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Federal election 2016: Malcolm Turnbull and Bill Shorten hit the campaign trail

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Senior writer

View more articles from Stephanie Peatling

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The pre election campaign has begun. Regardless of the Senate's actions both leaders have hit the airwaves to sell their message. And what does former prime minister Tony Abbott think?

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  • How will Turnbull keep peddling the lies that the ABCC improved productivity and OHS when the exact opposite is true.

    Tones would relish all that mendacity but can the Toff do it?

    Commenter
    KY
    Date and time
    March 22, 2016, 2:57PM

    • C'mon Abbott, we're waiting for your next comment, everyone knows you can't help yourself

      Commenter
      Former Lib
      Location
      Point Piper
      Date and time
      March 22, 2016, 2:45PM

      • There are two chioces in this election
        One hard working horse Shorten or a
        Show pony Turncoat..

        Commenter
        Grumpy nana
        Date and time
        March 22, 2016, 2:34PM

        • Vote 1 Moderate Rationalist Party.

          You know you want to.

          Commenter
          enough is enough
          Date and time
          March 22, 2016, 2:27PM

          • It's the NLP you're having when you're not having the NLP.

            Commenter
            Emu of Justice
            Date and time
            March 22, 2016, 2:30PM

          • Thought it was the Moderate and Democratic (MAD) party

            Commenter
            Tucky
            Location
            Warragul
            Date and time
            March 22, 2016, 2:32PM

          • Which states are you running in?

            Commenter
            Piped Piper
            Date and time
            March 22, 2016, 2:32PM

          • ... or rather the LNP you're having when you're not having the LNP.

            Commenter
            Emu of Justice
            Date and time
            March 22, 2016, 2:33PM

          • How can you be a "moderate" rational?

            Slogan: "A rational choice is the best choice but we'll only make it sometimes"

            Great work.

            Commenter
            blah
            Date and time
            March 22, 2016, 2:34PM

          • Emu, Australia is getting sick of Claytons government.

            Commenter
            Pluto
            Location
            Melbourne
            Date and time
            March 22, 2016, 2:46PM

          • #Emu - NLP was more relevant to Tony and his repetition of three word slogans.

            Commenter
            blah
            Date and time
            March 22, 2016, 3:07PM

        • Where are the crims? "Total construction activity in 2014 was valued at $204.5 billion, in real (inflation-adjusted) volume terms.
          Engineering construction was the largest sector (56.1% of all construction activity in 2014) followed by
          residential building (26.6%) and non-residential building (17.2%).

          The five years to 2012 saw the volume of total construction work done increase by $71.3b, implying an
          average annual growth rate of 16.2%. $68.3b worth of this increase was in engineering construction, in line
          with the substantial investment phase of the mining boom which led to historically high levels of activity in
          infrastructure and resources related construction. The mining investment boom saw the annual value of
          construction peak at $213b in 2012 "

          All of that growth and profit and no crims and strikes to speak of? Can someone tell Malcolm?

          Commenter
          Pen of hrba
          Date and time
          March 22, 2016, 2:26PM

          • Yeah whatever. What about the fuel guzzling SUV? Pen - surely you can answer this simple question.

            Commenter
            enough is enough
            Date and time
            March 22, 2016, 2:32PM

          • Has the PM been to South Melb or South East Qld in the past few years ? Every time you visit there's another appartment building been constructed. It's hard to see them from Canberra or the Eastern Suburbs bus !

            Commenter
            Rod
            Location
            the Coast
            Date and time
            March 22, 2016, 2:51PM

        • Can't wait for all the pollies to flock to Rooty Hill RSL thinking Western Sydney holds the golden ticket to the lodge. Sure didn't help Julia in 2013. Can wait to see Shorten rocking up in flatbed holden ute chanting slogans like it's 1984 with his flannelette shirt.

          Commenter
          Piped Piper
          Date and time
          March 22, 2016, 2:22PM

            • And Mal can turn up in a steam engine seeing the LNP live in the 1920s

              Commenter
              DirkDiggler
              Location
              LNPHQ
              Date and time
              March 22, 2016, 2:25PM

            • RDN in his turtleneck.
              Mal in his Angora cardigan.

              Commenter
              fizzybeer
              Date and time
              March 22, 2016, 2:26PM

            • Tony in his budgies

              Commenter
              Former Lib
              Location
              Point Piper
              Date and time
              March 22, 2016, 2:48PM

          • That car ad that keeps popping up looks like Di Natale's monster fuel guzzling SUV. Oh dear, pen and the climate change brigade have just found their next denier. Leader of their party. WHERE DID IT ALL GO WRONG.

            Commenter
            enough is enough
            Date and time
            March 22, 2016, 2:16PM

            • He tried to buy a HFC vehicle, but the forward thinkers in the LNP decided that petrol is the future? Despite HFC vehicles taking off elsewhere.

              Commenter
              Pen of hrba
              Date and time
              March 22, 2016, 2:29PM

            • Pen = Denier.

              Commenter
              enough is enough
              Date and time
              March 22, 2016, 2:33PM

          • Cormann is a joke. What a ridiculous statement. Clearly jumping the shark is now LNP policy. No mention of the head of the ASX having to resign. The Abbott/Turnbull government disintegration continues unabated.

            Commenter
            No more waffles I'm full
            Date and time
            March 22, 2016, 2:13PM

            • Cormann is obviously judging the intelligence of the voter by his own standards.

              Commenter
              fizzybeer
              Date and time
              March 22, 2016, 2:23PM

          • Despite what Turnbull says, it is a tony the truthless election. Turnbull hasn't put up any meaningful policies and even the NBN under his watch went over budget, over schedule while delivering a poorer technical solution.

            I haven't seen anything that Turnbull has done that will change the 20% plus swing against him that occurred in the Hockey by-election. Perhaps if he had actually put up tax reforms that he promised when coming into power it would be different - but he didn't. In fact, he hasn't done much of anything other than to promise to be more agile (perhaps that is why he is rushing the election?) and putting up TV adds saying go girls. All fluff and no substance.

            Even the timing of the election seems to have been an Abbott like thought bubble considering his Treasurer didn't know about it. How is that for consultation?

            This calling the election early looks a bit desperate to me. It looks like he is trying to get back in before people realise he doesn't really stand for much, doesn't have any original ideas and is following in Abbott's foot steps. He truly is a marshmallow PM.

            Commenter
            Lance
            Date and time
            March 22, 2016, 2:12PM

            • 2.03 pm? The new 5.00 pm knock off time.

              Commenter
              enough is enough
              Date and time
              March 22, 2016, 2:09PM

              • Its a Union site.

                Commenter
                mmmm
                Date and time
                March 22, 2016, 2:21PM

              • Turnbull time, manana.

                Commenter
                fizzybeer
                Date and time
                March 22, 2016, 2:49PM

              • You should get out more. If you've ever stayed in a city hotel. You'll know they start very early.

                Commenter
                Rod
                Location
                the Coast
                Date and time
                March 22, 2016, 3:06PM

            • Hacka, there seems to be a sense of anger and frustration with Turnbull's political master class lesson. The progressives think it's all solved by going to a Western Sydney pokie barn and then getting the north shore ladies together for a knitting session. Times have changed, Australia has moved on from the 2007-2013 debacle.

              Commenter
              enough is enough
              Date and time
              March 22, 2016, 2:08PM

              • It's moved on EiE, but not for the better

                Commenter
                Econorat
                Location
                Sydney
                Date and time
                March 22, 2016, 2:31PM

            • Neither leaders will be around long enough to see out their elected term regardless of who wins. The political machine in Beijing will decided who runs Australia so the whole purpose of having a general election is redundant. Money speaks loader than your vote does!

              Commenter
              Real DC
              Location
              Melbourne
              Date and time
              March 22, 2016, 2:06PM

              • You're a little early on that call. Australia is still strategically too important to the US to let another nation decide how it's run.

                Commenter
                Quick Comment.
                Date and time
                March 22, 2016, 2:18PM

              • Does China make the F35?

                Commenter
                Pen of hrba
                Date and time
                March 22, 2016, 2:32PM

            • Ok, what's been going on. Oh deary me Shorten has gone back to the 1950's with his Unionist style mantra. Go on Bill - you go on strike and then observe that nobody noticed you were missing.

              Commenter
              enough is enough
              Date and time
              March 22, 2016, 2:05PM

              • 1950s mantra would surely attract your vote.
                As usual Bill is on a winner.

                Commenter
                fizzybeer
                Date and time
                March 22, 2016, 2:16PM

              • 1950's Bill is a bit better than the 1930's ABCC legislation.

                Commenter
                Emu of Justice
                Date and time
                March 22, 2016, 2:17PM

            • 12.19pm .Xenophon... So this means we could have a election in July or September , a six month election campaign , god help us...

              Commenter
              Old Aged Pensioner
              Location
              Brisbane
              Date and time
              March 22, 2016, 2:05PM

              • Perhaps Tony and few others including Eric Abetz and Corey Bernardi could set up another party in time for the election. It would be able to woo the right wing voters who seldom get their say and their way. I suggest the call it the SRP. The Seldom Right Party has quite a ring to it.

                Commenter
                Tucky
                Location
                Warragul
                Date and time
                March 22, 2016, 2:05PM

                • They could all meet together in the pod. Nice. Cosy.

                  Commenter
                  Pluto
                  Location
                  Melbourne
                  Date and time
                  March 22, 2016, 2:18PM

                • Remove Abbott and add Christensen and Kevin Andrews

                  Commenter
                  Piped Piper
                  Date and time
                  March 22, 2016, 2:26PM

              • 56 high earning millionaires paid no, or little tax.
                This is what the election is all about.
                The ongoing battle of the Cons to preserve all they hold dear to them.
                Money.

                Commenter
                fizzybeer
                Date and time
                March 22, 2016, 2:02PM

                • fizzy,

                  Did they pay tax under Labor?

                  Commenter
                  The Sniper
                  Location
                  Sydney
                  Date and time
                  March 22, 2016, 2:15PM

                • Go back two and a half years in your time machine and find out.
                  To continually bleat out the tired old blame Labor is wearing thin.
                  We are on Turnbull time now, temporarily.

                  Commenter
                  fizzybeer
                  Date and time
                  March 22, 2016, 2:36PM

              • 1:49 - not to mention that the construction industry employs more than 1 million Australians.

                Of course it should be managed to ensure it operates cleanly and as efficiently as possible.

                Commenter
                Hacka
                Location
                Canberra
                Date and time
                March 22, 2016, 1:55PM

                • How many people does the finance industry employ?
                  of it should be managed effectively.
                  Lets have a Royal Commission into it.

                  Commenter
                  fizzybeer
                  Date and time
                  March 22, 2016, 2:14PM

                • Including, inter alia, making sure Builders comply with OH&S, not employ people full time as Contractors to avoid paying entitlements and making a fund available for suppliers when builders suddenly Phoenix their Company and start afresh owing tens of thousands?

                  Commenter
                  blah
                  Date and time
                  March 22, 2016, 2:23PM

              • EiE,
                perhaps the MT can promote his election campaign by looking at how well they've done on the No 1 priority of TA; debt and deficits.... oh wait a minute!
                or No 2 priority Carbo emissions, oh wait a minute Direct Action is failing there
                or No 3 priority, a new faster cheaper NBN; oh wait a minuet!

                Commenter
                Econorat
                Location
                Sydney
                Date and time
                March 22, 2016, 1:51PM

                • Econorat, calm down. You accuse me of not believing in man made climate change when I've never given a position on it one way or the other.

                  Commenter
                  enough is enough
                  Date and time
                  March 22, 2016, 2:12PM

                • 3 strikes and they are OUTA HERE!

                  Commenter
                  fizzybeer
                  Date and time
                  March 22, 2016, 2:17PM

                • EiE
                  By your very statement here, which ridicules the idea that the science of man-made climate change is not settled, ergo it's not 'real'

                  "Pen, have you calculated the impact of Di Natale's fuel guzzling SUV on climate change - particularly sea level rises. The science is settled isn't it?"

                  Commenter
                  Econorat
                  Location
                  Sydney
                  Date and time
                  March 22, 2016, 2:27PM

                • Econorat, I simply point out the hypocrisy of the left. Case closed.

                  Commenter
                  enough is enough
                  Date and time
                  March 22, 2016, 2:42PM

              • 1.49 watch that nose grow Corrman.

                Commenter
                A country gal
                Date and time
                March 22, 2016, 1:50PM

                • These 72 Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning Joint Strike Fighters have been called “jackass of all trades and masterful of none” in the Senate Inquiry currently being held by the head of Air Power Australia .

                  Air Power Australia is an independent think tank.

                  Two other groups disagree with this idea, the The Sir Richard Williams Foundation and the Australian Strategic Policy Institute think its the best thing since sliced bread.

                  Only thing is theyre sponsered by Lockheed Martin.

                  Funny that...

                  Commenter
                  mirrorsofsmoke
                  Location
                  Sydney
                  Date and time
                  March 22, 2016, 1:47PM

                  • I'm surprised you haven't had a call from Magnifico demanding the Ex's sky video be taken down.
                    Stealing ones thunder.....still.

                    Commenter
                    A country gal
                    Date and time
                    March 22, 2016, 1:46PM

                    • Haven't seen the leader of the Greens today. Has Richard Di Natale ducked for cover? It is duck season you know and he sees himself as a protected species unlike the endangered independent senators.

                      Commenter
                      Tucky
                      Location
                      Warragul
                      Date and time
                      March 22, 2016, 1:37PM

                      • He's on TV right now doing a rather long interview from Melbourne.

                        Commenter
                        Quick Comment.
                        Date and time
                        March 22, 2016, 2:13PM

                      • @Quick Comment. Where else? Good coffee in Melbourne. Richard likes the finer things.

                        Commenter
                        Pluto
                        Location
                        Melbourne
                        Date and time
                        March 22, 2016, 2:25PM

                      • @Pluto: I don't know why you're directing that comment to me.

                        Commenter
                        Quick Comment.
                        Date and time
                        March 22, 2016, 2:42PM

                    • Nick X, the biggest favour you could do for Oz is to have Mathrew Wright roll Pyne.
                      Ther'd be dancing in the streets.
                      Oh and if Marie Rowland could only roll the Ex.

                      Commenter
                      A country gal
                      Date and time
                      March 22, 2016, 1:28PM

                      • Have a thought for Sir Robert Menzies gazing down and watching the 'new fella' and his incompetent Ministers slowly wrecking the once proud Party that Sir Robert founded.
                        The current cop of members seem to have completely abandoned the principles that Sir Robert had instituted in his formation of the Party.
                        Sorry, Sir Robert, but eventually someone in the future, will understand the principles that you set and will reform your Party back to where it should be.

                        Commenter
                        DukeofWoyWoy
                        Location
                        Central Coast NSW
                        Date and time
                        March 22, 2016, 1:14PM

                          • I am sure even Menzies would have fought against the ABCC's measures to reverse the onus of proof and abandon the right to silence. For all the Coalition's talk of respecting our British legal traditions they're willing to give them away for a song.

                            Commenter
                            Emu of Justice
                            Date and time
                            March 22, 2016, 1:21PM

                          • I would like to know, what does all this "new fella, old fella, big fella, little fella" and in general this term all things "fella" mean?

                            It is very cheesy.

                            Commenter
                            housemartin
                            Location
                            hong kong
                            Date and time
                            March 22, 2016, 1:25PM

                          • Duke, are you alluding to the fact that he called it the 'Liberal' Party rather than the Conservative Party, or the Religious Fringe Right Party?

                            Commenter
                            Gigondas
                            Date and time
                            March 22, 2016, 1:31PM

                          • First order of the day will be some cowtowing followed up by the ever reliable forelock tugging. Also see if our wartime foes are interested in some more pig iron?

                            hang on we're not at war...

                            Commenter
                            Max
                            Location
                            Newcastle
                            Date and time
                            March 22, 2016, 1:43PM

                          • Sure..1,2,3. OK that's enough thinking about the Ming Dynasty. Labor isn't following the same principles it first adopted and is less representative of workers of Australia than ever. T

                            Commenter
                            stevek
                            Location
                            Sydney
                            Date and time
                            March 22, 2016, 1:48PM

                          • 1948

                            Commenter
                            fizzybeer
                            Date and time
                            March 22, 2016, 1:50PM

                          • @Fizzybeer 1:50pm
                            Yep 1948, a good year, the first time I got in trouble at school for being insolent, me insolent, nev v v ver!!!!

                            Commenter
                            DukeofWoyWoy
                            Date and time
                            March 22, 2016, 2:36PM

                        • Let's have the ABCC back in but let it be the Australian Banking Collusion Commission.

                          Commenter
                          Tucky
                          Location
                          Warragul
                          Date and time
                          March 22, 2016, 1:10PM

                          • Lambie: "This is not the way to play politics. And as for my seat, that is up to the people of Tasmania and if they don't want me up here keeping the bastards honest then they'll get rid of me. If that's what they want from me then I'll be safe."

                            How did such a gravelly bogan get to the Senate? Preference harvester. Jackie fails to understand that Tasmanians never actually wanted here there in the first place.

                            Commenter
                            housemartin
                            Location
                            hong kong
                            Date and time
                            March 22, 2016, 1:00PM

                            • "How did such a gravelly bogan get to the Senate? "

                              The same could be said of fundamentalist bible thumpers like Bernardi or Abetz.

                              As much as I can't stand Lambie, she has every right to be in the Senate as anyone else.

                              Commenter
                              Mr Burns
                              Date and time
                              March 22, 2016, 1:28PM

                            • For that matter, housemartin, how did Michaelia Cash ever get to the Senate? She attracted fewer first preference votes than Jacqui Lambie, and I find her voice more offensive than Jacqui's.I really prefer not to cast my votes on the basis of social class.

                              Commenter
                              Banjo
                              Location
                              Eden
                              Date and time
                              March 22, 2016, 1:33PM

                            • That's a rather glib statement to make all the way from HK. I bet you wouldn't be saying that if she backed the government's ABCC bill.

                              Commenter
                              stevek
                              Location
                              Sydney
                              Date and time
                              March 22, 2016, 1:44PM

                            • Charming. As usual.

                              Cheers.

                              Commenter
                              davemac
                              Location
                              Melbourne
                              Date and time
                              March 22, 2016, 1:45PM

                            • Same could be asked how did that bogan Abbott ever get a job let alone be PM!

                              Commenter
                              Reek
                              Date and time
                              March 22, 2016, 2:04PM

                            • Ah! this is the first time I've ever said this - spot on, housemartin!

                              Commenter
                              MM
                              Date and time
                              March 22, 2016, 2:15PM

                            • I bet a lot of Liberals don't want Corey Bernadi but unfortunately or them he occupies a high place on their ticket. Like Lambie did with PUP. Try and keep up with the system if you are going to comment on it.

                              How many direct votes do you think Core got anyway? Surely he got more than Cashs 500 or so.

                              Commenter
                              blah
                              Date and time
                              March 22, 2016, 2:27PM

                            • I hope i've made your day dave?

                              Commenter
                              housemartin
                              Location
                              hong kong
                              Date and time
                              March 22, 2016, 2:32PM

                            • stevek: I'm curious, how does my comment coming from HK make a difference> I vote.

                              Commenter
                              housemartin
                              Location
                              hong kong
                              Date and time
                              March 22, 2016, 2:42PM

                            • Reek: yes, I guess a Law degree and a Rhodes Scholarship would make him a bogan wouldn't it?

                              Commenter
                              housemartin
                              Location
                              hong kong
                              Date and time
                              March 22, 2016, 2:44PM

                          • 12.54pm A toff is a toff is a toff!

                            Commenter
                            Ruth
                            Location
                            Melbourne
                            Date and time
                            March 22, 2016, 12:59PM

                            • 12:54 - ain't love grand. Happy anniversary Malcolm.

                              Commenter
                              Hacka
                              Location
                              Canberra
                              Date and time
                              March 22, 2016, 12:56PM

                              • Ah, 12:54. For one mad moment I thought you were referring to 12:32...

                                Commenter
                                Gigondas
                                Date and time
                                March 22, 2016, 1:28PM

                              • So he's the son of a Salmon. I knew there was something fishy about Malcolm.

                                Commenter
                                Bulletproof Monk
                                Date and time
                                March 22, 2016, 1:37PM

                            • How innovative it is to have continuity and change as we transition into a good government thats open and honest and made up of adults.
                              No more 3 word slogans instead we will have only deep and meaningful policies and thought bubbles that go bang when theyre found to be full of hot air.

                              Labor to the Left of me, Snipers to the Right, here I am, Muddled in the middle with you.

                              Commenter
                              mirrorsofsmoke
                              Location
                              Sydney
                              Date and time
                              March 22, 2016, 12:56PM

                              • That's it Bill keep learning to walk and chew gum at the same time.

                                Commenter
                                housemartin
                                Location
                                hong kong
                                Date and time
                                March 22, 2016, 12:55PM

                                • Maybe Tones could use some gum?

                                  MT would like him to be busy chewing rather than causing distractions, or should that be disruptions

                                  Commenter
                                  Buffalo Bill
                                  Location
                                  Sydneys Northshore
                                  Date and time
                                  March 22, 2016, 1:35PM

                                • Bit of respect for our next PM.

                                  Commenter
                                  davemac
                                  Location
                                  Melbourne
                                  Date and time
                                  March 22, 2016, 1:46PM

                                • Love your work dave. 3 thumbs up.

                                  Commenter
                                  housemartin
                                  Location
                                  hong kong
                                  Date and time
                                  March 22, 2016, 2:45PM

                              • Jackie Lambert made a very pertinent point on last night's Q & A. She's seen the secret documents (which the opposition wasn't allowed to view) and says there is nothing in it which the police can't handle. So all this hype about needing the ABCC is just BS. Even the person representing the business sector says that ABSS is not high on the business agenda as there other more important issues to tackle.

                                Commenter
                                The Lad
                                Location
                                4340
                                Date and time
                                March 22, 2016, 12:48PM

                                • Photo 9:04 (yes a bit late)

                                  Hey you guys know my political leanings but that photo op was the worst idea since Harold Holt looked at the surf one day and thought "Yeah, let's give that a crack".

                                  Commenter
                                  davemac
                                  Location
                                  Melbourne
                                  Date and time
                                  March 22, 2016, 12:48PM

                                  • Poor Tony - will he take responsibility for any LNP seats lost at the next election ? Of course not - he seeks credit but will rebuff any blame. Poor Loser.

                                    Commenter
                                    MST
                                    Date and time
                                    March 22, 2016, 12:43PM

                                    • We need every major media outlet to hound Abbott for comment right up to July 2nd. Abbotts self interest above Australia's interest will guarantee the right outcome

                                      Commenter
                                      Former Lib
                                      Location
                                      Point Piper
                                      Date and time
                                      March 22, 2016, 12:42PM

                                      • I hope this government goes to the people on its record:
                                        * much higher unemployment since it was elected.
                                        * FTA's that killed off Australian vehicle manufacturing and other industries.
                                        * Budget deficit out of control
                                        *Monthly balance of trade deficits out of control
                                        * consumer confidence down
                                        * ASC couldn't build a conoe and still no word on what foreign made submarine we're going be lumbered with
                                        * The far right tail wagging the government dog
                                        * Total disunity and dysfunction
                                        * A leader who hasn't the guts or intellect to do anything

                                        Just to name a few

                                        Commenter
                                        The Lad
                                        Location
                                        4340
                                        Date and time
                                        March 22, 2016, 12:41PM

                                        • ...blockheaded recalcitrance (bordering on negligence) on the issue of climate change.

                                          Commenter
                                          Sandy Earlugs
                                          Date and time
                                          March 22, 2016, 1:27PM

                                      • Senators protect yourself and pass the bill. I want to see what Turnbull does then.we have had a double disillusionment for the last 2.5 years . Abbott and Turnbull.

                                        Commenter
                                        kbf
                                        Date and time
                                        March 22, 2016, 12:36PM

                                        • Malcolm gives Tony full credit for his successes, yes Mal so much credit you gave him a nice long holiday!!!!!! These Liberals just cannot stop lying.

                                          Commenter
                                          Reek
                                          Date and time
                                          March 22, 2016, 12:36PM

                                          • So if Malcolm thinks Tones was successful then why did he knife him?

                                            Commenter
                                            Buffalo Bill
                                            Location
                                            Sydneys Northshore
                                            Date and time
                                            March 22, 2016, 1:00PM

                                          • Well if you are a politician and you've got a knife, at some stage you have to give it a practice run.

                                            Commenter
                                            Pluto
                                            Location
                                            Melbourne
                                            Date and time
                                            March 22, 2016, 1:21PM

                                          • now, now BB, none of that nasty, violent language will be tolerated

                                            Commenter
                                            sybella
                                            Date and time
                                            March 22, 2016, 1:34PM

                                        • On the topic of long election campaigns, does Shorten recall the "days of governing" and "days of campaigning" speech by Gillard, followed by her hitting the campaign trail 2 nanoseconds later?

                                          Commenter
                                          adrian
                                          Date and time
                                          March 22, 2016, 12:35PM

                                          • So you are telling us that Malcolm is more interested in campaigning than governing?

                                            Thanks Sandra with the late news.

                                            Commenter
                                            blah
                                            Date and time
                                            March 22, 2016, 12:37PM

                                          • And the relevance????????????????

                                            Commenter
                                            Reek
                                            Date and time
                                            March 22, 2016, 12:39PM

                                          • I think the relevance is pretty obvious. Shorten was mocking the election timeframe even though the government he was part of had a much longer one?

                                            Commenter
                                            adrian
                                            Date and time
                                            March 22, 2016, 1:01PM

                                        • Shouldn't the headline read Turnbull, Shorten and Abbott hit the campaign trail?

                                          Commenter
                                          RTP
                                          Date and time
                                          March 22, 2016, 12:33PM

                                          • Hilarious... EiE is 100% certain there is no man-made climate change.

                                            yet his beloved LNP have Direct Action to combat exactly that.

                                            Commenter
                                            Econorat
                                            Location
                                            Sydney
                                            Date and time
                                            March 22, 2016, 12:32PM

                                              • E-rat - eie is 100% certain about many things.

                                                Commenter
                                                davemac
                                                Location
                                                Melbourne
                                                Date and time
                                                March 22, 2016, 12:45PM

                                              • Not much "combat" happening with that one. It's a $$$2 & 1/2 billion figleaf policy.

                                                I hope the people are reminded often over the next 103 days just how hopeless this government are on the issue of climate change and renewable energy.

                                                Commenter
                                                Sandy Earlugs
                                                Date and time
                                                March 22, 2016, 12:51PM

                                              • I didn't think there were any of those left. Oh there might be a few heretics, claiming to be Christians, in America who might be stupid enough to think there is no such as man made climate change.

                                                Commenter
                                                The Lad
                                                Location
                                                4340
                                                Date and time
                                                March 22, 2016, 12:58PM

                                              • Sandy Earlugs: Are people still banging on about that old chestnut cloimate choinge? I mean really, the deathly silence post Paris where once again nothing was achieved and Chiquita Bill's utter silence on his 50% clean energy target (no, don't laugh it's true, he said it) all point to the old great scare and doomsday theory having had it's day.

                                                Commenter
                                                housemartin
                                                Location
                                                hong kong
                                                Date and time
                                                March 22, 2016, 2:00PM

                                            • A great start to the 15 week zombie election campaign. Turnbull & Abbott trading barbs. I love it.

                                              Commenter
                                              The Lad
                                              Location
                                              4340
                                              Date and time
                                              March 22, 2016, 12:29PM

                                              • I always thought that putting Mal in the job was a cynical stunt. Really Tony is still PM (we didn't elect Mal) and calling the shots; and the DD is also a stunt. Mal thinks that by pulling this stunt we will suddenly regard him as real PM material. Not likely.

                                                Commenter
                                                Pluto
                                                Location
                                                Melbourne
                                                Date and time
                                                March 22, 2016, 12:50PM

                                            • Abbott will ensure he does everything to see Turnbull lose the next election because that is called revenge, revenge stems from animosity and Tony Abbott's whole philosophy of politics is based on animosity and stirring up animosity in those he sees could assist him in attacking those he sees as enemies. In my opinion what is necessarily good for our nation always comes a distant second in the Abbott agenda.

                                              Commenter
                                              RTP
                                              Date and time
                                              March 22, 2016, 12:25PM

                                              • Abbott will ensure he does everything to see Turnbull lose the next election. Why is this such a bad thing?

                                                Commenter
                                                The Lad
                                                Location
                                                4340
                                                Date and time
                                                March 22, 2016, 12:59PM

                                              • IT's not but it say it all about Tony Abbott and those in the parliament who still back him.The me before all else attitude that permeates the Liberal Party has never been so evident.

                                                Commenter
                                                RTP
                                                Date and time
                                                March 22, 2016, 2:04PM

                                              • RTP, Abbott thinks revenge is a dish best served steaming hot.

                                                Australian politics is beginning to resemble a Jacobean revenge tragedy, with bodies all over the stage.

                                                Commenter
                                                Banjo
                                                Location
                                                Eden
                                                Date and time
                                                March 22, 2016, 2:14PM

                                            • ['...the Liberal Party is at war with itself."]

                                              I hate war; I want peace.

                                              I'm a liar.

                                              Commenter
                                              Jason of Gold Coast
                                              Date and time
                                              March 22, 2016, 12:16PM

                                              • 11:44am "Continuity and change" huh? Seems that MT is not only relying on the Abbott policy legacy but also the 3-word slogan stratgey

                                                Commenter
                                                stevek
                                                Location
                                                Sydne
                                                Date and time
                                                March 22, 2016, 12:09PM

                                                • More than that stevek, Turnbull's trying to position himself as an incarnation of Howard, just as Abbott did.

                                                  Commenter
                                                  Quick Comment.
                                                  Date and time
                                                  March 22, 2016, 1:09PM

                                              • Looks like the independents aren't budging, can't wait to see them off!

                                                Commenter
                                                adrian
                                                Date and time
                                                March 22, 2016, 12:07PM

                                                • Why?

                                                  Because they have average working class principles.

                                                  Typical.

                                                  Commenter
                                                  blah
                                                  Date and time
                                                  March 22, 2016, 12:27PM

                                                • They won't be going anywhere soon. Even if a DD goes ahead, there will be about the same number of independents elected and besides that the current crop finish their term in July next year.

                                                  Commenter
                                                  The Lad
                                                  Location
                                                  4340
                                                  Date and time
                                                  March 22, 2016, 12:31PM

                                                • The Karma police are usually pretty good with those that try to play the system.

                                                  Oh it always seems to go, that you don't know what you've got till it's gone.....

                                                  Commenter
                                                  davemac
                                                  Location
                                                  Melbourne
                                                  Date and time
                                                  March 22, 2016, 12:39PM

                                                • No, because I'm sick and tired of smug, self-important independents not passing legislation until their one pet issue is addressed.

                                                  Commenter
                                                  adrian
                                                  Date and time
                                                  March 22, 2016, 12:44PM

                                                • ....they bleached the Great Barrier Reef, put up a parking lot.

                                                  Commenter
                                                  Sandy Earlugs
                                                  Date and time
                                                  March 22, 2016, 12:48PM

                                                • Lucky they were there otherwise we would see $100K+ degrees with Christopher Pyne's education policy!

                                                  Commenter
                                                  Adrian
                                                  Location
                                                  Melbourne
                                                  Date and time
                                                  March 22, 2016, 1:54PM

                                                • Care to address what each cross benchers pet issue is and when they have raised it?

                                                  Commenter
                                                  blah
                                                  Date and time
                                                  March 22, 2016, 2:30PM

                                              • So let's get this right - Turnbull has passed 104 bills since last September (80% from the Abbott era).

                                                The Gillard government passed about 500 in three years, and its defenders haven't stopped crowing about it.

                                                So the Turnbull government has been more effective in passing bills pro-rata than Gillard, largely thanks to Abbott.

                                                Perhaps good government has been with us all along, if bills passed is the benchmark.

                                                PS i wonder how many of those have been supported by the likes of Lambie and Lazarus.

                                                Commenter
                                                Hacka
                                                Location
                                                Canberra
                                                Date and time
                                                March 22, 2016, 12:07PM

                                                • Might have jumped the gun there - the question is how many of the introduced bills were actually passed.

                                                  Commenter
                                                  Hacka
                                                  Location
                                                  Canberra
                                                  Date and time
                                                  March 22, 2016, 12:30PM

                                                • So why in the jellyfish so sooky about stuff not getting passed. You can't have it both ways.

                                                  Commenter
                                                  The Lad
                                                  Location
                                                  4340
                                                  Date and time
                                                  March 22, 2016, 12:32PM

                                                • Correction actually, he introduced 104 bills. 104 bills weren't passed.

                                                  Commenter
                                                  T
                                                  Location
                                                  St Kilda
                                                  Date and time
                                                  March 22, 2016, 12:36PM

                                                • Unlike you to jump the gun @H.

                                                  Jump the shark maybe.....

                                                  Commenter
                                                  davemac
                                                  Location
                                                  Melbourne
                                                  Date and time
                                                  March 22, 2016, 12:38PM

                                                • I heard differently Hacka - that there were the same 104 policies and that only a few had been passed.

                                                  Best provide your source so we can check.

                                                  Commenter
                                                  PEarn
                                                  Location
                                                  Melbourne
                                                  Date and time
                                                  March 22, 2016, 12:41PM

                                                • Hacka 101

                                                  104 bills "introduced" not passed Hacka are you reverting back to Hacka 2013? Just massaging the facts hey

                                                  Commenter
                                                  I was there too
                                                  Date and time
                                                  March 22, 2016, 12:45PM

                                                • And able to admit my mistakes too dave. You should try it sometime :-)

                                                  Do we know how many of those 104 were passed ?

                                                  Commenter
                                                  Hacka
                                                  Location
                                                  Canberra
                                                  Date and time
                                                  March 22, 2016, 12:47PM

                                                • Hacka, Gillard had to negotiate every bill she passed not only with the Senate, but also the House of Representatives. So yes, she ran a much more effective ship than Abbott, who couldn't do so well even with a majority in the House. As for comparisons to Turnbull, maybe if Gillard had a majority government we could properly make them, but we can't really.

                                                  As for whether this Turnbull government counts as a good government, I'd say absolutely not. No viable economic policy, no control of his own members, he let's them snipe at each other and himself and does nothing, he will even let schoolchildren hear one of his own members compare an anti-bullying program designed to protect them to grooming by paedophiles and he will do nothing to either defend the program or reprimand the member who made the comment.

                                                  Commenter
                                                  Hush
                                                  Location
                                                  Wollongong
                                                  Date and time
                                                  March 22, 2016, 12:52PM

                                                • So how does that make the Senate a shambles Hacka ?

                                                  Commenter
                                                  Buffalo Bill
                                                  Location
                                                  Sydneys Northshore
                                                  Date and time
                                                  March 22, 2016, 12:58PM

                                                • Let them have their "number of bills passed" brag. An achievement that is purely quantitative works when the government ruins everything it touches.

                                                  Commenter
                                                  adrian
                                                  Date and time
                                                  March 22, 2016, 1:05PM

                                                • Buff - I'm trying to get some facts from the APH website but no joy yet.

                                                  Hush - Gillard had Windsor and Oakeshott as lackeys, and with the Greens she owned the Senate. Your post seems to ignore those facts.

                                                  Commenter
                                                  Hacka
                                                  Location
                                                  Canberra
                                                  Date and time
                                                  March 22, 2016, 1:14PM

                                                • adrian - yes, as we've always said, the number of bills doesn't mean much, the quality does.

                                                  But I'd still be curious on the current stats, given how much some people have carried on about bills passed.

                                                  It's a bit tricky trying to get a current snapshot of the bills passed from the APH website, not sure if Stephanie knows how ?

                                                  Commenter
                                                  Hacka
                                                  Location
                                                  Canberra
                                                  Date and time
                                                  March 22, 2016, 1:27PM

                                                • Hacka, yes, Gillard was able to negotiate with Windsor and Oakshot and the Greens. Key word there is negotiate. There is nothing wrong with negotiating. If Abbott were able to negotiate, he might have passed more bills - instead, he opted for the his way or the highway option, as seems to be the road Turnbull is taking also.

                                                  Negotiating is a part of good government. Those who win elections need to govern for everyone, both those who voted for them and those who didn't. That's something both Abbott and Turnbull need to learn.

                                                  Commenter
                                                  Hush
                                                  Location
                                                  Wollongong
                                                  Date and time
                                                  March 22, 2016, 1:28PM

                                                • Hacka

                                                  Could you not look at the assented bills over a range?

                                                  Commenter
                                                  Buffalo Bill
                                                  Location
                                                  Sydneys Northshore
                                                  Date and time
                                                  March 22, 2016, 2:31PM

                                              • The Pulse 12:02Pm

                                                Abbott wants to be the virtual debater.

                                                Turnbull hands him a dial up modem.

                                                Commenter
                                                A Green
                                                Location
                                                Australia
                                                Date and time
                                                March 22, 2016, 12:04PM

                                                • LOL @ A Green. 10 points for that one!

                                                  Commenter
                                                  Jump
                                                  Date and time
                                                  March 22, 2016, 12:08PM

                                              • Not much comment, read none from the Govt on Kupper quiting.
                                                Oh but wait, the Cambodian Refugee deal....

                                                Commenter
                                                A country gal
                                                Date and time
                                                March 22, 2016, 12:00PM

                                                • Well hallelujah, it's official, no less than the Federal Parliamentary Library has confirmed what many of us have been saying for some time,
                                                  A vote for Turnbull is a vote for the overwhelming majority of Tory policy under Abbott.
                                                  Anticipated as an agent of change and champion of centrist policy, Turnbull's greatest achievement appears to be the calling of a double dissolution.
                                                  Let's hope voters don't make the right wing conservative Tory mistake twice.

                                                  Commenter
                                                  Perk Cartel
                                                  Location
                                                  Westgarth
                                                  Date and time
                                                  March 22, 2016, 11:59AM

                                                  • EIE you never fail to amuse...I think Malcolm in the middle will be under fire from all fronts, his own party, Tony Abbott (saviour of the Ukraine) and then the Godwin Grech affair along with many of Malcolm's pasts incarnations, no doubt Goldman Sachs will get an airing - you know that bank that sent Greece down the Swanee

                                                    Commenter
                                                    SanchoP
                                                    Date and time
                                                    March 22, 2016, 11:58AM

                                                    • George Brandis has been making some points about the ABCC bill. He claims that productivity in the building industry has dropped.

                                                      It might be a good time to introduce some stricter laws for businesses that are dealing with our lifesavings

                                                      The upside could be more investemnt in our financial institutions

                                                      Commenter
                                                      Rod
                                                      Location
                                                      the Coast
                                                      Date and time
                                                      March 22, 2016, 11:57AM

                                                      • The continuity meaning "we can't get rid of him"!

                                                        Commenter
                                                        Ruth
                                                        Location
                                                        Melbourne
                                                        Date and time
                                                        March 22, 2016, 11:54AM

                                                        • Turnbull is only talk talk and no walk. Be it Republicanism, Environmental protection or LGBT rights. Will I vote for the liberal Govt again? Hell -NO!!

                                                          Commenter
                                                          Andy
                                                          Date and time
                                                          March 22, 2016, 11:53AM

                                                          • i predict Australian people fed up with both major parties at coming election.
                                                            Greens will sweep balance of power in both houses and Di Natale as Deputy PM in the next government.

                                                            Commenter
                                                            happy gilmore
                                                            Date and time
                                                            March 22, 2016, 11:53AM

                                                              • Tell him his dreaming
                                                                Simply not going to happen

                                                                Commenter
                                                                Brettie
                                                                Date and time
                                                                March 22, 2016, 12:19PM

                                                              • While being happy, you're so happy, you don't think you might be being a little optomistic?

                                                                The Greens may end up with two in the House; 8, maybe 9, in the Senate.

                                                                Commenter
                                                                Jason of Gold Coast
                                                                Date and time
                                                                March 22, 2016, 12:49PM

                                                            • Round two of the Puncher versus the Parrier. All eyes on the prize. Meanwhile the economy slides.

                                                              Commenter
                                                              henri
                                                              Location
                                                              western australia
                                                              Date and time
                                                              March 22, 2016, 11:52AM

                                                              • http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/picture/2016/mar/21/is-it-on-its-on-and-the-real-question-for-voters-is-has-malcolm-achieved-anything-at-all

                                                                Succinct, funny and intelligent. The Leigh Sales interview revealed Turnbull at his most patronising and this morning Michael Brissenden was brave enough to point out Turnbulls beholden to the hard right of his party. Turnbull looked old and squirmed when Brissenden said 'People know who Abbott is but they don't know who Malcolm Turnbull is'.

                                                                103 days to the election. By that time Australians will loathe this Turnbull/Abbott LNP even more than they do today.

                                                                tick tock tick tock

                                                                Commenter
                                                                misspunch
                                                                Date and time
                                                                March 22, 2016, 11:51AM

                                                                • Hacka, eie

                                                                  You need to be careful who you support, if you are trying to change people's views.

                                                                  No matter who you support, or who you bag - you are going against one of your future leaders. By saying that Abbott is not doing any wrong you don't appear to be supporting Turnbull. You can't have it both ways.

                                                                  Commenter
                                                                  PEarn
                                                                  Location
                                                                  Melbourne
                                                                  Date and time
                                                                  March 22, 2016, 11:51AM

                                                                  • The Pulse ..... 11:44AM

                                                                    The Pulse gets on the bandwagon with Australia laughing.

                                                                    Credlin/Abbott/Turnbull govt "flummoxed".

                                                                    Brandis says it ok to be a joke.

                                                                    Commenter
                                                                    A Green
                                                                    Location
                                                                    Australia
                                                                    Date and time
                                                                    March 22, 2016, 11:49AM

                                                                    • I'm glad that brandis can laugh at himself, in reality,under these dills, the joke has been on the Australian people

                                                                      Commenter
                                                                      The Lad
                                                                      Location
                                                                      4340
                                                                      Date and time
                                                                      March 22, 2016, 12:44PM

                                                                  • 140 year old Mccubbin painting has overtones of Abbott in his heyday.

                                                                    Turnbull thinking of hanging one of them in his Office.

                                                                    Commenter
                                                                    A Green
                                                                    Location
                                                                    Australia
                                                                    Date and time
                                                                    March 22, 2016, 11:46AM

                                                                    • Cmon Jacqui what's with the violent metaphors to explain what the government can do within the constitution to counter constant legislation blocking.

                                                                      Commenter
                                                                      Piped Piper
                                                                      Date and time
                                                                      March 22, 2016, 11:43AM

                                                                      • Abbott forgets to mention cutting $3 billion from CSIRO.

                                                                        Calls Press back for third conference today.

                                                                        Media thinking of going on strike ....... would join Border Farce striking, but can't afford spiffy uniform and don't want to look dowdy beside them.

                                                                        Commenter
                                                                        A Green
                                                                        Location
                                                                        Australia
                                                                        Date and time
                                                                        March 22, 2016, 11:43AM

                                                                        • Abbott calls Press conference.

                                                                          Explains how good copayment of $7 will be for Medicare.

                                                                          Private !

                                                                          Commenter
                                                                          A Green
                                                                          Location
                                                                          Australia
                                                                          Date and time
                                                                          March 22, 2016, 11:39AM

                                                                          • The Liberals have reduced state schools to the point that they are only able to produce adults who are able to do low paying jobs or to add to the dole queues.

                                                                            The average state school student is two and one half years behind their private school peers.

                                                                            Which is just as John Howard intended.

                                                                            A cheap supply of labor for the CEO'S of our big business friends.

                                                                            A perfect outcome, really.

                                                                            Commenter
                                                                            Good to Go
                                                                            Location
                                                                            Melbourne
                                                                            Date and time
                                                                            March 22, 2016, 11:39AM

                                                                            • Where is the data that the average public school student is 2.5 (or any) years behind private school students? If you refer to the recent discussions on NAPLAN results, the comparisons were between 'advantaged' and 'disadvantaged' schools. While many of the former are private and the latter public, the school demographics (measured by the ICSEA scale on the MySchool website) is the major factor. At 'expenditure per student' (including both public and parental contributions) public schools significantly outperform privates. Of the 10 top academic achievers in the NSW HSC, 8 are public selectives (the 2 privates just make it). While I agree with thrust of your comment about the government neglecting public schools and favouring privates, the statement as is wrongly perpetuates the myth that private is better than public.

                                                                              Commenter
                                                                              bratman
                                                                              Date and time
                                                                              March 22, 2016, 12:30PM

                                                                          • Hmm Bronwyn Bishop is in the middle of a bad preselection fight in her electorate.

                                                                            And shes losing.

                                                                            Mike Baird,Nick Greiner and Amanda Vanstone have all come out in support for
                                                                            Jason Falinksi.

                                                                            If she does the get boot can we expect a Nixonesque photo of her leaving her electorate waving from a helicopter?

                                                                            Commenter
                                                                            mirrorsofsmoke
                                                                            Location
                                                                            Sydney
                                                                            Date and time
                                                                            March 22, 2016, 11:37AM

                                                                            • That is delicious - lets hope the Warringah electorate follow suit.

                                                                              Commenter
                                                                              PEarn
                                                                              Location
                                                                              Melbourne
                                                                              Date and time
                                                                              March 22, 2016, 12:34PM

                                                                            • @PEarn I do believe that Abbott already has pre-selection in Warringa.

                                                                              Commenter
                                                                              The Lad
                                                                              Location
                                                                              4340
                                                                              Date and time
                                                                              March 22, 2016, 12:51PM

                                                                          • Turnbull govt going to election with Abbott policies.

                                                                            Australia celebrates return of cricket bat.

                                                                            Roosters yesterday, still feather dusters today.

                                                                            Abbott appears on Credlin's Fox show and says it just like yesterday.

                                                                            Commenter
                                                                            A Green
                                                                            Location
                                                                            Australia
                                                                            Date and time
                                                                            March 22, 2016, 11:37AM

                                                                            • Lambie and Muir - the new luvvy heroes. I suppose that after worshiping Rudd and then Gillard nothing is impossible. Live the dream.

                                                                              Commenter
                                                                              enough is enough
                                                                              Date and time
                                                                              March 22, 2016, 11:37AM

                                                                              • What is a luvvie?

                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                blah
                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                March 22, 2016, 11:54AM

                                                                              • EIE,

                                                                                You are displaying outstanding agility around The Pulse today.

                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                Buffalo Bill
                                                                                Location
                                                                                Sydneys Northshore
                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                March 22, 2016, 11:55AM

                                                                              • Buffalo

                                                                                They have probably been offered a bonus to whip up a frenzy given its election time!!

                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                PEarn
                                                                                Location
                                                                                Melbourne
                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                March 22, 2016, 12:28PM

                                                                            • No mention yet on whether Dear ex-Leader got an audience with HM.

                                                                              Abbott seems to be spending a bit of time in the Old Dart of late.

                                                                              I do hope Dolly's job isn't under threat; he's only been in it for some twenty months.

                                                                              Commenter
                                                                              Jason of Gold Coast
                                                                              Date and time
                                                                              March 22, 2016, 11:36AM

                                                                              • He's there looking for something he lost.

                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                A country gal
                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                March 22, 2016, 12:02PM

                                                                            • Looks like Shorten's Press Conference is like his Year of Ideas. Vanished into thin air.

                                                                              Commenter
                                                                              enough is enough
                                                                              Date and time
                                                                              March 22, 2016, 11:28AM

                                                                              • That's innovative EIE , which part of the table did you get that off?

                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                Buffalo Bill
                                                                                Location
                                                                                Sydneys Northshore
                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                March 22, 2016, 11:37AM

                                                                              • Its give and take. If it was covered then you would be accusing fairfax of bias for reporting more new ALP policies and consigning the stagnant Government to the dustbin of history.

                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                blah
                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                March 22, 2016, 11:45AM

                                                                              • No where near as fizzled out as the Abbott/Turnbull promises of "dictating - oops I mean 'governing' for all Australians" or "no cuts to the ABC" or "no cuts to health" or "funding Gonski" or "reducing debt and deficit"...now there are some fizzers for you EIE.

                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                RobE
                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                March 22, 2016, 11:46AM

                                                                              • Your waffle eie, is so easy to dispute. Shorten has now 75 fully costed policies ready to go - climate change, funding gonski and NDIS, winding back the wealthy rorts.

                                                                                Do tell? What are Turnbull's policies - not rehashed / reused ones - new policies that he has put forward?

                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                PEarn
                                                                                Location
                                                                                Melbourne
                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                March 22, 2016, 11:47AM

                                                                              • Abbott for PM. I just like the idea of seeing him tossed out again by his comrades

                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                Never enough
                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                March 22, 2016, 11:55AM

                                                                              • Perhaps Chiquita Bill's in a supermarket somewhere putting his hand in someone's trolley.

                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                housemartin
                                                                                Location
                                                                                hong kong
                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                March 22, 2016, 2:02PM

                                                                            • Looks like Paintgate was a fizzer.

                                                                              Commenter
                                                                              enough is enough
                                                                              Date and time
                                                                              March 22, 2016, 11:22AM

                                                                              • Are you suggesting the PM did something wrong?

                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                blah
                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                March 22, 2016, 11:24AM

                                                                            • Tony Abbott seems to be so full of himself that he would rather see his party loose the election and he returned as opposition leader. What ego that man has!

                                                                              Commenter
                                                                              Miss M of Melbourne
                                                                              Date and time
                                                                              March 22, 2016, 11:21AM

                                                                              • Abbott wants his party to win the election but with a reduced majority, because that will be the end of Turnbull's majority party support and Abbott can then challenge to be Prime Minister again after the election.

                                                                                Turnbull is being out-foxed by a master politcal player.

                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                guns to a knife fight
                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                March 22, 2016, 11:29AM

                                                                              • @ guns to a knike fight:

                                                                                Interesting theory but even the Tories aren't silly enough to think that the a majority of the electorate would even again trust Abbott.

                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                Jason of Gold Coast
                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                March 22, 2016, 12:02PM

                                                                              • J of GC, 44 Tories were "silly enough" to vote for Abbott at the leadership ballot which removed him (54 voted for Turnbull). The seat losses at the next election will be in the marginal seats i.e among the 54 who supported Turnbull. At the very least a correction is imminent for the Tories. If that correction is 10 seats or more Abbott will challenge.

                                                                                Winning the trust of the electorate is not their main priority.

                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                guns to a knife fight
                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                March 22, 2016, 1:06PM

                                                                            • P.M Turnbull pins hopes on Heydon Royal Commission.

                                                                              Australia still laughing.

                                                                              Brandis uses same argument.

                                                                              Australia rolling in the aisles.

                                                                              Abbott says its all his.

                                                                              Credlin brings laughter to Fox.

                                                                              Coalition praised for giving Australia a good belly laugh.

                                                                              next up .... Negative Gearing and how it keeps the Australian economy going.

                                                                              Commenter
                                                                              A Green
                                                                              Location
                                                                              Australia
                                                                              Date and time
                                                                              March 22, 2016, 11:20AM

                                                                              • I liked Lambie's response in regard to the "Secret Volume"

                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                A country gal
                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                March 22, 2016, 11:45AM

                                                                              • @ACG that why it's "secret" nothing to see be embarrassing to make it public.

                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                Amro
                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                March 22, 2016, 12:58PM

                                                                              • Most Australians know that the kangaroo court headed by a government yes man is NOT the most import issue in the election. What was it again $80m+ for 5 being charged (not convicted) with some recommendations to flesh out the report. The the "secret report" which show that everything in it could be handled by the police. I'd trust Lambie before Brandis.

                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                The Lad
                                                                                Location
                                                                                4340
                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                March 22, 2016, 1:07PM

                                                                            • The luvvies are like a dog chasing its tail. Around and around in circles getting more and more dizzy. The luvvies got Palmer voted in with preferences then they hated Clive and his team. Now they love his ex team and the rev head guy. It's the whatever it takes Gillard mantra of selling out your principles to gain power. It's always expect the unexpected from the extreme far left. Just proves that they have no idea what and who they are supporting.

                                                                              Commenter
                                                                              enough is enough
                                                                              Date and time
                                                                              March 22, 2016, 11:19AM

                                                                              • What's a 'luvvie'? Is that anybody that's the opposite of a hardline conservative?

                                                                                If so, does that make hardline conservatives 'haties'?

                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                T
                                                                                Location
                                                                                St Kilda
                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                March 22, 2016, 11:31AM

                                                                              • It's called democracy. Pop quiz - what do we need to do in a democracy? Anybody? Anybody? Bueller? Bueller? We need to negotiate. The Liberals and the Greens don't know how to negotiate so they just decided to dissolve parliament to get their way.

                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                blue and green
                                                                                Location
                                                                                should never be seen
                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                March 22, 2016, 11:33AM

                                                                              • Nope Palmer was elected ONLY because his name appeared above the LNP candidate(Palmer 7, Ted OBrien at 8. Non conservatives voted down the page after voting for their choice . Nice attempt at BS eioeio but I am calling you out.... again.

                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                Fairfax Srutineer QLD
                                                                                Location
                                                                                Coolum
                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                March 22, 2016, 11:38AM

                                                                              • Err tell us about Mal's stance on climate change and a carbon tax, his stance on SSM, why don't you tell us all the principles he sold out on to gain the top job. Honestly the nonsensical posts of a frantic LNP fan seeing the ship sink quicker under the new leader. When will the bring back Tony posts start.

                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                Reek
                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                March 22, 2016, 11:41AM

                                                                              • reek: Frantic? I wouldn't think seeing the coalition stroll into an election victory with their eyes closed would exactly induce panic.

                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                housemartin
                                                                                Location
                                                                                hong kong
                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                March 22, 2016, 2:04PM

                                                                            • Can anybody name me just one liberal politician in Canberra who is not a millionaire. Why should they try to bar others from representing the man in the street. We need an ex soldier, a motorist a worker etc to speak for us.

                                                                              Commenter
                                                                              barrie
                                                                              Location
                                                                              maryborough
                                                                              Date and time
                                                                              March 22, 2016, 11:16AM

                                                                              • There's no shortage of military in the Cons, Duntroon Military though.

                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                A country gal
                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                March 22, 2016, 11:23AM

                                                                              • @ACG. No he didn't. Even Duntroon has some standards.

                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                Double Disillusion
                                                                                Location
                                                                                Sydney
                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                March 22, 2016, 12:17PM

                                                                              • DD, Hastie, Newman ex Duntroon.
                                                                                Molan seeking preselection.
                                                                                Brough, Nicolic ex army.

                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                A country gal
                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                March 22, 2016, 12:41PM

                                                                              • Can anyone name one liberal who has contributed anything useful to governing this country?

                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                The Lad
                                                                                Location
                                                                                4340
                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                March 22, 2016, 1:08PM

                                                                            • Still an exciting time to be a CFMEU member.

                                                                              ACT Police drops investigation into Labor MLA Joy Burch's staff.

                                                                              "Chief Police Office Rudi Lammers said no evidence of criminality was established."

                                                                              The Credlin/Abbott/Turnbull govt "flummoxed".

                                                                              Commenter
                                                                              A Green
                                                                              Location
                                                                              Australia
                                                                              Date and time
                                                                              March 22, 2016, 11:16AM

                                                                              • What did big Kev say? Im excited,

                                                                                Yet another exonerated through lack of evidence, seems to be a pattern here!

                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                Buffalo Bill
                                                                                Location
                                                                                Sydneys Northshore
                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                March 22, 2016, 11:36AM

                                                                            • I will vote for anyone who can give me the NBN or just good internet. Stop the dodgy deals and just get on with it! By the way the Liberals suck! That is right I said it!

                                                                              L I B E R A L S S U C K

                                                                              Commenter
                                                                              ByJingosbychrikey
                                                                              Location
                                                                              Australia
                                                                              Date and time
                                                                              March 22, 2016, 11:13AM

                                                                              • Jingobychrikey

                                                                                That would be 1 gigabit speed.

                                                                                Humbly suggest you invest money in cryogenics and get them to wake you in 20 years.

                                                                                Or put yourself to sleep by playing Turnbull's speeches.

                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                A Green
                                                                                Location
                                                                                Australia
                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                March 22, 2016, 11:23AM

                                                                              • Opppss.

                                                                                Control, Alt, Delete

                                                                                That should fix it.

                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                enough is enough
                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                March 22, 2016, 11:23AM

                                                                            • Turnbull is yet to talk about any of the demands that his new Coalition partners the Greens will make on future policy formation.

                                                                              Commenter
                                                                              blue and green
                                                                              Location
                                                                              should never be seen
                                                                              Date and time
                                                                              March 22, 2016, 11:09AM

                                                                              • I imagine he's got other, more reality-based concerns on his mind.

                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                Quick Comment.
                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                March 22, 2016, 11:17AM

                                                                              • A most unusal marriage of inconvenience.

                                                                                Di Natale really is poltical dilettante, getting into bed with the Tories.

                                                                                In an interview yesterday, Bill Bowe thinks the Greens will lose one, possibly two Senate seats resulting from the amendment to the Electoral Act.

                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                Jason of Gold Coast
                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                March 22, 2016, 11:26AM

                                                                            • I admit that, three years ago, I gave Ricky Muir no chance of having any impact on Parliament, and, as I remember, I was- uncharacteristically some would say- a little sarcastic about his election. He was an easy target, after all.

                                                                              Humble pie time now, as he’s turned out to be one of the few politicians showing any backbone or principle.

                                                                              Commenter
                                                                              Gigondas
                                                                              Date and time
                                                                              March 22, 2016, 11:04AM

                                                                                • +1, he'll do well in Vic

                                                                                  Turnbull's gibberish last night on 730 just reinforces that we need 'real people' in politics.

                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                  davemac
                                                                                  Location
                                                                                  Melbourne
                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                  March 22, 2016, 11:10AM

                                                                                • Props to you, Gig'. but perhaps if he hadn't been gifted an opportunity by he Coalition he might never have had the chance to make a contribution.

                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                  Quick Comment.
                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                  March 22, 2016, 11:14AM

                                                                                • I agree!
                                                                                  I laughed and pointed, but he has pleasantly surprised me.

                                                                                  Turnbull was the exact opposite. I was so happy when he took over...

                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                  Oliver More
                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                  March 22, 2016, 11:21AM

                                                                              • Malcolm Turnbull thinks he has outsmarted everyone with his political maneuvering, but he's only being outsmarted by one Anthony John "Tony" Abbott, Member for Warringah, who is salivating at the prospect of a Turnbull victory with a reduced majority enabling a chance to recontest the party leadership with more post-election support than Turnbull.

                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                guns to a knife fight
                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                March 22, 2016, 11:03AM

                                                                                • Treasurer ScoMo thanks god "Back to the Future" is only a movie and his Budget will be on 10 may.

                                                                                  Or 3 May.

                                                                                  ScoMo will know as soon as P.M. or god tells him.

                                                                                  Liberal Party all one happy family.

                                                                                  Apart from the 40 who signed George Christensen's inflammatory lost "Safe Schools" postcard.

                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                  A Green
                                                                                  Location
                                                                                  Australia
                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                  March 22, 2016, 11:03AM

                                                                                  • It's started. Kevin Rudd 2010 Mark II.

                                                                                    Abbott will do anything to prevent Turnbull winning the election even if it means Bill Shorten becoming PM.

                                                                                    Abbott & his disciples cannot be trusted. There will be leaks galore over the next few months.

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    Shane
                                                                                    Location
                                                                                    Hammondville
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 22, 2016, 11:02AM

                                                                                    • Where is Plibersek? her electorate is a complete mess that she has carefully constructed for a number of years. She hasn't done one thing for Sydney.

                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                      enough is enough
                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                      March 22, 2016, 11:01AM

                                                                                      • I tipped that the 'where is...' game would soon commence. And here it is. Yay.

                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                        davemac
                                                                                        Location
                                                                                        Melbourne
                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                        March 22, 2016, 11:11AM

                                                                                      • Likewise the whole LNP government all they have done is wrack up debt!!!!

                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                        Reek
                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                        March 22, 2016, 11:13AM

                                                                                      • Try calling her electorate office. They should know.

                                                                                        More silly questions.

                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                        blah
                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                        March 22, 2016, 11:23AM

                                                                                    • Another press conference from Shorten, let's see if he can make it through without whinging about something.

                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                      adrian
                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                      March 22, 2016, 10:59AM

                                                                                      • Difficult, given the current government is sailing the majority of us up the creek with the proverbial paddle.

                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                        blah
                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                        March 22, 2016, 11:08AM

                                                                                      • Good stuff adrian, a whinge about a potential whinge.

                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                        davemac
                                                                                        Location
                                                                                        Melbourne
                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                        March 22, 2016, 11:12AM

                                                                                      • davemac, the difference is that I'm not trying to position myself as a future prime minister.

                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                        adrian
                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                        March 22, 2016, 11:59AM

                                                                                      • Thank god.

                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                        davemac
                                                                                        Location
                                                                                        Melbourne
                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                        March 22, 2016, 12:13PM

                                                                                    • Will be glad to be rid of this log-jamming Senate, expect Turnbull to win the election ... but am disillusioned by the opportunism and two-faced behaviour of our pollies. Oz democracy is a shambles of a system.

                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                      doubly disillusioned
                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                      March 22, 2016, 10:59AM

                                                                                      • No government since Gough Whitlam's has not had a majority in the Senate. The only exception is Howard for his last term and that led to his defeat. All of these governments managed to negotiate legislation through the Senate. What is it about this Abbott/Turnbull government that they cannot do what every previous government could?

                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                        Peter Stanton
                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                        March 22, 2016, 11:29AM

                                                                                    • Baird govt to put up public transport fares.

                                                                                      P.M. no longer able to use public transport.

                                                                                      Abbott catches plane back to remind voters to vote for him.

                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                      A Green
                                                                                      Location
                                                                                      Australia
                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                      March 22, 2016, 10:57AM

                                                                                      • How many comments will EIE rack up today? A barometer of LNP disaster if I ever saw one.

                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                        Barometric Barnacles
                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                        March 22, 2016, 10:56AM

                                                                                        • What's happened to climate change? I thought it was more important than SSM, SSP, Senate behavior. Will it have its turn tomorrow?

                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                          enough is enough
                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                          March 22, 2016, 10:52AM

                                                                                          • What happened to Government policy?

                                                                                            Oh thats right the only people important to them is themselves.

                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                            blah
                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                            March 22, 2016, 10:55AM

                                                                                          • eie,

                                                                                            i don't know. isn't that what Direct Action is all about?

                                                                                            or are you mocking LNP policy on this matter?

                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                            Econorat
                                                                                            Location
                                                                                            Sydney
                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                            March 22, 2016, 11:02AM

                                                                                          • Sitting in the background ready to bury this worst government ever seen!

                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                            Reek
                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                            March 22, 2016, 11:05AM

                                                                                          • Come on eie,
                                                                                            Is man-made climate change real or not.

                                                                                            You obviously believe 100% it is not real.

                                                                                            Then why do we have Direct Action as a policy?

                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                            Econorat
                                                                                            Location
                                                                                            Sydney
                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                            March 22, 2016, 11:05AM

                                                                                          • Will the MRP abolish DA?

                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                            Emu of Justice
                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                            March 22, 2016, 11:08AM

                                                                                          • You better hope that the next election isn't about climate change - after all, Direct Action has actually seen emissions increase as well as costing the taxpayer. That's not even to mention that climate change is one of the areas that Turnbull had to sell to the conservative faction of his party to gain leadership.

                                                                                            He should have realised that his progressive policy positions were what made him popular. Without them now, his popularity is only diminishing.

                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                            Hush
                                                                                            Location
                                                                                            Wollongong
                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                            March 22, 2016, 11:10AM

                                                                                          • econorat: I'm very happy to mock the LNP on Direct Action as that old chestnut climate change is dead and buried, just look to the deathly silence post Paris and the fact that once again nothing was achieved except spending millions of tax dollars on good food and luxury living. Even Bill's gone completely silent on his 50% renewable (don't laugh) scheme.

                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                            housemartin
                                                                                            Location
                                                                                            hong kong
                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                            March 22, 2016, 2:09PM

                                                                                          • EiE: Yes, it's disappointing, I was hoping Bill's comedy routine on the 50% renewables policy was going to be a headline act at the election. Perhaps Bill's realising that the whole GW caravan has moved on and people have seen it for what it is, just another doomster theory that's simply passed away. I must admit though, the doomsters were great at extracting a shed load of dough out of it though.

                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                            housemartin
                                                                                            Location
                                                                                            hong kong
                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                            March 22, 2016, 2:27PM

                                                                                        • So most of the bill's from the 2014 Horror Budget are still on the table , thought Malcolm cleared the table.

                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                          Old aged Pensioner
                                                                                          Location
                                                                                          Brisbane
                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                          March 22, 2016, 10:51AM

                                                                                          • Watching the ideas and innovations dribble down the drain of the Credlin/Abbott/Turnbull govt.

                                                                                            A Prime Minister rolled by a dill like George Christensen ..... followed by Turnbull's Fraudband getting 1 gigabit speeds.

                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                            A Green
                                                                                            Location
                                                                                            Australia
                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                            March 22, 2016, 10:51AM

                                                                                            • Malcolm Turnbull and the Liberal Party are going to an Election with an attack on Building Unions, a Scare Campaign on Negative Gearing and Company Tax Cuts.
                                                                                              They have no intention of reigning in corruption within the Banking and Finance Industry, the Corporate Sector or dodgy Political Donations - only an assault on Unions.
                                                                                              They are also avoiding like a plague any talk on the really big issues like Climate Change, the Economy, the NBN, changes to Medicare, ruling out future changes to the GST, Same Sex Marriage or what their position is on further Health and Education cuts - that is the legacy of the Abbott Government and Malcolm Turnbull is carrying on the tradition.
                                                                                              Look carefully at the record of this Government under two Leaders, Tony Abbott and Malcolm Turnbull, and look at the lies and failures they have loaded on us. What confidence would you have that anything in this divided Government was going to change?
                                                                                              The Liberal Party are desperately going to an early election before the shine has completely gone from Malcolm Turnbull and the country's position gets far worse!

                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                              Darcy
                                                                                              Location
                                                                                              Sydney
                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                              March 22, 2016, 10:51AM

                                                                                              • Agreed, Darcy. The next few months is going to be so excruciating.
                                                                                                You are right. The LNP is resting everything on smearing the building unions - to which they'll link Shorten (however tenuously) - while pursuing their scare campaign in regard to the sound policy ideas from the ALP and we'll be forced to endure it every single day.
                                                                                                There will be no transparency in regards to what their real agenda is (so much for Mal treating us with intelligence!) if they are re-elected, no positive vision for all Australians, no reeling in of the tax rorts the ultra-wealthy and offshore-investing corporations get to enjoy at everyone else's expense, but just more of the same, while low and middle income workers, the unemployed, sick and disabled will continue to bear the brunt of cutbacks.
                                                                                                We can expect penalty rates to be cut and Medicare services to be wound back while, undoubtedly, also welfare services will be reduced.
                                                                                                Why would anyone vote the most incompetent, untrustworthy, divisive government in living memory back into power?

                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                Jules
                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                Sydney
                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                March 22, 2016, 12:38PM

                                                                                            • There's never been a more exciting time to be a member of the CFMEU !

                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                              A Green
                                                                                              Location
                                                                                              Australia
                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                              March 22, 2016, 10:50AM

                                                                                              • Where are all those Labor supporters who were crying 'DD now'?

                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                adrian
                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                March 22, 2016, 10:50AM

                                                                                                • I would suggest you contact your local ALP branch if you want to get in touch with them.

                                                                                                  Some people ask the silliest questions.

                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                  blah
                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                  March 22, 2016, 10:56AM

                                                                                                • We're here.

                                                                                                  No problems, bring it on.

                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                  davemac
                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                  Melbourne
                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                  March 22, 2016, 11:00AM

                                                                                                • Right here, bring it on!

                                                                                                  Labor have already moved to a 50.5 - 49.5 2PP lead in the latest poll, Turnbull's announcement was immediately followed by more friction within his own party, they have nothing solid to campaign on, while Labor have clearly have the edge on policy debate and have been steadily building momentum which is now going their way.

                                                                                                  The only question will be how gullible the public is when the Libs bombard us with their expensive advertising campaigns.

                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                  T
                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                  St Kilda
                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                  March 22, 2016, 11:13AM

                                                                                                • To borrow a cliche from the Tories, we, the silent majority, are out here with cricket bats at the ready.

                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                  Jason of Gold Coast
                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                  March 22, 2016, 11:18AM

                                                                                                • Put your money on Labor to win the election yet, davemac? It's paying 5 bucks, should be the easiest money you've ever made.

                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                  adrian
                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                  March 22, 2016, 12:01PM

                                                                                                • Thanks for the tip adrian, I might just do that.

                                                                                                  And if you are inferring that the markets are never wrong....Campbell N says hi and can he have a job.

                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                  davemac
                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                  Melbourne
                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                  March 22, 2016, 12:14PM

                                                                                                • I would never suggest that the favourites are always right, but the QLD election result seems to be the exception as far as elections go, that's why davemac and others keep clinging to it.

                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                  adrian
                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                  March 22, 2016, 12:40PM

                                                                                              • It's now Malcolm Turnbull thumbing his nose at the voters and his own party!

                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                Ruth
                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                Melbourne
                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                March 22, 2016, 10:48AM

                                                                                                • So the LNP policies taken to the last landslide election still exist. Amazing. The media are getting desperate, very desperate. Turnbull has already said he and Abbott were part of the same Govt. A victorious Govt supported by the Australian voting public.

                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                  enough is enough
                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                  March 22, 2016, 10:47AM

                                                                                                  • Somebody stop him EIE is on fire !

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    Buffalo Bill
                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                    Sydneys Northshore
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    March 22, 2016, 10:54AM

                                                                                                  • Me thinks you complain too much. There appears to be only one desperate poster here today, pal.

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    davemac
                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                    Melbourne
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    March 22, 2016, 10:54AM

                                                                                                  • Too wordy. Methinks you are getting very worried by all this.

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    blah
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    March 22, 2016, 10:58AM

                                                                                                  • So what you are saying is the bad policies that lost Abbott his job will see Mal lose his????

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    Reek
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    March 22, 2016, 11:06AM

                                                                                                  • @ Buff:

                                                                                                    ['Somebody stop him EIE is on fire!']

                                                                                                    He sees the writing on the wall, and what he sees, he no liley.

                                                                                                    Blind Freddy can see that the Tories are a disunited shambles.

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    Jason of Gold Coast
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    March 22, 2016, 11:14AM

                                                                                                  • No they scrapped 99% of what they took to tge Election. The outstanding Legislation is all tge hidden agenda, not taken to an Election and thus no Mandate was given, this is why the a house of review wouldn't pass it. This is why Abbotg is no longer PM

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    Just the facts
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    March 22, 2016, 11:14AM

                                                                                                  • The swinging, disengaged voters who don't follow politics closely (and decide elections) didn't so much vote for Abbott & Co as they voted to stop the 'drama' they were bombarded with via News Corp, Sunrise, Today, etc about Labor's "infighting" which really has nothing to do with governing the nation.

                                                                                                    Their win had nothing to do with policy. The LNP relies on disengaged voters and policy ignorance to win, more people understanding their policy agenda would be the biggest threat to their success because there are so few beneficiaries of it.

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    T
                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                    St Kilda
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    March 22, 2016, 11:25AM

                                                                                                  • Jason,

                                                                                                    Yep true I'm not sure who the more panicked is, EIE or MT?

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    Buffalo Bill
                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                    Sydneys Northshore
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    March 22, 2016, 12:14PM

                                                                                                • No one needs to know what Ricky Muir is doing anymore
                                                                                                  - BTW what is he still still doing at work. Hasn't the Senate been wound up ?

                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                  gc
                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                  March 22, 2016, 10:46AM

                                                                                                  • What comic superheroes and villains are hidden behind our politicians? Who would be Superman, the Hulk, The Penguin etc. Would Tony see himself as Mr Fantastic? How would you describe Julie Bishop? If Bill Shorten is Robin, the under-powered less intelligent side-kick, who is Batman?

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    Tucky
                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                    Warragul
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    March 22, 2016, 10:43AM

                                                                                                    • Judging by the desperate comments here the ALP and Greens will be demolished at the election. Expect more strawman arguments and deflections from Shorten's and Di Natale's spin doctors.

                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                      enough is enough
                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                      March 22, 2016, 10:40AM

                                                                                                      • Wow another repeat. Like Malcolm, still stuck on the Abbott agenda.

                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                        blah
                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                        March 22, 2016, 10:45AM

                                                                                                      • Come on EIE..... stop trolling.

                                                                                                        We are all interested to hear your constructive thoughts and reasoned arguments.

                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                        Time to change
                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                        March 22, 2016, 10:46AM

                                                                                                      • Your desperation is reaching mythical heights.

                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                        Good for a laugh
                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                        March 22, 2016, 10:48AM

                                                                                                      • None moreso than you E=E, so I guess the LNP is a shot duck also. Maybe we'll have a cross-bench Government.

                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                        jofek
                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                        March 22, 2016, 10:48AM

                                                                                                      • Yes, I believe those comments you are judging the election on are your own. You are so very focused on the opposition.

                                                                                                        Elections, however, tend to be more about governments. After all, Abbott got election with next to nothing on his platform other than that he wasn't Labor. This time, we have a Coalition government at each others throats, a puppet Prime Minister whose popularity is ever shrinking, and no credible policies at all. In contrast, we have an opposition who are much more united than the government, with a coherent economic strategy, with an understanding that fixing inequality is good for both social cohesion and economic stability,

                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                        Hush
                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                        Wollongong
                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                        March 22, 2016, 10:49AM

                                                                                                      • Time to change...you are kidding...right?

                                                                                                        Libs great, everyone else bad is all you're gunna get. Plus a whole lot of hate.

                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                        davemac
                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                        Melbourne
                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                        March 22, 2016, 10:55AM

                                                                                                      • I think it's going to be a lot closer than you imagine, actually.

                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                        Oliver More
                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                        March 22, 2016, 10:56AM

                                                                                                      • I only see one desperate commentor, and its you... stop repeating yourself, your team don't have a chance. They are a mess, they will be kicked out for the same reasons Labor were, you are about to repeat history

                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                        Tenaglia
                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                        Melbourne
                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                        March 22, 2016, 12:09PM

                                                                                                    • Voters need to ask one question; do they want Tony Turnbull as Prime Minister?

                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                      Byte Me
                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                      March 22, 2016, 10:37AM

                                                                                                      • The voters don't want Billy Rudd that's for sure. Or Billy Gillard.

                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                        enough is enough
                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                        March 22, 2016, 10:49AM

                                                                                                    • Time for Shorten to go. He just continues to cave into the extreme far left Unions and the weirdos in his party. It's the same failed ideology from the Rudd/Gillard years of lies and deceit.

                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                      enough is enough
                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                      March 22, 2016, 10:32AM

                                                                                                      • Not until a few terms as PM eie.

                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                        davemac
                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                        Melbourne
                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                        March 22, 2016, 10:43AM

                                                                                                      • and a vote for Turnbull is a vote for the tax avoiding and deceitful financial sector of big end of town.

                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                        Nick
                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                        March 22, 2016, 10:50AM

                                                                                                      • Time for Turnbull to go. He just continues to cave into the extreme far right IPA and the weirdos in his party. It's the same failed ideology from the Abbott years of lies and deceit.

                                                                                                        (Wow, this commenting business is dead easy. No need for individual thought or even coherent argument!)

                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                        Gigondas
                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                        March 22, 2016, 10:50AM

                                                                                                      • EiE… are you a member of the Coalition's media strategy team?

                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                        Common sense
                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                        March 22, 2016, 10:51AM

                                                                                                      • It won't happen yet, as a result of Rudd's parting gift to the Labor Party.

                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                        adrian
                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                        March 22, 2016, 10:52AM

                                                                                                      • You keep talking about years of failed ideology and years of lies and deceit, but I don't think you realise the irony.

                                                                                                        The Liberal Party are just as fractured and deceitful as Labor was.

                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                        Oliver More
                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                        March 22, 2016, 10:53AM

                                                                                                      • Something like the extreme far right.

                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                        Old aged Pensioner
                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                        Brisbane
                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                        March 22, 2016, 10:54AM

                                                                                                      • I kinda like him. Against expectations, he's running a disciplined, committed opposition.

                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                        gravel12
                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                        March 22, 2016, 11:20AM

                                                                                                    • "The picture emerging from his first six months [as prime minister] was that he was wasting his time. We now see that he has been biding his time," Peter writes.

                                                                                                      Seriously? Mal the decisive leader, a man of policy and action, leading from the front? Or a scheming backroom dealer whose only concern is gaining and retaining power.

                                                                                                      Given everything is off the table in the Libs' policy-free vacuum, it looks very much like the latter. Going for an early election because you are slipping in the polls is hardly decisive or positive.

                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                      Lucky
                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                      March 22, 2016, 10:27AM

                                                                                                      • Spot on.

                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                        Gigondas
                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                        March 22, 2016, 10:34AM

                                                                                                      • It says it all Lucky that when Turnbull finally made a decision on something he is praised and lauded like hes the new saviour.
                                                                                                        All because he actually did what leaders and P.M's are supposed to do, which is to make decisions and not waffle and dither for 6 months.

                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                        mirrorsofsmoke
                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                        Sydney
                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                        March 22, 2016, 10:38AM

                                                                                                      • ...or a front man put up by the Right to try to amke the Coalition more palatable to voters? Whatever, Mal doesn't appear to be pulling the strings but if he is, then he is keeping his Treasurer out of the loop.

                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                        stevek
                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                        Sydney
                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                        March 22, 2016, 10:39AM

                                                                                                      • It's surprised me that some in the media think this is a massive wrong footing of everyone. Some kind a cunning plan. Well, maybe a Baldrick one.

                                                                                                        Gees was there anyone that didn't know they were out of ideas and would head to a DD? Except RDN? Der!!!!

                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                        davemac
                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                        Melbourne
                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                        March 22, 2016, 10:51AM

                                                                                                      • Hard to know what's worse, Labor winning government or another 3 years of leftie sour grapes.

                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                        adrian
                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                        March 22, 2016, 10:54AM

                                                                                                      • adrian - anytime you care to serve up a decent LNP govt I guarantee many of us will stop complaining

                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                        davemac
                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                        Melbourne
                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                        March 22, 2016, 10:57AM

                                                                                                      • Back room dealing is the new black.
                                                                                                        Some governing would be welcome.

                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                        A country gal
                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                        March 22, 2016, 11:10AM

                                                                                                      • I agree Lucky - Turnbull was just wasting OUR time playing power games!

                                                                                                        No wonder nothing has happened substantially policy wise; he's been tip toeing through the tulips (the the far right)!

                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                        Byte Me
                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                        March 22, 2016, 11:24AM

                                                                                                    • Will Malcolm be able to pull off a 15 week campaign on a platform based on little more than stirring up the voter’s dislike of unions, along with a healthy scare campaign about negative gearing? Quite possibly. John Howard pulled off election wins on similarly thin premises (think Tampa).

                                                                                                      What a pity for the nation that we’re still stuck in this mire of negative and opportunistic politics. Mal said he’d lead us out of it, but he’s just leading us deeper into the bog.

                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                      Gigondas
                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                      March 22, 2016, 10:26AM

                                                                                                      • It feels like we are back in the 70's and 80's with a union bashing election coming up.
                                                                                                        The progress of this country is one decade forward , 3 decades back.

                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                        mirrorsofsmoke
                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                        Sydney
                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                        March 22, 2016, 10:41AM

                                                                                                      • How long was that campaign of Howard's? A flimsy premise is best deployed for a short time.

                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                        Quick Comment.
                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                        March 22, 2016, 10:45AM

                                                                                                      • The Libs deserted the high ground when they first elected Abbott. The loony right know an effective template for re-election when they see it. Screw the country, mind you, but they'll be OK Jack.

                                                                                                        Whether Bill gets in or now, he deserves massive kudos for actually trying to get in based on ideas and policy.

                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                        davemac
                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                        Melbourne
                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                        March 22, 2016, 10:53AM

                                                                                                      • No he'll win on the back of Shorten's campaign on starting the boats and bringing back the carbon tax.

                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                        adrian
                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                        March 22, 2016, 10:55AM

                                                                                                      • Mal speaks with forked tounge, as does the parallel Tory leader.

                                                                                                        The competition between the two is palpable, and shows no signs of abatement.

                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                        Jason of Gold Coast
                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                        March 22, 2016, 11:01AM

                                                                                                      • adrian: Shorten's campaigning to start some boats? I haven't seen that one, seems like an odd campaign platform.

                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                        T
                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                        St Kilda
                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                        March 22, 2016, 12:49PM

                                                                                                    • Whatever our personal politics, we all have a vested interest in our pm as someone we can identify with. After the lunacy of the Rudd-Gillard-Abbott era, we all pinned our hopes on Malcolm to provide coherence and to lead us somewhere. But like Ted Baillieu, Malcolm doesn't seem to see any need to do anything or to lead us anywhere. He tells us everything is on the table but we then find nothing is on the table - except negative gearing if that is about leadership.

                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                      Just for one day
                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                      March 22, 2016, 10:26AM

                                                                                                      • Couldn't believe my ears when he said negative gearing is not an tax incentive. Over investing in property is rather unproductive. Who dares to take a risk with start ups when they got a huge mortgage? Why start an election campaign on the same day brokers requiring 30% deposit for foreigners to buy new property? Is it just a coincidence or the government trying to tone down effects of negative gearing before the election?

                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                        FHB
                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                        March 22, 2016, 10:24AM

                                                                                                        • I reckon Malcolm should go Trump (or Drumpf) on Abbott's ass.

                                                                                                          Tell him he's had his time, shut the hell up, if you're not part of the solution you're part of the problem.

                                                                                                          All he has to do is ask Cory permission first.

                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                          davemac
                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                          Melbourne
                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                          March 22, 2016, 10:23AM

                                                                                                          • The big PUP is very quiet- PUP has gooone, and LNP to pick up more seats in the Lower.
                                                                                                            Pauline is running again to fail - a cool K 200 pickup - a nice lark every 3 years or so

                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                            gc
                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                            March 22, 2016, 10:23AM

                                                                                                            • Let's go with Shorten. What exactly was the point of changing to Turnbull when he is just going to cave to far-right bigotry, as with the Safe Schools program.

                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                              Grant
                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                              Sydney
                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                              March 22, 2016, 10:23AM

                                                                                                              • Grant , he kicked the Leftie Bullies and their extremist con job out - now SS is a proper Anti Bullying program for all

                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                gc
                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                March 22, 2016, 10:42AM

                                                                                                              • gc

                                                                                                                would you like to be bullied because your different?

                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                Buffalo Bill
                                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                                Sydneys Northshore
                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                March 22, 2016, 11:06AM

                                                                                                            • Mr Shiny doesn't like 'violent metaphors' to be used by anyone outside of the LNP. There really is no glass jaw like a Liberal glass jaw.

                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                              jofek
                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                              March 22, 2016, 10:22AM

                                                                                                              • Interesting narrative from the media hailing what a clever and assertive move Turnbull has made catching everyone off guard. What about the bit about Turnbull playing the system like a clever little lawyer (one could almost visibly see him tingling all over himself on ABC7.30 last night) for his own end. Triggering section 5 of the constitution to bring parliament back in April at the cost of millions to the taxpayer so he can play his little DD game now that he has the senate reform through. There also needs to be an analysis of the role of the GG in this and why he would consider the ABCC of such importance to governing and our democracy that he should assent to this game playing by Turnbull.

                                                                                                                It would appear that that we have become so numb to the shenanigans in Canberra that we barely bat an eyelid when politicians take us for a bunch of dimwits and this time the GG is complicit.

                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                monkeybiz
                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                March 22, 2016, 10:19AM

                                                                                                                • The knifing video does not play . Is it only my PC?

                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                  tashman1
                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                  melb
                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                  March 22, 2016, 10:19AM

                                                                                                                  • Problems on my computer too, so don't feel alone! It should resolve itself. I've seen this problem before.

                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                    Snags
                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                    March 22, 2016, 10:32AM

                                                                                                                • Perhaps a better painting for Malcolm would have been Edvard Munch's "Scream". Especially after he reviews the Leigh Sales' interview and Tony's non-snipe.

                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                  Tucky
                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                  Warragul
                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                  March 22, 2016, 10:19AM

                                                                                                                  • Now why is it that my two comments on certain investigations by a certain government force into the scandals of this government cant get past todays moderator?
                                                                                                                    Just naming names is a no no now?

                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                    mirrorsofsmoke
                                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                                    Sydney
                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                    March 22, 2016, 10:18AM

                                                                                                                    • @Pulse 9.49

                                                                                                                      Is there any detail about when the painting was given to Turnbull?

                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                      Quick Comment.
                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                      March 22, 2016, 10:13AM

                                                                                                                      • I can't find any new alterations on his register, but being under $7,500 perhaps not needed to declare there. Not sure.
                                                                                                                        Page 13 of his extensive 36 pages declares gifts as Nil.

                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                        A country gal
                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                        March 22, 2016, 10:53AM

                                                                                                                    • Oh dear, from the Aus today,

                                                                                                                      "Malcolm Turnbull has conceded Tony Abbott could be a hindrance to the looming election campaign as the Prime Minister rejects the claim he is seeking a mandate based on Mr Abbott’s policies."

                                                                                                                      “It depends what he says, frankly, whether it’s a plus or a minus depends entirely on the nature of his contribution,” Mr Turnbull said on 3AW radio.

                                                                                                                      “Tony is a national figure, I hope that he will be supportive and he’s indicating that he will be and that will be good.”

                                                                                                                      He "hopes" he will be supportive eh?

                                                                                                                      Youve got two hopes Malcolm, Bobs and none.

                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                      mirrorsofsmoke
                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                      Sydney
                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                      March 22, 2016, 10:09AM

                                                                                                                      • Goodbye in advance MT. We do not want a Liberal government again. We do no want millionaires to continue not paying taxes when you are in government while you come up with many schemes to squeeze ever cent from ordinary workers and people. Enough of you.

                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                        Junk
                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                        March 22, 2016, 10:07AM

                                                                                                                        • Abbott is deluded. Turnbull won't be campaigning on Abbott's broken promises, nor on his own record, because he doesn't have one. No, he has drawn the campaign battle lines - union bashing and scare campaigns against Labor's negative gearing policy.

                                                                                                                          No record, no policies, just slogans and Labor scare mongering. Seriously Mal, you reckon you can win on that,and the people will trust you with both houses? Ah, the Turnbull arrogance is emerging.

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          Lucky
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          March 22, 2016, 10:07AM

                                                                                                                          • "The Turnbull government is seeking an election fundamentally on the policies of the Abbott government." You are so right Tony. A vote for Malcolm Turnbull is a vote for Tony Abbott.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            Mike
                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                            Sydney
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            March 22, 2016, 10:06AM

                                                                                                                            • So the word "paperwork" is now on the hit list.
                                                                                                                              Interesting.

                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                              A country gal
                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                              March 22, 2016, 10:05AM

                                                                                                                              • Those who are attempting to paint a picture of Abbott other than in payback mode are in la-la land.

                                                                                                                                He's essentialy saying that a vote for Turnbull is a vote for Abbott.

                                                                                                                                I'm sure Shorten won't run with said meme.

                                                                                                                                Further, Abbott's interview was subsequent to the latest Morgan poll, which records a 2PP of 50.5:49.5 to Labor.

                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                Jason of Gold
                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                March 22, 2016, 10:04AM

                                                                                                                                • A vote for Shorten is a vote for the CMFEU.

                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                  enough is enough
                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                  March 22, 2016, 10:26AM

                                                                                                                                • EIE

                                                                                                                                  Ill be voting for Bill, well my local ALP candidate of course

                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                  Buffalo Bill
                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                  Sydneys Northshore
                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                  March 22, 2016, 10:53AM

                                                                                                                              • If anyone saw the interview with Ricky, the Brick with Eyes and David Leyonhjelm last night - it preceded Tone's chat - there seems very little prospect for anything other than a July 2 election. "We won't be intimidated" was the theme.

                                                                                                                                Then we had Jackie Lambie - of the imaginatively named Jackie Lambie Network - saying the same thing on an rather lackluster Q&A.

                                                                                                                                We can pretty much lock in July 2, unless the independents realise most will be jobless on July 3, or shortly thereafter.

                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                Hacka
                                                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                                                Canberra
                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                March 22, 2016, 10:04AM

                                                                                                                                • Good on them for standing up for what they believe, and refusing to be intimidated by the PM.

                                                                                                                                  If only the PM himself had the same level of commitment to his principles.

                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                  Oliver More
                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                  March 22, 2016, 10:49AM

                                                                                                                              • What a surprise, we have EiE, Piped Piper and Hacka leading the comments, I look forward to the LNP being dissolved along with all Abbott's ridiculous policies. Good to see Abbott back reminding us of how good he thinks his record is, the majority of the country clearly think the opposite. We were all well aware already that Turnbull = Abbott, with no progress in the last months

                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                Tenaglia
                                                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                                                Melbourne
                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                March 22, 2016, 10:03AM

                                                                                                                                • I wonder how much the AFP investigations into the current LNP members are going to play in this election campaign as there are a few of them going on arent there?

                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                  mirrorsofsmoke
                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                  Sydney
                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                  March 22, 2016, 10:03AM

                                                                                                                                  • Three are obviously mute and one has metamorphosed into Mr Nice Guy.

                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                    A country gal
                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                    March 22, 2016, 10:24AM

                                                                                                                                • Did anyone see that ludicrous display on 730 last night?

                                                                                                                                  The thing about Malcolm is that he always tries to walk it in.

                                                                                                                                  Oh, and pretend that he never said stuff that he well, jolly well said. And pretend a random collection of thought bubbles is actually a plan. My highlight - saying that under Labor new home builders would be competing with investors. That's shaky at best, but at the moment new home buyers are as well. Doh Malcolm, doh!

                                                                                                                                  Poor old Malcolm. And then Tones started chirping. It's an exciting time to have a 100 day campaign.

                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                  davemac
                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                  Melbourne
                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                  March 22, 2016, 9:58AM

                                                                                                                                  • I missed it, but read a transcript this morning. Not a good look. The way Turnbull tried to explain away his abandonment of free market principles was disappointing.

                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                    Sunshine Liberal
                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                    March 22, 2016, 10:14AM

                                                                                                                                  • I liked the part where Sales put it to Turnbull that the Productivity Commission said that the effect of the ditching of the ABCC was neutral.

                                                                                                                                    Turnbull's response: (watte) other economists take a different view - surely not a ringing endorsement of the Commission.

                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                    Jason of Gold Coast
                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                    March 22, 2016, 10:22AM

                                                                                                                                • This is beginning to look like one of those storm chasing movies where everyone is stuck in their SUV heading into a patch of very unpredictable, nasty weather.

                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                  Pluto
                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                  Melbourne
                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                  March 22, 2016, 9:56AM

                                                                                                                                  • Pen, have you calculated the impact of Di Natale's fuel guzzling SUV on climate change - particularly sea level rises. The science is settled isn't it?

                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                    enough is enough
                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                    March 22, 2016, 9:56AM

                                                                                                                                    • Ha, that's what you've got?

                                                                                                                                      It will be the 'where is....' game next.

                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                      davemac
                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                      Melbourne
                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                      March 22, 2016, 10:04AM

                                                                                                                                    • Why don't you ask him. He's a member of your coalition.

                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                      PhilC
                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                      Sydney
                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                      March 22, 2016, 10:13AM

                                                                                                                                    • eie,

                                                                                                                                      So you're 100% certain that the latest climate changes and temperature rises are not man-made?

                                                                                                                                      is that the certainty you're after, 100%?

                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                      Econorat
                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                      Sydney
                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                      March 22, 2016, 10:35AM

                                                                                                                                  • Well Steph.

                                                                                                                                    I knew you;d be back, oh yes, I knew.

                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                    davemac
                                                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                                                    Melbourne
                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                    March 22, 2016, 9:54AM

                                                                                                                                    • Gee, conspiracy theories are going into over drive.

                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                      enough is enough
                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                      March 22, 2016, 9:59AM

                                                                                                                                  • Malcolm Turnbull served one purpose for the Coalition: to get re-elected and keep them in power! Once he achieved that, Abbott can make his move and the Libs will happily dispose of Turnbull. Maybe Abbott gets his majority in both houses then. Looking forward to GP co-payments, ground troops in Syria, de-regulated unis and more draconian restrictions of our liberties!

                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                    BirkBorkasson
                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                    March 22, 2016, 9:54AM

                                                                                                                                    • MT and Scomo team is worse than Abbott and Hockey. I won't believe the may budget that was manufactured only for election. I dont believe anything from him. Labor will demolish him.

                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                      Jinx
                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                      March 22, 2016, 9:52AM

                                                                                                                                      • People are hanging you know what on Jackie Lambie, but she does say what she thinks. Though I'm not sure sometimes she does the thinking part of that. She is so unlike many members of parliament who also say what they think. They are the party sycophants who say very little.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        Tucky
                                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                                        Warragul
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 22, 2016, 9:52AM

                                                                                                                                        • Not sure what the point is of putting up photos of Rudd and Gillard, footage of Leigh Sales when comments aren't permitted on any of their hopeless performances. .

                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                          enough is enough
                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                          March 22, 2016, 9:48AM

                                                                                                                                          • That's because there were no hopeless performances.
                                                                                                                                            They're not from the right you know.

                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                            PhilC
                                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                                            Sydney
                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                            March 22, 2016, 10:15AM

                                                                                                                                        • Why’s the ABCC bill so important to Turnbull and the LNP? The construction industry is to say the least a tiny fragment of the Australian economy that creates very little attention. The fact is Turnbull has nothing to run on in the election, he cannot claim an LNP fight on climate change there isn’t one. If he mentions what the LNP has done for pensioners and those on welfare he may as well sit in Shorten’s seat now.

                                                                                                                                          Only a short time ago Greg Hunt claimed what a wonderful job the LNP was doing to keep the Great barrier Reef healthy only to learn this week that it hangs on the abyss. So the environment is looking decidedly shaky, especially with LNP approval for a giant coal mine in a major food production area, and approval for the biggest coal mine care of an Indian conglomerate. Not to mention expanded coal production cargos traversing Great Barrier Reef waters.

                                                                                                                                          The gay community aren’t happy having dreams of marriage dashed from pillar to post by the LNP’s extreme right wing church brigade. Tax reform seems to be the same far distant proposition it was at the last election. So does reform of superannuation and the tax avoidance industry, not to mention negative gearing. Affordable home purchase is now at least six times the average annual wage; triple that of 20 years ago. Turnbull cannot claim any cost of living advantage as Australia is the third most expensive country in the world to live in. As for the economy and unemployment they’ve gone backwards under the LNP.

                                                                                                                                          Hence reliance on the ABCC bill allows the LNP to attack ALP and union lawlessness in the construction industry, well if there isn’t any this week there soon will be, remember the carbon tax?

                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                          Pen of hrba
                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                          March 22, 2016, 9:47AM

                                                                                                                                          • Looking forward to Tim Wilson being elected. A proud man who stands up for himself and his principles.

                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                            enough is enough
                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                            March 22, 2016, 9:45AM

                                                                                                                                            • It will be more interesting to see if anyone from the Moderate Rationalist Party stands up for theirs.

                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                              Emu of Justice
                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                              March 22, 2016, 9:54AM

                                                                                                                                            • The MRP is developing nicely. Thanks for asking.

                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                              enough is enough
                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                              March 22, 2016, 10:00AM

                                                                                                                                            • Let's hope he at least promotes SSM amongst the knuckle draggers.

                                                                                                                                              That would be an unintended consequence wouldn't it eie?

                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                              davemac
                                                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                                                              Melbourne
                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                              March 22, 2016, 10:05AM

                                                                                                                                            • Tell us more.

                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                              Emu of Justice
                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                              March 22, 2016, 10:08AM

                                                                                                                                          • Have the South Australian Police laid charges against the intolerant, violent bullies who trashed Bernardis office and terrorised his staff? What is the AFP doing about it?

                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                            enough is enough
                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                            March 22, 2016, 9:44AM

                                                                                                                                            • A quick call to Bernardi's office should answer this question. Let us know what you find out.

                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                              Quick Comment.
                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                              March 22, 2016, 9:58AM

                                                                                                                                            • Fairfax journos are back at work. Let the media get the current status and who was behind this attack on democracy.

                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                              enough is enough
                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                              March 22, 2016, 10:03AM

                                                                                                                                            • This is a (rare) fair point. the behaviour of the protestors was unacceptable.

                                                                                                                                              The fact that Mr Bernardi is completely out of touch with much of the electorate and demonstrates no compassion does not make the demonstrators' behaviour acceptable.

                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                              Time to change
                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                              March 22, 2016, 10:03AM

                                                                                                                                            • Yes, that chalk graffiti was just shocking.

                                                                                                                                              It will take a year and a day to remove.

                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                              Jason of Gold Coast
                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                              March 22, 2016, 10:15AM

                                                                                                                                          • Gotta love Latika Bourke, shes dug up some of the "violent metaphors" Turnbulls used himself in Parliament when it comes to knifing and stabbing etc,

                                                                                                                                            "What a tragic mob you are. No ideas. They say they do not like cuts. He has been very good with a knife in the past, quite the swordsman, but he is better at putting it in to people's backs, isn't he? Always ready for the back cut," Mr Turnbull told Parliament in 2014, referring to Mr Shorten's role in the downfalls of Mr Rudd and Ms Gillard.

                                                                                                                                            "This is the man that persuaded Kevin Rudd not to go to a double dissolution. This is the man that led Kevin Rudd over the cliff into an abyss, where he then stabbed him in the back," Mr Turnbull also told Parliament in February 2015.

                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                            mirrorsofsmoke
                                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                                            Sydney
                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                            March 22, 2016, 9:44AM

                                                                                                                                            • Given the reported numbers of the "petition",
                                                                                                                                              43, plus two more recent IPA additions I count 45 behind Abbott.
                                                                                                                                              And he is behind Turnbull.

                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                              fizzybeer
                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                              March 22, 2016, 9:43AM

                                                                                                                                              • With a knife?

                                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                                Pen of hrba
                                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                                March 22, 2016, 9:51AM

                                                                                                                                              • Even if the LNP decides that Mr Turnbull is not the right person...surely no one could suggest that Mr Abbott is!!

                                                                                                                                                Mr Turnbull needs to use the DD to establish a mor moderate mandate and get on with the job.

                                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                                Time to change
                                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                                March 22, 2016, 9:52AM

                                                                                                                                              • The thing protecting MT was his popularity and polling numbers. Both going south.

                                                                                                                                                Anything less than a landslide this year and he's toast. I'd have to say good riddance, I has such high hopes, but the gibberish on 730 shows he's not up to it, at least with the deadwood of the current LNP on his back. At least with Abbott I had no expectations of greatness, and he delivered in spades.

                                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                                davemac
                                                                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                                                                Melbourne
                                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                                March 22, 2016, 10:09AM

                                                                                                                                            • Abbot government, Turnbull government.
                                                                                                                                              The conceit of personal politics. They clearly cannot work together.

                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                              Tom
                                                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                                                              Melbourne
                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                              March 22, 2016, 9:42AM

                                                                                                                                              • The Pulse refresh is annoying. I keep typing in Federal election and it comes up with Feral election. Is it deliberate?

                                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                                Tucky
                                                                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                                                                Warragul
                                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                                March 22, 2016, 9:40AM

                                                                                                                                                • Tony who?

                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                  Tucky
                                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                                  Warragul
                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                  March 22, 2016, 9:37AM

                                                                                                                                                  • Gotta have a chuckle at all those who claim the government is controlled by the IPA. The IPA is against a SSM plebiscite and supports marriage equality. They also want 18c stripped back but it's been retained. They're against government funding the School Chap program. The IPA is a classical liberal think tank. The government is filled with classical liberals who are pro small government. Shock horror they share the same philosophies.

                                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                                    Piped Piper
                                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                                    March 22, 2016, 9:37AM

                                                                                                                                                    • Piped

                                                                                                                                                      And, some irony when Wilson is elected. Then, there will be two openly gay members in the LNP.

                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                      $keptic
                                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                                      Melbourne
                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                      March 22, 2016, 9:52AM

                                                                                                                                                    • Piped, have a look at the IPA wish-list and see how many items HAVE been ticked off.

                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                      jofek
                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                      March 22, 2016, 10:02AM

                                                                                                                                                    • Selective reporting there, Piper.

                                                                                                                                                      I suggest you take jokek's advice.

                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                      Jason of Gold Coast
                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                      March 22, 2016, 10:49AM

                                                                                                                                                    • @Jason and Jofek. Like I said the IPA is a classical Liberal think tank. The Liberal party is filled with classical Liberals. It's like saying coat sales increase in Winter, hardly a revelation.

                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                      Piped Piper
                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                      March 22, 2016, 10:58AM

                                                                                                                                                    • Piped, yep purely coincidental; I'm so very convinced.

                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                      jofek
                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                      March 22, 2016, 11:16AM

                                                                                                                                                  • Don't tell me , this government is going to fight an election on Unions only ...

                                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                                    Old Aged Pensioner
                                                                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                                                                    Brisbane
                                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                                    March 22, 2016, 9:36AM

                                                                                                                                                    • Well Malcolm that was a shocker of an interview on the 7.30 report last night. Leigh Sales using "violent" language upset the sensitivities and then Abbott's little hand grenade later in the evening. MorgonPoll has Labor leading 50.5% to 49.5% TPP. Scott Morrison wasn't even told about his budget being brought forward and a DD election looming over re-instating the ABCC which in 7 years under the Howard government secured 0 convictions. It's all going to plan isn't it. You're at 8 in the standing count Malcolm.

                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                      Tony the Boxer strikes again
                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                      March 22, 2016, 9:33AM

                                                                                                                                                      • Bring on the double dissolution. I am sick of the electioneering already and it's just day one. I'm half expecting a doorknock from my sitting member whom I haven't seen since he was elected. I'd rather listen to vacuum cleaner salespeople, Jehovah Witness spruikers or someone selling cheaper power. I don't have the courage to tell him to go back to the trough and put his snout back in it.

                                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                                        Tucky
                                                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                                                        Warragul
                                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                                        March 22, 2016, 9:32AM

                                                                                                                                                        • There will be no sniping blah blah blah.
                                                                                                                                                          A post election LNP will degenerate into all out brawling and the hard right led by Abbott will continue to undermine Turns.
                                                                                                                                                          The possibility of Abbott regaining the PM position should not be underestimated particularly when the Turnbull polls decend further . . and they will.
                                                                                                                                                          The LNP are great at talking themselves up but appalling at building any policy of substance.

                                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                                          Danger Ranger
                                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                                          March 22, 2016, 9:31AM

                                                                                                                                                          • Whatever the outcome,here's hoping Lambie's drawling nasal speak will be consigned to the dustbin down South forever

                                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                                            gc
                                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                                            March 22, 2016, 9:31AM

                                                                                                                                                            • Strewth , Malcolm better hurry up and pull Tony into line , he is so vindictive , how can Turnbull go into an election with this carry-on.

                                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                                              Bill Grieve
                                                                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                                                                              Brisbane
                                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                                              March 22, 2016, 9:30AM

                                                                                                                                                              • He hasn't got a choice!

                                                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                Ruth
                                                                                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                                                                                Melbourne
                                                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                March 22, 2016, 10:00AM

                                                                                                                                                            • With the narky and ill done by Abbott, plus his ever present moaning, future denying cronies taking pot shots from within;; the PM may now have some inkling of what Ms Gillard endured with grace and dignity.

                                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                                              polym
                                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                                              March 22, 2016, 9:30AM

                                                                                                                                                              • Based on what Tony's record, the government has done only three things in this term. It has stopped the boats. It has got rid of the carbon and mining taxes. It has repaired the budget. Well two out of three things anyway. So Malcolm has done nothing else according to Tony. Based on that record then the Coalition can't stand on its record at this election. It has done bugger all. Oh one thing Tony did do apart from dividing a nation. He shirt-fronted Putin, didn't he?

                                                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                Tucky
                                                                                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                                                                                Warragul
                                                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                March 22, 2016, 9:27AM

                                                                                                                                                                • Tucky
                                                                                                                                                                  According to ABC fact check Abbott did not stop the boats so that leaves him with what?
                                                                                                                                                                  The had all but stopped coming before the 2013 election due to manus island solution by Rudd and the announcement by him that no one would be settled in Australia. A fact everyone seems to have forgotten.
                                                                                                                                                                  The labor party don't tell it like it was because they would like the left of their party not to be reminded that they were as harsh as the conservatives in dealing with refugees.

                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                  JMG
                                                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                                                  Sydney
                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                  March 22, 2016, 9:48AM

                                                                                                                                                              • Last night George Brandis was making the point about productivity in the building industry and how it had somehow gone down. His point, as I understand it, was that if we had stricter legislation it would go up.

                                                                                                                                                                It surely follows that if we had more corporate governance that people would invest more in our financial institutions.

                                                                                                                                                                Might be worth looking at very soon.

                                                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                Rod
                                                                                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                                                                                the Coast
                                                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                March 22, 2016, 9:26AM

                                                                                                                                                                • Rod,
                                                                                                                                                                  The trouble is the 2014 Prooductivity Commission said there were very little productivity increases in the building industry when the ABCC was introduced and no changes to the building industry's productivity when it was changed to Fair work.

                                                                                                                                                                  Seems an ideological storm in a tea cup.

                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                  Econorat
                                                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                                                  Sydney
                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                  March 22, 2016, 10:47AM

                                                                                                                                                              • It is funny watching Turnbull squirm when it comes to Abbot because he can't do anything about Abbott. This is because Abbott is far more representative of the Coalition government than Turnbull is. Turnbull is and always will be a puppet tied to the ideology of his party members and that ideology will always look more like Abbott then Turnbull. Anyone hoping for a change of direction after a Turnbull election win is kidding themselves, again like they did when they elected Abbott. Every PM reflects the ideology of their party and under our system, always will. The anomaly here is Turnbull was promoted simply to win an election, normally parties promote on merit and ideology.

                                                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                Kevin
                                                                                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                                                                                Wentworth Falls
                                                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                March 22, 2016, 9:24AM

                                                                                                                                                                • Wow. Malcolm initiates an election and promptly gets eaten alive on 7.30. Alarm bells are ringing for his decision making abilities.

                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                  ah ha
                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                  March 22, 2016, 9:24AM

                                                                                                                                                                  • Abbott says the Turnbull government is running on his record.
                                                                                                                                                                    The sad thing is he thinks this is a political advantage.

                                                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                    Nick
                                                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                    March 22, 2016, 9:24AM

                                                                                                                                                                    • Just what Malcolm needed, the warrior from Warringah defending his "legacy" on the same day Turnbull makes his big play to remind people that nothings changed in the LNP except the ties.

                                                                                                                                                                      15 weeks more of "no sniping or undermining or leaks" that the LNP and Turnbull in particular have to try to contain.

                                                                                                                                                                      The timing of Abbott being out of the country was also just pure coincidence as well wasnt it, but that still didnt stop him.

                                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                      mirrorsofsmoke
                                                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                                                      Sydney
                                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                      March 22, 2016, 9:22AM

                                                                                                                                                                      • Perhaps the "leader" of this Institute of Public Affairs "government" should wind back the tape of what he said when announcing he was going to contest the leadership.

                                                                                                                                                                        What Mr HIH said was always going to come back to bite him - too clever by half with his solicitor words.

                                                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                        Anon
                                                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                        March 22, 2016, 9:20AM

                                                                                                                                                                        • Mr Abbott is back in form, excelling in opposition.

                                                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                          rvaus
                                                                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                                                                          Sydney
                                                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                          March 22, 2016, 9:15AM

                                                                                                                                                                          • Welcome back Stephanie and co.

                                                                                                                                                                            @8:56 - It stuns me that the LNP right continues to snipe.

                                                                                                                                                                            They seem happy to reduce the likely government majority at an election by pushing ideas that the electorate seems not to support.

                                                                                                                                                                            Why?

                                                                                                                                                                            A close friend needs to have a quiet word with Mr Abbott. I am certain he tried hard but he was not suited to the role of PM. He needs to move on.

                                                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                            Time to change
                                                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                            March 22, 2016, 9:12AM

                                                                                                                                                                            • So Tony Turnbull starts to undermine Malcom Abbott and the election hasn't been called yet.....this is pure gold !

                                                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                              Buffalo Bill
                                                                                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                                                                                              Sydneys Northshore
                                                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                              March 22, 2016, 9:11AM

                                                                                                                                                                              • I do think it was nice of Malcolm to give the likes of Day,Lazarus, Muir and Madigan a few extra weeks to look for other employment opportunities.

                                                                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                Piped Piper
                                                                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                March 22, 2016, 9:10AM

                                                                                                                                                                                • Piped, you may be surprised at the number of people who will very carefully mark their papers to return some of the current bunch. I know the Greens and LNP will not be featuring in my top 6.

                                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                  jofek
                                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                  March 22, 2016, 9:15AM

                                                                                                                                                                                • you can call it a 3 month notice period for high end executives verses a 4 week notice which an average joe receives when he gets redundant.

                                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                  ruler
                                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                  March 22, 2016, 9:19AM

                                                                                                                                                                                • It is interesting isn't it.

                                                                                                                                                                                  The idea of someone being elected with 0.5% of the primary vote is not right but .....

                                                                                                                                                                                  Mr Muir seems to have commonsense in spades...

                                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                  Time to change
                                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                  March 22, 2016, 9:22AM

                                                                                                                                                                                • @Jofek. So you're ok with some shadowy preference whisper dictating who controls legislation that impacts on 23 million people? You do know the legislation was part of a multi party review in which 95% of the recommendations were adopted. I don't see why everyone is so upset about this. If the government is on the nose they won't be re-elected. Simple.

                                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                  Piped Piper
                                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                  March 22, 2016, 9:23AM

                                                                                                                                                                                • I will make a special effort now with my senate voting paper in an effort to thwart the current government's attempt to 'fix' the vote.

                                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                  Nick
                                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                  March 22, 2016, 9:26AM

                                                                                                                                                                                • The action by Turnbull shows he is no better than Abbott and is still running with Abbott toxic policies. His explanation of negative gearing was and is poor and demonstrates he is beholden to the rich investors and the multinationals to the disadvantage of 80% of Australians. One can hope that pensioners, families and middle class Australia understand they will pay a heavy price if Turnbull and the LNP are re-elected.

                                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                  Another Tom
                                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                  March 22, 2016, 9:32AM

                                                                                                                                                                                • better a preference whisperer than yet another IPA apparatchik.

                                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                  fizzybeer
                                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                  March 22, 2016, 9:41AM

                                                                                                                                                                                • Fizzy what is your issue with the IPA? The ALP has former union hacks heading the number 1 ticket on the senate. I agree on one thing, the senate order should be based on merit across both parties. Patterson doesn't have the runs on the board to attract number 1 status.

                                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                  Piped Piper
                                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                  March 22, 2016, 9:48AM

                                                                                                                                                                                • Fizzy

                                                                                                                                                                                  You forgot to add Union hack to your post

                                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                  $keptic
                                                                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                                                                  Melbourne
                                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                  March 22, 2016, 9:49AM

                                                                                                                                                                                • Piped, as I've said previously, I would be happier with any random bunch of ratbags doing their job and holding the Government to account. I will not be happy if the 20%+ who did not vote 1 for either of the Greens, Labor or the LNP go unrepresented - they are better represented by randoms than if their votes are distributed amongst the major parties as has generally been the case in the past. 'Preference whisperers'? Gee mate, what do you think Labor, the Libs and the Greens have been doing for time immemorial?

                                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                  jofek
                                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                  March 22, 2016, 9:57AM

                                                                                                                                                                                • "I don't see why everyone is so upset about this"

                                                                                                                                                                                  Well, Mr Piper.

                                                                                                                                                                                  No one can be exactly sure how the cards will fall in the senate. But there is a *potential* for havoc due to preference exhaustion due to confusion over 'you must number 6 boxes but 1 is valid because voters are confused'.

                                                                                                                                                                                  In which case the system *might* favour the part(ies) with the most corresponding votes in the lower house.

                                                                                                                                                                                  i.e. the likelihood that many of crossbench seats held by Wang, Day, Muir, Madigan etc flow directly back to the coalition.

                                                                                                                                                                                  Do we really want a party with 42% of the lower house primary vote holding, say, 47% of the upper house? if by some twist of fate Labor narrowly won the election you'd still have a dysfunctional senate if Xenophon, Lambie and the Coalition held the majority.

                                                                                                                                                                                  A majority in both houses might be the dream of Hacka, eie and the rest of the cheersquad but by that token may as well abolish the upper house.

                                                                                                                                                                                  But I guess we'll find out on election night.

                                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                  Below The Line
                                                                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                                                                  [1] Science Party
                                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                  March 22, 2016, 12:39PM

                                                                                                                                                                              • I'm confused do we have a leadership challenge or a potential double dissolution?

                                                                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                Piped Piper
                                                                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                March 22, 2016, 9:08AM

                                                                                                                                                                                • Piped, eie - hopefully this is symbolic of the upcoming election campaign - conservatives leading the charge !

                                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                  Hacka
                                                                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                                                                  Canberra
                                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                  March 22, 2016, 9:19AM

                                                                                                                                                                                • Maybe that's why we call it a double dissolution? We're dissolving the whole parliament, and Abbot's dissolving Turnbull's leadership.

                                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                  Jimbo
                                                                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                                                                  Brisbane
                                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                  March 22, 2016, 9:26AM

                                                                                                                                                                                • The question is who wants the Institute of Public Affairs government Mt HIH now "leads"?

                                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                  Anon
                                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                  March 22, 2016, 9:27AM

                                                                                                                                                                                • Confusion is a state shared by those whom you support.

                                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                  stevek
                                                                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                                                                  Sydney
                                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                  March 22, 2016, 9:30AM

                                                                                                                                                                                • Perhaps the Charge of the Light Brigade at best.

                                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                  blah
                                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                  March 22, 2016, 9:38AM

                                                                                                                                                                                • There's a fine line between pleasure and pain Piped.

                                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                  Buffalo Bill
                                                                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                                                                  Sydneys Northshore
                                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                  March 22, 2016, 9:41AM

                                                                                                                                                                                • Join the club piper, we've been confused since 2013. But at least we've been entertained. But time for the clown to move on....

                                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                  davemac
                                                                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                                                                  Melbourne
                                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                  March 22, 2016, 10:01AM

                                                                                                                                                                              • More Pulse - great news !

                                                                                                                                                                                But seriously - that's a dig ? Abbott is basically saying what some of the press have for a few months now, so it's hardly a new revelation. Abbott himself has used this line a few times now.

                                                                                                                                                                                It was a pretty timid interview, and that was the only remotely controversial line. On the Malcolm-Tony Richter scale, this one ranks pretty low. Not even a tremor.

                                                                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                Hacka
                                                                                                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                                                                                                Canberra
                                                                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                March 22, 2016, 9:08AM

                                                                                                                                                                                • Agree with you there Hacka. Moreover, one could conclude Abbott may have been talking to his own supporters...to encourage them to support Malcolm.

                                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                  Thomaso
                                                                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                                                                  Sydney
                                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                  March 22, 2016, 9:18AM

                                                                                                                                                                                • I actually agree with you here Hacka. What Abbott said wasn't new in the slightest, and is actually true. Turnbull will have to run on Abbott's record because he's done next to nothing when in power. He's let his party run amok often at each other's expense, he's failed to show a backbone at standing up to his own party members and he's let his popularity, his only asset, start to tarnish.

                                                                                                                                                                                  The only thing he can really boast of is changing senate voting laws to change the 25% of votes for someone other than the Coalition, Labor or Greens to donkey votes now, and he calls it democracy.

                                                                                                                                                                                  And worse still for him, the Abbott record isn't a good one to run on anyway. First budget, anyone?

                                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                  Hush
                                                                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                                                                  Wollongong
                                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                  March 22, 2016, 9:20AM

                                                                                                                                                                                • ....but there will be plenty of after shocks Hacka, and I think know that.

                                                                                                                                                                                  Didn't Malcom promise a new approach to government once he knifed Tones,

                                                                                                                                                                                  Tones obviously didn't get the memo, if those (Tones) policies were so good then why did Malcolm knife Tones?

                                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                  Buffalo Bill
                                                                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                                                                  Sydneys Northshore
                                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                  March 22, 2016, 9:22AM

                                                                                                                                                                                • Nope. Abbott still can't get over his removal from office and istrying to claim the Coalition was on the right path under his stewardship. Well it was certainly 'right' in terms of its ideology but the polls continually showed he was leading them into oblivion. While the Far Right are pulling the strings, they are continuing down that path.

                                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                  stevek
                                                                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                                                                  Sydney
                                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                  March 22, 2016, 9:28AM

                                                                                                                                                                                • Talk it up Buff, talk it up. That the media would try to highlight a divide between Abbott and Turnbull is a given.

                                                                                                                                                                                  That it would be done with such flimsy evidence is disappointing. But it won't be the last time.

                                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                  Hacka
                                                                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                                                                  Canberra
                                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                  March 22, 2016, 9:55AM

                                                                                                                                                                                • Hacka

                                                                                                                                                                                  they don't need to highlight anything, its there for all to see.

                                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                  Buffalo Bill
                                                                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                                                                  Sydneys Northshore
                                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                  March 22, 2016, 10:20AM

                                                                                                                                                                                • Hacka, 'flimsy evidence'; mate they've both signed confessions.

                                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                  jofek
                                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                  March 22, 2016, 10:51AM

                                                                                                                                                                              • The LNP will be united in its defeat of the ALP rabble who simply channel Rudd and Gillard's failed policies and irresponsible economic management. The same old ALP faces from 2007-2013. They ignore the electorate at their peril. The ALP needs to reinvent itself and get rid of the dead wood - starting at the top.

                                                                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                enough is enough
                                                                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                March 22, 2016, 9:03AM

                                                                                                                                                                                • @EIE What are you thoughts re Mr Bernardi, Mr Abetz.... are they ignoring the electorate at their peril?

                                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                  Time to change
                                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                  March 22, 2016, 9:19AM

                                                                                                                                                                                • Sorry, the first line appears to be wrong. Allow me to fix it:: "The LNP will be united in defeat by the ALP".
                                                                                                                                                                                  There, all good now.

                                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                  stevek
                                                                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                                                                  Sydney
                                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                  March 22, 2016, 9:23AM

                                                                                                                                                                                • Failed economic management?
                                                                                                                                                                                  Clearly you have been asleep since the last election. The Abbott governmet did nothing but bad mouth the economy for 2 years and guess what, it had their desired affect of weakening it. The Abbott government trashed more in their 2 years than anyone would have though possible. It's just a good thing that we had a senate that could stand against most of his more moronic ideas. Turnbull has done nothing in the last 7 months to redeeem this failure of a "political party"

                                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                  Desp
                                                                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                                                                  Canberra
                                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                  March 22, 2016, 9:23AM

                                                                                                                                                                                • Your spell checker is playing up again. Surely you meant to say "...the LNP rabble who simply channel Abbott and Hockey's failed policies and irresponsible economic management. The same old LNP faces from 2013-2105."

                                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                  RGY
                                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                  March 22, 2016, 10:26AM

                                                                                                                                                                                • eie
                                                                                                                                                                                  Labor's "failed policies and irresponsible economic management"

                                                                                                                                                                                  What do you call Direct Action, the current NBN roll out, Paid Parental Leave, No cuts promises, Tax white paper, Cambodia asylum policy, doubling of debt and deficits in only 2 years, etc.

                                                                                                                                                                                  If the policies of Labor's are failures and poor management, then the LNP actions are worse.

                                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                  Econorat
                                                                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                                                                  Sydney
                                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                  March 22, 2016, 10:40AM

                                                                                                                                                                                • TTC: Now, now, address the point.

                                                                                                                                                                                  Why are we even discussing it, it's all academic anyway, the Coalition's strolling to an election victory.

                                                                                                                                                                                  Hands up those who after the election still want to see all those failed ALP ministers staring back at them on the front bench? It's like the ALP won't allow people to forget 07-13. Imagine seeing Chiquita Mushroom Bill and Lazy, 'I haven't said a word for 2 years' Tanya, Tony 'freeby' Bourke, Chris 'watch, my lips don't move' Bowen and the rest of them staring back at you every day?

                                                                                                                                                                                  The dread.

                                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                  housemartin
                                                                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                                                                  hong kong
                                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                  March 22, 2016, 1:55PM

                                                                                                                                                                                • enough is enough, we just want the LNP to do something, anything!!!

                                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                  Adrian
                                                                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                                                                  Melbourne
                                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                  March 22, 2016, 2:36PM
                                                                                                                                                                              Comments are now closed