 for operating expenses by both state and Cth. Latest report 2016

                                                                                                                                  Does not include school halls, tuck shops, awnings or toilets as under Gillard.

                                                                                                                                  Dud NBN

                                                                                                                                  Hmmm, i'll leave that to your bias.

                                                                                                                                  So, nope, nope, nope and nope.

                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                  housemartin
                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                  hong kong
                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                  March 03, 2016, 3:57PM

                                                                                                                                • housemartin,

                                                                                                                                  taking all debt/credit into account; the net debt is still increasing under the LNP.

                                                                                                                                  it is not going down.

                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                  Econorat
                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                  Sydney
                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                  March 03, 2016, 4:15PM

                                                                                                                                • econorat: As a matter of interest seeing as you're seeking to criticise, government debt was zero in the 2006/07 year, the first time in three decades, from a peak of 18.5% of GDP ($96 billion) in 1995/96.

                                                                                                                                  I agree net debt has grown, but the left trying to use government debt under the coalition as some big argumentative stick is laughable ... just laughable.

                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                  housemartin
                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                  hong kong
                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                  March 03, 2016, 4:59PM

                                                                                                                              • In the Age/SMH two weeks ago, Reith said the LNP needed to get some economists in to advise them. Turnbull has of course appointed Dr Parkinson as de facto head of Treasury while another Abbott Captain's Pick, John Fraser, is sidelined. Don't suppose there is any chance of hearing the personal views of Parkinson about what other economists are saying about negative gearing, as reported here: http://www.smh.com.au/business/the-economy/house-prices-wont-fall-if-negative-gearing-restricted-economists-20160302-gn95q3.html

                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                Doug
                                                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                                                Canberra
                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                March 03, 2016, 11:45AM

                                                                                                                                • I notice that Malcolm is 'out and about', dropping in here and there for photo ops. The only difference between him and Tony is that there are no flureo vests - need to lift your game, Mal.

                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                  Katie
                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                  March 03, 2016, 11:41AM

                                                                                                                                  • As soon as Morrison alighted from the boats, he was out of his depth. He should have stayed "on water" - now he is under it.

                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                    Doug
                                                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                                                    Canberra
                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                    March 03, 2016, 11:40AM

                                                                                                                                    • "I remember you by, thunderclap in the sky
                                                                                                                                      Lightning flash, tempers flare,
                                                                                                                                      'round the horn if you dare
                                                                                                                                      I just spent six months in a leaky boat
                                                                                                                                      Lucky just to keep afloat"

                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                      rod steiger
                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                      toukley
                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                      March 03, 2016, 12:28PM

                                                                                                                                    • Yes it is hard to fathom what Scomo is going to do. He is clearly out of his depth with his standing in the tide of public opinion at its lowest ebb.

                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                      Tucky
                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                      Warragul
                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                      March 03, 2016, 12:50PM

                                                                                                                                    • Doug,

                                                                                                                                      i don't think it matters to him. The damage was done by the telegraph and other News Ltd papers who took his word as gospel.

                                                                                                                                      of course the Tele won't re-write the article or go on to explain the report was wrong.

                                                                                                                                      it however has already been planted in the reader's mind that a change in NG is bad for them, and that's all that ScoMo and the LNP wanted. Forget facts when you've got assertions.

                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                      Econorat
                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                      Sydney
                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                      March 03, 2016, 12:56PM

                                                                                                                                  • 10:57 - Shifting eyes, all hearts have a price, full of fluff.

                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                    Fruitcakes and Watermelons
                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                    March 03, 2016, 11:33AM

                                                                                                                                    • The AFP are going to be busy, Bill get them to investigate the source of this fairy tale document, it is exhibit A

                                                                                                                                      Your job if you decide to accept it, is to find which government minister ordered this work of fiction, and when was it initiated

                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                      fiberal
                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                      darwin
                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                      March 03, 2016, 11:27AM

                                                                                                                                      • The BIS Shrapnel report is a thorough document say's Turnbull. course he would say that, it sounds authoritative,

                                                                                                                                        My guess is it is a half baked piece of fluff, rushed out in the past week to combat Labor's NG policy

                                                                                                                                        It is no coincidence it comes out after policy announcement, when the liars say it had been completed ages before Labor released their policy, how convenient, how lucky were the Libs that this piece of fantasy has materialized out of thin air, just when needed, lies deceit and fabrications

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        fiberal
                                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                                        darwin
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 03, 2016, 11:23AM

                                                                                                                                        • not sure I would let that mob balance my chequebook.

                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                          fizzybeer
                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                          March 03, 2016, 12:20PM

                                                                                                                                        • Labor focuses on a typo to try and discredit the report. Pretty lame! All key economists have said house prices will fall as a consequence of Labor's policy but still they won't accept the reality. It was embarrassing yesterday to watch Bowen becoming more and more deflated as the realisation dawned that he had totally stuffed up his negative gearing policy. It discriminates against the very people Labor professes to support - teachers, nurses, policemen etc - and favours wealthy investors who don't have to work for a living. Bowen is totally unsuited to be the Federal Treasurer - I wouldn't have him as the treasurer of the local tennis club.

                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                          Allan
                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                          March 03, 2016, 12:59PM

                                                                                                                                        • If you bothered to read the report it concludes that if you adopt the sorts of measures that are now key elements of Labor's negative gearing policy it will have the effects described. In fact you don't even need to read the report - it is Economics 101 that kids in high school learn.

                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                          AG
                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                          March 03, 2016, 1:01PM

                                                                                                                                        • Allan - All key economists? Not these ones.

                                                                                                                                          http://www.smh.com.au/business/the-economy/house-prices-wont-fall-if-negative-gearing-restricted-economists-20160302-gn95q3.html

                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                          Doug
                                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                                          Canberra
                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                          March 03, 2016, 1:16PM

                                                                                                                                        • hey allan, wrong

                                                                                                                                          Three-quarters of 50 economists polled by the McKell Institute said house prices would continue to grow over the long term under Labor's proposal

                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                          rod steiger
                                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                                          toukley
                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                          March 03, 2016, 1:18PM

                                                                                                                                        • Wow Allen, prove it.

                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                          nuffsnuff
                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                          March 03, 2016, 1:42PM

                                                                                                                                        • The key words in that SMH article were -

                                                                                                                                          "by the Labor-aligned McKell Institute"

                                                                                                                                          I rest my case!

                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                          Allan
                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                          March 03, 2016, 2:07PM

                                                                                                                                        • indeed allan, yourest your case?

                                                                                                                                          who commissioned this BS report?

                                                                                                                                          a secret private client?

                                                                                                                                          really?

                                                                                                                                          why?

                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                          rod steiger
                                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                                          toukley
                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                          March 03, 2016, 2:46PM

                                                                                                                                      • Scomo relying on an out of date, flawed report. How unusual.
                                                                                                                                        I still have not forgiven him for Lara Bingle (not forgiven Rick Birch for Nikky Webster either).

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        Double Disillusion
                                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                                        Sydney
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 03, 2016, 11:21AM

                                                                                                                                        • It's not his fault. All this economics stuff is new to him. Come on! You honestly didnt expect him to read and analyse the report did you?

                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                          meganjj
                                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                                          melbourne
                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                          March 03, 2016, 12:29PM

                                                                                                                                      • If Turnbull wins the election, will he still be beholden to the warlords of the far right? Is that why they are trying to destabilise him now?

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        Tucky
                                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                                        Warragul
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 03, 2016, 11:18AM

                                                                                                                                        • The way it is going there will be so few LNP members in parliament they won't have party status.

                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                          The Lad
                                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                                          4340
                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                          March 03, 2016, 1:30PM

                                                                                                                                        • I wonder, just quietly, what Mr Abbott was celebrating at the breakfast?

                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                          Banjo
                                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                                          Eden
                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                          March 03, 2016, 11:15AM

                                                                                                                                      • Hacka your trumpet blowing of 3% GDP growth is also well down on the 3-3.25 % growth rate that is considered average for Australia over the past few decades. The LNP also need to address the unemployment problem shortly to worsen when motor vehicle manufacturing ends.

                                                                                                                                        I also note that the ABS is grasping at straws again having GDP growth mainly supported by growth in house hold spending when wages growth is at an all-time low? Of course if it is correct it merely explains the increasing cost of living imposed by the LNP, again nothing to boast about. Further it will be interesting to see what GDP growth is in July when the effects of the commodities dive takes effect. Overall your crowing is like pi*^& into the wind.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        Pen of hrba
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 03, 2016, 11:13AM

                                                                                                                                        • Ha Ha! big problem the economy is growing!

                                                                                                                                          next.

                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                          SteveH.
                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                          March 03, 2016, 11:19AM

                                                                                                                                        • Pen - glad you've worked out that four quarters make up a year.

                                                                                                                                          As for trend growth, the IMF and World Bank have noted in recent years that trend growth in the last twenty years won't be matched over the next ten or so.

                                                                                                                                          Btw if you're not happy with the ABS growth figures, take it up with them. The phone number's in the white pages, they'd love to hear from you.

                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                          Hacka
                                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                                          Canberra
                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                          March 03, 2016, 11:28AM

                                                                                                                                        • The word for the day is "Conspiracy"

                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                          fiberal
                                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                                          darwin
                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                          March 03, 2016, 11:34AM

                                                                                                                                        • Hacka and SteveH

                                                                                                                                          "“Wage growth has continued to decline in many goods-related industries where employment growth has been weakest. In contrast, wage growth has been little changed in household service industries where employment has increased substantially.”

                                                                                                                                          So little wages or no wages growth, increased household spending means increased cost of living. And you two fools are crowing about growth?

                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                          Pen of hrba
                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                          March 03, 2016, 12:19PM

                                                                                                                                        • Pen - you're really struggling again by the looks of it. If wage growth is declining then wages are still growing, at a lesser rate.

                                                                                                                                          If your issue is purchasing power, perhaps go and research inflation and / or CPI and let us know how that's going. Thanks.

                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                          Hacka
                                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                                          Canberra
                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                          March 03, 2016, 12:32PM

                                                                                                                                        • Growth up, income down!

                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                          The Lad
                                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                                          4340
                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                          March 03, 2016, 1:31PM

                                                                                                                                        • hakka, care to comment?
                                                                                                                                          Fairfax 3/3/16
                                                                                                                                          "At the same time the broadest measure of living standards, real net national disposable income per head, slid a further 0.4 per cent in the quarter, the seventh-straight quarterly fall.

                                                                                                                                          "This could be a game-changer," said St George Bank chief economist Hans Kunnen.

                                                                                                                                          "Demand is growing despite flat export growth and continued weakness in business investment. Low interest rates and the low Australian dollar are supporting growth. The Reserve Bank is likely to leave its cash rate on hold for the rest of the year."

                                                                                                                                          Mr Morrison said the higher-than-expected growth was unlikely to mean more government revenue because so-called nominal GDP growth, the measure that matters for the budget, remained extraordinarily weak, climbing by just 0.4 per cent in the quarter and 2.4 per cent over the year. The December budget update had forecast growth of 2.75 per cent in the year to June 2016,a figure itself revised down from a forecast of 3.25 per cent in the May budget."

                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                          rod steiger
                                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                                          toukley
                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                          March 03, 2016, 1:34PM

                                                                                                                                      • Any guesses who footed the bill for this self congratulatory back slapping gala?

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        megaphone
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 03, 2016, 11:11AM

                                                                                                                                        • Why is this being celebrated at all. John Howard has gone....can we please keep it that way?

                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                          Rebus
                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                          March 03, 2016, 11:25AM

                                                                                                                                        • Gala's, weddings, funerals we pay for them all.

                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                          Amro
                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                          March 03, 2016, 12:18PM

                                                                                                                                        • I believe its called a cluster of leaners.

                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                          EXO
                                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                                          Port Macquarie
                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                          March 03, 2016, 1:50PM

                                                                                                                                      • I love the idea of these breakfasts to celebrate things. And celebrations to celebrate managing to hold on to a job for umpteen years. The people at the breakfast seem always to be the ones who have benefited most from what ever is being celebrated. And celebrating being able to hang on to a job is something, these days, that most ordinary workers can only dream about.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        Pluto
                                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                                        Melbourne
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 03, 2016, 11:09AM

                                                                                                                                        • I wonder, just quietly, what Mr Abbott was celebrating at the breakfast?

                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                          Banjo
                                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                                          Eden
                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                          March 03, 2016, 11:15AM

                                                                                                                                        • Further, Pluto, I've just read a very entertaining article by Gabrielle Chan over at the G, in which she remarks on Mr Turnbull using John Howard as a human shield between himself and Mr Abbott at the celebratory, gala back-slapping dinner at Parliament House last night..

                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                          Banjo
                                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                                          Eden
                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                          March 03, 2016, 12:00PM

                                                                                                                                        • Scrambled eggs with leeks?

                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                          Nuff Nuff
                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                          March 03, 2016, 12:08PM

                                                                                                                                        • Banjo. Good question. But I reckon they served him his special dietary request: onion and white ant omelet.

                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                          Puto
                                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                                          Melbourne
                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                          March 03, 2016, 12:10PM

                                                                                                                                        • Banjo. Human shield eh. I always knew John Howard was good for something.

                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                          Pluto
                                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                                          Melbourne
                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                          March 03, 2016, 12:28PM

                                                                                                                                        • Banjo. Just read Gabrielle Chan's article at the G. Yep, great. Specially the last bit describing TA as the "death's head at the feast."

                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                          Pluto
                                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                                          Melbourne
                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                          March 03, 2016, 1:24PM

                                                                                                                                      • Actually, I'm more interested in climate change.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        Greenie Armchair General
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 03, 2016, 11:04AM

                                                                                                                                        • correction, fighting climate change

                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                          rod steiger
                                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                                          toukley
                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                          March 03, 2016, 11:38AM

                                                                                                                                        • No, that's my job.

                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                          Greenie Armchair Field Commander
                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                          March 03, 2016, 12:31PM

                                                                                                                                        • Most fair dinkem' people are. It is not much good having growth, even if you haven't got the income to appreciated it, when your being cooked alive by climate change/global warming. Cue the deniers.

                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                          The Lad
                                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                                          4340
                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                          March 03, 2016, 1:35PM

                                                                                                                                      • Can we organise a sweep for the date of the next liberal leadership spill.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        cranky bilby
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 03, 2016, 11:04AM

                                                                                                                                        • Interesting response from MT about the BIS Shrapnel report being "a thorough analysis."
                                                                                                                                          It could well be a case of "garbage in, garbage out," and probably is. But the analysis of the garbage was thorough...we can quote MT on that, no problem. Rest assured no politician will ever talk about the assumptions that were the inputs.

                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                          Greg L
                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                          March 03, 2016, 11:02AM

                                                                                                                                          • @10.45

                                                                                                                                            “The Christmas presents once opened are Not So Much Fun as they were while we were in the process of examining, lifting, shaking, thinking about, and opening them. Three hundred sixty-five days later, we try again and find that the same thing has happened. Each time the goal is reached, it becomes Not So Much Fun, and we're off to reach the next one, then the next one, then the next.

                                                                                                                                            That doesn't mean that the goals we have don't count. They do, mostly because they cause us to go through the process and it's the process that makes us wise, happy, or whatever. If we do things in the wrong sort of way, it makes us miserable, angry, confused, and things like that. The goal has to be right for us, and it has to be beneficial, in order to ensure a beneficial process. But aside from that, it's really the process that's important.”
                                                                                                                                            ― Benjamin Hoff, The Tao of Pooh

                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                            rod steiger
                                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                                            toukley
                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                            March 03, 2016, 11:02AM

                                                                                                                                            • Ok so here is my prediction:
                                                                                                                                              1. Senate reform laws will be passed.
                                                                                                                                              2. Budget will be brought forward a couple weeks or holds off till may.
                                                                                                                                              3. Double dissolution will be called and 6 week election campaign for the PM to sell his budget.
                                                                                                                                              4. Reason for this being that the budget will be sold as 'tough but necessary and fair'. Hoping the new senate is favourable, the PM wont be shown to fail as he can get legislation and amendments through.

                                                                                                                                              Thoughts??

                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                              MDS
                                                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                                                              Sydney
                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                              March 03, 2016, 10:58AM

                                                                                                                                              • Have you noticed when there is a tough budget, the poorer people get it in the rear, it's never the millionaire and billionaires who are affected

                                                                                                                                                If these grubs try and pass the Abbott Hockey budget of 2014, there will be anarchy, and that is why they wan't senate voting changed, so they can gain control of both houses

                                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                                fiberal
                                                                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                                                                darwin
                                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                                March 03, 2016, 11:11AM

                                                                                                                                              • Spot on.

                                                                                                                                                Malcolm can't continue to govern without authority or policies.

                                                                                                                                                He must call an election as soon as he can.

                                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                                Good to Go
                                                                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                                                                Melbourne
                                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                                March 03, 2016, 11:11AM

                                                                                                                                              • 6 weeks too long for an election campaign.

                                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                                tasch2
                                                                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                                                                Mornington Peninsula
                                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                                March 03, 2016, 11:13AM

                                                                                                                                              • The legislation they want to use for the DD is anti-union legislation. The unions are very good at getting workers on board as we saw with Howard's election thrashing over WorkChoices. It's a task made much easier because workers can now see that wages growth is slow AND the Liberals want wages growth to be slower AND the Liberals want to remove penalty rates AND the Liberals are seen to be on the side of the companies in the major recent scandals where they scammed their own workers out of wages.

                                                                                                                                                The Coalition are on a hiding to nothing if they go with a Double Dissolution on that particular legislation.

                                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                                History Repeats
                                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                                March 03, 2016, 11:18AM

                                                                                                                                              • @Fiberal, I'm waiting on the sidelines with an army of oldies.

                                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                                Amro
                                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                                March 03, 2016, 12:19PM

                                                                                                                                            • 10.20am – you won’t find any rabbits in parliament that’s for sure…

                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                              Indeed
                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                              March 03, 2016, 10:56AM

                                                                                                                                              • “Rabbit's clever," said Pooh thoughtfully.
                                                                                                                                                "Yes," said Piglet, "Rabbit's clever."
                                                                                                                                                "And he has Brain."
                                                                                                                                                "Yes," said Piglet, "Rabbit has Brain."
                                                                                                                                                There was a long silence.
                                                                                                                                                "I suppose," said Pooh, "that that's why he never understands anything.”
                                                                                                                                                ― Benjamin Hoff, The Tao of Pooh

                                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                                rod steiger
                                                                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                                                                toukley
                                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                                March 03, 2016, 11:07AM

                                                                                                                                            • 10:45 am photo: "Refugee Lives Matter" poster didn't grab Malcolm's attention. I think he's focussed on the out of frame "Negatively Geared Properties Matter" and "Bigoted Backbenchers Matter" posters

                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                              Kay Serah
                                                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                                                              Melbourne
                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                              March 03, 2016, 10:56AM

                                                                                                                                              • Cayman Island bank accounts matter
                                                                                                                                                NBN in other countries matter
                                                                                                                                                and of course, Truffles matter

                                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                                DirkDiggler
                                                                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                                                                LNPHQ
                                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                                March 03, 2016, 11:10AM

                                                                                                                                            • The Turnbull government is a Malcolm Fraser style of government that does no real reform.

                                                                                                                                              The question is will we get a real reforming government next term or persist with do-nothing Turnbull for another 3 years?

                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                              flouro socks
                                                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                              March 03, 2016, 10:55AM

                                                                                                                                              • and like Howa d as treasurer during the Fraser years ScoMo is out of his depth.

                                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                                n720ute
                                                                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                                                                North Coast NSW
                                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                                March 03, 2016, 12:02PM

                                                                                                                                            • Have we spent so much on equipment for Defence that we can't afford a plumber to stop the leaks?

                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                              Tucky
                                                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                                                              Warragul
                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                              March 03, 2016, 10:54AM

                                                                                                                                              • Appears so, and neither a mechanic to fix Neg Gearing.

                                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                                A country gal
                                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                                March 03, 2016, 11:30AM

                                                                                                                                            • The most ridiculous aspect of the greenie armchair generals endless commentary is he keeps telling us how lethal the Russian and Chinese jets are.

                                                                                                                                              But doesn't want the RAAF to have any.

                                                                                                                                              I wonder why.

                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                              SteveH.
                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                              March 03, 2016, 10:54AM

                                                                                                                                              • Maybe we could negatively gear the new F-35's so they'll be faster backing away from the lethal Reds?

                                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                                Indeed
                                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                                March 03, 2016, 11:05AM

                                                                                                                                              • SteveH
                                                                                                                                                No.
                                                                                                                                                It just would be a better investment to buy something that could compete against Chinese and Russian Jets.

                                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                                Steve
                                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                                March 03, 2016, 11:29AM

                                                                                                                                              • That's because a crippled dog is not lethal; your excuses for not realising that your stance put's Australian lives at risk is to say the least pathetic. If you do not understand by now that the F35 tries to to break the laws of physics and cannot do so then you you have to live with your ignorance.

                                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                                Pen of hrba
                                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                                March 03, 2016, 11:32AM

                                                                                                                                              • Ha Ha! planes are now trying to break the laws physics, how naughty is that.

                                                                                                                                                Get real, whatever the RAAF, the Navy or te Army wanted to buy the greenie armchair generals will knock.

                                                                                                                                                They don't want the ADF to have modern weapons, any more than they want Australia to have an alliance with the US.

                                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                                SteveH.
                                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                                March 03, 2016, 12:09PM

                                                                                                                                            • Well done to the Brisbanetimes team for putting the comments back on the side - much easier to read!

                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                              NelsoninQld
                                                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                                                              Brisvegas
                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                              March 03, 2016, 10:54AM

                                                                                                                                              • This leaking is just shocking.

                                                                                                                                                And to suggest that Dear former leader is doing the leaking, is even more shocking.

                                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                                Jason of Gold Coast
                                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                                March 03, 2016, 10:50AM

                                                                                                                                                • Lets make this clear. There are a number of Liberal Party MP’s and Senators who directly benefit from the current Negative Gearing and Capital Gains Tax arrangements so the next time one of them is standing there bagging out Labors policy, Ask yourself. “I wonder what this person has to lose due to Labors changes”

                                                                                                                                                  This is just like when we try to go after Politicians Perks and Entitlements. They protect them like there is no tomorrow because you never get between a Liberal Party Politician an a pile of cash and the current Negative Gearing and Capital Gains Tax arrangements are no different. They stand to lose a tax rort that they themselves utilise, so they are fighting tooth and nail the maintain it for the sole purpose of their own self-interest.

                                                                                                                                                  The Party of the Greedy are only in it for themselves.

                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                  Snapperhead
                                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                                  The Reef
                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                  March 03, 2016, 10:49AM

                                                                                                                                                  • They probably benefit from being able to drive their cars on the road, oh, better not comment or make laws about roads.

                                                                                                                                                    Makes perfect luvvie sense.

                                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                                    SteveH.
                                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                                    March 03, 2016, 11:02AM

                                                                                                                                                  • Poor attempt SteveH. Just to humour you though, can you name how changing the rules of the road would directly hit politicians financially?

                                                                                                                                                    My example above is a clear example of Politicians making decisions about issues where they have a direct financial stake in the outcome.

                                                                                                                                                    Similar to Local Councils rezoning land for commercial use when said councillor owns the land being rezoned.

                                                                                                                                                    The simple reality is that our housing market is a joke and it needs to be fixed. Current Government Policy distorts the market and directly makes it more expensive for young people to put a roof over their heads. The Liberals do not want to make any changes to the current arrangement because they benefit from the current arrangement.

                                                                                                                                                    So the liberals will happily make it impossible for an entire generation to enter the market simply to protect their own self-interests and their investment portfolio. They are actively ignoring what is best for the community in order to benefit themselves. This is the reality of the Liberals opposition to Labors Policy.

                                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                                    Snapperhead
                                                                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                                                                    The Reef
                                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                                    March 03, 2016, 11:39AM

                                                                                                                                                  • Ha Ha! lets all play politics with the housing market balloon, but if it pops who gets blame?

                                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                                    SteveH.
                                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                                    March 03, 2016, 12:01PM

                                                                                                                                                  • SteveHaHa
                                                                                                                                                    You are already, in case you hadn't noticed?

                                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                                    Vote Mal Eat Pal
                                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                                    March 03, 2016, 12:34PM

                                                                                                                                                  • So you agree, the Housing Market is a Ponzi Scheme and your solution is to just keep feeding it? Pass the problem onto future generations and let those who caused it sail off into the sunset with their bags of loot?

                                                                                                                                                    It is a problem. It needs to be fixed. It cannot be ignored and passed onto younger generations because the Liberals are too scared to have a go. If the Liberals don’t have the ticker to Govern and make decisions, then step aside and let someone else have a go.

                                                                                                                                                    The Liberals are really becoming a bunch of terrified little children, sitting there with their fingers in their ears singing nursery rhymes telling themselves it will all be ok. Well it won’t. So man up and fix it or move over and let someone else do it for you. This type of thing has a name and it is called Political Cowardice.

                                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                                    Snapperhead
                                                                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                                                                    The Reef
                                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                                    March 03, 2016, 12:38PM

                                                                                                                                                  • Snapper: Awww shucks, is this another of your take from the poor and give to the rich monologues again?

                                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                                    housemartin
                                                                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                                                                    hong kong
                                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                                    March 03, 2016, 4:42PM

                                                                                                                                                  • "This type of thing has a name and it is called being out of breath and feeling exhausted."

                                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                                    housemartin
                                                                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                                                                    hong kong
                                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                                    March 03, 2016, 5:18PM

                                                                                                                                                • Can't be too many suspects in the case of the leaked defence documents

                                                                                                                                                  The AFP should round this up in 20 minutes, my money is on them coming up empty

                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                  fiberal
                                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                                  darwin
                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                  March 03, 2016, 10:49AM

                                                                                                                                                  • Perhaps they could look at the metadata from Abbott, Andrews, & Dutton.

                                                                                                                                                    5/4 on for Andrews

                                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                                    Baldone
                                                                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                                                                    Canberra
                                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                                    March 03, 2016, 11:02AM

                                                                                                                                                  • "Those with access to the con­fidential drafts included defence personnel and members of the ­national security committee of cabinet at the time: Mr Abbott, deputy prime minister Warren Truss, Foreign Minister Julie ­Bishop, Attorney-General George Brandis, treasurer Joe Hockey, ­defence minister Kevin Andrews and Immigration Minister Peter Dutton."

                                                                                                                                                    Round up the usual suspects.

                                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                                    mirrorsofsmoke
                                                                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                                                                    Sydney
                                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                                    March 03, 2016, 11:13AM

                                                                                                                                                  • Most except Bishop, on the hard right, narrows it down, make those odds 4-5

                                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                                    fiberal
                                                                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                                                                    darwin
                                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                                    March 03, 2016, 11:31AM

                                                                                                                                                  • J. Bishop was looking. Dry uncomfortable in Q time yesterday, keep on eye on her facial expressions

                                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                                    Amro
                                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                                    March 03, 2016, 12:25PM

                                                                                                                                                • I wonder how long its going to take for Turnbull to revert to type and let Abbott have it with both barrels and put him in his place.

                                                                                                                                                  Subsgate, as the Aus is calling it, is a direct attack on Turnbulls leadership by Abbott .

                                                                                                                                                  Turnbull really needs to stamp his authority on this unruly mob called the LNP or their re-election chances will start slipping away very fast.

                                                                                                                                                  According to one LNP M.P that is Abbotts intention.

                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                  mirrorsofsmoke
                                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                                  Sydney
                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                  March 03, 2016, 10:48AM

                                                                                                                                                  • Turnbull has already reverted to type. Don't remember 2008/09?

                                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                                    The Lad
                                                                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                                                                    4340
                                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                                    March 03, 2016, 1:50PM

                                                                                                                                                • 10:04am. It's always nice to see families out together for a stroll; but what an odd place to pick for R & R.

                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                  Pluto
                                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                                  Melbourne
                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                  March 03, 2016, 10:45AM

                                                                                                                                                  • That is a brilliant picture of Howard and Costello.

                                                                                                                                                    Costello had that way of looking down his nose at people in a way that made people think he was arrogant and untrustworthy.

                                                                                                                                                    Captures it perfectly.

                                                                                                                                                    Take a look.

                                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                                    Good to Go
                                                                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                                                                    Melbourne
                                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                                    March 03, 2016, 10:45AM

                                                                                                                                                    • GtG: "Costello had that way of looking down his nose at people in a way that made people think he was arrogant and untrustworthy."

                                                                                                                                                      You can afford to be when you cleaned up Labor's fiscal mess then led the country into wealth and prosperity after seeing Labor send it backwards into debt it under Keating

                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                      housemartin
                                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                                      hong kong
                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                      March 03, 2016, 4:00PM

                                                                                                                                                  • Perhaps the person who leaked the Defence White Paper, best known as Defence Without Probity, could not believe the extent of the sick joke that DWP played on tax payers and on the lives of military personnel.

                                                                                                                                                    Submarines: $150,000,000,000
                                                                                                                                                    Surface ships: $80,000,000,000
                                                                                                                                                    F35 potentially: $74, 300,000,000
                                                                                                                                                    Drones: $3,000,000,000
                                                                                                                                                    C17 Planes $1,000,000,000
                                                                                                                                                    P-8 Planes: $74,000,000
                                                                                                                                                    Total: $309,040,000,000

                                                                                                                                                    The fact is all of this military hardware could be destroyed in one day with modern day missiles technology should hostilities break out. In reality these purchases amount to the greatest waste of tax-payers money in recorded Australian history. Having the above technologies against modern day missiles is like paying $309.04 billion for bows and arrows, a few ballista’s and catapulta’s; in effect they are useless for modern warfare and unsuited for the defence of Australia; not to mention the lives they put at risk.

                                                                                                                                                    Imagine the good the transfer of this money would bring to health, welfare, and education along with a suitable defence strategy. The LNP have well and truly lost the plot.

                                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                                    Pen of hrba
                                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                                    March 03, 2016, 10:41AM

                                                                                                                                                    • Good one pen.

                                                                                                                                                      We've discussed this before.

                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                      Good to Go
                                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                                      Melbourne
                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                      March 03, 2016, 10:46AM

                                                                                                                                                    • Could all be destroy by boxes of matches in one day.

                                                                                                                                                      The greenie armchair generals don't want the ADF to have modern weapons.

                                                                                                                                                      They prefer a defenceless Australia.

                                                                                                                                                      And a borderless one too.

                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                      SteveH.
                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                      March 03, 2016, 10:49AM

                                                                                                                                                    • Funniest part of this rubbish is he doesn't seem to realise they all carry 'modern missiles' he thinks they've got sharp sticks.

                                                                                                                                                      What the greenie armchair generals need is pen knife to sharpen up their ideas.

                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                      SteveH.
                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                      March 03, 2016, 11:08AM

                                                                                                                                                    • No, Steve H, I am simply saying that we can do things better, much better. Depending on a midget size navy that can be destroyed at will is futile.

                                                                                                                                                      Depending on a plane that obviously inferior to potential enemy planes is also an exercise in futility.

                                                                                                                                                      Depending on 12 submarines that can and will be detected and subsequently destroyed is murder of Australian sub mariners.

                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                      Pen of hrba
                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                      March 03, 2016, 11:42AM

                                                                                                                                                    • Good to Go

                                                                                                                                                      I think wasting $300 billion deserves a little more attention?

                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                      Pen of hrba
                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                      March 03, 2016, 11:44AM

                                                                                                                                                    • There is difference between modern weapons and weapons that are effective. The art of warfare is make any attack on Australia an exercise in futility, there is nothing in the DWP that does this.

                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                      Pen of hrba
                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                      March 03, 2016, 11:47AM

                                                                                                                                                    • Ha Ha! Russia and China can have jets and submarines but Australia can't because they're too dangerous to the crew.

                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                      SteveH.
                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                      March 03, 2016, 12:12PM

                                                                                                                                                    • Pen: "The fact is all of this military hardware could be destroyed in one day with modern day missiles technology should hostilities break out. In reality these purchases amount to the greatest waste of tax-payers money in recorded Australian history. "

                                                                                                                                                      Fancy that, and you don't even need a skerrick of facts or evidence for such a melodramatic statement.

                                                                                                                                                      The left do like their enormously melodramatic exaggerations don't they?

                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                      housemartin
                                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                                      hong kong
                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                      March 03, 2016, 4:04PM

                                                                                                                                                  • With so many leaks about defence our spy agency must be working overtime.

                                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                                    The Bill
                                                                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                                                                    Everywhere
                                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                                    March 03, 2016, 10:40AM

                                                                                                                                                    • New meme on Facebook (Malcolm Turnbull & The Coalition Government - Exposed.) noting election milestones

                                                                                                                                                      1983 - Australian ecomony ranked 20th
                                                                                                                                                      1996 - Australian economy ranked 6th
                                                                                                                                                      2007 - Australian economy ranked 10th
                                                                                                                                                      2013 - Australian economy ranked #1

                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                      stevek
                                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                                      Sydney
                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                      March 03, 2016, 10:39AM

                                                                                                                                                      • So Steve what you are indicating is that Hawke/Keating improved the Australian standing by 14 places, Howard dropped us by 6 places and than Rudd/Gillard improved us by 9 places. So in all the LNP are the worst managers for the Australian economy in the last 30 years.

                                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                                        John
                                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                                        March 03, 2016, 11:00AM

                                                                                                                                                      • Yes, that is what was implied by the graphic in that FB meme. I'm not sure it's as simple as that as the world in 1983 was totally different to 2007 but I'll happily live with the view that our economic position in the last 30 years improved under Labor but worsened under the Coalition

                                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                                        stevek
                                                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                                                        Sydney
                                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                                        March 03, 2016, 11:26AM

                                                                                                                                                    • So basically, Labor come out with a good policy to fix the Structural Problems in the Budget and to help make Housing more affordable for the younger Generations and the Liberals are going to block it due to their own self-interests and to protect their own investment portfolios.

                                                                                                                                                      If ever you needed any proof that the Liberals are only in it for themselves, then this is it.

                                                                                                                                                      What a sad pathetic bunch we have running the country. They are elected to represent the entire community but once again they prove that they are only in it for themselves.

                                                                                                                                                      And to top it off, they know their argument cannot hold up to scrutiny so they have to invent this bogus report and use it to bolster their argument.

                                                                                                                                                      Once again, the Liberals are selling out our country for their own benefit and self-interests. What a sad Country we have become when this act of bastardry is seen as acceptable.

                                                                                                                                                      This just shameful and a new low for the Liberals.

                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                      Snapperhead
                                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                                      The Reef
                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                      March 03, 2016, 10:38AM

                                                                                                                                                      • Every Tory government is the same.

                                                                                                                                                        Guiding principles are entitlement, self-interest and contempt for the common man and woman - it's in their DNA.

                                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                                        Too Easy
                                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                                        March 03, 2016, 12:34PM

                                                                                                                                                    • Scott Morrison is just plain dodgy, I wouldn't trust him to tell me the time.

                                                                                                                                                      He said in parliament "some two-thirds of those who have a taxable income of $80,000 and less invest in negative gearing".

                                                                                                                                                      No, it's only 8 per cent Scott, not two-thirds. If you have to exaggerate that badly to make a point then you've already lost the argument.

                                                                                                                                                      http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-03-03/fact-check-negative-gearing-scott-morrison/7180812

                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                      Dodgy Gearing
                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                      March 03, 2016, 10:37AM

                                                                                                                                                      • How many jobs will be lost come the election? Turnbull is trying to shore his up. It is almost Gillardish isn't it? Sadly the musical chair game will continue and we won't know just who is standing and rarely find out what they stand for even after the election.

                                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                                        Tucky
                                                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                                                        Warragul
                                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                                        March 03, 2016, 10:30AM

                                                                                                                                                        • We must be well on the way to the promised extra 2 million jobs?

                                                                                                                                                          Time's nearly up !!

                                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                                          rod steiger
                                                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                                                          toukley
                                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                                          March 03, 2016, 10:58AM

                                                                                                                                                      • If a neutral came into our parliament, they would think the Liberals were in opposition

                                                                                                                                                        They are the same as when Abbott was in charge of this ship of fools, negative, argumentative, policy bankrupts

                                                                                                                                                        Instead of arguing with Labor, put forward your position Malcolm, find your heart

                                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                                        fiberal
                                                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                                                        darwin
                                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                                        March 03, 2016, 10:27AM

                                                                                                                                                        • So what do you get when you have 650 Liberals in the one place.
                                                                                                                                                          Wholesale Pollywaffles.

                                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                                          A country gal
                                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                                          March 03, 2016, 10:26AM

                                                                                                                                                          • Paid!

                                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                                            stevek
                                                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                                                            Sydney
                                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                                            March 03, 2016, 10:41AM

                                                                                                                                                          • Well out of date!

                                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                                            Ruth
                                                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                                                            Melbourne
                                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                                            March 03, 2016, 10:49AM

                                                                                                                                                          • Stevek, and what's they bet we inadvertently "paid" for it.

                                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                                            A country gal
                                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                                            March 03, 2016, 10:50AM

                                                                                                                                                          • Ruth, the marshmallow is still there, whilst the waffle's turned flaky.

                                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                                            A country gal
                                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                                            March 03, 2016, 11:20AM

                                                                                                                                                        • With an election coming up, and 80 billion ripped out of the public hospital system, Turnbull thinks by giving them 7 billion, that makes it alright

                                                                                                                                                          Money taken from education, money taken from health, and money taken from welfare, money taken from pensions, what is the purpose of this government

                                                                                                                                                          Did you notice they took no money away from the rich, well nothing substantial

                                                                                                                                                          And yet Libs bang on about this being fair

                                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                                          fiberal
                                                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                                                          darwin
                                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                                          March 03, 2016, 10:20AM

                                                                                                                                                          • I noticed that Hockey's $90K p/a parliamentary pension is not tested.

                                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                                            The Lad
                                                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                                                            4340
                                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                                            March 03, 2016, 1:55PM

                                                                                                                                                        • This, from an article headed 'Subsgate' by David Crowe in the Oz:

                                                                                                                                                          'This is not about a return to power, as with Kevin Rudd, this is a full-frontal attack,' said one MP, who believed Mr Abbott was intent on 'blowing the place up', even if that meant the political death of his colleagues.

                                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                                          Banjo
                                                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                                                          Eden
                                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                                          March 03, 2016, 10:17AM

                                                                                                                                                          • I remember Paul Keating accusing Abbott when he was LOTO, always trying to destabilise the government,: "if you don't give me what I want, I'll wreck the joint"

                                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                                            stevek
                                                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                                                            Sydney
                                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                                            March 03, 2016, 10:45AM

                                                                                                                                                          • Just revisited that on YouTube. How cannily prophetic was the great Keating!

                                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                                            Banjo
                                                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                                                            Eden
                                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                                            March 03, 2016, 11:21AM

                                                                                                                                                          • Take no prisoners.
                                                                                                                                                            It's got Abbott and Andrews written all over it.

                                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                                            A country gal
                                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                                            March 03, 2016, 11:25AM

                                                                                                                                                        • Costello / Howard , if looks could kill and is that John looking up to Peter ? ....

                                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                                          Old Aged Pensioner
                                                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                                                          Brisbane
                                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                                          March 03, 2016, 10:16AM

                                                                                                                                                          • Actually, Peter Costello seems to be looking up and looking down simultaneously.

                                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                                            Banjo
                                                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                                                            Eden
                                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                                            March 03, 2016, 10:48AM

                                                                                                                                                          • Nah, I think Costello is asking Johnny when he will keep his promise about stepping aside as leader.

                                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                                            stevek
                                                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                                                            Sydney
                                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                                            March 03, 2016, 10:55AM

                                                                                                                                                        • Is Malcolm Turnbull the Ted Baillieu of Federal politics. Surprised to be there and having difficulty delivering on promises and hunkered down because of internal in-fighting.

                                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                                          Tucky
                                                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                                                          Warragul
                                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                                          March 03, 2016, 10:13AM

                                                                                                                                                          • Nonoe of the above, just plain all feathers, no meat.

                                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                                            Fruitcakes and Watermelons
                                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                                            March 03, 2016, 10:48AM

                                                                                                                                                          • Ha Ha! I read this post last week, someone needs new material.

                                                                                                                                                            I can help!

                                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                                            SteveH.
                                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                                            March 03, 2016, 11:47AM

                                                                                                                                                        • This defence paper leaking is rather troubling, and is starting to echo the very worst aspects of the RGR governments. I doubt that Abbott was responsible for the leaking, but either way in an election year the Liberals must be united.

                                                                                                                                                          I'm very happy to defend much of Abbott's record as Prime Minister, and his right to speak out, but perhaps he needs to be thinking more of the beaches and voters of Warringah. Manly beach is a great place - and one where Tony should be spending more time. The best thing he could do for the party for the next six months is to spend quality time with the people of Warringah focusing on local issues.

                                                                                                                                                          Get the budgies out Tone, enter a triathlon or two, go for a bike ride, meet some people. Making sure Warringah remains a safe seat should be the #1 priority.

                                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                                          Hacka
                                                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                                                          Canberra
                                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                                          March 03, 2016, 10:13AM

                                                                                                                                                          • Abbott may not leaked it personally, but he would have had a hand in it don't you think

                                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                                            fiberal
                                                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                                                            darwin
                                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                                            March 03, 2016, 10:52AM

                                                                                                                                                          • You reckon he's been cooped up too much, Hacka? A healthy mind in a healthy body in cold sea water, eh?

                                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                                            Banjo
                                                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                                                            Eden
                                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                                            March 03, 2016, 11:00AM

                                                                                                                                                          • Apparently the water is beautiful at the moment Banjo, a great place to spend some time in.

                                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                                            Hacka
                                                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                                                            Canberra
                                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                                            March 03, 2016, 11:06AM

                                                                                                                                                        • @10.04

                                                                                                                                                          "It's like he never left"

                                                                                                                                                          ageing in place

                                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                                          rod steiger
                                                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                                                          toukley
                                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                                          March 03, 2016, 10:13AM

                                                                                                                                                          • In his own eyes he hasn't!

                                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                                            Ruth
                                                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                                                            Melboune
                                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                                            March 03, 2016, 11:08AM

                                                                                                                                                        • Next year there will be a bigger party to celebrate 10 years since his own electorate kicked him out.

                                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                                          cranky bilby
                                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                                          March 03, 2016, 10:12AM

                                                                                                                                                          • The biggest thing that is helping the Coalition's problems not making daily front page news are the Royal Commission interviews with George Pell. The Coalition must be grateful Sad indictment for all of us really.

                                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                                            Tucky
                                                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                                                            Warragul
                                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                                            March 03, 2016, 10:08AM

                                                                                                                                                            • Good to see Malcolm has learnt his lesson from Utegate and is not casting any aspersions by leaving it with the AFP. Indeed it is a serious matter. Pity some others have acted as judge, jury and executioner without access to the facts just because the accused is who he is.

                                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                                              Piped Piper
                                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                                              March 03, 2016, 10:07AM

                                                                                                                                                              • The problem for the "accused" is his track record in honesty.

                                                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                mirrorsofsmoke
                                                                                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                                                                                Sydney
                                                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                March 03, 2016, 10:52AM

                                                                                                                                                            • Hands up any home owner who wants the price of their house to go down.
                                                                                                                                                              mmm, waiting waiting. No didn't think so ...

                                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                                              Shane
                                                                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                                                                              Hammondville
                                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                                              March 03, 2016, 10:04AM

                                                                                                                                                              • I dont care if it does.
                                                                                                                                                                I am not selling.
                                                                                                                                                                And maybe when the political vultures come looking to include the housing value in the assets tests for pensioners we might be glad it has dropped.

                                                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                Nick
                                                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                March 03, 2016, 10:59AM

                                                                                                                                                              • Most homeowners don't care whether the price on their home goes down. Nobody can tell them it will or it won't. Most of us prefer fact than scare tactics. Fear tactics only fool fools.

                                                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                delores
                                                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                March 03, 2016, 11:10AM

                                                                                                                                                            • My money is on andrews as the leaker.

                                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                                              cranky bilby
                                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                                              March 03, 2016, 10:03AM

                                                                                                                                                              • Well I've spent plenty of time bagging Gillard over the years. Don't think I ever said a nice word, however while I watch the royal commission in Rome and initially having reservations about the scope of the royal commission, Gillard does deserve high praise for having the guts to go where no other PM has gone and giving these previously unheard victims some sense of justice. Maybe one day I'll find something to praise Shorten about. Maybe. I guess he knows a good lettuce when he sees one.

                                                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                Piped Piper
                                                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                March 03, 2016, 10:03AM

                                                                                                                                                                • I'm sure Bill does know about lettuces. He has been thrashed by a limp one whenever MT or the government go on the attack

                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                  stevek
                                                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                                                  Sydney
                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                  March 03, 2016, 10:50AM

                                                                                                                                                              • The worst PM in history is on track to become the worst ex-PM in history.

                                                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                cranky bilby
                                                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                March 03, 2016, 10:02AM

                                                                                                                                                                • Hard to forget Rudd/Gillard/Rudd, isn't it.

                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                  Fruitcakes and Watermelons
                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                  March 03, 2016, 10:45AM

                                                                                                                                                                • It must hurt soooo much to know that RGR have been replaced by ten flags Tony and the whole world knows.

                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                  delores
                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                  March 03, 2016, 11:16AM

                                                                                                                                                              • I travelled around the city yesterday and ran a straw poll of my tram drivers. None of them had negatively geared properties. I must not have travelled on the route the treasurer uses. Admittedly this was not a scientific survey, in that I took scoffs and laughter as a no.

                                                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                emmawren
                                                                                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                                                                                melbourne
                                                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                March 03, 2016, 9:59AM

                                                                                                                                                                • Lucky you were in Melb and not Hobart or Perth.
                                                                                                                                                                  Would've been a near non existent survey, bus drivers perhaps.

                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                  A country gal
                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                  March 03, 2016, 12:17PM

                                                                                                                                                              • Abbot really is the gift that keeps on giving

                                                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                rod steiger
                                                                                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                                                                                toukley
                                                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                March 03, 2016, 9:58AM

                                                                                                                                                                • Now that's a luvvie statement if I ever heard one "Tony will always have a very strong place in the affectionate heart of the liberals."

                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                  Vote Mal Eat Pal
                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                  March 03, 2016, 10:07AM

                                                                                                                                                                • Onions do tend to repeat on one.

                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                  Banjo
                                                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                                                  Eden
                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                  March 03, 2016, 10:07AM

                                                                                                                                                                • Yeah, like the gift of Labor being opposition.

                                                                                                                                                                  Ha Ha!

                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                  SteveH.
                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                  March 03, 2016, 10:25AM

                                                                                                                                                                • Steve H , does H stand for Ha?

                                                                                                                                                                  because you always seem to be laughing at your own jokes ... comforting I guess

                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                  rod steiger
                                                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                                                  toukley
                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                  March 03, 2016, 10:53AM

                                                                                                                                                                • Ha Ha! I luv your work too Rod, particularly "In the Heat of the Night' and "On the Waterfront',' Waterloo' was good too!

                                                                                                                                                                  My Dad even bought the video.

                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                  SteveH.
                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                  March 03, 2016, 11:31AM

                                                                                                                                                              • Maybe the Federal Police should set up an office inside the LNP...seems to me where most of their work is done?

                                                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                Vote Mal Eat Pal
                                                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                March 03, 2016, 9:54AM

                                                                                                                                                                • Vote Mal Eat Pal

                                                                                                                                                                  The AFP just gives the impression they are working.

                                                                                                                                                                  Yes?No Brough is a good indicator of that.

                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                  A Green
                                                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                                                  Australia
                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                  March 03, 2016, 10:11AM

                                                                                                                                                                • Just set up a Fed ICAC and be done with it.

                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                  A country gal
                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                  March 03, 2016, 10:24AM

                                                                                                                                                              • Oh! how could I forget Briggs, another idiot

                                                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                fiberal
                                                                                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                                                                                darwin
                                                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                March 03, 2016, 9:53AM

                                                                                                                                                                • The Liberal party are keeping the AFP in a job

                                                                                                                                                                  Brough, Robert, Abbott, they seemed to have swept B Bishop travel fiddles under the carpet

                                                                                                                                                                  Are this Lib government competent enough to be re elected

                                                                                                                                                                  In a word, NO, not even close

                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                  fiberal
                                                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                                                  darwin
                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                  March 03, 2016, 9:52AM

                                                                                                                                                                  • fiberal

                                                                                                                                                                    B.Bishop is under investigation by the Finance Dept ..... compliments of the AFP.

                                                                                                                                                                    And the Finance Dept is on the record as saying they will not make public the results of their investigation.

                                                                                                                                                                    Democracy at work ?

                                                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                    A Green
                                                                                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                                                                                    Australia
                                                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                    March 03, 2016, 10:07AM

                                                                                                                                                                • Morrison's desperation has reached peak stupid. With all the resources of treasury and the parliamentary budget office at his disposal he quotes a report which does not model Labor's policy and which was written for a private client under their scope.. Breathtaking.

                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                  Rollee the Rolex's Big Adventure
                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                  March 03, 2016, 9:47AM

                                                                                                                                                                  • ABC Newsradio

                                                                                                                                                                    "Was it commissioned by a political party?

                                                                                                                                                                    "No.

                                                                                                                                                                    "A lobby group?

                                                                                                                                                                    "No.

                                                                                                                                                                    "So a corporation?

                                                                                                                                                                    "Yes

                                                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                    rod steiger
                                                                                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                                                                                    toukley
                                                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                    March 03, 2016, 10:09AM

                                                                                                                                                                  • The resources of treasury and the parliamentary budget office are not mercenaries, that's why.

                                                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                    George
                                                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                    March 03, 2016, 10:24AM

                                                                                                                                                                  • I wonder how much extra that cost the taxpayers?

                                                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                    Vote Mal Eat Pal
                                                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                    March 03, 2016, 10:28AM

                                                                                                                                                                • Some people see that backpedalling on negative gearing is the way forward. Is that mechanically a sound argument?

                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                  Tucky
                                                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                                                  Warragul
                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                  March 03, 2016, 9:45AM

                                                                                                                                                                  • I'm taking a tangential approach to going forward with negative gearing.

                                                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                    Immal
                                                                                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                                                                                    Melbourne
                                                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                    March 03, 2016, 9:51AM

                                                                                                                                                                  • If Gazza is the Pulse Laureate, then Tucky is the Pulse Punster.

                                                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                    Banjo
                                                                                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                                                                                    Eden
                                                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                    March 03, 2016, 9:56AM

                                                                                                                                                                  • Heh, heh Tucky. It doesn't need to be a sound argument for this "mature govt", just say it often and loud, repeat and rinse.

                                                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                    A country gal
                                                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                    March 03, 2016, 10:43AM

                                                                                                                                                                • Bill's been all over the shop on the NG issue. One minute house prices are going down, the next minute they're not.

                                                                                                                                                                  It's obvious that the policy would put downwards pressure on the prices of existing premises. Economically, it's a silly idea.

                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                  Hacka
                                                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                                                  Canberra
                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                  March 03, 2016, 9:45AM

                                                                                                                                                                    • 8:56am: Mr Morrison has, of course, seized on the "damning report" but refused to say who commissioned the report or when.
                                                                                                                                                                      A director of BIS Shrapnel has said it was produced well before Labor released its policy. It also gets the GDP of the Australia wrong but we all make mistakes.

                                                                                                                                                                      How murky is this? Nothing the IPA/LNP does is honest and up front. There is no legitimacy to these people.

                                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                      monkeybiz
                                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                      March 03, 2016, 10:05AM

                                                                                                                                                                    • Not as all over the shop as Morrison and Turnbull.

                                                                                                                                                                      They're making all of it up as they go.

                                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                      Good to Go
                                                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                                                      Melbourne
                                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                      March 03, 2016, 10:16AM

                                                                                                                                                                    • Hacks you've shown time and time again your economic knowledge is flimsy at best. Are you Scotty in disguise?

                                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                      Sleepychicken
                                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                      March 03, 2016, 10:24AM

                                                                                                                                                                    • Thought I'd help you out today EIE.

                                                                                                                                                                      Turnbull & Morrison have been all over the shop on the NG issue. One minute house prices are going down, the next minute they're not.

                                                                                                                                                                      It's not obvious that the policy would put downwards pressure on the prices of existing premises. Economically, it's a good idea.

                                                                                                                                                                      There - fixed it for you.

                                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                      Baldone
                                                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                                                      Canberra
                                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                      March 03, 2016, 10:31AM

                                                                                                                                                                    • Really? Economically a silly idea! Perhaps you should read what a real economist has to say about NG. Google John Daley and read his research and articles. More qualified than you or Scott Morrison to talk about the impact of NG on the economy.

                                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                      Get the facts
                                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                      March 03, 2016, 10:36AM
                                                                                                                                                                  Comments are now closed