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Politics Live: February 22, 2016

Date

Senior writer

View more articles from Stephanie Peatling

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After a messy start to the political year a new opinion poll shows that, perhaps not surprisingly, the public has marked the government down.

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  • Time to call Morrison 'Slo-Mo'.

    Commenter
    misspunch
    Date and time
    February 22, 2016, 5:40PM

    • What does a yellow tie mean? Has it anything to do with cowardice?

      Commenter
      Pen of hrba
      Date and time
      February 22, 2016, 5:38PM

      • Not even that - investors can buy ANYTHING they like. The change suggested is to give the same deductions against personal income on existing homes (only) as people do in the other 98% of the world - ZERO!

        Commenter
        QED
        Date and time
        February 22, 2016, 5:20PM

        • Clive is on the money.....LNP gets in this election and they'll reinstate Abbott as PM......with control over both houses he would devastate Australia. We cannot allow the LNP to win the next election Australia.

          Commenter
          JT
          Date and time
          February 22, 2016, 5:10PM

          • 4:44pm.With the gap between the coalition and the opposition narrowing, where can the Libs go now? Malcolm was probably their last and only hope and they may now have run out of people to take on the leadership mantle. Perhaps they can give the job to Scott. Ray Hadley will give him a glowing reference.

            Commenter
            Pluto
            Location
            Melbourne
            Date and time
            February 22, 2016, 4:51PM

            • Yep feel sorry for Malcolm there is talent left in the Libs everyone has let him down.Just goes to show the further right you go the less talent and innovation there is.

              Commenter
              Wise One
              Location
              Great Southern Land
              Date and time
              February 22, 2016, 5:13PM

          • Twiggy the anti slavery philanthropist, is he over here in the East checking out the Seasonal Workers Scheme?

            Commenter
            A country gal
            Date and time
            February 22, 2016, 4:51PM

            • @3:44 - Mr Palmer lobs a hand grenade.....

              Will he stand at the next election?

              Commenter
              Time to change
              Date and time
              February 22, 2016, 4:51PM

              • People are not stupid. No investor is being prevented from buying an existing dwelling - just from negatively gearing it. Excellent policy decision by Labor. The days of subsidising the already wealthy with needless tax breaks are coming to an end - and not before time. Restore the revenue please.

                Commenter
                Rick
                Location
                Sydney
                Date and time
                February 22, 2016, 4:42PM

                • Boy oh boy or Girl oh Girl - the horror. The next Coalition leader always in waiting - Julie 'I'll always Back You' Bishop.

                  Keating the Prophet: 26th Nov 2007

                  Keating says Ms Bishop would be a better option than Tony Abbott, Brendan Nelson or Malcolm Turnbull for the Liberal leadership.

                  "I don't know her but if I was voting this very second I'd probably give it to her because I like women, I always reckon they're battling in public life, and anyone who can break through, like Julia [Gillard] has," he said.

                  "You look at the girls in the Labor Caucus, I always barrack for them, the whole lot of them - Susan Ryan, Ros Kelly, I got them into the ministry, every one of them."

                  Mr Keating says Mr Abbott would be a terrible choice for leader.

                  "If they take Tony Abbott they're just going to go back down hill to where-ever they've been," he said.

                  "He's the one most like Howard ideologically - he's what I call a young fogey. Howard was the old fogey, he's the young fogey."

                  He says he liked Mr Nelson better when he wore an earring, and Mr Turnbull is like a firecracker.

                  "You go and light it up and you stand back for the big explosion," he said.

                  "I fancy Malcolm is like the big red bunger. You're lighting up, there's a bit of a fizz, but then nothing, nothing."

                  Commenter
                  misspunch
                  Date and time
                  February 22, 2016, 4:40PM

                  • Err,excuse my befuddlement but isn't that Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Mohammad Taqi al-Modarres a main sup[porter of the Assad regime, you know: the enemy?

                    Commenter
                    Pen of hrba
                    Date and time
                    February 22, 2016, 4:36PM

                    • In QT today Truffles and his go-to Money Man ScoMo were caught out big time, trying to move their arguments from the issue of negative gearing to live cattle exports.

                      Long bow, that one!!

                      So, Labor has put some policy out into the ether, and It's funny watching this government's inability to work out how to respond.

                      It's like sprinkling salt on a slug.

                      I hope Labor sprinkles some more policy.

                      Commenter
                      Grizwald
                      Location
                      Sydney
                      Date and time
                      February 22, 2016, 4:28PM

                      • Re: “One of the United States' most senior navy commanders has said he would like Australia to carry out naval patrols close to territory claimed by Beijing in the South China Sea - a move that would provoke significant anger within the Chinese government.”

                        Err, does this US most senior navy commander fully understand that the Royal Australian Navy fleet is made up of 47 commissioned warships as of January 2016?

                        That China has a navy of about 673 ships and 255,000 personnel?

                        Just asking?

                        Commenter
                        Pen of hrba
                        Date and time
                        February 22, 2016, 4:25PM

                        • What does this have to do with The Year of the Monkey?

                          Commenter
                          enough is enough
                          Date and time
                          February 22, 2016, 4:27PM

                        • Guess we should just pack up and go home then Pen - the correlation of forces is against us, um don't we have a defence treaty/pact with the US - how many ships do they have?

                          Commenter
                          Smack
                          Location
                          City of the Bane Sidhe
                          Date and time
                          February 22, 2016, 4:34PM

                        • Do we really have 47 commissioned warships? The last time I saw a warship in Australia was at a performance of HMS Pinafore. And an excellent job they did too.

                          Commenter
                          Pluto
                          Location
                          Melbourne
                          Date and time
                          February 22, 2016, 4:46PM

                        • Smack

                          So we put our ships and sailors at risk first, then if anything happens the US and China look for a scapegoat, which is?

                          Commenter
                          Pen of hrba
                          Date and time
                          February 22, 2016, 5:32PM

                      • And the rights of hard working young Australians to buy their first home.

                        Commenter
                        Danger Ranger
                        Date and time
                        February 22, 2016, 4:23PM

                        • The Pulse 4:14PM

                          Oh ! ..... goody.

                          Another war to attend.

                          Commenter
                          A Green
                          Location
                          Australia
                          Date and time
                          February 22, 2016, 4:17PM

                          • That's a minute you will never get back.

                            Commenter
                            enough is enough
                            Date and time
                            February 22, 2016, 4:24PM

                        • Fairfax Radio Host not happy. Who was it?

                          Commenter
                          enough is enough
                          Date and time
                          February 22, 2016, 4:15PM

                          • Before Xmas the Greens looked like taking a lot of votes from the ALP. Now the Greens voters are so angry they are packing up and going back to the ALP. The Tapas Bars are going into melt down. Internal polling must be a nightmare for these two parties.

                            Commenter
                            enough is enough
                            Date and time
                            February 22, 2016, 4:14PM

                            • Pen, it is Lent. Can I make a suggestion as to what you should give up?

                              Commenter
                              enough is enough
                              Date and time
                              February 22, 2016, 4:11PM

                              • The Pulse @ 2.50 pm

                                Just four out of ten for Malcolm?
                                That’s all Julie thinks he should get?
                                Oh boy, he’s really in trouble,
                                and should be extremely upset!

                                With JB sitting behind you
                                and rating you way down at four,
                                it’s time to pack up the boxes
                                and find a quick way to the door.

                                For Julie only picks winners,
                                she’s famous for doing just that,
                                though maybe it’d be better
                                not grabbing them out of a hat?

                                Commenter
                                Gazza from Grong Grong
                                Date and time
                                February 22, 2016, 4:08PM

                                • Clive's not happy. Did the Greens and the ALP tell him he won't be getting their preferences next election. Traitors eh Clive?

                                  Commenter
                                  enough is enough
                                  Date and time
                                  February 22, 2016, 4:05PM

                                  • No, he missed luch.

                                    Commenter
                                    Hangry
                                    Date and time
                                    February 22, 2016, 4:11PM

                                  • No more banana splits.

                                    Commenter
                                    Pluto
                                    Location
                                    Melbourne
                                    Date and time
                                    February 22, 2016, 4:12PM

                                  • enough is enough

                                    Looks like "traitors" are running your govt .... hey eie ?

                                    Go do another count for Abbott and see if he is any closer to doing a Rudd.

                                    Commenter
                                    A Green
                                    Location
                                    Australia
                                    Date and time
                                    February 22, 2016, 4:13PM

                                • Great man Dutton.
                                  We don't get con mp's like this last bunch every parliament.

                                  Commenter
                                  fizzybeer
                                  Date and time
                                  February 22, 2016, 4:03PM

                                  • 3..59 Duh Day!
                                    Hasn't he heard about voting below the line.
                                    And what's Mr Housing got to say about NG Policy?

                                    Commenter
                                    A country gal
                                    Date and time
                                    February 22, 2016, 4:02PM

                                    • How to win an election, LNP style.

                                      Reduce welfare expenditure to the extent GDP growth is stalled to the extent of decline.

                                      Cut health and education spending to the extent the States have no option but to increase taxes.

                                      Insist on smaller federal government while increasing the population by 24.7 over the last 15 years.

                                      Assert that immigration is good for the country while ruling over 10% unemployment and growing.

                                      Destroy the motor vehicle industry while have no other viable employment option.

                                      Send the renewables industry to the wall while expanding fossil fuel production.

                                      Spend $4 billion plus on Direct Action knowing that it will not work.

                                      Allocate a quarter of one billion dollars to educate children how not to read the bible.

                                      Increase coal production along the Great barrier Reef coast knowing that coal dust is killing fauna.

                                      Place future budgets in jeopardy by signing up for the F35 for $743,000,000 total cost per aircraft that has a very limited range.

                                      Spend in excess of $1 billion a year on a Middle East war in support of the enemy namely Iran.

                                      Waste billions of dollars on refugee centres overseas for a handful of refugees.

                                      Allow China an open cut coal mine in a major food production area.

                                      Allow India the biggest coal mine in the world and spend billions to make it an uneconomic reality.

                                      Spend hundreds of billions of dollars on procuring US defence equipment.
                                      State that climate change is not real and ignore it.

                                      Deny sea rise while planning how to combat it.

                                      Deny that bush fires are getting worse while Tasmanian forests burn.

                                      Scrap all forms of base load green energy like concentrated solar with ammonia heat storage.

                                      Sack CSIRO scientists.

                                      Continue to lye through back-teeth.

                                      And do nothing about Tax reform.

                                      Commenter
                                      Pen of hrba
                                      Date and time
                                      February 22, 2016, 4:01PM

                                      • Is that it? good, that should last us a week.

                                        Commenter
                                        enough is enough
                                        Date and time
                                        February 22, 2016, 4:09PM

                                      • Pen

                                        Wave a scrap of paper with "TPP" written on it and proclaim :

                                        "Free trade in our time".

                                        Then employ a Special Envoy to make sure the new Minister stays on song.

                                        Commenter
                                        A Green
                                        Location
                                        Australia
                                        Date and time
                                        February 22, 2016, 4:15PM

                                      • "Continue to lye through back-teeth." You meant lie I think. But yes this government could do with a good clean with lye, which I understand is quite powerful and would give them a good going over.

                                        Commenter
                                        Pluto
                                        Location
                                        Melbourne
                                        Date and time
                                        February 22, 2016, 4:19PM

                                      • Pluto

                                        Would you believe that I wrote lie and changed it to lye? I hope that Abbott thing is not contagious?

                                        Commenter
                                        Pen of hrba
                                        Date and time
                                        February 22, 2016, 4:33PM

                                      • An excellent summary of a very bad time - politically.

                                        Commenter
                                        Over A Cliff
                                        Location
                                        Geelong
                                        Date and time
                                        February 22, 2016, 5:14PM

                                      • Pen, you can never be too careful when it comes to political hygiene. A regular scrub up does no one any harm. I actually think that the idea of four-yearly scrub ups is too long. The grime does settle.

                                        Commenter
                                        Pluto
                                        Location
                                        Melbourne
                                        Date and time
                                        February 22, 2016, 5:22PM

                                    • Geez, the quality of commentary in here today is truly down amongst the dead men.

                                      500+ comments of utterly empty vacuity.

                                      Commenter
                                      housemartin
                                      Location
                                      hong kong
                                      Date and time
                                      February 22, 2016, 4:00PM

                                      • thank you for your addition

                                        Commenter
                                        fizzybeer
                                        Date and time
                                        February 22, 2016, 4:07PM

                                      • eie hasn't made 500+ comments today.

                                        Commenter
                                        ah ha
                                        Date and time
                                        February 22, 2016, 4:07PM

                                      • Has einie got that many comments?

                                        Commenter
                                        Nuff Nuff
                                        Date and time
                                        February 22, 2016, 4:10PM

                                      • No, thank you fizz......

                                        Commenter
                                        Smack
                                        Location
                                        City of the Bane Sidhe
                                        Date and time
                                        February 22, 2016, 4:20PM

                                      • have we started the self-criticism session yet?

                                        Commenter
                                        rod steiger
                                        Location
                                        toukley
                                        Date and time
                                        February 22, 2016, 4:48PM

                                    • The horses are bolting after the PM's chilling tale of woe re any changes to Neg. Gearing. The Gods only know what will happen if the opposition has any other suggestions.

                                      Commenter
                                      polym
                                      Date and time
                                      February 22, 2016, 3:58PM

                                      • Stephanie, I beg to differ, Clive is so scrutable right now

                                        Commenter
                                        rod steiger
                                        Location
                                        toukley
                                        Date and time
                                        February 22, 2016, 3:57PM

                                        • Based on comments from Ray Hadley today it looks like the Libs are starting to get up the nose of the right wing media as well as everyone else. Welcome to our world guys.

                                          This has to be dangerous for MT, anything less than a solid victory at the poll will probably be fatal.

                                          Commenter
                                          davemac
                                          Location
                                          Melbourne
                                          Date and time
                                          February 22, 2016, 3:52PM

                                          • Shades of Tony.

                                            Commenter
                                            Nuff Nuff
                                            Date and time
                                            February 22, 2016, 4:14PM

                                          • Abbott must be drooling at the prospect of seizing the leadership in a month or so from now and rushing to a DD election.

                                            He had the next campaign all mapped out, and he'd reckon it will still fly.

                                            Commenter
                                            Real Politik
                                            Date and time
                                            February 22, 2016, 4:19PM

                                        • 1:56 Just to put your mind at ease about the tax payer funded glamour of life at Parliament House:

                                          Shhh, don't tell the vegans Fairfax or they'll be making a complaint about discrimination against you to the Press Council.

                                          Commenter
                                          housemartin
                                          Location
                                          hong kong
                                          Date and time
                                          February 22, 2016, 3:49PM

                                          • Well that little fraternity were sure out and about commenting yesterday.
                                            Political Nadir, again...still.

                                            Commenter
                                            A country gal
                                            Date and time
                                            February 22, 2016, 3:46PM

                                          • Well that little fraternity were sure out and about commenting yesterday.
                                            Political Nadir, again...still.

                                            Commenter
                                            A country gal
                                            Date and time
                                            February 22, 2016, 3:46PM

                                        • Pyne appears very quiet these days.

                                          Must be finding it hard to be "innovative".

                                          Commenter
                                          A Green
                                          Location
                                          Australia
                                          Date and time
                                          February 22, 2016, 3:40PM

                                          • After schools and universities, he's all fixed out.

                                            Commenter
                                            Mr Fixy Fix
                                            Date and time
                                            February 22, 2016, 3:46PM

                                          • He's thinking. Thinking about which overseas posting might be in the offing should the worst come to the worst.

                                            Commenter
                                            Pluto
                                            Location
                                            Melbourne
                                            Date and time
                                            February 22, 2016, 3:51PM

                                          • Sorry, mod. Too right, Pluto. He's possibly got his eyes on Alexander Downer's position.

                                            Commenter
                                            Banjo
                                            Location
                                            Eden
                                            Date and time
                                            February 22, 2016, 4:16PM

                                          • JT

                                            Barney is probably trying to figure out how to turn on his phone.

                                            Commenter
                                            A Green
                                            Location
                                            Australia
                                            Date and time
                                            February 22, 2016, 3:37PM

                                          • JT

                                            Barney is probably trying to figure out how to turn on his phone.

                                            Commenter
                                            A Green
                                            Location
                                            Australia
                                            Date and time
                                            February 22, 2016, 3:37PM

                                        • 3.31
                                          Go Ricky Muir.
                                          We are with you Senator!

                                          Commenter
                                          fizzybeer
                                          Date and time
                                          February 22, 2016, 3:36PM

                                          • Such a born to rule mentality - the fact is the X bench were voted in under the rules at the time, they all have a right to be here.

                                            Amazing how fast legislation can be prepared when there's self interest involved. I suppose I could also say the opposite re SSM.

                                            Commenter
                                            davemac
                                            Location
                                            Melbourne
                                            Date and time
                                            February 22, 2016, 3:41PM

                                          • I'm with Ricky, despite seeing the need for Senate Reform.
                                            Quite like Ricky, and when most were bagging him, I held back and waited to see what he was about despite how the MSM decided to portray him.
                                            I'd urge the left to preselect more who are the true face of our society.

                                            Commenter
                                            A country gal
                                            Date and time
                                            February 22, 2016, 3:43PM

                                          • And I wonder why Magnifico Mal didn't single out the waste of space Day?

                                            Commenter
                                            A country gal
                                            Date and time
                                            February 22, 2016, 3:48PM

                                          • davemac
                                            plebiscite on SSM to buy time(expensively)
                                            Rig the Senate,
                                            to hell with the people,
                                            just ram it through.

                                            Is altering the States House without a referendum the done thing?

                                            Commenter
                                            fizzybeer
                                            Date and time
                                            February 22, 2016, 3:55PM

                                        • ah that's probably what they were looking at...go Ricky!

                                          Commenter
                                          JT
                                          Date and time
                                          February 22, 2016, 3:33PM

                                          • 3:22pm. Absolutely shocking thing for Dutton to say. I'm appalled by this descent into brazen inhumanity. I can only imagine that Peter Dutton's audience is a small ultra right-wing sect whose votes he covets.

                                            Commenter
                                            Pluto
                                            Location
                                            Melbourne
                                            Date and time
                                            February 22, 2016, 3:32PM

                                        • I get the feeling that the only pressure Malcolm has felt before becoming PM was how many millions to bet on financial and property markets. That and how to minimise his tax.

                                          Commenter
                                          monkeybiz
                                          Date and time
                                          February 22, 2016, 3:31PM

                                          • 3:22

                                            You are kidding...Plod said that?

                                            Have the Libs learned nothing from children overboard?

                                            Commenter
                                            davemac
                                            Location
                                            Melbourne
                                            Date and time
                                            February 22, 2016, 3:30PM

                                            • Oh they've learnt Dave. The Australian people unfortunately haven't.

                                              Commenter
                                              Rollee the Rolex's Big Adventure
                                              Date and time
                                              February 22, 2016, 3:36PM

                                            • good old plod.
                                              In a parallel universe someone will be sad to see him go.

                                              Commenter
                                              fizzybeer
                                              Date and time
                                              February 22, 2016, 4:10PM

                                            • The Libs are slow learners.

                                              Commenter
                                              Over A Cliff
                                              Location
                                              Geelong
                                              Date and time
                                              February 22, 2016, 5:06PM

                                          • 3:17pm. We are not paying them to tweet, we are paying them to govern.

                                            Commenter
                                            Pluto
                                            Location
                                            Melbourne
                                            Date and time
                                            February 22, 2016, 3:25PM

                                            • At least it keeps him out of harms way.

                                              Commenter
                                              monkeybiz
                                              Date and time
                                              February 22, 2016, 3:29PM

                                            • Pluto

                                              The Foreign MInister for Movie Stars has to keep up ..... it's Academy awards time.

                                              Commenter
                                              A Green
                                              Location
                                              Australia
                                              Date and time
                                              February 22, 2016, 3:32PM

                                            • I'd be happy to pay them just to go away at this point.

                                              Commenter
                                              davemac
                                              Location
                                              Melbourne
                                              Date and time
                                              February 22, 2016, 3:42PM

                                            • @davemac. Perhaps we could crowdfund.

                                              Commenter
                                              Pluto
                                              Location
                                              Melbourne
                                              Date and time
                                              February 22, 2016, 4:02PM

                                            • Pluto, or get Tim Minchin on to it?

                                              Commenter
                                              davemac
                                              Location
                                              Melbourne
                                              Date and time
                                              February 22, 2016, 4:39PM

                                          • Well.. looks like Dutton will be a huge asset for Turnbull in an election campaign.....good!

                                            Commenter
                                            JT
                                            Date and time
                                            February 22, 2016, 3:24PM

                                            • Of course, the elephant in the room in the capital gains tax debate is the RBA which has repeatedly stated over the past 2 to 3 years that the property market is overcooked. Hard for Malcolm to agree with this when he's making $$$ out of it.

                                              Commenter
                                              monkeybiz
                                              Date and time
                                              February 22, 2016, 3:24PM

                                              • Okay this AFR.... “Big Four accounting firm EY is escalating its campaign for the establishment of a tax reform commission to provide independent advice on the best tax policies for Australia.  EY says a tax reform commission should be established in law, have a defined advisory role, permanent staff and a federal budget allocation. "It should progress the task of tax system repair, annually," the proposal says.

                                                "It would absorb the Board of Taxation and elements of other government organisations." 
                                                The Business Council of Australia told the government's tax review: "Serious consideration should be given to the establishment of an independent advisory body, such as a tax reform commission, to help steward tax reform over the next decade and to reduce the risk of policy reversals we cannot afford."
                                                Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand support "an expert organisation which can look beyond the election cycle and recommend, design, develop and implement change, based on an overarching strategy set by the government".”
                                                Now what exactly is the “overarching strategy set by the government”.
                                                Hmmmmm.... The National Summit 1 & 11was a total disaster. Looks like the business guild lobby have surrendered. Absolutely.
                                                So who has the actual cash to prosecuted an election mid year and who has an …. “overarching strategy set by the government”.

                                                Commenter
                                                dipaha
                                                Date and time
                                                February 22, 2016, 3:18PM

                                                • Good idea, lets create a tax reform commission to make policy about tax reform...hang on, isn't that what we pay the government for?

                                                  Commenter
                                                  Nuff Nuff
                                                  Date and time
                                                  February 22, 2016, 3:30PM

                                                • My thinking was similar to yours.... and then previous in the AFR accounts of differing opinions amongst the two biggest business groups.... lost confidence absolutely.
                                                  Which comes to “overarching strategy set by the government”. What on earth is the Liberal Party's " “overarching strategy set by the government” if only to fight Labor. I believe there is over arching strategy for a Labor Party..... apparently so abhorant there is a need for this Liberal Party we now must endure... I dunno I dunno it is a shambles

                                                  Commenter
                                                  dipaha
                                                  Date and time
                                                  February 22, 2016, 3:43PM

                                              • Thankyou Andrew Wilkie, thankyou.
                                                It really needed to be said.

                                                Commenter
                                                A country gal
                                                Date and time
                                                February 22, 2016, 3:17PM

                                                • 3:22pm. Absolutely shocking thing for Dutton to say. I'm appalled by this descent into brazen inhumanity. I can only imagine that Peter Dutton's audience is a small ultra right-wing sect whose votes he covets.

                                                  Commenter
                                                  Pluto
                                                  Location
                                                  Melbourne
                                                  Date and time
                                                  February 22, 2016, 3:32PM

                                              • Barnaby is probably writing a comment on this blog with a code name and reading the comments rather than doing his job....which is?

                                                Commenter
                                                JT
                                                Date and time
                                                February 22, 2016, 3:17PM

                                                • Morrison needs to stop talking about negative gearing.He is handing Labor the high ground.

                                                  Commenter
                                                  Wise One
                                                  Location
                                                  Great Southern Land
                                                  Date and time
                                                  February 22, 2016, 3:16PM

                                                  • Photo 3:12pm:
                                                    Who says Malcolm Turnbull hasn't a prayer. "Now I lay me down to sleep I pray to God my job I'll keep."

                                                    Commenter
                                                    Tucky
                                                    Location
                                                    Warragul
                                                    Date and time
                                                    February 22, 2016, 3:16PM

                                                    • But is God listening?

                                                      Commenter
                                                      Pluto
                                                      Location
                                                      Melbourne
                                                      Date and time
                                                      February 22, 2016, 3:42PM

                                                    • Typo alert "to sleep"....correction "with sheep".

                                                      Commenter
                                                      A country gal
                                                      Date and time
                                                      February 22, 2016, 4:04PM

                                                    • @A country gal. If we follow this thread to it's end we may have a government suffering from a bad case of fly strike. Then we may have to take appropriate action.

                                                      Commenter
                                                      Pluto
                                                      Location
                                                      Melbourne
                                                      Date and time
                                                      February 22, 2016, 4:11PM

                                                  • Gosh ! ...... just last week it was 10 votes.

                                                    This week's Newspoll has likely doubled that.

                                                    Commenter
                                                    A Green
                                                    Location
                                                    Australia
                                                    Date and time
                                                    February 22, 2016, 3:14PM

                                                    • Is the thinking of the Coalition negatively geared? They are trotting out policies from yesteryear. Perhaps they are checking their negatively geared watches (Rolex ones of course)

                                                      Commenter
                                                      Tucky
                                                      Location
                                                      Warragul
                                                      Date and time
                                                      February 22, 2016, 3:13PM

                                                      • Called quits on QT at 3.10pm after 12 minutes or more were taken up with condolence speeches.

                                                        I didn't count, but there wouldn't have been more than 14 questions and there's so much to talk about.

                                                        This government looks, sounds and acts like a mob of shonks.

                                                        Commenter
                                                        Real Politik
                                                        Date and time
                                                        February 22, 2016, 3:13PM

                                                        • So what if the price of a property falls, all investment has some form of risk, real estate is looked upon as probably the safest investment, but in the past housing prices fell, they then increase, what's the problem if they slide a little bit with the scrapping of NG

                                                          But I would guess a lot of Australians want a house to live in not as a way of making profit

                                                          I have o agree with Bill about some squillionaire buying his 7th property to gain a monetary advantage as opposed to a family looking to buy their first home

                                                          Sorry, Malcolm, you lose again, this is the greedy millionaire coming out in him

                                                          it's all about profit, damn the homeless

                                                          Commenter
                                                          fiberal
                                                          Location
                                                          darwin
                                                          Date and time
                                                          February 22, 2016, 3:11PM

                                                          • "...Does Morrison agree with that, or did the former treasurer have a better understanding of the economy and housing market?"

                                                            Attacking Bowen for asking the question, is attacking Hockey for saying it the first place.. Morrison just accused Hockey of being in a race for higher taxes.

                                                            I wouldn't trust Morrison to give change out of a dollar for a 50 cent bag of lollies, let alone run Australia's Treasury.

                                                            Commenter
                                                            roll me own durries
                                                            Location
                                                            Perth
                                                            Date and time
                                                            February 22, 2016, 3:09PM

                                                            • Photo caption 3:06pm:
                                                              Just bought another investment property for you... Sign here.

                                                              Commenter
                                                              Tucky
                                                              Location
                                                              Warragul
                                                              Date and time
                                                              February 22, 2016, 3:09PM

                                                              • Is there a State or Territory in Australia that doesn't want money for rail lines ?

                                                                Apparently not ...... because the govts own Infrastructure Aus wants a business case for everyone of them.

                                                                Commenter
                                                                A Green
                                                                Location
                                                                Australia
                                                                Date and time
                                                                February 22, 2016, 3:09PM

                                                                • Did Morrison just say when a new home buyer turns key the home depreciates just like a new car? OMG!! They're a farce.

                                                                  Commenter
                                                                  Rollee the Rolex's Big Adventure
                                                                  Date and time
                                                                  February 22, 2016, 3:05PM

                                                                  • Morrison used that line last week too. Instant depreciation, apparently.

                                                                    Commenter
                                                                    Real Politik
                                                                    Date and time
                                                                    February 22, 2016, 3:07PM

                                                                  • yep, you buy a house, it's like driving out of the sales lot over a cliff

                                                                    these guys must really like that movie

                                                                    Commenter
                                                                    rod steiger
                                                                    Location
                                                                    toukley
                                                                    Date and time
                                                                    February 22, 2016, 3:10PM

                                                                  • I'm sure that the poor people who don't drive cars are thrilled to hear that. It might help them to feel happier with their lot.

                                                                    Commenter
                                                                    Pluto
                                                                    Location
                                                                    Melbourne
                                                                    Date and time
                                                                    February 22, 2016, 3:14PM

                                                                  • Great photo's at 3.12 and 3.17.
                                                                    Sums up the worst government in his history to a T. A picture is certainly worth a thousand words.......which funnily enough equals 4 waffles from Malcolm

                                                                    Commenter
                                                                    Rollee the Rolex's Big Adventure
                                                                    Date and time
                                                                    February 22, 2016, 3:33PM

                                                                  • Goody, goody, does this mean I can negatively gear my car?

                                                                    Commenter
                                                                    Nikki
                                                                    Date and time
                                                                    February 22, 2016, 3:33PM

                                                                  • Nikki
                                                                    That's called a novated lease...or reverse.

                                                                    Commenter
                                                                    Nuff Nuff
                                                                    Date and time
                                                                    February 22, 2016, 3:42PM

                                                                  • So Rollee, why don't you explain that analogy can't be made.

                                                                    Commenter
                                                                    housemartin
                                                                    Location
                                                                    hong kong
                                                                    Date and time
                                                                    February 22, 2016, 3:54PM

                                                                  • Do you mean that pensioners do not have to sell their homes now?

                                                                    Commenter
                                                                    Pen of hrba
                                                                    Date and time
                                                                    February 22, 2016, 4:04PM

                                                                  • Trust Rolex's retain their value.

                                                                    Commenter
                                                                    A country gal
                                                                    Date and time
                                                                    February 22, 2016, 4:48PM

                                                                  • housemartin, could you perhaps explain how the analogy does work?

                                                                    Commenter
                                                                    jofek
                                                                    Date and time
                                                                    February 22, 2016, 4:53PM

                                                                • 2.57
                                                                  Boy!
                                                                  This government knows everything!
                                                                  Metadata must work despite the billions being quietly spent to get the NBN lite up to idling speed.

                                                                  Commenter
                                                                  fizzybeer
                                                                  Date and time
                                                                  February 22, 2016, 3:05PM

                                                                  • Is QT going as badly for Turnbull and Morrison as it looks to me?

                                                                    Bishop J and Abbott will be squaring off in a fortnight.

                                                                    Commenter
                                                                    Real Politik
                                                                    Date and time
                                                                    February 22, 2016, 3:04PM

                                                                    • The best thing about the capital gains tax debate is that finally, finally the coalition is telling us whose side they are on. Only took 6 years in opposition and almost 3 years in government for some truth to come out from behind their sneaky manoeuvres.

                                                                      Commenter
                                                                      monkeybiz
                                                                      Date and time
                                                                      February 22, 2016, 3:02PM

                                                                      • Are the Liberal Party changing their name to the Property Investors Party?

                                                                        Commenter
                                                                        mb
                                                                        Location
                                                                        Melbourne
                                                                        Date and time
                                                                        February 22, 2016, 3:00PM

                                                                        • PONG
                                                                          Party Of Negative Gearers.

                                                                          Commenter
                                                                          fizzybeer
                                                                          Date and time
                                                                          February 22, 2016, 3:14PM

                                                                        • No. The have always been The property investors party, but thought that 'The Liberals' was shorter and takes up less room on billboards.

                                                                          Commenter
                                                                          Pluto
                                                                          Location
                                                                          Melbourne
                                                                          Date and time
                                                                          February 22, 2016, 3:18PM

                                                                      • The government is so focused on job creation they've overseen almost half as many new jobs as they promised.

                                                                        Commenter
                                                                        Real Politik
                                                                        Date and time
                                                                        February 22, 2016, 2:59PM

                                                                        • Yes - all on the government Front Bench!

                                                                          Commenter
                                                                          Grizwald
                                                                          Location
                                                                          Sydney
                                                                          Date and time
                                                                          February 22, 2016, 5:22PM

                                                                      • "In relation to the housing market, I would like to present you with the bull market"

                                                                        Commenter
                                                                        rod steiger
                                                                        Location
                                                                        toukley
                                                                        Date and time
                                                                        February 22, 2016, 2:58PM

                                                                        • Turnbull said a fast-rising property market underpins Australia's economy and prosperity.

                                                                          How did we let it get this bad?

                                                                          Commenter
                                                                          Real Politik
                                                                          Date and time
                                                                          February 22, 2016, 3:05PM

                                                                        • Funny, I haven't noticed property prices rising too much anywhere else except Sydney. Certainly haven't where I live!

                                                                          Commenter
                                                                          JT
                                                                          Date and time
                                                                          February 22, 2016, 3:11PM

                                                                        • Wonder if they remember a little thing called the GFC caused by property bubbles.

                                                                          Of course not! It never happened, they just stuck their fingers in their ears shouting 'LA LA LA LA LA...'

                                                                          Commenter
                                                                          davemac
                                                                          Location
                                                                          Melbourne
                                                                          Date and time
                                                                          February 22, 2016, 3:16PM

                                                                        • RP - Apparently hyperinflation is good for humanity!

                                                                          Commenter
                                                                          QED
                                                                          Date and time
                                                                          February 22, 2016, 4:58PM

                                                                      • On a rating of 80,000 to zero how do we rate The Con performance on the NG issue?
                                                                        Are they doing enough to convince us to continue subsidising the risk factor for "investors"?

                                                                        Commenter
                                                                        fizzybeer
                                                                        Date and time
                                                                        February 22, 2016, 2:57PM

                                                                        • Boy oh boy... nobody could fall for that routine, surely?

                                                                          Commenter
                                                                          Real Politik
                                                                          Date and time
                                                                          February 22, 2016, 2:56PM

                                                                          • i'll be happy to see the likes of Leyonhjelm and Lambie go – those clowns turn the Senate into a Circus

                                                                            Commenter
                                                                            rod steiger
                                                                            Location
                                                                            toukley
                                                                            Date and time
                                                                            February 22, 2016, 2:52PM

                                                                        • @2.50 - Is Ms Bishop using quotation marks to insert her own head as an emoji?

                                                                          Commenter
                                                                          tasch2
                                                                          Location
                                                                          Mornington Peninsua
                                                                          Date and time
                                                                          February 22, 2016, 2:52PM

                                                                          • The word for today is "Shrill" in honour of Turnbull, who has lost the debate plot, by continuing to screech at the Labor party

                                                                            You are seeing the real Turnbull here, in all it's glory

                                                                            Polls down, preferred down, and resorting to a hostile nasty shrieking stoush

                                                                            Reminiscent of Abbott

                                                                            Commenter
                                                                            fiberal
                                                                            Location
                                                                            darwin
                                                                            Date and time
                                                                            February 22, 2016, 2:52PM

                                                                            • Just woke from a mini snooze, sure I heard Malcolm or scotty quoting Allan from Balmoral, "Housing Boom".

                                                                              Commenter
                                                                              Allans Famous
                                                                              Date and time
                                                                              February 22, 2016, 2:51PM

                                                                              • Suggest the Labor Party adopt the Invisible Man as its logo. Can't see him winning the next election.

                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                Tucky
                                                                                Location
                                                                                Warragul
                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                February 22, 2016, 2:51PM

                                                                                • Who's likely to win your vote, then?

                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                  Real Politik
                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                  February 22, 2016, 3:15PM

                                                                              • Turnbull sounds like he is making a business presentation at the Carlton Ritz when talking about capital gains. He is hanging in by the skin of his teeth now and I daresay, there is a knockout punch out there. Just not sure if it will come from the ALP or the Abbott camp.

                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                monkeybiz
                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                February 22, 2016, 2:49PM

                                                                                • A govt always looking back cannot survive.

                                                                                  Dutton is one that all of Australia is looking back at.

                                                                                  And he knows it and can't look them in the eye.

                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                  A Green
                                                                                  Location
                                                                                  Australia
                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                  February 22, 2016, 2:45PM

                                                                                  • Dizzy Gillespie had a unique horn!

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    Tucky
                                                                                    Location
                                                                                    Warragul
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    February 22, 2016, 2:44PM

                                                                                    • Rudy Zarzoff and the Zarzoff brothers had some enormous horns.

                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                      Nuff Nuff
                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                      February 22, 2016, 2:59PM

                                                                                  • A person's home is sacrosanct.

                                                                                    Except when you want to include it for asset purposes at Centrelink, say wot?

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    Real Politik
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    February 22, 2016, 2:43PM

                                                                                    • Not sure but they must think a family home is an ATM....it will just produce money to live on rather than a pension!

                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                      JT
                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                      February 22, 2016, 3:04PM

                                                                                  • Malcolm just said our economy is dependent upon high prices for residential property because it underpins our consumer spending and investments.

                                                                                    Anybody looking to buy into real estate would be mad to vote LNP, you'll die of old age before you've saved the deposit.

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    Real Politik
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    February 22, 2016, 2:42PM

                                                                                    • So the US has the Republican elephant and the Democrat donkey.
                                                                                      Will 2016 see the Liberal party adopt the unicorn as its mascot? What animal would be appropriate for Labor? Another mythical creature such as the bunyip or yowie?

                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                      stevek
                                                                                      Location
                                                                                      Sydney
                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                      February 22, 2016, 2:40PM

                                                                                        • For the Coalition, a young cuckoo kicking the host hatchlings out of the nest.

                                                                                          For the ALP, a ring-barked tree.

                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                          Quick Comment.
                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                          February 22, 2016, 2:50PM

                                                                                        • A Phoenix.

                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                          A country gal
                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                          February 22, 2016, 2:50PM

                                                                                        • A dodo

                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                          The Sniper
                                                                                          Location
                                                                                          Sydney
                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                          February 22, 2016, 3:04PM

                                                                                        • Good thinking Acg

                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                          stevek
                                                                                          Location
                                                                                          Sydney
                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                          February 22, 2016, 3:11PM

                                                                                        • The budget surplus pixie?

                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                          Smack
                                                                                          Location
                                                                                          City of the Bane Sidhe
                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                          February 22, 2016, 4:46PM

                                                                                      • A few questions into QT and Turnbull is showing an amazing level of obfuscation. He truly is bereft of any policy ideas. His Abbott style scare campaign over negative gearing clearly shows he is one panicking and two can not counter the oppositions policy announcements with policies of his own. The one trick pony that is the LNP canters towards election oblivion.

                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                        Rollee the Rolex's Big Abventure
                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                        February 22, 2016, 2:40PM

                                                                                        • Because like Abbott he only wanted one thing: the leadership. Politicians will tell you otherwise (good of the nation a all that nonsense) but really it's all me, me, me. All a bit adolescent, except that adolescents mostly grow out of it and politicians don't.

                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                          Pluto
                                                                                          Location
                                                                                          Melbourne
                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                          February 22, 2016, 2:52PM

                                                                                      • Is Turnbull worried about housing affordability in Sydney or just worried that his Point Piper house will fall in value and his other negatively geared properties? Couldn't give a rats about affordability or they would have adopted the same policy long ago.

                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                        JT
                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                        February 22, 2016, 2:40PM

                                                                                        • Turnbull might look down the road and purchase Elaine. Been on the market for a while, probably dropped in price.

                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                          enough is enough
                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                          February 22, 2016, 2:43PM

                                                                                      • @davemac - featured comment.
                                                                                        Does that mean your nudie run is cancelled?

                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                        enough is enough
                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                        February 22, 2016, 2:36PM

                                                                                        • Don't sound so disappointed einie.

                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                          Nuff Nuff
                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                          February 22, 2016, 2:54PM

                                                                                        • Thought you stopped checking the FCs long ago...another non core promise eie?

                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                          davemac
                                                                                          Location
                                                                                          Melbourne
                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                          February 22, 2016, 3:19PM

                                                                                        • By the way eie, my last nudie run when Aus won the Asian Cup didn't go well.

                                                                                          I've lost a few kilos since then tho, so if Labor gets up this year: LOOK OUT.

                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                          davemac
                                                                                          Location
                                                                                          Melbourne
                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                          February 22, 2016, 3:48PM

                                                                                      • "Bloody hell, the Parliament House eatery has officially lost it." No it hasn't. In the words of Carlton Football Club President "Pig's ar5e!" Actually only the head was on displa.

                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                        Tucky
                                                                                        Location
                                                                                        Warragul
                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                        February 22, 2016, 2:35PM

                                                                                        • Just dropped in for a peek, not a unicorn in sight. They are as rare as open and transparent government. Almost as rare as a meaningful communication from Mr Morrison.

                                                                                          EiE has posted so many witty comments yet davemac gets the featured comment. Conspiracy still in place! EiE - protest!

                                                                                          Did I just hear Malcolm Turnbull talking about the senate system not being transparent? Damn, rare as unicorns!

                                                                                          Economic plans - they are in the post. Damn those cuts to Australia Post staff.

                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                          Deafening
                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                          February 22, 2016, 2:34PM

                                                                                          • We have the Greens believing in fairies at the bottom of the garden.
                                                                                            Now the ALP believes in Unicorns deep in the forest.
                                                                                            When will commonsense prevail.

                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                            enough is enough
                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                            February 22, 2016, 2:34PM

                                                                                            • enough is enough

                                                                                              You're bringing up the rear on that proposal.

                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                              A Green
                                                                                              Location
                                                                                              Australia
                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 2:46PM

                                                                                            • Common sense will never prevail so long as your comments are given air time.

                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                              ah ha
                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 2:53PM

                                                                                          • 2:18 - a comprehensive economic plan ?

                                                                                            Well Bill, that's also know as the budget, seeing as though you haven't noticed. Best have a chat to Chris Bowen, he's bound to be all over it.

                                                                                            Just have a look how his last attempt - PEEFO - back in August 2013 went.

                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                            Hacka
                                                                                            Location
                                                                                            Canberra
                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                            February 22, 2016, 2:34PM

                                                                                            • Have they settled on the date for the next debacle hacka or is it still May10?
                                                                                              Turnbull is sillier than I thought if he lets the hounds loose on the advertising guru before the election.

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

                                                                                            • Must be hard @H, now you don't even have the fiction that the LNP are better economic managers than Labor to fall back on.

                                                                                              And you thought the hard yards pre Sept last year were behind you!

                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                              davemac
                                                                                              Location
                                                                                              Melbourne
                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 3:14PM

                                                                                            • C'mon dave, Labor gave us $300 billion in debt and 6.2% unemployment. It's not hard to beat that.

                                                                                              Have a look at any research about better economic managers, you won't see your mob anywhere near the preferred one.

                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                              Hacka
                                                                                              Location
                                                                                              Canberra
                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 3:39PM

                                                                                            • Just remember what George Br.. err Costanza says @H "It's not a lie if you believe it"

                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                              davemac
                                                                                              Location
                                                                                              Melbourne
                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 3:45PM

                                                                                            • dave - does that apply to those world famous words in 2012 - "we've returned to surplus" ?

                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                              Hacka
                                                                                              Location
                                                                                              Canberra
                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 3:55PM

                                                                                            • Govt debt was 257 billion dollars when labor left office, in the last year under the debt increased by 23 Billion.
                                                                                              By the end of 2015 it had increased a further 111 billion dollars. An Average of around 50 billion a year
                                                                                              Biggest debt accumulating govt in Australian history this crowd.

                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                              seadog
                                                                                              Location
                                                                                              wa
                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 4:40PM

                                                                                            • @H, I'm not defending the stupid games Labor played with the surplus, I'm more disappointed with them getting sucked in by the Libs.

                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                              davemac
                                                                                              Location
                                                                                              Melbourne
                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 4:41PM

                                                                                          • Well, never again can a politician say that negative gearing doesn't have an inflationary effect on house prices.

                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                            Real Politik
                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                            February 22, 2016, 2:33PM

                                                                                            • 1:56pm. I think this is what Paul Keating meant by doing his opponent "slowly".

                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                              Pluto
                                                                                              Location
                                                                                              Melbourne
                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 2:33PM

                                                                                              • What was on the menu the day Cameron addressed a joint-sitting?

                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                Real Politik
                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                February 22, 2016, 2:47PM

                                                                                            • Pen

                                                                                              Did you catch 60-minutes last night and the two ADF pilots? Seems as though all are keen on the F35s

                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                              $keptic
                                                                                              Location
                                                                                              Melbourne
                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 2:31PM

                                                                                                • Pen wants the Red Baron back.

                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                  enough is enough
                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                  February 22, 2016, 2:41PM

                                                                                                • $keptic

                                                                                                  http://warisboring.com/articles/the-f-35-is-still-horribly-broken/

                                                                                                  and

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

                                                                                                  60 Minutes is still looking for an answer from Yes?No Brough.

                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                  A Green
                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                  Australia
                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                  February 22, 2016, 2:50PM

                                                                                                • 60 minutes, where Brough's 15 minutes of fame turned to years of disappointment and reduced pay.
                                                                                                  !2 minutes of that show is actually good viewing.

                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                  fizzybeer
                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                  February 22, 2016, 3:02PM

                                                                                                • Drones are the future, the UK's £125 million ($190 million) drone Taranis, named after the Celtic god of thunder, can attack targets across continents, automatically dodge missiles and other efforts to bring it down and independently identify targets. It can refuel in mid-air and carry weapons including laser guided bombs and missiles.

                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                  Pen of hrba
                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                  February 22, 2016, 5:00PM

                                                                                              • Just like the bloody link on the Pulse page that keeps playing over and over, when will the music stop for the game of musical chairs that the government plays with Cabinet Ministers.

                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                Tucky
                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                Warragul
                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                February 22, 2016, 2:30PM

                                                                                                • One wonders whether just outside the Pearly Gates, there will be a detention centre filled with innocent people who are being being held against their will, as a deterrent to today's politicians who may want to con the system to get into heaven.

                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                  Tucky
                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                  Warragul
                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                  February 22, 2016, 2:28PM

                                                                                                  • They are going to fight an election on the rights of investors to buy existing residential property?

                                                                                                    You beauty.

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    Real Politik
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    February 22, 2016, 2:27PM

                                                                                                    • Turnbull is showing here in QT that he is seriously conflicted when it comes to tax reform and probably beyond. I never liked the idea of a millionaire merchant banker being PM and I won't mention tax havens like Cayman Island.

                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                      monkeybiz
                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                      February 22, 2016, 2:23PM

                                                                                                      • I'd toss out Anna Burke immediately. She and all the other 'retiring' ALP MPs and Senators need time to brush up their CVs. Though, do Unions employ staff on merit selection principles?

                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                        enough is enough
                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                        February 22, 2016, 2:23PM

                                                                                                        • Yes they are slightly different than the nepotism Ms Downer and your like are accustomed to.

                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                          ah ha
                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                          February 22, 2016, 2:50PM

                                                                                                        • I'm still working through the list, but so far I have identified just two members of Cabinet who were not an LNP staffer/party official/think-tank activist prior to entering Parliament.

                                                                                                          They are Turnbull and Taylor.

                                                                                                          If I find any more, I'll let you know.

                                                                                                          I'll be repeating the exercise and running a rule over the LNP's new candidates for 2016, which should be fun, but so far they've all ticked the box.

                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                          Real Politik
                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                          February 22, 2016, 4:33PM

                                                                                                      • The PM's smiles have turned to snarls, under pressure, and it shows in QT, this guy is losing it big time,

                                                                                                        He's got nothing

                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                        fiberal
                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                        darwin
                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                        February 22, 2016, 2:22PM

                                                                                                        • hacka
                                                                                                          still waiting for an apology from the 42,
                                                                                                          organise one from the 54 also.

                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                          fizzybeer
                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                          February 22, 2016, 3:12PM

                                                                                                        • sorry fib
                                                                                                          only missed by a bit!

                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                          fizzybeer
                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                          February 22, 2016, 3:41PM

                                                                                                      • Given the luvvies strong emotional desire to constatly apologise and say sorry. Could you please say so today to myself and Hacka. You know you have been naughty.

                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                        enough is enough
                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                        February 22, 2016, 2:20PM

                                                                                                          • and you are losing it.
                                                                                                            We on the side of the good and noble are not hypocrites.

                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                            fizzybeer
                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                            February 22, 2016, 2:42PM

                                                                                                          • What's a luvvie?

                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                            No Chance
                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                            February 22, 2016, 2:45PM

                                                                                                          • The OP is a great example of what cognitive scientist George Lakoff calls the 'strict father' model of politics, the model that sets out the range of metaphors and relationships in conservative politics.

                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                            Quick Comment.
                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                            February 22, 2016, 2:46PM

                                                                                                          • eie - don't hold you breath, there's more chance of the budget returning to surplus this year than an apology from our progressive friends.

                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                            Hacka
                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                            Canberra
                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                            February 22, 2016, 2:57PM

                                                                                                          • Well done eie you've jumped another shark.

                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                            davemac
                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                            Melbourne
                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                            February 22, 2016, 3:25PM

                                                                                                          • einie doesn't just jump the shark

                                                                                                            he jumps from the back of the shark to the back of the next and so on... a real performer

                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                            rod steiger
                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                            toukley
                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                            February 22, 2016, 3:36PM

                                                                                                        • Malcolm, you are the PM, we want to hear what your response is.

                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                          Real Politik
                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                          February 22, 2016, 2:20PM

                                                                                                          • Another day ...... it's Labor/The Greens fault.

                                                                                                            Not a govt policy in sight.

                                                                                                            And no defence of the govts invisible policies.

                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                            A Green
                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                            Australia
                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                            February 22, 2016, 2:19PM

                                                                                                            • Libs just sacked the water safety scientists in Sydney Catchment

                                                                                                              aguile, minble, nonnyvative

                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                              rod steiger
                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                              toukley
                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 2:17PM

                                                                                                          • But HOW are we transitioning?

                                                                                                            Nobody from the government has ever said.

                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                            Real Politik
                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                            February 22, 2016, 2:17PM

                                                                                                            • The Pulse 2:03PM

                                                                                                              Getting difficult to find a seat on the govt benches that isn't next to a "former Minister".

                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                              A Green
                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                              Australia
                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 2:14PM

                                                                                                              • heh, Heh and always known for living in the past.

                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                A country gal
                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                February 22, 2016, 2:17PM

                                                                                                              • Maybe they could invent a "lazy Susan" frontbench?

                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                Nuff Nuff
                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                February 22, 2016, 2:32PM

                                                                                                            • 12.01
                                                                                                              Can't any of these blokes tie a shoelace?
                                                                                                              Or are the boots insurance against standing in the results of their own statements.

                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                              fizzybeer
                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 2:10PM

                                                                                                              • Laces get in the way for the shoe shine boys.

                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                A country gal
                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                February 22, 2016, 2:29PM

                                                                                                              • Acg
                                                                                                                did you check on that with hacka?

                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                fizzybeer
                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                February 22, 2016, 2:50PM

                                                                                                              • No, but I just presumed it was in his EBA.

                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                A country gal
                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                February 22, 2016, 3:59PM

                                                                                                            • Another disappointing day from Turnbull ?

                                                                                                              I'm waiting for the next fear campaign ...... and he hasn't yet delivered.

                                                                                                              Surely Pyne could stand up and "fix it".

                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                              A Green
                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                              Australia
                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 2:05PM

                                                                                                              • You certainly are getting desperate. Di Natale has really sent you off.

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

                                                                                                            • Turnbull is considering bringing the Budget forward.

                                                                                                              So he'll have the time to call a DD three weeks after it instead of on the very next day after its delivery.

                                                                                                              Seriously, his willingness to do anything for power is becoming worse than unseemly.

                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                              Real Politik
                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 2:04PM

                                                                                                              • It is unseemly. But then politics is dirty, dirty stuff. Look what it's done to the others on the front bench.

                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                Pluto
                                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                                Melbourne
                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                February 22, 2016, 2:14PM

                                                                                                            • If people are unhappy about the senate reforms then perhaps they should think about who they vote for on the senate paper. If someone can tell me how these reforms are anti-democratic in comparison to the current state of play I'll eat my hat.Hands up if you voted for Ricky Muir? Thought so.

                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                              Piped Piper
                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 2:02PM

                                                                                                              • What sort of hat?

                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                ah ha
                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                February 22, 2016, 2:11PM

                                                                                                              • As a the below the line voter ie who makes my vote count the way I would like, and not acording to a prefernce deal (the real problem here), and if I lived and voted in victoria, I would have "voted" for Muir, and likley above the Libs ALP or Greens. . If people distributed their prefernces this way then this debate about micro parties takes on a whole new perspective

                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                Blidd Freddie
                                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                                not victoria
                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                February 22, 2016, 2:40PM

                                                                                                            • 1.56 pm.
                                                                                                              Not even the Greens could save these poor things.

                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                              enough is enough
                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 2:01PM

                                                                                                              • enough is enough

                                                                                                                They are "all ears".

                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                A Green
                                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                                Australia
                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                February 22, 2016, 2:06PM

                                                                                                            • 1:56

                                                                                                              Can't decide to go with 'snouts in the trough' or 'lipstick on a pig'. Decisions, decisions.

                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                              davemac
                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                              Melbourne
                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 2:00PM

                                                                                                              • If this dish was ordered by a Colaition pollie, i bet there was a side order of pig's wings and unicorn stew

                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                stevek
                                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                                Sydney
                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                February 22, 2016, 2:17PM

                                                                                                              • At least the parsley in their mouths will sweeten their dubious breath.

                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                Banjo
                                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                                Eden
                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                February 22, 2016, 2:49PM

                                                                                                            • 1.56, My those heads remind me of a couple of snouts..oink...oink in the trough...oink...oink...

                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                              A country gal
                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 1:59PM

                                                                                                              • Imagine if this change to senate voting was done after the 2013 election, Abbott would have barged through the horror budget of that year, that is what they desire

                                                                                                                They think because they won an election, they can put hurt on anyone they see fit, by passing a disgraceful budget

                                                                                                                In other words, they want control of not only the house of reps, but the senate as well

                                                                                                                You call that democracy, your having a laugh

                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                fiberal
                                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                                darwin
                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                February 22, 2016, 1:54PM

                                                                                                                • Yeah never give the public what they vote for eh?
                                                                                                                  The current senate voting preferences are a joke. Only an idiot would defend them.
                                                                                                                  If people vote in droves for one party...so be it. it's called democracy. Having half senate elections also means that you generally have to be pissed off with the opposition 2 elections in a row to gain the upper house.

                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                  Brettie
                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                  February 22, 2016, 2:11PM

                                                                                                                • You're joking, right? I loathe the LNP as much as the next guy, but the Senate voting setup as it stands defies democracy. Muir has proven to be diligent and in most cases considered, but that's luck more than good practice - nobody polling less than 1/2 a percent should be able to game their way into a seat.

                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                  BC
                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                  February 22, 2016, 2:20PM

                                                                                                              • Stan Grant in politics. No chance. He may high ideals, but he lacks the ideology required by the major parties.

                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                Double Disillusion
                                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                                Sydney
                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                February 22, 2016, 1:52PM

                                                                                                                • What's happening with KRudd's UN bid? and more to the point - who from the ALP is writing his reference?

                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                  enough is enough
                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                  February 22, 2016, 1:52PM

                                                                                                                  • Why don't you call him if you are that interested, the rest of Australia couldn't care less.

                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                    Nuff Nuff
                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                    February 22, 2016, 2:08PM

                                                                                                                  • Nuffbot you do know JBish is supportive of KR for his tilt at the UN don't you?

                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                    ex-parrot
                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                    February 22, 2016, 3:28PM

                                                                                                                  • EiE
                                                                                                                    Bishop and Turnbull are supporting him!
                                                                                                                    As is most of Europe, China and the US.

                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                    Steve
                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                    February 22, 2016, 4:33PM

                                                                                                                • "Not that anyone is spooked". Oh Steph, you may not know the difference between fazed and phased, but you do irony so well... Hope everyone gets it.

                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                  Brisbane Jack
                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                  February 22, 2016, 1:50PM

                                                                                                                  • The LNP Govt certainly can negotiate with minor parties. Shorten can't negotiate anything with anybody. Short sighted and totally lacking vision.

                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                    enough is enough
                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                    February 22, 2016, 1:50PM

                                                                                                                    • Must be why he was forever leading worker's out the gate to strike.

                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                      Real Politik
                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                      February 22, 2016, 2:06PM

                                                                                                                    • "The LNP Govt certainly can negotiate with minor parties"
                                                                                                                      ...of course you have some evidence of this...somewhere?

                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                      Nuff Nuff
                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                      February 22, 2016, 2:10PM

                                                                                                                    • Negotiate - maybe - but how successfully ? How much legislation has ben passed ?

                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                      Banish Blue Ties
                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                      February 22, 2016, 3:13PM

                                                                                                                  • Vote Liberal for a record spend.

                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                    Good to Go
                                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                                    Melbourne
                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                    February 22, 2016, 1:48PM

                                                                                                                    • Turnbull and co changing the goal posts to suit themselves, not the electorate, would they have been so keen for change if the micro parties had worked in the Lnp's favour, I think not

                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                      we pay these idiots
                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                      Runaway Bay
                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                      February 22, 2016, 1:43PM

                                                                                                                        • Don't be surprised if they bring Bronnie back as speaker. This current bloke is way too fair.

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          davemac
                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                          Melbourne
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          February 22, 2016, 1:44PM

                                                                                                                        • I can see the arguments Turnbull would be using to justify keeping the current method (and Senators) in place.

                                                                                                                          Freedom. Democracy. Will of the people...

                                                                                                                          And he'd mean every word of it.

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          Real Politik
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          February 22, 2016, 1:57PM

                                                                                                                        • Ha ha eienie...the wyle e coyote of political commentary?

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          Beep Beep
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          February 22, 2016, 1:42PM

                                                                                                                      • In Parliament I could have sworn
                                                                                                                        I saw the strangest sight —
                                                                                                                        the legendary unicorn
                                                                                                                        in all its fabled might.

                                                                                                                        I’d like to think that what I saw
                                                                                                                        was more than just a dream,
                                                                                                                        for unicorns don’t have a flaw,
                                                                                                                        they’re just what they might seem.

                                                                                                                        They stand for purity and grace,
                                                                                                                        with healing powers too,
                                                                                                                        some traits that surely have a place
                                                                                                                        in what our pollies do.

                                                                                                                        As Question Time once more arrives
                                                                                                                        with all its song and dance,
                                                                                                                        I’d hope my unicorn survives —
                                                                                                                        but does it have a chance?

                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                        Gazza from Grong Grong
                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                        February 22, 2016, 1:40PM

                                                                                                                        • Stephanie - please - can the Canberra Times revert to its previous format - at least we could follow your latest posts at the same time as the latest comments - and no featured comment any more :-(

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          MST
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          February 22, 2016, 1:39PM

                                                                                                                          • eie quite often breaks the glass behind him as he takes his arm back to throw

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            davemac
                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                            Melbourne
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            February 22, 2016, 1:38PM

                                                                                                                        • If they get there way and Turnbull wins he will be able to pass all his ideas 15%GST, control pay rate and penalty over time also work for what his mates will pay you.

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          bullie
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          February 22, 2016, 1:34PM

                                                                                                                          • Yes, WorkChoices here we come again and lets just give the wealthy all the tax breaks, lets change the donations laws to suit ourselves and unlimited travel regardless of the reason, work or otherwise.

                                                                                                                            You can see where it will go can't you based on their performance to date. You can';t even believe their denials as they have continuously lied to the Australian people all through the last 2 years.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            Lance
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            February 22, 2016, 1:47PM

                                                                                                                        • I don't think it will make any difference if the voting system is changed. We will sill end up with the like of barnyard joyce, denatlie (changing his colour), bishops, the change of the guard in Labor and Coaltion.

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          transplant
                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                          brisbane
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          February 22, 2016, 1:33PM

                                                                                                                          • 'The divide between black and white Australians'? where does that leave most of Australia's migrants over the last 50 years? Asians? Middle Eastern? Pacific Islanders? South Americans?

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            enough is enough
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            February 22, 2016, 1:23PM

                                                                                                                            • Well @H, eie has sure decided Stan isn't going to the Libs....

                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                              davemac
                                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                                              Melbourne
                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 1:43PM

                                                                                                                            • Manus?
                                                                                                                              Christmas Island?
                                                                                                                              Nauru?

                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                              fizzybeer
                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 1:45PM

                                                                                                                          • @ 12.53
                                                                                                                            Sarah Hanson Young will make an outstanding Immigration Minister after Liberals lose the next election
                                                                                                                            I hope she calls in a royal commission on govt detention centres in nauru manus and xmas.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            hobbit
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            February 22, 2016, 1:23PM

                                                                                                                            • It's amazing that the luvvies voting decisions are solely based on the color of a tie. Talk about old fashioned, out of date thinking. Though, it is to be expected.

                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                              enough is enough
                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 1:21PM

                                                                                                                              • At least they actually think about it as opposed to you who will just do vote the way they say you should. No though required for you is there?

                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                Lance
                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                February 22, 2016, 1:43PM

                                                                                                                              • So when you watch your beloved Roosters you cheer the players on not based on the colour of their uniform, but of their individual skills and characteristics? Must get mighty confusing.

                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                davemac
                                                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                                                Melbourne
                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                February 22, 2016, 1:49PM

                                                                                                                            • Stan Grant. Don't join the ALP. Run as an independent. Exhibit A. Peter Garrett. Exhibit B. Nova Peris. Leave your long held ideals at the door.

                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                              Piped Piper
                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 1:19PM

                                                                                                                              • Stan Grant
                                                                                                                                don't run as Liberal / country party.
                                                                                                                                You have long held ideals.

                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                fizzybeer
                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                February 22, 2016, 1:43PM

                                                                                                                            • "We need less government, not more." Maybe Stan is the Man.

                                                                                                                              And if that's his political philosophy, there's only one direction he can head in terms of choice of party - the party of smaller government.

                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                              Hacka
                                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                                              Canberra
                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 1:16PM

                                                                                                                              • They can have the self-promoter, he'd be right at home with Malcolm and Company.

                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                Real Politik
                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                February 22, 2016, 1:19PM

                                                                                                                              • A libertarian, huh? Perhaps Leyonhjelm will be whispering in Stan's shell-like.

                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                stevek
                                                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                                                Sydney
                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                February 22, 2016, 1:19PM

                                                                                                                              • He is compassionate, a humanitarian, a champion of the minorities, loves fairness and a real social democrat....looks like the LNP would be the last on his list!

                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                JT
                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                February 22, 2016, 1:19PM

                                                                                                                              • Yep, you have got to right, Hacka. Increase the population by 24.7% since 2000 and go for smaller government, it must make perfect sense to you, Hacka if nobody else?

                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                Pen of hrba
                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                February 22, 2016, 1:20PM

                                                                                                                              • One party government for preference?

                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                fizzybeer
                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                February 22, 2016, 1:21PM

                                                                                                                              • The biggest spending small government in history. $60 million on an unnecessary TURC, $80 million on an unnecessary plebiscite, $55 million to resettle zero people, a lazy couple of $billion on a climate change scheme that doesn't work. Big spenders for a small government.

                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                Hey Big Spenders
                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                February 22, 2016, 1:24PM

                                                                                                                              • Maybe he meant less LNP governments?

                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                davemac
                                                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                                                Melbourne
                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                February 22, 2016, 1:29PM

                                                                                                                              • Well, that won't be your mob Hacka.
                                                                                                                                Perhaps NXT is in his sights.

                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                A country gal
                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                February 22, 2016, 1:30PM

                                                                                                                              • Nice misrepresentation there. He didn't say he wanted smaller government he said he wanted less government which is quite different. How about we get rid of state governments but beef up the Federal one to handle the greater responsibilities.

                                                                                                                                As usual you have spun a line to suit your ideology.

                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                Lance
                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                February 22, 2016, 1:37PM

                                                                                                                              • Oh yes the small government Liberals. The one Joe Hockey outlined in April 2013... the preferred Hong Kong and the water canons.
                                                                                                                                And since 2014 budget collapse.... the economic debate all centres around what Howard and Costello flogged off to save their own skin. Just perchance research all the so called cost cutting of the Costello first budget on the government website.... the history making budget so beloved of the doyens..... next budget all back under new brand names.
                                                                                                                                And there is this... Joe Hockey 2014 and Peter Costello..... “That aspiration was not all that different to some of the noises that came from another Liberal treasurer delivering his first budget all of 18 years ago. Back then, Peter Costello introduced big cuts to Labor programs and explained his mission in similar epochal terms.
                                                                                                                                Within five years, various brushes with political mortality shifted the balance inside that government and persuaded Costello’s prime minister, John Howard, to jettison the small-government, tough-medicine talk and to embrace the open-chequebook approach for any voting bloc that looked like it might be getting a little bit wobbly. This proved to be something of an addiction for voters and for Howard.”
                                                                                                                                The Liberals are a wasteland of initiative, pay 'em enough and they will pick winners. Not this time...

                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                dipaha
                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                February 22, 2016, 1:46PM

                                                                                                                              • dave - he may have, although he did seem pretty specific about the size of government. But if you want to try to wordsmith around Stan's statement, knock yourself out.

                                                                                                                                Look like Lance is trying to do the same.

                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                Hacka
                                                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                                                Canberra
                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                February 22, 2016, 1:51PM

                                                                                                                              • @H I agree with ACGs comment elsewhere that Stan would be welcome in AusPol no matter which side he chooses.

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

                                                                                                                            • Imagine how some of the party affiliated people in parliament were told the rules had changed and they had to vote on each piece of legislation independently in the best interests of their electorate. How many would not know how to vote?

                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                              Tucky
                                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                                              Warragul
                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 1:15PM

                                                                                                                              • How many would pass up the opportunity to vote?

                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                Real Politik
                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                February 22, 2016, 1:20PM

                                                                                                                            • lets hope Bob Brown or Christine Milne step in and stop di natale from going though with providing Liberals the support to pass the preferential voting legislation

                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                              #Bring back Christine Milne
                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 1:13PM

                                                                                                                              • She's down at her waterfront (gulp) office in Hobart watching the water levels.

                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                enough is enough
                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                February 22, 2016, 1:19PM

                                                                                                                              • You obviously don't understand how The Greens system works. They have a very democratic process, this isn't just a Di Natale position.

                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                A country gal
                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                February 22, 2016, 1:32PM

                                                                                                                              • Bob Brown introduced this bill in 2008. This is a long time Greens policy.

                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                andrew
                                                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                                                sydney
                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                February 22, 2016, 2:04PM

                                                                                                                              • And being required to form a coalition with another party so you can obtain or retain government isn't a "negative" for the L & N Party, EiE?
                                                                                                                                If you are going to throw stones - make sure there are no glass houses on your side.....

                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                Jump
                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                February 22, 2016, 1:12PM

                                                                                                                            • What parliamentarians don't understand is that, if they made what they do more relevant to everyday people, then there would be no confusion when it comes to voting because the public would be interested. Now it is just a choice between someone who wears a blue, red or green tie with their beige/grey suit.

                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                              Tucky
                                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                                              Warragul
                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 1:11PM

                                                                                                                              • Voting informal never changed anything, ever.

                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                Real Politik
                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                February 22, 2016, 1:18PM

                                                                                                                            • Turnbull's the third oldest to become prime minister, and judging from the pics accompanying this artice, the strain is starting to show.

                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                              Jaaon of Gold Coast
                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 1:10PM

                                                                                                                              • If Turnbull goes to an election early Shorten will be the next Bill Hayden. Gone within two weeks of the PM visiting the GG. Who will replace Mr 21%? Jay Weatherill is the only decent person in the whole of the festering mess of the ALP.

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

                                                                                                                                • Do you notice those figure have risen by 50% in two weeks.

                                                                                                                                  Give it 6 weeks of campaign time and we get to 60%.
                                                                                                                                  Thankyou for that analysis eie.

                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                  fizzybeer
                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                  February 22, 2016, 1:24PM

                                                                                                                                • Didn't you say he'd be gone by last August? Then welched on a bet?

                                                                                                                                  If I didn't make a NY resolution not to challenge my friends from the right to bets (because they never pay up) I'd be asking you to put your money where your rather productive mouth is. But I did, so I won't.

                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                  davemac
                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                  Melbourne
                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                  February 22, 2016, 1:28PM

                                                                                                                                • Turnbull will have to go to an early election now that he's revealed his hand to the crossbenchers. Otherwise the Libs will have to use their new besties the Greens to pass all their legislation.

                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                  blue and green
                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                  February 22, 2016, 1:28PM

                                                                                                                                • Enough, the polls are showing that Malcolm is turning into Mr Lipstick as that is all he is - a different shade of lipstick but the same lack of policies s still there. The new bill on the Senate is an attack on our democratic principles and just for short term political gain but bat what long term cost to the Australian people?

                                                                                                                                  This the act of a desperate government who hasn't been able to get anything done because they don't know how to. The previous government did get policies through because they didn't believe they were entitled to do what ever they wanted but respected the Australian people and negotiated with the minor parties.

                                                                                                                                  Turnbull has shown that he is just like Hockabbott and can't negotiate. For all his smart words he has been shown to be just as lazy as Abbott and is now looking for the easy way out. If he just did his job and put up genuine reform policies that were fair for ALL Australians the minor parties would go away and the need to undermine our democratic principles of over 200 years would go way.

                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                  Lance
                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                  February 22, 2016, 1:33PM

                                                                                                                                • Would take a lot of money to fill it davemac

                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                  fizzybeer
                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                  February 22, 2016, 1:47PM

                                                                                                                                • Bil Hayden was a model for the Fraser Government: his first and only Whitlam Government budget set the trend for those from '75 to '83.

                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                  Quick Comment.
                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                  February 22, 2016, 2:25PM

                                                                                                                              • 11:39am

                                                                                                                                Just how does Meg explain Labor's improved showing in the polls on the back of recent policy announcements?

                                                                                                                                Got a little bit shirty during his presser too, lecturing others on the need to get a party structure etc together if "you want to make a difference in this place".

                                                                                                                                No spots in the Senate for Independent's, according to Meg. Well, we'll see how that attitude goes down with the punters.

                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                Real Politik
                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                February 22, 2016, 1:07PM

                                                                                                                                • 12.56 Go for it Stan, whatever party wooes you, you will be a great addition.
                                                                                                                                  Hope it's not the gLibs, but even there you'll do us proud.
                                                                                                                                  My daughter recently eloped with her beautiful man and thankfully no Protectorates involved. She was never denied entry to a hospital when my grandson was born, unlike your Grandmother.
                                                                                                                                  Go for it!

                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                  A country gal
                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                  February 22, 2016, 1:07PM

                                                                                                                                  • What parliamentarians don't understand is that, if they made what they do more relevant to everyday people, then there would be no confusion when it comes to voting because the public would be interested. Now it is just a choice between someone who wears a blue, red or green tie with their beige/grey suit.

                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                    Tucky
                                                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                                                    Warragul
                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                    February 22, 2016, 1:05PM

                                                                                                                                    • This current situation is very amusing. The Liberals spent nearly 6 years running the mother of all scare campaigns about the Debt claiming that the only solution was to elect a Liberal Government to fix it. What we have now found out is that the scare campaign was just a smokescreen to ram though their Ideological agenda of whipping the poor and giving more tax breaks and handouts to their wealthy mates and donors.

                                                                                                                                      The people luckily caught onto this before it was too late and have rejected the Liberals failed ideology.

                                                                                                                                      Whilst all this has been going on, Bill Shorten and Labour have been quietly working away behind the scenes to develop some well thought out, well researched fair and balanced policies to do serious long term structural repair to the budget. Basically, the Liberals have been trying to scare the daylights out of the voters, so they can ram through their ideology, whilst Bill has come up with the solutions. Bill has turned the Liberals Scare Campaign around on them and taken control of the narrative. Well played Bill. It looks like the year of ideas is paying off after all eh Nuffy!

                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                      Snapperhead
                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                      The Reef
                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                      February 22, 2016, 1:04PM

                                                                                                                                      • $33 billion per year spent on Aboriginal programs and Stan Grant wants less Govt?

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        enough is enough
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        February 22, 2016, 1:03PM

                                                                                                                                        • Your point was?

                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                          Real Politik
                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                          February 22, 2016, 1:16PM

                                                                                                                                        • He may want less of your government .

                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                          fizzybeer
                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                          February 22, 2016, 1:25PM

                                                                                                                                      • So Stan Grant. If we say "not ruling out" = "I'm in", which team do you think he'll join? Definitely on the Left of centre and most likely Labor. I won't rule out Greens or NXT though.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        stevek
                                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                                        Sydney
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        February 22, 2016, 1:02PM

                                                                                                                                        • Fair dinkum, doesn't know which party he'd like to represent?

                                                                                                                                          Doesn't Grant have a values system?

                                                                                                                                          Who'd want a bloke who trails his coat around in the hope of being offered a safe seat from which to launch his one-issue political career?

                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                          Real Politik
                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                          February 22, 2016, 1:14PM

                                                                                                                                        • Maybe he does know but isn't ready to show his hand yet.

                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                          stevek
                                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                                          Sydney
                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                          February 22, 2016, 1:18PM

                                                                                                                                      • Nuffy is apparently colour blind, he thinks blue is green.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        Pen of hrba
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        February 22, 2016, 1:00PM

                                                                                                                                        • The Greens as a party are changing under Di Natale. They have taken away the pension from aged singles in many cases as of 2017, and now they are happy to allow the Coalition a majority Senate vote because the vote of the left will be shared between the Greens and Labor leaving the Coalition with a clear majority.

                                                                                                                                          I hope they become a fading group like the Democrats thanks to Meg Lees doing deals with Howard.

                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                          The Inspector
                                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                                          Geelong
                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                          February 22, 2016, 1:00PM

                                                                                                                                            • I'll probably upset a lot of regular 'Green' posters, but I agree with you - totally!

                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                              Jump
                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 1:21PM

                                                                                                                                            • enough is enough

                                                                                                                                              You're all ears ?

                                                                                                                                              Then you're definitely not a threatened species.

                                                                                                                                              You're well on your way to being a dodo or a moa.

                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                              A Green
                                                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                                                              Australia
                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 12:59PM

                                                                                                                                            • let me see if I can guess - do you 'manage' the yakka skink and the ornamental snake?

                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                              blue and green
                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 12:58PM

                                                                                                                                            • I thought Labor was close to forming a Coalition with them over Meta Data Retention Laws.
                                                                                                                                              Far more of an impost on every Australian than Senate reform.

                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                              A country gal
                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 12:56PM

                                                                                                                                            • more interested in how many con policy has caused eie.

                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                              fizzybeer
                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 12:56PM

                                                                                                                                          • The back flipping luvvies now count Ricky Muir as a great Aussie politician and will defend him together with the ALP. Sticking up for Palmer as well no doubt. Oh my, this is great watching the hypocrisy unravel minute by minute.

                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                            enough is enough
                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                            February 22, 2016, 12:55PM

                                                                                                                                            • And being required to form a coalition with another party so you can obtain or retain government isn't a "negative" for the L & N Party, EiE?
                                                                                                                                              If you are going to throw stones - make sure there are no glass houses on your side.....

                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                              Jump
                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 1:12PM

                                                                                                                                            • eie quite often breaks the glass behind him as he takes his arm back to throw

                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                              davemac
                                                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                                                              Melbourne
                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 1:38PM

                                                                                                                                            • Ha ha eienie...the wyle e coyote of political commentary?

                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                              Beep Beep
                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 1:42PM

                                                                                                                                          • Love to see/hear Hanson-Young and Rhiannon going off their brains about Di Natale swinging the Greens to the right. And they said it would never happen.

                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                            enough is enough
                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                            February 22, 2016, 12:48PM

                                                                                                                                            • .....and it still hasn't.

                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                              davemac
                                                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                                                              Melbourne
                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 12:54PM

                                                                                                                                            • In raptures eie, for the Greens?
                                                                                                                                              Your second coalition partner?
                                                                                                                                              Will DiNatale soon be the deputy deputy PM?

                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                              fizzybeer
                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 12:55PM

                                                                                                                                            • enough is enough

                                                                                                                                              Is like the broken clock.

                                                                                                                                              He's always right twice a day.

                                                                                                                                              Stuck in a rut enough is enough ?

                                                                                                                                              Try the Trump ..... for a longer lasting laugh.

                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                              A Green
                                                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                                                              Australia
                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 12:56PM

                                                                                                                                            • This is self serving self interest at play here....the Greens want the balance of power in the senate again and this will give it to them and not the Coalition. Read Antony Green's analysis. The greens would never lower their intelligence to drift anywhere near the right.

                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                              JT
                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 1:02PM

                                                                                                                                            • Just for clarification, who are 'they'?

                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                              Quick Comment.
                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 1:03PM

                                                                                                                                            • Oh, you mean the Greens are making voting more democratic, well, well well who would have thought?

                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                              Pen of hrba
                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 1:06PM

                                                                                                                                            • its a sad day to be a green,
                                                                                                                                              doing dirty back room deals with liberals and abandoning 2010 coalition partners - the labor party

                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                              #Bring back Christine Milne
                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 1:10PM

                                                                                                                                            • Why is supporting this legislation necessarily swinging the party to the Right? Rhiannon was quoted as saying that the Greens party supports the legislation because, although they are aware that it may be slightly to their immediate disadvantage in terms of representation, they support the principle of open democratic processes and peoples' votes going to who they want them to go to. Oh noes! Principles!

                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                              Richard
                                                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                                                              Melbourne
                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 1:21PM

                                                                                                                                            • The Greens want the balance of power back again in the senate because they sense the ALP will win the house of reps.....then Australia will be back to normal....the LNP snuffed out again.

                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                              JT
                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 1:23PM

                                                                                                                                          • I think the micro parties have been a success, and the larger the variety of views in parliament the better. At the end of the day, Senators should be voting according to what's best for their state, they represent their state above all else. This change will dull the Senate and the states will suffer because of it.

                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                            Variety Australian Style
                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                            February 22, 2016, 12:47PM

                                                                                                                                            • We can all still vote for who we want. It just puts the brakes on the likes of Druery.
                                                                                                                                              Imagine a Senate full of Fred Nile's or Blair Cotrell's?

                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                              A country gal
                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 1:00PM

                                                                                                                                            • The danger is when the party is on the edge of the fringe (or beyond) and the government of the day finds itself wheeling and dealing to try to get its policies through the Senate.
                                                                                                                                              I wouldn't want to see any relaxation of gun control laws in Australia for example,

                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                              stevek
                                                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                                                              Sydney
                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 1:09PM

                                                                                                                                            • stevek, recently there has been a huge groundswell of support in minority groups exactly calling for that.
                                                                                                                                              Read The Weekly Times for proof.

                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                              A country gal
                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 1:12PM

                                                                                                                                            • As a city dweller, it's not one of my preferred sources of info. I agree guns are a tool of trade for farmers but not if that makes it easier for 'cowboys' who want to get their hands on a gun but don't have a good reason for it.

                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                              stevek
                                                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                                                              Sydney
                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 1:29PM

                                                                                                                                            • stevek, that's understandable. To their credit they have been exposing the blackbirding and backpacker wage rip offs in Horticulture.
                                                                                                                                              Interestingly many of the serial posters re the Gun Lobby are city based. The controversy over the Adler had them out in full force. They are back again, with their 'sights' on Canberra.

                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                              A country gal
                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 2:13PM

                                                                                                                                            • Those urban gun lobbyists and Adler enthusiasts would make up a good proportion of the cowboys i referred to.

                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                              stevek
                                                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                                                              Sydney
                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 2:47PM

                                                                                                                                          • "There was green alligators and long-necked geese,
                                                                                                                                            Some humpty backed camels and some chimpanzees.
                                                                                                                                            Some cats and rats and elephants, but sure as you're born,
                                                                                                                                            The loveliest of all was the unicorn."

                                                                                                                                            Thanks to Shel Silverstein.

                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                            Double Disillusion
                                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                                            Sydney
                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                            February 22, 2016, 12:42PM

                                                                                                                                            • To those denouncing the senate Reform, be aware of some real crackpots out there who rely on the current system. We may have dodged a bullet this time but we see ALA, Reclaim Australia, Shooters/Fishers, Country Alliance (renamed to the Country Party) etc and now Fortitude getting set to gain voices.
                                                                                                                                              I expect it is those Parties the Libs will lose votes to.
                                                                                                                                              If Abbott/Hockey hadn't have been so radical I expect those conservatives in the Senate would've voted far more often with the Govt. They are hardly lefties.

                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                              A country gal
                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 12:38PM

                                                                                                                                              • All Meg Di Natale can see is himself deciding every issue from now until eternity.

                                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                                Real Politik
                                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                                February 22, 2016, 12:57PM

                                                                                                                                              • Correct ACG at the election the common thought was that the Libs just had to wait out the Greens balance of power then a compliant senate would pass everything. Reality was somewhat different.

                                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                                davemac
                                                                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                                                                Melbourne
                                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                                February 22, 2016, 1:09PM

                                                                                                                                            • Wouldn't it be a laugh if voters deliberately voted for Ricky Muir next time instead of the coalition.....LOL

                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                              JT
                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 12:38PM

                                                                                                                                              • JT

                                                                                                                                                An even bigger laugh would be if Freedom Boy Tim Wilson missed out on preselection in Goldstien.

                                                                                                                                                Soapy Brandis would have to find another job for him.

                                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                                A Green
                                                                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                                                                Australia
                                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                                February 22, 2016, 1:01PM

                                                                                                                                              • Yes, opposition spokesperson for the freedom to be in opposition!

                                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                                JT
                                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                                February 22, 2016, 1:25PM

                                                                                                                                            • Well trying to pick the best of a band bunch beats an informal or donkey vote, not suggesting that is how you vote.
                                                                                                                                              We are fairly hard on our leaders and often for good reasons but at least we live in a country where we can vote and elections are fair and transparent except for the occasional bit of mischief or tomfoolery leading up to polling day.

                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                              stevek
                                                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                                                              Sydney
                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 12:36PM

                                                                                                                                              • You're on the sticky slide to oblivion Turncoat and good riddance to you, we've already had far too much of your nothing-"leadership" and want nothing more than to see you disappear,permanently

                                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                                Fred bloggs
                                                                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                                                                Castlemaine
                                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                                February 22, 2016, 12:35PM

                                                                                                                                                • The government are once again going to use the Greens to pass some dodgy legislation through the Senate. When are we going to see the Liberal-Nationals-Greens Coalition formally announced? When are they going to come out of the closet?

                                                                                                                                                  - and will eie become a greenie?

                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                  blue and green
                                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                                  should never be seen
                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                  February 22, 2016, 12:33PM

                                                                                                                                                  • I'm more of a Greenie than any of you. Let me know how many threatened species you have managed - I'm all ears.

                                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                                    enough is enough
                                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                                    February 22, 2016, 12:52PM

                                                                                                                                                  • 76, 77 including the dodo.

                                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                                    davemac
                                                                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                                                                    Melbourne
                                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                                    February 22, 2016, 12:55PM

                                                                                                                                                • Potato Head: 'Gosh you could have Bill Shorten as PM.'

                                                                                                                                                  Yes we will, because million of Australians like Mr 14% Mr 19% now Mr 21%. Go Shorten.

                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                  misspunch
                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                  February 22, 2016, 12:33PM

                                                                                                                                                  • Hey Morrison.....I think that this LNP govt of the past 3 years has woken many Australians up from their slumber......they will know who they are voting for and it will be anybody other than an LNP candidate in the senate

                                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                                    JT
                                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                                    February 22, 2016, 12:24PM

                                                                                                                                                    • Nice one ScoMo so you thing voters are dumb.Big mistake. Get your foot out of your mouth.

                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                      Wise One
                                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                                      Great Southern Land
                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                      February 22, 2016, 12:22PM

                                                                                                                                                      • I wonder if some of the Nauruans may become people smugglers and send asylum seekers off to a country that will accept them. How far is New Zealand from Nauru when you bypass Australian waters?

                                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                                        Tucky
                                                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                                                        Warragul
                                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                                        February 22, 2016, 12:17PM

                                                                                                                                                        • Tucky

                                                                                                                                                          The Nauran govt should take a look at how the Vietnamese govt did it.

                                                                                                                                                          5 Refugees = $ausd 55 million.

                                                                                                                                                          Not bad work for a third world country.

                                                                                                                                                          Not forgetting that Vietnam beat the world's "greatest" superpower at war.

                                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                                          A Green
                                                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                                                          Australia
                                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                                          February 22, 2016, 12:44PM

                                                                                                                                                        • Few thousand Km's but some nice island hopping on the way Tuvalu, Fiji.
                                                                                                                                                          NZ is near due South.
                                                                                                                                                          Quite a scenic tour.

                                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                                          A country gal
                                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                                          February 22, 2016, 12:49PM

                                                                                                                                                        • Point taken, A Green, but it was Cambodia, not Vietnam.

                                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                                          Banjo
                                                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                                                          Eden
                                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                                          February 22, 2016, 1:03PM

                                                                                                                                                      • @12.08. Oh Tony. How many economic reform legislation have you guys rejected in the senate. Any wonder the senate needs reforming when the government was given a clear mandate in 2013 after your lot messed the finances.

                                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                                        Piped Piper
                                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                                        February 22, 2016, 12:13PM

                                                                                                                                                        • A clear mandate? Half the legislation never even appeared before the 2013 election....and Abbott lied about all the things he wasn't going to do...and did them anyway. How a couple of years can dull the LNP memory!

                                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                                          JT
                                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                                          February 22, 2016, 12:18PM

                                                                                                                                                        • Fantasy land PP

                                                                                                                                                          Whatever promises the LNP made before the election on economic matters were broken - no cuts etc etc etc. How can you call that a mandate?

                                                                                                                                                          And then there are the ones which they made no mention of before the election - again no possible mandate as they were not put before the election.

                                                                                                                                                          Mandate? Rubbish.

                                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                                          Baldone
                                                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                                                          Canberra
                                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                                          February 22, 2016, 12:18PM

                                                                                                                                                        • Only the ideologically driven unfair ones.

                                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                                          davemac
                                                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                                                          Melbourne
                                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                                          February 22, 2016, 12:19PM

                                                                                                                                                        • If the legislation was any good it would have passed.Labor doesn't have a majority in the Senate. But it makes you argument sound informed doesn't it PP

                                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                                          Wise One
                                                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                                                          Great Southern Land
                                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                                          February 22, 2016, 12:20PM

                                                                                                                                                        • Piped, any Opposition would not be doing its job if it voted in favour of bad legislation. We can only be thankful that the electorate saw fit not to give the Government a Senate majority. Imagine the mess we’d be in had Hockey’s first growth-busting, poor-smacking Budget been waved through unchanged? In recession and with increased poverty, I suspect.

                                                                                                                                                          Oh, and if it really had a ‘mandate’, it would have been given control of both houses. That’s a true mandate.

                                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                                          Gigondas
                                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                                          February 22, 2016, 12:22PM

                                                                                                                                                        • "reform"? Is that what you call picking the pockets of those least able to afford it? Let's recap - "no changes to education, health, social welfare, pensions, ABC and SBS"
                                                                                                                                                          The Senate held Abbott and Hockey to their promises.
                                                                                                                                                          Gillard was able to work with Senate cross-benches. Abbott was not - end of story.

                                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                                          Doug
                                                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                                                          Canberra
                                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                                          February 22, 2016, 12:24PM

                                                                                                                                                        • Clear mandate on the Carbon tax was rejected by the ALP. I seem to recall Joe Hockey talking about ending the age of entitlement yet Family Tax benefits A&B were rejected also by the ALP. Getting the budget back into surplus can either be done by producing unicorns or making tough decisions to haul in spending. Why are you guys so surprised when they introduce spending cuts?

                                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                                          Piped Piper
                                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                                          February 22, 2016, 12:28PM

                                                                                                                                                        • piper - a party is within their rights to defend a policy they implemented in the previous term against an opposition coming into power Steve Bradbury style.

                                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                                          davemac
                                                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                                                          Melbourne
                                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                                          February 22, 2016, 12:53PM

                                                                                                                                                        • Hi Piped - Since you are still flogging the "it's a spending problem not a revenue problem" horse, perhaps you might find this article interesting: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-02-22/verrender-finally-we-have-a-real-tax-reform-debate/7188214

                                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                                          Doug
                                                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                                                          Canberra
                                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                                          February 22, 2016, 1:07PM

                                                                                                                                                      • Will the Green now go the way of the Democrats?

                                                                                                                                                        It is widely accepted that the Dems lost their base when they got into bed with Howard & Costello to bring in the GST. It was seen as a mass betrayal of their voters and the rest is history.

                                                                                                                                                        Now we see the Greens jumping into bed with Turnbull so the voter reaction will be interesting to watch. But then again, the Greens still managed to hold onto their support even after they killed off Labors ETS so who knows what drives their voters.

                                                                                                                                                        However, I would like to know if in their early days, did the Green ever benefit from preference deals? This whole deal smells like the Greens are trying to eliminate their competition by changing the rules to ensure any new Parties cannot take advantage of the rules that allowed them a foot in the door and allowed them to increase their support thanks to the increased recognition you receive once elected.

                                                                                                                                                        Its easy to protect your vote, if you change the rules to make it harder for your opposition.

                                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                                        Snapperhead
                                                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                                                        The Reef
                                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                                        February 22, 2016, 12:13PM

                                                                                                                                                        • 11:37 - on this rare occasion, i have to agree with Di Natale.

                                                                                                                                                          The system is broken, and there's no greater evidence than the state of the nation's finances.

                                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                                          Hacka
                                                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                                                          Canberra
                                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                                          February 22, 2016, 12:08PM

                                                                                                                                                          • I guess you just can't get the poorest people in the country to pay more to fix the finances whilst leaving the rich to get richer! Does the LNP have enough brainpower to realise that yet....after nearly 3 years?

                                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                                            JT
                                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                                            February 22, 2016, 12:13PM

                                                                                                                                                          • The Senate crossbenchers saved the government from the lynch mob by blocking the worst parts of the 2014 budget. If those did go through then nothing would have saved government, not even Turnbull, - and this is how the government repays the crossbenchers for the biggest favour they've ever had?

                                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                                            lynch mob
                                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                                            February 22, 2016, 12:16PM

                                                                                                                                                          • Agree @H we need to have a govt with a plan to fix it fairly and properly, and one that treats the voters like adults.

                                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                                            davemac
                                                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                                                            Melbourne
                                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                                            February 22, 2016, 12:17PM

                                                                                                                                                          • The trick is, Hacka is to cut the spending power of the welfare sector by as much as possible to lower GDP.

                                                                                                                                                            Cut taxes to make the wealthy more so.

                                                                                                                                                            Do not interfere with tax evasion practises, or at the least only superficially for purposes of grandstanding.

                                                                                                                                                            Claim economic troubles are caused by Labor.

                                                                                                                                                            Increase military spending.

                                                                                                                                                            Increase government spending of fossil fuel expansion.

                                                                                                                                                            Continue to wreck the Great Barrier Reef.

                                                                                                                                                            Spend hundreds of millions on religious gullibility in schools.

                                                                                                                                                            And spend billions on Direct Action while claiming it works when it doesn't.

                                                                                                                                                            .

                                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                                            Pen of hrba
                                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                                            February 22, 2016, 12:40PM

                                                                                                                                                          • Hacka

                                                                                                                                                            Trying to get into bed with The Greens now.

                                                                                                                                                            Abbott's going to be mighty pissed with you.

                                                                                                                                                            Even enough is enough might get the pip.

                                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                                            A Green
                                                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                                                            Australia
                                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                                            February 22, 2016, 12:46PM

                                                                                                                                                          • It is always broken when you can't get your own way.
                                                                                                                                                            The senate rejected poor policy for good reason.

                                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                                            fizzybeer
                                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                                            February 22, 2016, 1:01PM

                                                                                                                                                        • Turnbull is running scared.

                                                                                                                                                          His obsequiousness towards our msm is embarrassing...… ‘Yes Sir’, ‘Sir, you’re talking over Lenore’ ‘Thank you for asking me to comment on myself but I’m sure you can answer that much more elegantly.’…...

                                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                                          misspunch
                                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                                          February 22, 2016, 12:05PM

                                                                                                                                                          • Good to go, what's Meg Ryan got to do with the price of eggs.
                                                                                                                                                            A movie I missed perhaps.

                                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                                            A country gal
                                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                                            February 22, 2016, 12:04PM

                                                                                                                                                        • You want to buy a house, try NZ, 500k should get you decent digs, and you would be rid of Australian politics

                                                                                                                                                          Australia, nice place to visit

                                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                                          fiberal
                                                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                                                          darwin
                                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                                          February 22, 2016, 11:55AM

                                                                                                                                                          • Not if you are an asylum seeker. Now Peter Dutton won't even permit asylum seekers to go to New Zealand.

                                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                                            Tucky
                                                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                                                            Warragul
                                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                                            February 22, 2016, 11:57AM

                                                                                                                                                        • 11:39am Di Natalie is a very foolish man. He is obviously trying to stamp himself as a more pragmatic leader of the Greens but I wonder if he truly understands the entire make up of the people that vote Green. I can see many many Greens voters going back to Labor and Adam Bandt must be vey nervous about holding is seat in the house.

                                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                                          monkeybiz
                                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                                          February 22, 2016, 11:48AM

                                                                                                                                                          • monkeybiz ..... and others.

                                                                                                                                                            Unless you are promoting the American system of 2 distinct, unassailable political parties then I would suggest that even more people will be turning to The Greens at the next election.

                                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                                            A Green
                                                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                                                            Australia
                                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                                            February 22, 2016, 11:59AM

                                                                                                                                                          • A Green

                                                                                                                                                            It isn't about promoting the American system. The issue is the timing of the change, doing a back room deal with the LNP and the perception that they are doing it for themselves (balance of power). There are going to be many cynics out there and this change will be easy to shoot down as nothing more than a cynical use of power in the senate for their own gain. Also factor in that many people including Green voters still have serious doubts as to whether the Greens are indeed a progressive party where the ALP actually has concrete progressive policies across tax and climate change. I hold that this is a self destruct moment for the Greens.

                                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                                            monkeybiz
                                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                                            February 22, 2016, 12:13PM

                                                                                                                                                          • monkeybiz

                                                                                                                                                            Is there someone in the Senate that doesn't use their power for personal gain ?

                                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                                            A Green
                                                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                                                            Australia
                                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                                            February 22, 2016, 12:51PM

                                                                                                                                                        • 11.39 Touché Richard.
                                                                                                                                                          The Govt is a policy free zone for the benefit of average Aussies.
                                                                                                                                                          Labor just keep on producing decent policy and you can do it.

                                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                                          A country gal
                                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                                          February 22, 2016, 11:46AM

                                                                                                                                                          • Two failed budgets and the fairness factor will weigh heavily on the electorate. I also think that voters have taken a liking to some of the micros senators because they don't mince their words. This could backfire in a big way and it might cost the Greens more than the LNP.

                                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                                            monkeybiz
                                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                                            February 22, 2016, 12:01PM

                                                                                                                                                          • monkeybiz, well it should serve as a reminder to both Labor and The Greens to preselect more ordinary Aussies, rather than careerists. It's that simple.

                                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                                            A country gal
                                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                                            February 22, 2016, 12:06PM

                                                                                                                                                        • @11.39
                                                                                                                                                          OUCH indeed !!!
                                                                                                                                                          This might not go well with Labor, its like a Green on Red attack,
                                                                                                                                                          And Labor and Greens are supposed to be as close as Liberal and National parties..
                                                                                                                                                          Will Shortern let Dasher loose to criticize the Greens

                                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                                          Johnny
                                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                                          February 22, 2016, 11:42AM

                                                                                                                                                            • They are only that close in the wishful minds of right wing luvvies who can't distinguish between ideas and ideologies and consider any thought o someone doing something for anyone other than themselves is "progressive" or "bleeding heart".

                                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                                              ah ha
                                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 12:00PM

                                                                                                                                                            • Hmmm, neither the Greens or Labor really 'need' each other, whereas the LNP need their cost little coalition to ever have a chance of governing. So Johnny, not a great analogy.

                                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                                              davemac
                                                                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                                                                              Melbourne
                                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 12:30PM

                                                                                                                                                            • Green or red? Isn't it the Right that like to refer to the Greens as watermelons (but I got your drift)

                                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                                              stevek
                                                                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                                                                              Sydney
                                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 12:32PM

                                                                                                                                                          • Seriously, imagine the reality of pensioner couples on $32000 a year ($615 per week) old age pension with a power bill of say $450.00 and a gas bill of say $350 for a total of $800, how do pensioners manage to eat and live? Has anyone seen the profits of the utility companies lately?

                                                                                                                                                            Last August the Climate Institute, Australian Conservation Foundation and WWF-Australia. Based on independent modelling by Jacobs, found that a weakening of the RET would result in:

                                                                                                                                                            $8 billion additional profit to coal and $2 billion to gas generators (net present value of future profits 2015-2030).This includes $2 billion in extra profit for EnergyAustralia, $1.5 billion for Origin and $1 billion for AGL.

                                                                                                                                                            And the LNP will cut the age pension in January 2017?

                                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                                            Pen of hrba
                                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                                            February 22, 2016, 11:42AM

                                                                                                                                                            • A pensioners power bill should be no more than $800 per year. If its more then you are wasting electricity somewhere or are on the wrong plan. Electricity is not the main problem for pensioners.....its insurance...health, car, home insurance ....how much is that per year? ...far more than $800 I believe.

                                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                                              JT
                                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 12:02PM

                                                                                                                                                            • No, the real problem is the value of this insurance, ask the fine people of Christchurch of the value of insurance.

                                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                                              Nuff Nuff
                                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 12:12PM

                                                                                                                                                            • JT

                                                                                                                                                              Written like a true LNP supporter. Err, $800 provides 2162 kwh per year at 0.37 cents per kwh. Divided by 356 days equals 5.92 kwh a day at 37 cents per kwh = $2.19 of power per day.

                                                                                                                                                              A 3kw electric water heater will run approximately 6-10 hours per day depending on the insulation value, so 6 hours at 3kw per hour will cost $6.66 per day and we have not boiled a kettle or watched TV yet?

                                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                                              Pen of hrba
                                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 12:55PM

                                                                                                                                                          • Shame on Greens who are doing dirty deals with Liberals and abandoning Labor on important policy front.
                                                                                                                                                            Have you forgotten the deal which bob brown and gillard did in 2010 when labor won power ?

                                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                                            angry
                                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                                            February 22, 2016, 11:40AM

                                                                                                                                                            • There is nothing dirty about the electoral role changes, they are long overdue and aid democracy.

                                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                                              Pen of hrba
                                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 11:57AM

                                                                                                                                                          • Lets not get to carried away with voting reform in the Senate.The country didn't get what we were promised when the Abbott Liberals were elected.The Senate has worked fairly well after all if the legislation is good it will pass.

                                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                                            Wise One
                                                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                                                            Great Southern Land
                                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                                            February 22, 2016, 11:38AM

                                                                                                                                                            • Amazing how the age old adage comes to the fore. "Whoever plays the game makes the rules." By neatly altering the rules on how to vote, those in power become more entrenched. Does that mean we, the voters, become less enfranchised?

                                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                                              Tucky
                                                                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                                                                              Warragul
                                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 11:37AM

                                                                                                                                                              • Today's Newspoll shows that Labor's competitive, and evidences that policy, rather than platitudes, trump.

                                                                                                                                                                The "Monkey Pod" will be rubbing their hands in glee.

                                                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                Jason of Gold Coast
                                                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                February 22, 2016, 11:37AM

                                                                                                                                                                • Yes the Monkey-Pod are well and truly alive.
                                                                                                                                                                  Team Malcolm and Barnaby will not be re-elected.
                                                                                                                                                                  Morrison is so bad he should be replaced for the good of the Nation.

                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                  Daisy
                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                  February 22, 2016, 12:19PM

                                                                                                                                                              • Next up Donation Reform.

                                                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                A country gal
                                                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                February 22, 2016, 11:37AM

                                                                                                                                                                • ACG

                                                                                                                                                                  Try this :

                                                                                                                                                                  http://disclosure.oscar.org.au/

                                                                                                                                                                  They are doing the job the Feds should be doing.

                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                  A Green
                                                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                                                  Australia
                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                  February 22, 2016, 12:52PM

                                                                                                                                                              • “"It's kind of you to invite me to comment on myself," Mr Turnbull says in a rare display of bashfulness.”

                                                                                                                                                                There’s a fine line between charming self-deprecation and being a smart-@rse. With his diminishing political capital, Malcolm needs to be careful not to tip towards the latter in the public mind.

                                                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                Gigondas
                                                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                February 22, 2016, 11:35AM

                                                                                                                                                                • Got him, Gig. Smiley? The smug and smarmy smirker, more like it.

                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                  Banjo
                                                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                                                  Eden
                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                  February 22, 2016, 12:06PM

                                                                                                                                                                • Trying to come across as the smartest person in the room wears thin after a while. We are getting into smart@rse territory very quickly gig

                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                  davemac
                                                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                                                  Melbourne
                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                  February 22, 2016, 12:32PM

                                                                                                                                                              • He stopped looking ages ago, haha, it's the first thing you see when you log in

                                                                                                                                                                "Featured Comment" time to ditch the rose coloured glasses

                                                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                fiberal
                                                                                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                                                                                darwin
                                                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                February 22, 2016, 11:31AM

                                                                                                                                                                • 11.24
                                                                                                                                                                  I will continue to vote below the line cause there's some that I passionately relish in putting last.

                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                  A country gal
                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                  February 22, 2016, 11:30AM

                                                                                                                                                                  • When voting, can I just say that I prefer none of the people on the form and would much rather prefer someone who actually represented their electorate and not themselves or just their party?
                                                                                                                                                                    That's my kind of preferential voting.

                                                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                    Tucky
                                                                                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                                                                                    Warragul
                                                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                    February 22, 2016, 11:28AM

                                                                                                                                                                    • Yes, perhaps change it to adding up the votes to throw someone out or "ostracise" as the ancient Greeks did.

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

                                                                                                                                                                  • Were we ever a compassionate society? Have we always been a selfish one? We are content to whinge about what we can't afford as middle income people; how bracket creep is ruining our life styles and how rising house prices must continue or we will never make enough capital gains on our investments. Do we worry that the unemployed, young and homeless will never get a home of their own?
                                                                                                                                                                    We treat asylum seekers as numbers and deterrents sending them to offshore detention camps in the 'out of sight and thus out of mind' policy both major parties espouse. When did we stop treating them as people or did we, as our forebears when they first arrived did with the indigenous people, never begin treating others as real people?
                                                                                                                                                                    Our cricket team does well and we are proud to be Australian, but when we scratch deeper than that perhaps we shouldn't be as proud.

                                                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                    Tucky
                                                                                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                                                                                    Warragul
                                                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                    February 22, 2016, 11:25AM

                                                                                                                                                                    • Power is never given, it has to be grabbed, which is what we are witnessing.
                                                                                                                                                                      As Keating quoted Lang: "Always back Self-Interest - it's the only horse with an honest jockey".
                                                                                                                                                                      What Malcolm needs to think about is the possibility of a future Senate where Labor and the Greens hold a majority of the seats, and the possibility of them changing the voting requirements to suit their self-interests.

                                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                      Doug
                                                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                                                      Canberra
                                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                      February 22, 2016, 11:24AM

                                                                                                                                                                  • There is definitely a growing question within the community as to why the Liberals bothered changing leader when they have not changed their policies?

                                                                                                                                                                    When a new Government is Elected, they have had years in opposition which has given them time to develop policy and a direction for the nation, so when they get elected, we have a rough idea what they stand for.

                                                                                                                                                                    When a Government changes leader, it is usually because the new leader has a different idea of where to take the Government and they are looking to put their own agenda in place.

                                                                                                                                                                    Turnbull however, has knifed Abbott, but has then chosen to leave all of Abbotts polices in place, and has done nothing to set his own agenda and plan for the nation. So what was the point?

                                                                                                                                                                    It is starting to look more and more apparent that Turnbull simply wanted the top job and saw an opportunity to grab it. He was spending so much time plotting Abbotts downfall behind the scenes, that he had not even bother to consider what he would do when he won it. This was not about what is best for the Nation, it was all about Turnbull and his lust for power.

                                                                                                                                                                    The people are starting to realise this and Turnbull has now lost his opportunity to cement voters support. We all gave him a chance to set his own agenda and he has been found grossly wanting and in this day and age of politics, I don’t think it will be easy to turn the support back around. Turnbull is seen to be no different to Abbott and that is a perception that will be hard to break.

                                                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                    Snapperhead
                                                                                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                                                                                    The Reef
                                                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                    February 22, 2016, 11:24AM

                                                                                                                                                                    • Well said. And throw in that he's already seen as a failed leader as LOTO.

                                                                                                                                                                      I have to say it has surprised me. I thought MT would be much better 2nd time around. But never underestimate a party completely out of touch with the voters charging head first over the cliff thinking they are on the right path.....

                                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                      davemac
                                                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                                                      Melbourne
                                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                      February 22, 2016, 11:33AM

                                                                                                                                                                    • You tick all the boxes there Snapper.
                                                                                                                                                                      Thing about Mal is, he is just gentler on the ears and eyes.

                                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                      A country gal
                                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                      February 22, 2016, 11:33AM

                                                                                                                                                                    • Perfectly enunciated Snapperead.Spot on.
                                                                                                                                                                      He was given the keys but didn't take the jalopy for a drive.

                                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                      Robp
                                                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                                                      Mt G
                                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                      February 22, 2016, 11:35AM

                                                                                                                                                                    • So what was the point? The far right in the LNP thought they could fool us all yet again. Put Mal in there and we'll win the election...its all about power and prestige not governing for the people, but we can now see through their tactics after a few short months. The only policies that they have favour the rich and are against the middle Australians which have been rejected by the senate.

                                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                      JT
                                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                      February 22, 2016, 11:38AM

                                                                                                                                                                    • When they were in opposition they developed two sets of policies. Public ones and the real ones, which they produced after the election. My guess is that this is probably what they'll try again. They'd be better off just putting out some fair policies !

                                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                      Rod
                                                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                                                      the Coast
                                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                      February 22, 2016, 11:49AM

                                                                                                                                                                  • With all the policy initiatives released by Labor

                                                                                                                                                                    What does this limp government do in response

                                                                                                                                                                    Flag changes to the voting system, hoping this will enable them to force the bulk of the 2014 budget still stuck in the senate, this is the only reason for change

                                                                                                                                                                    To give this repulsive immoral heartless government carte blanche to pass it's vile legislation

                                                                                                                                                                    Why would you vote for these reptiles

                                                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                    fiberal
                                                                                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                                                                                    darwin
                                                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                    February 22, 2016, 11:23AM

                                                                                                                                                                    • Granted the current system of senate voting is not perfect.
                                                                                                                                                                      But dilution of power is an essential part of a democracy, politicians can not be trusted with unfettered power and every time the electorate give it to them they will live to regret it.
                                                                                                                                                                      QLD does not have an upper house and is not a properly functioning democracy, 4 year fixed terms will be a disaster in that context. But that is what both sides of politics want, it is in their interests but not in the voters interests.
                                                                                                                                                                      Voters need to be smart and put their interests first, that means forcing governments to negotiate sensible policy through the senate.

                                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                      MarkC
                                                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                                                      Sunshine Coast
                                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                      February 22, 2016, 11:48AM

                                                                                                                                                                  • 11:16

                                                                                                                                                                    It's not that the changes are all that bad, they are logical and make sense.

                                                                                                                                                                    It's all about the timing. No other visible signs of life from this govt, no time to do anything on SSM and a host of other things that have been issues for ages, but lo and behold, this now gets a guernsey. (I feel like channelling @H and ask 'what about the economy?' But I won't.)

                                                                                                                                                                    The X bench are a wierd lot to be sure, but there's refreshing honesty there. Could do without pompous twits like David L, but would be happy for more like Ricky M.

                                                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                    davemac
                                                                                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                                                                                    Melbourneq
                                                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                    February 22, 2016, 11:22AM

                                                                                                                                                                    • Re your last sentence - me too. I like the idea of a de facto jury to keep the parties honest.

                                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                      Doug
                                                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                                                      Canberra
                                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                      February 22, 2016, 11:31AM

                                                                                                                                                                    • David L is the only true Libertarian in the senate. We need him.The LNP have shifted towards big government with anti-privacy legislation under the guise of counter terrorism. I'd be happy for more Xenophones and less Muirs/Madigans.

                                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                      Piped Piper
                                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                      February 22, 2016, 11:35AM

                                                                                                                                                                    • Me too davemac, so why aren't Parties like Labor, Greens et al preselecting people as such , as Candidates.
                                                                                                                                                                      Major problem is the careerists, staffers who rise to the top.

                                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                      A country gal
                                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                      February 22, 2016, 11:56AM

                                                                                                                                                                    • "The X bench are a wierd lot to be sure, but there's refreshing honesty there."

                                                                                                                                                                      Jacquie L reminds me of Kylie Mole from Comedy Company. She's just gunna go, she's roolly gunna go just totally spack at the Liberals over this, she's just gunna like be totally spitting chips and hating their guts because of this voting change thing.

                                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                      Col'n Carpenter
                                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                      February 22, 2016, 12:04PM

                                                                                                                                                                    • col - think you made my point? Kylie although ficticious was at least a pretty accurate caricature of an actual Aussie? Versus the career pollies we seem to get.

                                                                                                                                                                      piper - any shred of love for Davo evaporated with the gun nut thing. Should be automatic disqualification from parliament in my book.

                                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                      davemac
                                                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                                                      Melbourne
                                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                      February 22, 2016, 12:35PM

                                                                                                                                                                  • Hacka,

                                                                                                                                                                    Good Government ended a lot earlier than 2007.

                                                                                                                                                                    It's 2016 and we're still trying to clean up Howard's excesses in superannuation, capital Gains Tax, handouts to wealthy private schools, medicare concessions for the rich and so on.

                                                                                                                                                                    WITHOUT THESE RORTS FOR THE RICH (which incidentally have been shown not to benefit the economy in any way) THE BUDGET WOULD BE WELL IN THE BLACK.

                                                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                    Good to Go
                                                                                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                                                                                    Melbourne
                                                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                    February 22, 2016, 11:21AM

                                                                                                                                                                    • Stop making sense!!

                                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                      Enough
                                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                      February 22, 2016, 12:51PM

                                                                                                                                                                  • "You should know who you vote for."

                                                                                                                                                                    I agree with Turnbull on one thing...time to get the Greens back with the balance of power in the Senate.....this is how it should be with either LNP or ALP in house of reps. There should never be a dictatorship, either party.

                                                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                    JT
                                                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                    February 22, 2016, 11:19AM

                                                                                                                                                                    • Meg Di Natale having the final say on legislation for the next 20 years? No thanks.

                                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                      Real Politik
                                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                      February 22, 2016, 11:34AM

                                                                                                                                                                  • The senate needs reform. Currently we have people who throw around animal waste for fun and people who think submarines are the spaceships of the 21st century who 5 to 6 people voted for making important decisions for the future of the country and rejecting sound economic reforms.

                                                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                    Piped Piper
                                                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                    February 22, 2016, 11:16AM

                                                                                                                                                                    • I'd rather have a poo flinging Ricky, than a pompous fool like Brandis, sitting thru estimates reading poetry. One has some life experience. The other is there because he'd be useless anywhere else.

                                                                                                                                                                      Maybe if the government of the day presented, then prosecuted the case for these apparently sound economic reforms the Senate might play ball. The last govt didn't have any issue with such a process, and a minority Senate.

                                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                      Rugger
                                                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                                                      Melb
                                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                      February 22, 2016, 11:43AM

                                                                                                                                                                  • Turnbull is 100% correct.
                                                                                                                                                                    You should know who you vote.

                                                                                                                                                                    The big problem for the cons is we now have confirmation that by voting for them and their promises is we always end up with their ideologies instead.

                                                                                                                                                                    Completely unworthy of trust.

                                                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                    fizzybeer
                                                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                    February 22, 2016, 11:14AM

                                                                                                                                                                    • Err, I,m a pensioner having trouble paying my $50 power bill, I was wondering if I can negative gear it?

                                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                      Pen of hrba
                                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                      February 22, 2016, 11:14AM

                                                                                                                                                                      • Yes there is a way, if you're using that power to renovate your sixth appartment !

                                                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                        Rod
                                                                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                                                                        the Coast
                                                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                        February 22, 2016, 11:38AM

                                                                                                                                                                      • No mention of Labor getting into bed will full on passion when the Meta Data Retention laws were passed. What a love in that was.

                                                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                        A country gal
                                                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                        February 22, 2016, 11:14AM

                                                                                                                                                                    • Shame on The Greens to do dirty deals with Liberals, stand with labor and do not let the senate voting reforms pass through.

                                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                      angry
                                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                      February 22, 2016, 11:12AM

                                                                                                                                                                      • I will never again vote for the Greens if they go ahead with this. If they do hope it will be their Meg Lees moment i.e. they cease to exist....

                                                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                        Politicians are Liars
                                                                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                                                                        Ashgrove Electorate
                                                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                        February 22, 2016, 11:59AM

                                                                                                                                                                      • The Greens love the idea of having the balance of power.

                                                                                                                                                                        I used to be a Greens voter, but since Di Natale has been leader they have made poor decisions. ( and my vote) and how will this reflect on them in the future?

                                                                                                                                                                        It is no longer 'a house of review', just a rubber stamp for the Coalition.

                                                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                        The Inspector
                                                                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                                                                        Geelong
                                                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                        February 22, 2016, 1:15PM

                                                                                                                                                                    • @11.08. Much like hitting the phones to change leaders because you don't like the poll numbers and inevitable outcome right Sam?

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

                                                                                                                                                                      • Ask Malcolm for a more up to date analysis.

                                                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                        fizzybeer
                                                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                        February 22, 2016, 11:16AM

                                                                                                                                                                      • That's drawing a very long bow there piper.

                                                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                        davemac
                                                                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                                                                        Melbourneq
                                                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                        February 22, 2016, 11:23AM

                                                                                                                                                                    • Has Malcolm thought this through properly?

                                                                                                                                                                      He has locked himself into an election in July.

                                                                                                                                                                      Labor, the Greens and the Independents will vote down just about everything from here until the Senate is dissolved.

                                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                      Real Politik
                                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                      February 22, 2016, 11:09AM

                                                                                                                                                                      • August to November is good timing...plenty of time for the LNP to further drive that nail into their own coffin......by November their fate will be sealed.

                                                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                        JT
                                                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                        February 22, 2016, 11:09AM

                                                                                                                                                                        • Incredible - LNP had 6 years in Opposition and spent them all on trying to bring Labor down rather than developing any valid or viable policy alternatives to propose to the Aust people. We are now all paying the price because they still have nothing to offer. On the other hand, in 30 months in Opposition, Labor has put its head down, focused on policy, and is now putting up serious policy ideas So we now have an Opposition demonstrating its readiness to govern, and a Government in a policy vacuum, entirely lacking any imagination, delivering mixed messages about taxation.
                                                                                                                                                                          If Turnbull goes for a DD, he will have nothing to sell but himself, and his anti-Labor NG rant last Friday shows his unwillingness to go toe-to-toe on positive ideas.

                                                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                          Doug
                                                                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                                                                          Canberra
                                                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                          February 22, 2016, 11:05AM

                                                                                                                                                                          • Well said. Totally agree.

                                                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                            Wise One
                                                                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                                                                            Great Southern Land
                                                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                            February 22, 2016, 11:20AM

                                                                                                                                                                        • This change regarding senate voting and preferences looks like another Turnbull "judgement" call. It is complicated and will be like the republican referendum in terms of confusing the electorate which means it can only be seen as changes being made as a grab for power. Which is exactly what it is and there is already a very big trust issue with the government.

                                                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                          monkeybiz
                                                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                          February 22, 2016, 11:03AM

                                                                                                                                                                          • Power is never given, it has to be grabbed, which is what we are witnessing.
                                                                                                                                                                            As Keating quoted Lang: "Always back Self-Interest - it's the only horse with an honest jockey".
                                                                                                                                                                            What Malcolm needs to think about is the possibility of a future Senate where Labor and the Greens hold a majority of the seats, and the possibility of them changing the voting requirements to suit their self-interests.

                                                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                            Doug
                                                                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                                                                            Canberra
                                                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                            February 22, 2016, 11:24AM

                                                                                                                                                                        • I am sure we can rely on Turnbull to fashion changes to the electoral system that will not be taken advantage of by anyone other than the cons.
                                                                                                                                                                          Gerrymander for all!

                                                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                          fizzybeer
                                                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                          February 22, 2016, 11:02AM

                                                                                                                                                                          • I would like to protest on behalf of EIE that Gazza has another featured comment.

                                                                                                                                                                            So what if Gazza's contributions are interesting, witty, entertaining and topical....

                                                                                                                                                                            It just demonstrates the SMH's lefty, chardonnay swilling, late-sipping bias.

                                                                                                                                                                            Are you with me on the EIE?

                                                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                            Time to change
                                                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                            February 22, 2016, 10:56AM

                                                                                                                                                                            • Hadn't noticed. Stopped looking a long time ago.

                                                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                              enough is enough
                                                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 10:58AM

                                                                                                                                                                            • Sorry, keep up will you? The chardonnay turned into sauv blanc years ago!

                                                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                              JT
                                                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 10:59AM

                                                                                                                                                                            • JT, think the chardy's cycled back

                                                                                                                                                                              it's all very confusing

                                                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                              rod steiger
                                                                                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                                                                                              toukley
                                                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 2:54PM

                                                                                                                                                                          • After the weekend debacle in Brisbane will the Greens be announcing their Pizza led economic vision? no wonder Dominos share price went crazy last week - insider info of a huge upswing in sales.

                                                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                            enough is enough
                                                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                            February 22, 2016, 10:56AM

                                                                                                                                                                            • Meanwhile Scomo was at the races for two year old unicorns.

                                                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                              Nuff Nuff
                                                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 11:05AM

                                                                                                                                                                            • The Greens are going to be your new best mates after they do a self serving deal to get control of the senate again. No bad words for the greens from now on hey EIE?

                                                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                              JT
                                                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 11:06AM

                                                                                                                                                                          • @10.41. Bill Shorten's "Please Cap" Jeb Bush moment went unreported on the weekend. What is the ALP solution for returning babies to offshore detention centres? I hate to say it but I was cheering on Marr yesterday morning. I'm sick of the collective punishment of babies and children to make people smuggling less attractive and I don't think this is the minority position anymore.

                                                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                            Piped Piper
                                                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                            February 22, 2016, 10:54AM

                                                                                                                                                                            • There is still a lot of them out there piped.
                                                                                                                                                                              There must be, Dutton and Turnbull are playing to them.

                                                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                              fizzybeer
                                                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 11:05AM

                                                                                                                                                                            • One politician has the power to make the difference.

                                                                                                                                                                              Abbott.

                                                                                                                                                                              Convince him of the rightness of your position and he'll swing 15% of voters the other way towards a majority demanding fair and just treatment.

                                                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                              Real Politik
                                                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 11:13AM

                                                                                                                                                                            • i wish you were right

                                                                                                                                                                              we're going to look back on this as our stolen generation/institutional abuse moment

                                                                                                                                                                              looking the other way as tragedy happens

                                                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                              rod steiger
                                                                                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                                                                                              toukley
                                                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 2:29PM

                                                                                                                                                                          • I gotta be honest here, I don't know many Liberal voters who follow rugby league

                                                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                            fiberal
                                                                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                                                                            darwin
                                                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                            February 22, 2016, 10:53AM

                                                                                                                                                                            • Too intellectual for them.

                                                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                              Nuff Nuff
                                                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 11:50AM

                                                                                                                                                                            • League is for people who use their fingers to count - hence the five tackle rule.

                                                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                              William
                                                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 12:40PM

                                                                                                                                                                          • The 2016 election will be a good election to lose.

                                                                                                                                                                            The 2014 Budget was the poorest budget in living memory.

                                                                                                                                                                            It sent the economy down a path of record spends and massive budget deficits.

                                                                                                                                                                            The growth in spending under the Libs has been 3.5% per year IN REAL TERMS.

                                                                                                                                                                            This is a ridiculous level of spending when restraint is required.

                                                                                                                                                                            Already the Libs have put further spends into place that will mean that the Budget Deficits in 2017 - 2019 will be even higher.

                                                                                                                                                                            Like I said - a good election to lose.

                                                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                            Good to Go
                                                                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                                                                            Melbourne
                                                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                            February 22, 2016, 10:52AM

                                                                                                                                                                            • To hell with this losing culture and negativity.
                                                                                                                                                                              We need someone to want to win it and do something.
                                                                                                                                                                              The last six months has been like the previous two years without quite the same need to buy a punching bag.

                                                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                              fizzybeer
                                                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 11:08AM

                                                                                                                                                                          • Just watch the Greens vote plummet on the back of getting into bed with the LNP to stitch up control of the Senate.

                                                                                                                                                                            Meg Di Natale and the other four up for re-election in 2016/17 had better hope for a DD, they'll struggle to get a quota in a normal poll after this grubby little deal.

                                                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                            Real Politik
                                                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                            February 22, 2016, 10:52AM

                                                                                                                                                                            • Yes, RP.

                                                                                                                                                                              This could be The Greens Meg Ryan moment.

                                                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                              Good to Go
                                                                                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                                                                                              Melbourne
                                                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 11:03AM

                                                                                                                                                                          • MMmmm....good profile of our next PM this year.......the rest of the world can't keep up with us ozzies changing PMs.....LOL

                                                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                            JT
                                                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                            February 22, 2016, 10:52AM

                                                                                                                                                                            • The only thing that would collapse if Labor's NG poilcy was introduced, is the massive profits these chancers reap from it

                                                                                                                                                                              Morrison claims that there are more 80k a year workers use NG, bollocks, if you are on 80k yearly, you would struggle to get the deposit together

                                                                                                                                                                              Of course this tripe is said by a guy on 365k a year, plus perks

                                                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                              fiberal
                                                                                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                                                                                              darwin
                                                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 10:52AM

                                                                                                                                                                              • That is 80k to zero....
                                                                                                                                                                                after deductions!
                                                                                                                                                                                Great non work if you can get it.

                                                                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                fizzybeer
                                                                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                February 22, 2016, 10:57AM

                                                                                                                                                                              • 65,000 people reduce their taxable income to LESS THAN ZERO each year.

                                                                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                Good to Go
                                                                                                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                                                                                                Melbourne
                                                                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                February 22, 2016, 11:10AM

                                                                                                                                                                            • Is looking into it the same as getting around to it .....OOO ..

                                                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                              Bill Grieve
                                                                                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                                                                                              Brisbane
                                                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 10:51AM

                                                                                                                                                                              • It would actually be great for our politicians to ask the researches what they are doing!!

                                                                                                                                                                                As a researcher it is critical that you are able to explain in a few sentences what you are doing and why it is interesting to interested but non-scientific people.... even to politicians; perhaps especially to politicians.

                                                                                                                                                                                From the pollies side... they might learn something that helps them shape their policy ideas.

                                                                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                Time to change
                                                                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                February 22, 2016, 10:51AM

                                                                                                                                                                            • Shorten's plans to wreck the Australian home owners market defies logic. Why does the ALP hate hard working home owners who will see 30% depreciation overnight. Has he got a public housing strategy to match his negative gearing policy. He'll need to implement one straight away when 10,000's of mortgage defaults occur.

                                                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                              enough is enough
                                                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 10:50AM

                                                                                                                                                                              • Of course it defies logic. But the thing is, he isn't doing what you say he is.

                                                                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                Real Politik
                                                                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                February 22, 2016, 10:56AM

                                                                                                                                                                              • Go and read the latest reports EiE it's already happening under your clowns .....now what can you come up with....?

                                                                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                Supa350
                                                                                                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                                                                                                Wodonga
                                                                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                February 22, 2016, 10:58AM

                                                                                                                                                                              • EIE As a retired real estate consultant I make the comment your comment is so wrong. Stick to something you know a little about.

                                                                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                Wise One
                                                                                                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                                                                                                Great Southern Land
                                                                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                February 22, 2016, 10:58AM

                                                                                                                                                                              • Einie, are you living in your negatively geared investment property?
                                                                                                                                                                                Does the tax office know?

                                                                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                Nuff Nuff
                                                                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                February 22, 2016, 11:04AM

                                                                                                                                                                              • EIE,

                                                                                                                                                                                Once again the research shows that your argument is completely without foundation.

                                                                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                Good to Go
                                                                                                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                                                                                                Melbourne
                                                                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                February 22, 2016, 11:12AM

                                                                                                                                                                              • So now at least we know who wrote MTs speech on Friday

                                                                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                davemac
                                                                                                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                                                                                                Melbourneq
                                                                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                February 22, 2016, 11:15AM

                                                                                                                                                                              • eie - But you and your LNP fan-boys have been telling us for years that NG doesn’t increase the price of housing yet now you come up with the wild exaggeration that removal of NG on ONLY existing home purchases made after June 2017 will cause a 30% drop in all prices? 30%??? Way to destroy the tiny credibility you might have had.

                                                                                                                                                                                This might be your greatest scaremongering campaign since you guys came up with $100 roasts from CT!

                                                                                                                                                                                PS I was wildly exaggerating when I said you might have had a tiny amount of credibility…. You have ZERO.

                                                                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                QED
                                                                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                February 22, 2016, 11:20AM

                                                                                                                                                                            • The LNP CANNOT be trusted with control over both houses of parliament....it would be a far right dictatorship with legislation going through that had not gone before an election....they would have free reign over ideology and against the public will. They cannot be trusted......eg Campbell Newman in QLD and Abbott & Hockey trying to pass legislation in the last couple of years in which he lied to us about. THEY CANNOT BE TRUSTED

                                                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                              JT
                                                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                              February 22, 2016, 10:48AM

                                                                                                                                                                              • Morning all

                                                                                                                                                                                Good to see bouncing Billy all excited about today's Newspoll. He seems to have missed the last five months worth of polling.

                                                                                                                                                                                To be fair though this is a great result for Labor. Turnbull told us he'd address the budget and economy as a priority, and that Abbott's shortcomings were in that space. If Turnbull doesn't want to be remembered as - like Bill - as Mr 14% (November 2009), he'd better get cracking.

                                                                                                                                                                                The 20th anniversary of the Howard government's appointment is a couple of weeks away, and frankly it seems like good government ended in November 2007. Let's hope of the next few months it can return. Australia deserves better.

                                                                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                Hacka
                                                                                                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                                                                                                Canberra
                                                                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                February 22, 2016, 10:48AM

                                                                                                                                                                                • Were you sleeping through Abbott's 17 months of polling

                                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                  fiberal
                                                                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                                                                  darwin
                                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                  February 22, 2016, 11:01AM

                                                                                                                                                                                • Welcome back Hacka from being awol, we've all missed you, your silence must have been because of your digestation of the lefties N.G. policy.
                                                                                                                                                                                  Anyway, welcome back and remember to keep the faith!

                                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                  DukeofWoyWoy
                                                                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                                                                  Central Coast NSW
                                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                  February 22, 2016, 11:02AM

                                                                                                                                                                                • It is the next 5 months that count hacka.
                                                                                                                                                                                  If turbo is a man of his word??

                                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                  fizzybeer
                                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                  February 22, 2016, 11:11AM

                                                                                                                                                                                • Spoken like a true Richmond supporter.

                                                                                                                                                                                  "But we were in the finals up until R 21!!!!"

                                                                                                                                                                                  On that basis we can go back to polls leading up to Sept last year as well. As Dr Smith would say 'oh the pain....the pain!!!'

                                                                                                                                                                                  By the way @H are you able to decipher the drivel that MT came up with last week re neg gearing? Please assist me to understand the logic?

                                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                  davemac
                                                                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                                                                  Melbourne
                                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                  February 22, 2016, 11:30AM

                                                                                                                                                                                • Duke - not sure that Labor's NG policy is the deficit-busting policy the nation has been looking for. Some seem to think it's the best thing since sliced bread, others think it's a stinker. Either way, most people seem to agree it will slow down property investment. Can't see how that's a particularly good outcome.

                                                                                                                                                                                  The fact remains that the budget is a basket case, and we are seriously heading down the Grecian pathway. I'm starting to think that despite the risks, a full governmental reset is required in the shape of Senate reforms and a double dissolution.

                                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                  Hacka
                                                                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                                                                  Canberra
                                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                  February 22, 2016, 11:36AM

                                                                                                                                                                                • Hacka...try getting any decent economist who is apolitical to say we are going down the Greek pathway.....get a grip and cut out the deliberate brainwashing propaganda please?

                                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                  JT
                                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                  February 22, 2016, 11:54AM

                                                                                                                                                                                • Oh dear - there certainly has been no Good Govt since October 2013 - can't even negotiate with the Senate to pass legislation

                                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                  Banish Blue Ties
                                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                  February 22, 2016, 12:41PM

                                                                                                                                                                                • yes please , double down on the dissolution!!

                                                                                                                                                                                  6 DDs

                                                                                                                                                                                  1 with a govt Senate majority

                                                                                                                                                                                  2 with no change

                                                                                                                                                                                  3 with opposition electoral victory!!

                                                                                                                                                                                  tides rushing out and Mal weighs anchor ..... oops, stranded ..

                                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                  rod steiger
                                                                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                                                                  toukley
                                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                  February 22, 2016, 2:14PM

                                                                                                                                                                              • That's another dead duck " voting reform " that will never pass through the Senate ..

                                                                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                Bill Grieve
                                                                                                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                                                                                                Brisbane
                                                                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                February 22, 2016, 10:46AM

                                                                                                                                                                                • I am a staunch believer in the two-party system. For deciding the government in the House.

                                                                                                                                                                                  The Senate? I like it just the way it is and Mr Muir is a good example of how the voting method we have is working well and shouldn't be radically altered to enable the majors to simply carve it up every time we go to the polls.

                                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                  Real Politik
                                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                  February 22, 2016, 10:43AM

                                                                                                                                                                              • Does Shorten get his lines from primary school student focus groups? 7 year old comedy routines won't get him anywhere unless he is after the Playschool voting block.

                                                                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                enough is enough
                                                                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                February 22, 2016, 10:43AM

                                                                                                                                                                                • Given he has already wrapped up the sensible vote he may as well start focusing on people like you.

                                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                  ah ha
                                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                  February 22, 2016, 10:54AM

                                                                                                                                                                                • Possibly true eie.
                                                                                                                                                                                  I am sure he regards anyone with more common sense than the government as a valuable and worthwhile contributor to the national well being.

                                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                  fizzybeer
                                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                  February 22, 2016, 10:55AM

                                                                                                                                                                                • EIE call it what you will with Bill, but regardless of a poll of two, which I find ridiculous, I find it amusing that you still defend these people. All the rubbish about jobs and growth. Complete rubbish.

                                                                                                                                                                                  And did you see that independent economic review of the Liberal and Labour governments performances on managing the economy? Well as it turns out your LNP mates aren't as good a economic managers that they would have us believe.

                                                                                                                                                                                  Like you, I used to be a die hard Liberal once. ONCE

                                                                                                                                                                                  And believe it or not I like the Australian newspaper at times. Believe it or not........

                                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                  Former Liberal Voter
                                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                  February 22, 2016, 11:08AM

                                                                                                                                                                                • Great fire lighter FLV.
                                                                                                                                                                                  Incendiary writing.

                                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                  fizzybeer
                                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                  February 22, 2016, 11:21AM

                                                                                                                                                                              • It looks like the yanks are going to do an Abbott?

                                                                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                Pen of hrba
                                                                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                February 22, 2016, 10:43AM

                                                                                                                                                                                • Obviously they are slow learners in the US. Pick an outspoken, loutish boofhead, and make him leader of the free world. What could go wrong.? At least our own boof didn't impact other nations. And we got the sense to turf him out when we couldn't stand his antics any longer.

                                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                  Robp
                                                                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                                                                  Mt G
                                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                  February 22, 2016, 11:43AM

                                                                                                                                                                                • Yes, he hasn't wasted his opportunity too much except for perhaps an ill-advised alliance with PUP. The point is that under a reform that removes preference dealing would mean less pandering to fringe parties on the cross benches in order to get policies through and candidates like Ricky would never get in.
                                                                                                                                                                                  The other side is that it would likely mean another Labor or Liberal senator.

                                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                  stevek
                                                                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                                                                  Sydney
                                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                  February 22, 2016, 10:42AM

                                                                                                                                                                              • What do you do if you cannot, get your torturous budget through the senate, why Ollie, you change the rules to suit ones self

                                                                                                                                                                                Then your unfair budget will be passed, you know the one where the poor unfortunates get it in the rear, and our backers continue to have a free hit

                                                                                                                                                                                I always say, if you wan't to get ahead in life, get a good well paid job

                                                                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                fiberal
                                                                                                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                                                                                                darwin
                                                                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                February 22, 2016, 10:40AM

                                                                                                                                                                                • This is their nail in the coffin.....Shorten doesn't have to do a thing...the LNP will kill itself....political suicde is good karma.

                                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                  JT
                                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                  February 22, 2016, 10:55AM

                                                                                                                                                                                • Those 'poor unfortunates' you refer to, can you please clarify who they are and exactly what it is they get that is so unfair? I personally have no sympathy for anyone 'poor' unless they have a physical or mental disability and therefore have large medical costs and difficulty getting a job.

                                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                  Who are they?
                                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                  February 22, 2016, 1:57PM

                                                                                                                                                                              • Its good news week
                                                                                                                                                                                The LNP has dropped another bomb somewhere
                                                                                                                                                                                Contaminating atmosphere
                                                                                                                                                                                And blackening the sky

                                                                                                                                                                                Its good news week
                                                                                                                                                                                Someone's found a way to get more wealth
                                                                                                                                                                                Welfare is robbed by stealth
                                                                                                                                                                                Turnbull will never die
                                                                                                                                                                                Until waved goodbye

                                                                                                                                                                                Have you heard the news
                                                                                                                                                                                The nasties have the blues
                                                                                                                                                                                They look like they will lose the race?
                                                                                                                                                                                Mud all over their face.

                                                                                                                                                                                Its good news week
                                                                                                                                                                                Families shake of the need for gold
                                                                                                                                                                                By stimulating emigration
                                                                                                                                                                                Left out in the cold

                                                                                                                                                                                Its good news week
                                                                                                                                                                                Doctors fee are up in many ways
                                                                                                                                                                                The LNP wrapping brains in moral decay
                                                                                                                                                                                To keep us antigay

                                                                                                                                                                                Its good news week
                                                                                                                                                                                The LNP’s dropped more coal somewhere
                                                                                                                                                                                Contaminating atmosphere
                                                                                                                                                                                And blackening the sky

                                                                                                                                                                                Its good news week
                                                                                                                                                                                Someone's found a way to give
                                                                                                                                                                                Those of wealth will live
                                                                                                                                                                                Go on and never die

                                                                                                                                                                                Have you heard the news
                                                                                                                                                                                What did it say?
                                                                                                                                                                                Who will win that race?
                                                                                                                                                                                What's the weather like today?
                                                                                                                                                                                What's climate change like today?

                                                                                                                                                                                Its good news week
                                                                                                                                                                                Families can’t afford a house
                                                                                                                                                                                The LNP is a louse.
                                                                                                                                                                                Wanting more to eat

                                                                                                                                                                                Its good news week
                                                                                                                                                                                The Nasties have a leak
                                                                                                                                                                                They plan to wrap up our brains
                                                                                                                                                                                To keep us from climate heat
                                                                                                                                                                                To keep us from climate heat
                                                                                                                                                                                To keep us from climate heat

                                                                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                Pen of hrba
                                                                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                February 22, 2016, 10:38AM

                                                                                                                                                                                • Now we know what fills in your weekend time. Could you post an Executive Summary?

                                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                  enough is enough
                                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                  February 22, 2016, 10:54AM

                                                                                                                                                                                • limited concentration span

                                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                  rod steiger
                                                                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                                                                  toukley
                                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                  February 22, 2016, 1:56PM

                                                                                                                                                                              • Newspol has the 2PP split 50/50. What an exciting time to be an Australian.

                                                                                                                                                                                This result is not surprising. The people had high hopes that Turnbull would turn away from the disastrous Abbott Polices and they were willing to give him a chance to do it, as we saw with his high approval ratings. But now, 6 Months Later, despite all the big talk and high hopes, the people have realised that Turnbull is no different to Abbott and the same toxic Ideology still rules the Liberal Party.

                                                                                                                                                                                We also have the recent Roberts affair and when this is added to the Brough, Briggs and Bronnie scandals, among others, the people have realised that the Culture within the party is toxic and there seems to be no inclination that they intend to clean up their act, and stop using their elected office for their own personal gain.

                                                                                                                                                                                So when you combine the two, you have Abbott era ideology attacking the Poor and Middle class, whilst leaving the top 20% untouched, plus you have a party that seems incapable of separating their own personal business from that of their elected position and they see no issue with using their Position to do favours for their big business mates and donors. The Liberals need to realise that a flashy new salesman won’t make a bit of difference whilst they cling to the same failed ideology of whipping the Poor, whilst protecting the Tax Rorts for the Rich.

                                                                                                                                                                                It appears that only an election defeat will make the Liberal Party wake up and realise that they are here to represent the whole country and the days of protecting the top 20% are long gone. The Revolution is coming.

                                                                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                Snapperhead
                                                                                                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                                                                                                The Reef
                                                                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                February 22, 2016, 10:38AM

                                                                                                                                                                                  • Great summary.
                                                                                                                                                                                    May I just add,

                                                                                                                                                                                    I don't trust them.

                                                                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                    fizzybeer
                                                                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                    February 22, 2016, 10:53AM

                                                                                                                                                                                  • Mondo Rock's Chemistry immediately sprung to mind my mind when I saw that pic. Could the words become a message to BS and his electoral chances?
                                                                                                                                                                                    "But once in a long while if something comes your way
                                                                                                                                                                                    You can wash it down the drain or make it your own
                                                                                                                                                                                    Well don't waste it
                                                                                                                                                                                    Don't throw it away
                                                                                                                                                                                    If the chemistry is right
                                                                                                                                                                                    If the chemistry is there ...etc"

                                                                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                    stevek
                                                                                                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                                                                                                    Sydney
                                                                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                    February 22, 2016, 10:36AM

                                                                                                                                                                                • Look at the kind of government we have. They create a Senate reform to suit them. Good Australia is waking up that this government that has nothing to offer.

                                                                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                  Junk
                                                                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                  February 22, 2016, 10:32AM

                                                                                                                                                                                  • Can someone please check if there has been a supplementary flag hoisted over The Lodge beneath the Aussie flag and if so is it a 'Jolly Roger', and if so it will mean more deception and lies, lies, lies, or is it a 'plain white' flag, which would mean total capitulation?????

                                                                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                    DukeofWoyWoy
                                                                                                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                                                                                                    Central Coast NSW
                                                                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                    February 22, 2016, 10:29AM

                                                                                                                                                                                    • No flag sighted but you can hear strains of 'aaaaarrrrrg - me earties' and 'pieces of eight, pieces of eight' as you pass by.

                                                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                      davemac
                                                                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                                                                      Melbourne
                                                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                      February 22, 2016, 10:38AM

                                                                                                                                                                                    • Just had a look.
                                                                                                                                                                                      Flags not my specialty, looked like upside down Australian flag with a Chinese one on top.

                                                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                      fizzybeer
                                                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                      February 22, 2016, 10:47AM

                                                                                                                                                                                    • think it's a unicorn rampant

                                                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                      rod steiger
                                                                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                                                                      toukley
                                                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                      February 22, 2016, 2:11PM

                                                                                                                                                                                    • Sickle and unicorn?

                                                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                      Nuff Nuff
                                                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                      February 22, 2016, 2:26PM

                                                                                                                                                                                  • 10:19

                                                                                                                                                                                    What's your favourite type of test-tube?

                                                                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                    davemac
                                                                                                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                                                                                                    Melbourne
                                                                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                    February 22, 2016, 10:28AM

                                                                                                                                                                                    • Mondo Rock's Chemistry immediately sprung to mind my mind when I saw that pic. Could the words become a message to BS and his electoral chances?
                                                                                                                                                                                      "But once in a long while if something comes your way
                                                                                                                                                                                      You can wash it down the drain or make it your own
                                                                                                                                                                                      Well don't waste it
                                                                                                                                                                                      Don't throw it away
                                                                                                                                                                                      If the chemistry is right
                                                                                                                                                                                      If the chemistry is there ...etc"

                                                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                      stevek
                                                                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                                                                      Sydney
                                                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                      February 22, 2016, 10:36AM

                                                                                                                                                                                    • It would actually be great for our politicians to ask the researches what they are doing!!

                                                                                                                                                                                      As a researcher it is critical that you are able to explain in a few sentences what you are doing and why it is interesting to interested but non-scientific people.... even to politicians; perhaps especially to politicians.

                                                                                                                                                                                      From the pollies side... they might learn something that helps them shape their policy ideas.

                                                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                      Time to change
                                                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                      February 22, 2016, 10:51AM

                                                                                                                                                                                    • Libs just sacked the water safety scientists in Sydney Catchment

                                                                                                                                                                                      aguile, minble, nonnyvative

                                                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                      rod steiger
                                                                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                                                                      toukley
                                                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                      February 22, 2016, 2:17PM

                                                                                                                                                                                  • Gee, I didn't realise the extreme far left now like The Australian. How times change. I'll pass on your best wishes and thanks.

                                                                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                    enough is enough
                                                                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                    February 22, 2016, 10:27AM

                                                                                                                                                                                    • Crisis meeting is obviously over. Morniing eie!.

                                                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                      meganjj
                                                                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                                                                      melbourne
                                                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                      February 22, 2016, 10:35AM

                                                                                                                                                                                    • Confected Joy.

                                                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                      Lefty Luvvie
                                                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                      February 22, 2016, 10:41AM

                                                                                                                                                                                    • I didn't realise that any extreme far left ie communists wrote on this site? Do they and if so who are they?

                                                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                      JT
                                                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                      February 22, 2016, 10:41AM

                                                                                                                                                                                    • I thought the majority here are just moderate social democrats and the few far right nutters are here also!

                                                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                      JT
                                                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                      February 22, 2016, 10:42AM

                                                                                                                                                                                    • Best wishes to Murdoch hey Nuffy?

                                                                                                                                                                                      Anti climate change.

                                                                                                                                                                                      Pro big business and tax evasion.

                                                                                                                                                                                      Water table vandal.

                                                                                                                                                                                      Ten out of ten for fossil fuels.

                                                                                                                                                                                      Democracy means oligarchy.

                                                                                                                                                                                      There you go, Nuffy right up your street.

                                                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                      Pen of hrba
                                                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                      February 22, 2016, 10:51AM

                                                                                                                                                                                    • Pass on my best wishes for their emerging commonsense and enlightenment.

                                                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                      fizzybeer
                                                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                      February 22, 2016, 10:51AM

                                                                                                                                                                                    • Crikeys, who kicked the ants nest? oopps, it was me.

                                                                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                                                                      enough is enough
                                                                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                                                                      February 22, 2016, 10:53AM
                                                                                                                                                                                  Comments are now closed