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Politics Live: March 15, 2016

Date

Senior writer

View more articles from Stephanie Peatling

Email Stephanie

Hello and welcome to the start of another sitting week. Will it be the last week before the government goes all crazy na na and decides to have an early double dissolution election? Will the budget be moved? Will we even find out the answers to these questions?

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  • @ tucky 11-49 a.m..........WRONG ! Australia became a sovereign nation on MARCH 3rd. 1986 , when eight Australian acts came into effect simultaneously at 5 a.m. on that date .Before that moment ...we were merely a self governing part of the british nation with the status of a 'domimion '

    Commenter
    redips
    Date and time
    March 15, 2016, 5:03PM

    • After today the Greens no longer have the high moral ground in the Australian parliament and can never claim it again. Social justice over political expediency? Maybe yesterday but not today nor never again can the Greens claim this.

      Commenter
      RTP
      Date and time
      March 15, 2016, 5:02PM

      • Do you mean you only have one moderator? Cost cutting gone mad.

        Commenter
        Pluto
        Location
        Melbourne
        Date and time
        March 15, 2016, 4:41PM

        • There was no vote on SSM or the ABCC.
          There was a vote on whether to change the orders of the Senate to allow the legislation to be considered.
          Don't know why the cross beanchers wanted that as they all plan to vote against it anyway,a vote.

          Commenter
          andrew
          Date and time
          March 15, 2016, 4:39PM

          • 4.18 pm All good Steph, but warn incoming that Enough is Enough cannot always be taken seriously, Piped is slowly seeing the light and Hacka, well he's just being Hacka. I managed to keep up and enjoyed the day so job well done, time we all retire to the bar and more merriment tomw.

            Commenter
            Adults
            Location
            Illawarra
            Date and time
            March 15, 2016, 4:34PM

            • Di Natale has taken his flock out of the wilderness of the bottom of the garden. Hopefully they will have a good wash, dump the hemp clothing and look on the bright side of life.

              Commenter
              enough is enough
              Date and time
              March 15, 2016, 4:34PM

              • 4.18 pm. Doing very well on a very challenging day for many bloggers here. I'm going out to buy a black skivvy to celebrate.

                Commenter
                enough is enough
                Date and time
                March 15, 2016, 4:32PM

                • Why is there zero coverage on Shortens Press Club speech?

                  I Heard he slapped down some of the dopey MSN....

                  I wait I just answered my own question.
                  *Awaits this comment being shuffled quickly off the page.*

                  Commenter
                  Jules
                  Location
                  Melbourne
                  Date and time
                  March 15, 2016, 4:28PM

                  • 4:18pm. Stephanie, don't you have an understudy moderator? They do at the opera.

                    Commenter
                    Pluto
                    Location
                    Melbourne
                    Date and time
                    March 15, 2016, 4:28PM

                    • @4:18, I hope my snide, insulting and demeaning comments about the failings of the Fairfax Microbee weren’t taken personally, Steph! I hold no human responsible (other than, perhaps, whoever is in change of the Fairfax technology budget). Please pass on my apologies to the temporary moderator (and my thanks for actually publishing all my posts today).

                      Commenter
                      Gigondas
                      Date and time
                      March 15, 2016, 4:28PM

                      • 4:18 - Stephanie - hope your absent mod gets better.

                        In the meantime i'd be more than pleased to help out, gratis. Is it just a matter of choosing "Publish" or "Reject" once they've been read and a decision made ?

                        Would be completely impartial of course (eie may get a few features though, pro rata with posting frequency).

                        Commenter
                        Hacka
                        Location
                        Canberra
                        Date and time
                        March 15, 2016, 4:27PM

                        • So Greg Hunt reckons Australia's greenhouse gas emissions peaked 10 years ago. Maybe he can explain the latest ABS figures showing employment in the renewable energy sector has decreased by 27%. There's no point asking Turnbull, he'd hand pass it to Morrison who would inturn have no clue. Pass the policy parcel all to the theme from the Benny Hill show.

                          Commenter
                          Conservative disease
                          Date and time
                          March 15, 2016, 4:20PM

                          • The Gonski fraud continues to be found to be a con job.

                            Commenter
                            enough is enough
                            Date and time
                            March 15, 2016, 4:19PM

                            • Bishop should make Hanson-Young a Special envoy to Iran. Sarah could use her diplomatic skills and pleasantries to make generational change in matters such as climate change, SSM, gender equality, religious freedom. Pack your bags Sarah, the world is waiting for you.

                              Commenter
                              enough is enough
                              Date and time
                              March 15, 2016, 4:17PM

                              • The Tapas Bars will go into melt down tonight. The chattering class will be switching from Chardonnay to cheap Sherry. There are going to be lots of headaches in the morning.

                                Commenter
                                enough is enough
                                Date and time
                                March 15, 2016, 4:14PM

                                • Is Labor making a play for the Greens vote? Maybe some of these Greens voters need reminding that the ALP is the party that voted for metadata retention, mandatory detention, jailing of whistleblowers in O/S detention centres. I'm sure when the more progressives voters sit down and weigh up the option they'll go for the lesser of two evils. The guy who voted for senate reform to make it more reflective of the popular vote rather than the spineless guy who voted for mandatory detention of kids because he was afraid of a little wedgie.

                                  Commenter
                                  Piped Piper
                                  Date and time
                                  March 15, 2016, 4:13PM

                                  • DWM: Also as I said earlier, i'd rather take my figures from the independent Treasury (as I did) and not Market Economics and of all places The Age.

                                    Commenter
                                    housemartin
                                    Location
                                    hong kong
                                    Date and time
                                    March 15, 2016, 4:12PM

                                • I see. Birmingham claims that schools whose funding was reduced actually improved their performances in NAPLAN.

                                  Cool. Wonder if that would work for politicians.

                                  Commenter
                                  Banjo
                                  Location
                                  Eden
                                  Date and time
                                  March 15, 2016, 4:11PM

                                  • Pen, your thoughts on the Greens capitulation to the LNP? come on, normally you have plenty to say.

                                    Commenter
                                    enough is enough
                                    Date and time
                                    March 15, 2016, 4:11PM

                                    • Picture at 1:40. Could the LNP please stop forcing pulp down that chute on ScoMo's head. The resulting rubbish that ensues from his mouth is very displeasing.

                                      Commenter
                                      Skuze Me
                                      Date and time
                                      March 15, 2016, 4:09PM

                                      • So yet another slave visa passed by the Govt.
                                        Permanent $3 PH foreign maritime workers.
                                        Do they want anyone to have a job?

                                        Commenter
                                        A country gal
                                        Date and time
                                        March 15, 2016, 4:04PM

                                        • Oh deary me. The ALP negative gearing shambolic policy has been ripped to pieces by experts including a piece written in Sunday's SMH. What a stupid thought bubble policy.
                                          Turnbull ripped into Bowen during QT - hang on, why isn't Turnbull's great slap down of Bowen not reproduced here on the Pulse?

                                          Commenter
                                          enough is enough
                                          Date and time
                                          March 15, 2016, 4:01PM

                                          • @3.56 - I hope Dutton was a good boy and played with his toys quietly in the corner.

                                            Commenter
                                            ah ha
                                            Date and time
                                            March 15, 2016, 3:58PM

                                            • Dutton doesn't like to see anyone in detention.

                                              Pull the other one, it's got bells on it.

                                              Commenter
                                              Jason of Gold Coast
                                              Date and time
                                              March 15, 2016, 3:53PM

                                              • He doesn't like us to see anyone in detention. Or read about them. Or think or hear about them.

                                                Commenter
                                                jofek
                                                Date and time
                                                March 15, 2016, 4:57PM

                                            • @ Acg:

                                              Bravo Zulu on being re-gonged.

                                              I've always maintained that the Senate is far more entertaining than the House.

                                              Commenter
                                              Jason of Gold Coast
                                              Date and time
                                              March 15, 2016, 3:51PM

                                              • Cheers there Jason, yes the Senate a whole different ball game.
                                                All day much to Eaawwwh's discomfort.

                                                Commenter
                                                A country gal
                                                Date and time
                                                March 15, 2016, 4:02PM

                                            • Daylight saving is a pain.

                                              That said, Dreyfus is once again onto something, forensically taking Mr. Silvertails apart, bearing in mind that in politics, perception is everything.

                                              Perhaps at last he's decided to take Tom Hughes' advice, but I doubt it'll last.

                                              Commenter
                                              Jason of Gold Coast (awash with silvertails)
                                              Date and time
                                              March 15, 2016, 3:47PM

                                              • The greens have betrayed their values, their policies, their principles and their supporters. Shame on them. They are heading down the same path as the Democrats, and their own elimination.

                                                Commenter
                                                Jeff
                                                Date and time
                                                March 15, 2016, 3:47PM

                                                • No coverage of Bill's NPC speech.

                                                  Did we find out what specifically he means by "full employment" ?

                                                  Commenter
                                                  Hacka
                                                  Location
                                                  Canberra
                                                  Date and time
                                                  March 15, 2016, 3:45PM

                                                    • It means people like you and eie will have to find a real job unless you are otherwise retired like the rest of us.

                                                      Commenter
                                                      ah ha
                                                      Date and time
                                                      March 15, 2016, 3:51PM

                                                    • Hacka. Latest unemployment figure (Official ABS) January 2016 is 5.8%. When it reached zero % - that's full employment. Lesson ends.

                                                      Commenter
                                                      roll me own durries
                                                      Location
                                                      Perth
                                                      Date and time
                                                      March 15, 2016, 3:55PM

                                                    • durries - thanks for that. Sounds like you're saying that Bill's dream is unachievable. Imagine that.

                                                      Commenter
                                                      Hacka
                                                      Location
                                                      Canberra
                                                      Date and time
                                                      March 15, 2016, 3:58PM

                                                    • Let's hope it means repealing all these dodgy visas. Another one today, $3 PH maritime workers.

                                                      Commenter
                                                      A country gal
                                                      Date and time
                                                      March 15, 2016, 4:06PM

                                                    • We'll never have zero unemployment. The generally accepted figure for full employment is 5%. What are far more concerning are the rates of underemployment and the casualisation of labour.

                                                      Commenter
                                                      Banjo
                                                      Location
                                                      Eden
                                                      Date and time
                                                      March 15, 2016, 4:07PM

                                                    • roll me, that not even right. Full employment is higher than 0% unemployment.

                                                      Commenter
                                                      adrian
                                                      Date and time
                                                      March 15, 2016, 4:19PM

                                                    • He agrees with me that the MUA organiser brings "diversity" to the ALP in Fremantle.
                                                      Poor ALP supporters in Fremantle !

                                                      Commenter
                                                      andrew
                                                      Date and time
                                                      March 15, 2016, 4:32PM

                                                    • I believe it's usually deemed to be 5% unemployment

                                                      Commenter
                                                      Speak2us
                                                      Date and time
                                                      March 15, 2016, 4:40PM

                                                  • Andrew Meares should do the Suffragette thing and chain himself to the doors of the Senate Chamber.

                                                    Commenter
                                                    Pluto
                                                    Location
                                                    Melbourne
                                                    Date and time
                                                    March 15, 2016, 3:44PM

                                                    • DWM: You can go back as far as you like. The central point is what was handed to Labor 07-13 who then spent it all and then some, wrecked the economy leaving the coalition what we have now. It is a fruitless experience by you in going back so far.

                                                      The fact is Labor 07-13 wrecked what was handed to them so generously and now we are paying for it.

                                                      Commenter
                                                      housemartin
                                                      Location
                                                      hong kong
                                                      Date and time
                                                      March 15, 2016, 3:38PM

                                                  • I see Sweet Julie was waving at Tanya. Seems there is something Jules is good for, but unfortunately it is not her portfolio.

                                                    Commenter
                                                    The Lad
                                                    Location
                                                    4340
                                                    Date and time
                                                    March 15, 2016, 3:31PM

                                                    • Well said. I couldn't find a away to say that politely.

                                                      Commenter
                                                      Banjo
                                                      Location
                                                      Eden
                                                      Date and time
                                                      March 15, 2016, 3:40PM

                                                    • Give her credit, she does know a thing or two about eggplants.

                                                      Commenter
                                                      Pluto
                                                      Location
                                                      Melbourne
                                                      Date and time
                                                      March 15, 2016, 3:49PM

                                                    • Pluto, another use for that excess salt.

                                                      Commenter
                                                      A country gal
                                                      Date and time
                                                      March 15, 2016, 4:07PM

                                                  • The Greens and the tories, what an unholy alliance.

                                                    Commenter
                                                    The Lad
                                                    Location
                                                    4340
                                                    Date and time
                                                    March 15, 2016, 3:29PM

                                                      • it would be unthinkable 6 months ago
                                                        Greens seem to have abandoned their core supporters to focus on expansion of seats

                                                        Commenter
                                                        tintin
                                                        Date and time
                                                        March 15, 2016, 3:36PM

                                                      • @ tintin:

                                                        It's more than appearance: they have abandoned their base.

                                                        In my experience there are two professions unsuited for poltical office: doctors, including similiar disciplines, and former defence force officers, both in general being naive of the political process.

                                                        Commenter
                                                        Jason of Gold Coast (awash with diehard Tories)
                                                        Date and time
                                                        March 15, 2016, 4:53PM

                                                    • Much quieter and notably more civil over in The Senate.
                                                      They must be all worn out and exhausted after this morning's efforts.

                                                      Commenter
                                                      A country gal
                                                      Date and time
                                                      March 15, 2016, 3:21PM

                                                      • The Senate didn't sit this morning, 12.30pm start

                                                        Commenter
                                                        wrong again
                                                        Date and time
                                                        March 15, 2016, 3:26PM

                                                      • only morning in QLD and WA wrong again

                                                        Commenter
                                                        fizzybeer
                                                        Date and time
                                                        March 15, 2016, 3:30PM

                                                      • wrong again, it's just so good to have the occasional 'win' isn't it?

                                                        Commenter
                                                        davemac
                                                        Location
                                                        Melbourne
                                                        Date and time
                                                        March 15, 2016, 3:31PM

                                                      • Oh, how pedantic "wrong again" I could be in Perth for all you know. But i'm not, will earlier suffice!

                                                        Commenter
                                                        A country gal
                                                        Date and time
                                                        March 15, 2016, 3:37PM

                                                      • for us in the USA it was last night!

                                                        Commenter
                                                        Nick
                                                        Date and time
                                                        March 15, 2016, 3:59PM

                                                    • Perhaps the government is waiting for Rumpelstiltskin to show up with all this "wait and see" business.

                                                      Commenter
                                                      tasch2
                                                      Location
                                                      Mornington Peninsula
                                                      Date and time
                                                      March 15, 2016, 3:17PM

                                                      • Oh no.

                                                        Not more platitudes by Dear New Leader.

                                                        It's now all about "transitioning".

                                                        Now about that debt/deficit crisis...

                                                        Commenter
                                                        Jason of Gold of Coast (awash with debtors)
                                                        Date and time
                                                        March 15, 2016, 3:15PM

                                                        • Exactly, Jason, it's all platitudinous waffle seeded with buzzwords.

                                                          By the way, I understand the Gold Coast is also awash with property developers and real estate speculators.

                                                          Commenter
                                                          Banjo
                                                          Location
                                                          Eden
                                                          Date and time
                                                          March 15, 2016, 3:39PM

                                                      • FYI

                                                        Having been recently informed that I am a Category 1 for surgery I am not going to waste any more time with enough is enough.

                                                        And the way this website misbehaves it looks like many loyal Fairfax media readers won't stay with it either.

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

                                                        • All best for surgery, A Green.

                                                          Commenter
                                                          Banjo
                                                          Location
                                                          Eden
                                                          Date and time
                                                          March 15, 2016, 3:27PM

                                                        • good luck champ.
                                                          We will try to keep eenie on his toes until your return.

                                                          Commenter
                                                          fizzybeer
                                                          Date and time
                                                          March 15, 2016, 3:32PM

                                                        • Yeah I concur best of luck AG.
                                                          Best you ignore the other medical hazard on here.

                                                          Commenter
                                                          A country gal
                                                          Date and time
                                                          March 15, 2016, 3:39PM

                                                        • Today was no doubt the tipping point. Good luck.

                                                          Commenter
                                                          enough is enough
                                                          Date and time
                                                          March 15, 2016, 4:05PM

                                                      • 2:40pm Is that a halo over Scott M's head?

                                                        Commenter
                                                        andrew
                                                        Date and time
                                                        March 15, 2016, 3:14PM

                                                        • Alex and Andrew are very good at finding halo and corona effects.

                                                          But note that in Scott's case it's a very small halo which appears to have slipped.

                                                          Commenter
                                                          Banjo
                                                          Location
                                                          Eden
                                                          Date and time
                                                          March 15, 2016, 3:26PM

                                                        • No, it looks like an exhaust pipe- to let off all that pent up steam he acquires in QT and whilst being interviewed.

                                                          Commenter
                                                          A country gal
                                                          Date and time
                                                          March 15, 2016, 3:41PM

                                                      • 3.01 I see the best minister in the world is still putting out the garbage.

                                                        Commenter
                                                        Banjo
                                                        Location
                                                        Eden
                                                        Date and time
                                                        March 15, 2016, 3:08PM

                                                        • ...best minister for the environment awarded by OPEC because the only environment they have left is desert.
                                                          ...still with a desert, no need to worry about AGW?

                                                          Commenter
                                                          Vote Mal Eat Pal
                                                          Date and time
                                                          March 15, 2016, 3:16PM

                                                        • he's given up on saving the great barrier reef, cant remember 1 good thing Hunt has done after taking over the portfolio of environment

                                                          Commenter
                                                          shattered green voter
                                                          Date and time
                                                          March 15, 2016, 3:19PM

                                                        • No need for roo poo with the stuff the Government is throwing around. It would just get lost amongst the rest of the excrement.

                                                          Commenter
                                                          blah
                                                          Date and time
                                                          March 15, 2016, 3:03PM

                                                      • Any truth to the rumour the LNP's campaign slogan "All the way with the IPA".

                                                        Commenter
                                                        mirrorsofsmoke
                                                        Location
                                                        Sydney
                                                        Date and time
                                                        March 15, 2016, 3:00PM

                                                        • The true owners of the very small church.

                                                          Commenter
                                                          fizzybeer
                                                          Date and time
                                                          March 15, 2016, 3:11PM

                                                        • I can't wait for "Shorton 17." The ALP have a monopoly on well thought out slogans. What about one from their biggest supporters, "United we Stand, Divided we Fall" I think Gillard and Rudd must have missed that one.

                                                          Commenter
                                                          Sure
                                                          Date and time
                                                          March 15, 2016, 3:19PM

                                                        • It's most apt, and does have a nice little jingle about it, even if JFK was a Demo.

                                                          Commenter
                                                          A country gal
                                                          Date and time
                                                          March 15, 2016, 3:24PM

                                                      • The old Turnbull suggested, and promised much in 2009.
                                                        Now.
                                                        He has reached his personal pinnacle and begins the slide to obscurity.
                                                        And all his own doing.
                                                        He could have been a champion, but went straight to being a never wazza.

                                                        Commenter
                                                        fizzybeer
                                                        Date and time
                                                        March 15, 2016, 3:00PM

                                                        • Ricky M - suggest that you give Dreyfus some roo poo to throw around. Might be more useful than the crap he is peddling today.

                                                          Commenter
                                                          djw
                                                          Date and time
                                                          March 15, 2016, 3:00PM

                                                          • No need for roo poo with the stuff the Government is throwing around. It would just get lost amongst the rest of the excrement.

                                                            Commenter
                                                            blah
                                                            Date and time
                                                            March 15, 2016, 3:03PM

                                                        • It's despicable that Morrison calls the aged pension a welfare payment.

                                                          Commenter
                                                          Amro
                                                          Date and time
                                                          March 15, 2016, 2:57PM

                                                          • he is the typical con.
                                                            Everyone but him is a leaner, especially for one lucky enough to survive to pension age.

                                                            Commenter
                                                            fizzybeer
                                                            Date and time
                                                            March 15, 2016, 3:02PM

                                                          • Not the most endearing bloke.
                                                            But the Pensioners will still blindly and foolishly vote for them.

                                                            Commenter
                                                            A country gal
                                                            Date and time
                                                            March 15, 2016, 3:06PM

                                                          • No less a welfare payment than any other government handout.

                                                            Commenter
                                                            Outrage Detector
                                                            Date and time
                                                            March 15, 2016, 3:07PM

                                                          • ACG. They might get a surprise this year especially from part pensioners.

                                                            Commenter
                                                            Amro
                                                            Date and time
                                                            March 15, 2016, 3:09PM

                                                          • Yes ACG, pensioners are fools, nice one.

                                                            Commenter
                                                            Sure
                                                            Date and time
                                                            March 15, 2016, 3:14PM

                                                          • Yep, highly likely on that front Amro. I recall they also at one stage wanted to remove the right of Nursing Home residents the right to vote at all, that's gone quiet.

                                                            Commenter
                                                            A country gal
                                                            Date and time
                                                            March 15, 2016, 3:17PM

                                                          • Sure, nice way to mangle my comment, a big difference between fools and acting foolishly.
                                                            I know many local elderly Pensioners and see them foolishly vote for the gNats every single election- against their own interests.
                                                            So rusted on they blindly just take the one green and gold "How Too".

                                                            Commenter
                                                            A country gal
                                                            Date and time
                                                            March 15, 2016, 3:29PM

                                                          • So acting foolish and being a fool are different, right. LOL. Clutching much?

                                                            Commenter
                                                            Sure
                                                            Date and time
                                                            March 15, 2016, 4:05PM

                                                        • 2:48 - Bill's demonstrating a real appetite for (self) destruction here. Those tobacco excise changes have been panned as raising minimal income, while hurting Labor voters more than anyone.

                                                          Why would he amplify his policy here in QT by pretending it's smart politics ?

                                                          With apologies to Guns and Roses.

                                                          Commenter
                                                          Hacka
                                                          Location
                                                          Canberra
                                                          Date and time
                                                          March 15, 2016, 2:55PM

                                                          • One rogue IPSOS doesn't mean destruction.

                                                            And within said rogue IPSOS, your man not looking so good.......

                                                            Remember, ideas are a good thing. Maybe email Malcolm and let him know.

                                                            Commenter
                                                            davemac
                                                            Location
                                                            Melbourne
                                                            Date and time
                                                            March 15, 2016, 3:07PM

                                                          • Hacka

                                                            It might be just enough to stop people to stop smoking, haven't the LNP also flagged this?

                                                            So that is a Dead Horse my apologies to Gunn an Roses also, your post has little Bad Medicine to it.

                                                            Pity we don't live in a Paradise City

                                                            Commenter
                                                            Buffalo Bill
                                                            Location
                                                            Sydneys Northshore
                                                            Date and time
                                                            March 15, 2016, 3:09PM

                                                          • But hacka, Mal has claimed ownership of it from 2009.
                                                            Is Mal following infinite precedent and telling a lie!
                                                            Oh no, never ever!

                                                            Commenter
                                                            fizzybeer
                                                            Date and time
                                                            March 15, 2016, 3:13PM

                                                          • Let me guess on your meaning...like the poor not driving...only Labor voters are ignorant enough to smoke

                                                            Commenter
                                                            Drige
                                                            Date and time
                                                            March 15, 2016, 3:22PM

                                                          • Delete the word Bill, insert the words "Scott Morrison" and you have it right. Morrison makes Eleventy appear almost competent

                                                            Commenter
                                                            roll me own durries
                                                            Location
                                                            Perth
                                                            Date and time
                                                            March 15, 2016, 3:37PM

                                                          • @davemac it was a skewed poll, because it came before the government and IS backed down on their totally wrong funding figures and lies about Labor's Negative Gearing and CGT policy.

                                                            Commenter
                                                            The Lad
                                                            Location
                                                            4340
                                                            Date and time
                                                            March 15, 2016, 3:38PM

                                                          • Nice one Buff, using your illusion there. You're throwing some Bon Jovi in there too. No Sweet Child reference ?

                                                            As for the ciggies, they're already about 75% tax, does Bill really want to lose votes over it ?

                                                            Commenter
                                                            Hacka
                                                            Location
                                                            Canberra
                                                            Date and time
                                                            March 15, 2016, 3:41PM

                                                        • So if I understand this correctly, the government is jamming through a reform of the voting process for the senate hurriedly passed AND then an election soon called.

                                                          Is that strangely undemocratic to anyone - what about some consultation and committee.

                                                          Commenter
                                                          stratti
                                                          Location
                                                          melbourne
                                                          Date and time
                                                          March 15, 2016, 2:53PM

                                                          • The Libs did form a committee a couple of weeks, which committee then presented its report within 24 hours. I think it's called giving the illusion of due and democratic process.

                                                            Commenter
                                                            Banjo
                                                            Location
                                                            Eden
                                                            Date and time
                                                            March 15, 2016, 3:04PM

                                                        • How many Greens politicians will resign to join the ALP and how many ALP politicians will resign to join the Greens? It's a merry go round that's only going to get faster. Hang on lefties!

                                                          Commenter
                                                          enough is enough
                                                          Date and time
                                                          March 15, 2016, 2:50PM

                                                          • Get faster? Faster than what?

                                                            Commenter
                                                            Bob Flutie
                                                            Location
                                                            Adelaide
                                                            Date and time
                                                            March 15, 2016, 3:07PM

                                                          • Zero.

                                                            Whereas if Macca had his way.....

                                                            But don't let having nothing to back up a rant stop you.

                                                            Commenter
                                                            davemac
                                                            Location
                                                            Melbourne
                                                            Date and time
                                                            March 15, 2016, 3:08PM

                                                          • And how many liberals will resign to be replaced by ultra-right conservatives which will send the country further down the gurglar.

                                                            Commenter
                                                            The Lad
                                                            Location
                                                            4340
                                                            Date and time
                                                            March 15, 2016, 3:41PM

                                                        • Hacka has gone into a state of non compos mentis on learning that unemployment numbers do not figure with Hacka's claim of needed revised employment rules.

                                                          Commenter
                                                          Pen of hrba
                                                          Date and time
                                                          March 15, 2016, 2:47PM

                                                          • 1.55
                                                            Abbott at the back in position A.
                                                            Both hands in pockets making sure he has enough knives.
                                                            Payback time, again, after the election.

                                                            Commenter
                                                            fizzybeer
                                                            Date and time
                                                            March 15, 2016, 2:46PM

                                                            • Fairfax Microbee 2: And now I've done a complete loop- comments have disappeared and I've been invited to be the first to comment (a forlorn hope, that position daily being taken by Hacka who receives it as an instruction rather than an invitation).

                                                              Commenter
                                                              Gigondas
                                                              Date and time
                                                              March 15, 2016, 2:44PM

                                                              • I've been invited to be the first to comment four times today, Gig.

                                                                Commenter
                                                                Banjo
                                                                Location
                                                                Eden
                                                                Date and time
                                                                March 15, 2016, 2:55PM

                                                              • I just picture @H there, finger poised, hitting Refresh every 10 seconds like he's waiting at Ticketek.com for Bananarama tickets to go on sale......

                                                                Commenter
                                                                davemac
                                                                Location
                                                                Melbourne
                                                                Date and time
                                                                March 15, 2016, 2:56PM

                                                              • I've had the first comment appear a couple of times. Reload didn't help. Opened a new window, much better than it has been in the past.
                                                                davemac, that's classic!!!!

                                                                Commenter
                                                                A country gal
                                                                Date and time
                                                                March 15, 2016, 3:03PM

                                                              • Bananarama?
                                                                ...more like Bay City Rollers?

                                                                Commenter
                                                                Vote Mal Eat Pal
                                                                Date and time
                                                                March 15, 2016, 3:14PM

                                                              • VMEP, all that tartan!

                                                                Commenter
                                                                A country gal
                                                                Date and time
                                                                March 15, 2016, 3:44PM

                                                            • The Greens made a huge mistake by selecting Di Natale as leader.
                                                              bob brown or christine milne would never sel out of basic green left socialist progressive principle and do dirty deals with liberals.
                                                              in GQ he even goes further that he will not refuse to think about a coalition with Liberals saying never say never.
                                                              Ludlum or even Bandt would have been a better choice to lead the greens instead of Di Natale

                                                              Commenter
                                                              shattered green voter
                                                              Date and time
                                                              March 15, 2016, 2:42PM

                                                              • shattered green voter

                                                                Time and tide waits for no man.

                                                                Commenter
                                                                A Green
                                                                Location
                                                                Australia
                                                                Date and time
                                                                March 15, 2016, 2:51PM

                                                              • Saying "never, say never" was a foolish comment.
                                                                Can't work out what was behind that.
                                                                Ludlum will make an excellent Leader one day.

                                                                Commenter
                                                                A country gal
                                                                Date and time
                                                                March 15, 2016, 2:52PM

                                                              • Di Natale's "pragmatism with principle" is right for the times and has my wholehearted support. Reform to democratise the Senate voting system has been Greens' policy since 2004. Now's our chance to implement that policy. Labor also supported a similar reform, but is now in negative opposition mode.

                                                                Commenter
                                                                Old Green
                                                                Location
                                                                Canberra
                                                                Date and time
                                                                March 15, 2016, 3:02PM

                                                              • Old Green, just wished they'd pushed for Donor Reform in the deal. They go hand in hand, and an excellent bargaining chip.
                                                                And yes Labor seem to have just gone into opposition mode.
                                                                People forget how in bed they were over MD Retention for fear of being wedged.

                                                                Commenter
                                                                A country gal
                                                                Date and time
                                                                March 15, 2016, 3:10PM

                                                              • The Greens are now nothing but 2nd class tories.

                                                                Commenter
                                                                The Lad
                                                                Location
                                                                4340
                                                                Date and time
                                                                March 15, 2016, 3:45PM

                                                            • I see that Nuffy is still trying to bring the tone of the conversation into the nursery room where screaming and ranting attract attention.

                                                              Commenter
                                                              Pen of hrba
                                                              Date and time
                                                              March 15, 2016, 2:41PM

                                                              • Pen, I'll go out and plant a tree for you. That should brighten up your day. Any particular species?

                                                                Commenter
                                                                enough is enough
                                                                Date and time
                                                                March 15, 2016, 2:52PM

                                                            • 2:03 - 21/2 years and we finally get a straight answer (well until they change their minds).

                                                              Commenter
                                                              John
                                                              Date and time
                                                              March 15, 2016, 2:40PM

                                                              • 1.55 Nearly as many in the pic than yesterday's little RSL soiree. Except these present today aren't all fans.

                                                                Commenter
                                                                A country gal
                                                                Date and time
                                                                March 15, 2016, 2:38PM

                                                                • Pyne talking about building sites is the same as Hunt talking about Climate Change.

                                                                  Commenter
                                                                  A Green
                                                                  Location
                                                                  Australia
                                                                  Date and time
                                                                  March 15, 2016, 2:37PM

                                                                  • Watch out. Ricky might have some roo poo in his pocket.

                                                                    Commenter
                                                                    djw
                                                                    Date and time
                                                                    March 15, 2016, 2:37PM

                                                                    • Dreyfus in the dregs again I read.

                                                                      Commenter
                                                                      andrew
                                                                      Date and time
                                                                      March 15, 2016, 2:34PM

                                                                      • Well he IS asking a question of an LNP member so kind of difficult to avoid really.

                                                                        Commenter
                                                                        ah ha
                                                                        Date and time
                                                                        March 15, 2016, 2:37PM

                                                                      • Whatever you reckon, pal.

                                                                        Commenter
                                                                        napier
                                                                        Date and time
                                                                        March 15, 2016, 2:43PM

                                                                      • Not the type of lawyer I would hire. Not even to get off a parking ticket.

                                                                        Commenter
                                                                        djw
                                                                        Date and time
                                                                        March 15, 2016, 2:44PM

                                                                      • djw
                                                                        a certain tow truck driver might have a recommendation for your counsel when you need it.

                                                                        Commenter
                                                                        fizzybeer
                                                                        Date and time
                                                                        March 15, 2016, 2:50PM

                                                                      • Nay, Dreyfus on the forensic march again - remember Mr. Robert; I don't.

                                                                        A company ripping off its workforce is not a good look unless you're a diehard Tory.

                                                                        Commenter
                                                                        Jason of Gold Coast (awash with diehard Tories)
                                                                        Date and time
                                                                        March 15, 2016, 4:33PM

                                                                    • Is Stephanie on strike or are the ALP questions now worth mentioning??
                                                                      Are they that bad today as I can't see it live???

                                                                      Commenter
                                                                      andrew
                                                                      Date and time
                                                                      March 15, 2016, 2:33PM

                                                                      • Still recovering from the Senate vote

                                                                        Commenter
                                                                        enough is enough
                                                                        Date and time
                                                                        March 15, 2016, 2:35PM

                                                                      • I'll make it easy for you andrew:

                                                                        Labor: "Do you have any policies?"
                                                                        Libs: "No."

                                                                        Commenter
                                                                        davemac
                                                                        Location
                                                                        Melbourne
                                                                        Date and time
                                                                        March 15, 2016, 2:38PM

                                                                    • @2:03
                                                                      Barnaby muses on the hidden meaning of Malcolm’s Windsor knot, Scott implores his leader to do something, anything!, Malcolm reflects on the fickleness of public adoration, and Christopher, in the search of the ultimate boogie, consults Nostrildamus.

                                                                      Commenter
                                                                      Gigondas
                                                                      Date and time
                                                                      March 15, 2016, 2:31PM

                                                                      • Just curious, has anyone seen Turnbull's Table lately? Looks like it's morphed into a "Turntable". Spinning around and around echoing a strange scratching noise. Not good when the old Turntable 'Plays Up" is it Malcolm.

                                                                        Commenter
                                                                        Conservative disease
                                                                        Date and time
                                                                        March 15, 2016, 2:26PM

                                                                        • This will be a most interesting election campaign considering that the present leaders of all the Parties have never done it before.

                                                                          Solidarity and unity will be the name of the game but how many can stay on message will be the question.

                                                                          Commenter
                                                                          mirrorsofsmoke
                                                                          Location
                                                                          Sydney
                                                                          Date and time
                                                                          March 15, 2016, 2:25PM

                                                                          • But the difference is, one side has at least 73 policies out in the public arena, the other side has been too gutless to government for the past 6 months.

                                                                            Commenter
                                                                            The Lad
                                                                            Location
                                                                            4340
                                                                            Date and time
                                                                            March 15, 2016, 3:50PM

                                                                        • If Shorten is so concerned about voting reform, perhaps he should look at the ALP leadership process that saw the rank and file vote be denied in the face of heavy lobbying from powerful unions on caucus members to back Shorten.

                                                                          Commenter
                                                                          Piped Piper
                                                                          Date and time
                                                                          March 15, 2016, 2:25PM

                                                                          • That seems suspiciously similar to what the Coalition/Greens Coalition propose. Denying rank and file parties the ability to decide what they do with the votes cast for them in the face of lobbying from the major parties.

                                                                            Whats your point.

                                                                            Commenter
                                                                            blah
                                                                            Date and time
                                                                            March 15, 2016, 2:36PM

                                                                          • Piped, Labor gives the rank and file a say in who will be leader. I'm not sure at what point you think Labor ever said the rank and file would decide who will be leader. Was there a rank and file vote when Mr Shiny got the top LNP job? Surely your opinion on how the leadership should be determined doesn't only apply to the Party you don't vote for?

                                                                            Commenter
                                                                            jofek
                                                                            Date and time
                                                                            March 15, 2016, 2:39PM

                                                                          • Good point. By the way how's Bronnie going?

                                                                            Commenter
                                                                            davemac
                                                                            Location
                                                                            Melbourne
                                                                            Date and time
                                                                            March 15, 2016, 2:39PM

                                                                          • How come the big influx of more IPA recruits piped?
                                                                            No other candidates, or a takeover of your broad church?
                                                                            More Abbott supporters coming in to the party room each week.
                                                                            Trouble looming.
                                                                            Soon have the numbers for the 15% GST.

                                                                            Commenter
                                                                            fizzybeer
                                                                            Date and time
                                                                            March 15, 2016, 2:40PM

                                                                          • Piped. Good point but the LNP don't want Labor to further reform how they vote for a leader. They'd hate to see Albanese as leader as he'd be more popular and may swing a couple of % Labors way

                                                                            Commenter
                                                                            Jessica
                                                                            Date and time
                                                                            March 15, 2016, 3:30PM

                                                                          • Labor gives 50% weighting to the registered rank and file and 50% weighting to the parliamentary caucus on choosing a federal leader.

                                                                            Commenter
                                                                            The Lad
                                                                            Location
                                                                            4340
                                                                            Date and time
                                                                            March 15, 2016, 3:52PM

                                                                        • 2.06
                                                                          What rubbish.
                                                                          Getting rid of full preferential voting will disenfranchise anyone who don't put a major party first.

                                                                          Commenter
                                                                          Steve
                                                                          Date and time
                                                                          March 15, 2016, 2:24PM

                                                                          • WOW - this week promises to be a bigger shenanigans than the entire RGR combined.

                                                                            Lets get on with it and vote the LNP people out. Can't manage anything let alone deal with the Senate. Funny how the previous government did just that very thing.

                                                                            Commenter
                                                                            Former Liberal voter
                                                                            Date and time
                                                                            March 15, 2016, 2:23PM

                                                                            • With the Treasurers announcement of the Budget Date has May 10 has that not effectively ended the possibility of a double dissolution?

                                                                              If it was going to be called it would have to be called on May11, but the Government has to pass at least some supply bills before it can enter election mode.

                                                                              Commenter
                                                                              Philvarce
                                                                              Location
                                                                              Brisbane
                                                                              Date and time
                                                                              March 15, 2016, 2:22PM

                                                                              • Just had "422 new comments". Is this the new way of saying "NaN new comments".?

                                                                                The Fairfax Microbee hasn't worked at all well since they replaced the 3 and a half inch floppy boot disk with the 5 and a quarter. I suggest they turn it off and turn it back on again. Or install one of those new fangled hard drives.

                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                Gigondas
                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                March 15, 2016, 2:19PM

                                                                                • Yeah mine's haywire as well. When my feed does work its just 99% eie, surely that can't be right?

                                                                                  eie - have you broken the Internet?

                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                  davemac
                                                                                  Location
                                                                                  Melbourne
                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                  March 15, 2016, 2:23PM

                                                                                • Might be tied into those mail server problems that Labor have experienced ?

                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                  Hacka
                                                                                  Location
                                                                                  Canberra
                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                  March 15, 2016, 2:24PM

                                                                                • Fairfax IT, we're talking rubber bands still, I closed my eyes and asked Santa for an upgrade, even Santa couldn't deliver.

                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                  Adults
                                                                                  Location
                                                                                  Illawarra
                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                  March 15, 2016, 2:34PM

                                                                                • I suggest that Fairfax outsource their IT immediately like everything else!

                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                  andrew
                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                  March 15, 2016, 2:37PM

                                                                                • davemac, hope you are ok. Pen, ACG and AGreen seem to be looking rather pale and sickly. Yes, I think the ABC is trying to crash the internet. They don't like what's happening in Canberra today. Nothing to see apparently.

                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                  enough is enough
                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                  March 15, 2016, 2:39PM

                                                                                • hacka
                                                                                  where is George?
                                                                                  He has the power if not the knowledge.

                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                  fizzybeer
                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                  March 15, 2016, 2:42PM

                                                                                • fine thanks eie, but you'd know that from your sledging on non politics related pages. You naughty boy you.

                                                                                  But why are you so excited today? You feel a cunning plan taking shape by the Libs? Yeah, that's not gunna end in tears,,,,,

                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                  davemac
                                                                                  Location
                                                                                  Melbourne
                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                  March 15, 2016, 2:58PM

                                                                              • Is Clive trying to get some of his sacked workers Super released?
                                                                                He has some gall.

                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                A country gal
                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                March 15, 2016, 2:19PM

                                                                                  • no, just reaching out to Labor.

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    djw
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 2:26PM

                                                                                  • dj well he owes the ALP as they put him into Parliament.

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    andrew
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 3:21PM

                                                                                • Complete waste of time Labor whinging about Senate Reform.

                                                                                  They've had 20 years to know that The Greens were going to do it.

                                                                                  Might as well get The Greens to fix the Budget deficit while they are at it because both major political parties have shown they are incapable of doing it.

                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                  A Green
                                                                                  Location
                                                                                  Australia
                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                  March 15, 2016, 2:16PM

                                                                                  • The Greens are almost as broken as Labor and the LNP.

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    jofek
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 2:24PM

                                                                                  • Finally out of hiding or have you been busy cancelling your membership.

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    enough is enough
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 2:26PM

                                                                                  • The Greens have also been longing for Donor Reform which both in the Duopoly refuse to even entertain. So beholden to the money pots from lobbyists.
                                                                                    I believe you can't have one without the other and a Fed ICAC to boot.

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    A country gal
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 2:26PM

                                                                                • I see the ALP is preparing for diversity in the next election campaign pre-selecting a MUA union organiser to run in Fremantle.
                                                                                  .

                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                  andrew
                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                  March 15, 2016, 2:16PM

                                                                                  • well they would hardly recruit an IPA operative.
                                                                                    They are all taken.
                                                                                    28.
                                                                                    An old man compared to Minister Roy.

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    fizzybeer
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 2:23PM

                                                                                  • Well it was going to be a choice between the MUA guy and Ricky Muir, given their current infatuation with the latter.

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    djw
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 2:24PM

                                                                                • The rate Wong is going, Abetz is going to have to suspend the Senate while she regains control of herself. Is this a variant of the filibuster perhaps?(it might save her from being dumped down the ALP SA Senate ticket once again)

                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                  Smack
                                                                                  Location
                                                                                  City of the Fallen
                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                  March 15, 2016, 2:13PM

                                                                                  • You mean the bit about trying to get them to debate their own urgent bill? Yeah that doesn't make sense to me either, unless the Libs have an ulterior m.....hang on a minute...

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    davemac
                                                                                    Location
                                                                                    Melbourne
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 2:24PM

                                                                                  • Wasn't so urgent before when Labor didn't realise their Senate seats & controlling block were at stake eh davemac? My, Wong now has all the zeal of a born again missionary stalking the plains of Plibersek's Africa.

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    Smack
                                                                                    Location
                                                                                    City of the Fallen
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 2:40PM

                                                                                • Turnbull is destroying Shorten. Can Sam come into QT and throw the towel in before there is too much damage. Oh the humanity.

                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                  enough is enough
                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                  March 15, 2016, 2:12PM

                                                                                  • Oh the imagination!

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    jofek
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 2:25PM

                                                                                  • Some-one should invoke the mercy rule for the Lexicon of Lettuce, he looks somewhat wilted....leave him out in the sprinklers on the lawns of PH, perhaps

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    Smack
                                                                                    Location
                                                                                    City of the Fallen
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 2:29PM

                                                                                  • EIE

                                                                                    You on Fire !

                                                                                    Just remember you know what happens when you get to excited.

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    Buffalo Bill
                                                                                    Location
                                                                                    Sydneys Northshore
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 2:38PM

                                                                                  • poor ol Bill eh smack, he pantsed Abbott (with a lot of help from errr Abbott) and now narrowing the gap on Turnbull.

                                                                                    May need the mercy rule soon tho.

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    davemac
                                                                                    Location
                                                                                    Melbourne
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 2:44PM

                                                                                  • Housemartin a fact or two re libs. record.
                                                                                    1.When John Howard was Treasurer, net Government debt rose at a steady pace, hitting 7.5% of GDP when Fraser lost the 1983 election. In 1996 dollar terms, 7.5% of GDP is around $40 billion which is in fact the real level of net government debt “inherited” by the Hawke Government when it won the 1983 election.

                                                                                    Recall, by way of context, the fact that the Fraser Government “inherited” zero net government debt from the Whitlam Government in 1975-76, so all of the build up in government debt in the Fraser years was self imposed by the Coalition, its policies and the business cycle.

                                                                                    Coming back to the issue of the $96 billion net debt inherited by the Howard Government in 1996, it’s a fact that 42% of it was bequeathed from the Fraser Government and left for Labor to deal with during its term of government.
                                                                                    So next time you hear someone from the Coalition or elsewhere banging on about the $96 billion of Labor Government debt that was paid off by the Howard Government, remind them of the fact that $40 billion of it was a hangover of the debt left to Labor by the Fraser Government in 1983. Http://www.marketeconomics.com.au/2024-labor-or-liberal-government-debt
                                                                                    2.The buy-back of government debt before maturity meant that a premium of up to 25 per cent above the face value of the debt has been paid. A 1999 Auditor-General's report showed that in two years these losses amounted to $935 million, but they may not be reported as a loss in the budget for up to 10 years. All we know is what is provided in the forward estimates, which show that though debt will be non-existent in 2006-07, we will still be paying $3.5 billion in interest expenses.http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/03/24/1079939714557.html?from=storyrhs

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    DWM
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 2:08PM

                                                                                • My long held suspicions about the Featured Comment look more accurate each and every day.

                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                  enough is enough
                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                  March 15, 2016, 2:08PM

                                                                                  • The Canberra Times does not show the Featured Comment - you must be reading the Age or SMH site - both of which are the "old format"

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    MST
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 2:21PM

                                                                                  • You just wished you'd thought of it first eeeaaawwwh, not to mention poking me for a reply.

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    A country gal
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 2:21PM

                                                                                  • sounds like a rather miserable conspiracy theory EiE.
                                                                                    That is the pace note of the day.

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    fizzybeer
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 2:25PM

                                                                                  • E=E, that only clever or witty comments make the grade?

                                                                                    Never mind, maybe you'll get another encouragement award one day.

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    jofek
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 2:26PM

                                                                                  • I knew you could get a reply out, of sorts.

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    enough is enough
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 2:42PM

                                                                                • Di Natalie is a liberal stooge masquerading as a green. A political opportunist. How he ever got to lead the greens is beyond me. The changes are monstrous and we hope those interested in democracy will say so. 30,000 party members elect liberal and labour senators while more than 3 million people elected the independents. Fair go for democracy.

                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                  Another Tom
                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                  March 15, 2016, 2:03PM

                                                                                  • I don't think arithmetic is your strong suit. Over 9 million voted for Liberal/National/Labour candidates, another 1.1M voted for the Greens and 1.4M voted for Palmer/LDP/Xenophon. That's 87% of the vote. By comparison Ricky Muir received 0.5% of the vote and was voted in as a senator. You call that democracy?

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    Allan
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 3:48PM

                                                                                • Yes, those crazy rules about photography.
                                                                                  I really wanted to see Sarah crossing the floor to vote with Cory.

                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                  enough is enough
                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                  March 15, 2016, 2:02PM

                                                                                  • Libs good.

                                                                                    Labor and Greens bad even when they agree with Libs.

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    davemac
                                                                                    Location
                                                                                    Melbourne
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 2:25PM

                                                                                • Regarding Greg Hunt’s latest lie on Australian emissions the facts are glaringly obvious: Australian emissions cannot fall they can only increase while Australia produces more and more coal.

                                                                                  Australia produces more than 200 million tonnes of coal per annum than in 2005, multiplied by 2.86 = 572 million additional tonnes of atmospheric Co2 every year from coal alone.

                                                                                  In addition the CSIRO warned last month that “Extreme fire weather has increased, and the fire season has lengthened, across large parts of Australia since the 1970s.

                                                                                  From 1966, the total insured loss from bushfires alone is equivalent to $5.6 billion in today’s money, the Insurance Council of Australia suggests an average annual loss of approximately $160 million over the period."

                                                                                  A CSIRO report od December 2015 states, “Australia emitted over 1% of the world’s total carbon emissions from fossil fuels, emitting 0.38 billion tonnes, making it the 14th largest contributor globally. Australia’s per capita emissions remain high.”

                                                                                  Fact Check of November 2015 reveals, “Data that Australia's absolute emissions reduction targets are eighth out of the 10 OECD countries, including the EU."

                                                                                  The fact that Townsville must spend $1.7 billion to fight sea rise by 2027 reveals that Hunt is the ultimate spin doctor and cannot be trusted.

                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                  Pen of hrba
                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                  March 15, 2016, 1:59PM

                                                                                  • Pen, this is ignoring the big story today. The Greens heading to the LNP trap. Military move 101.

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    enough is enough
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 2:04PM

                                                                                  • I have my doubts as to whether it is possible to fight sea-level rise in a cost effective way.
                                                                                    There are remedies that can buy some time, but if ground water levels also rise, then surely that involves pumping some water somewhere .....
                                                                                    That is not factoring in the cost of maintaining the infrastructure, floods and storm surges etc.
                                                                                    So as soon as serious sea level rise is identified, property values will be impacted and insurance premiums will also rise.
                                                                                    It is then just a question of time .......

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    MarkC
                                                                                    Location
                                                                                    Sunshine Coast
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 3:24PM

                                                                                • If a major Australian company can reportedly get Hun Sen to look favourably on their proposal for $200,000,
                                                                                  Why did champagne Dutton blow $55,000,000?
                                                                                  I think they saw him coming.

                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                  fizzybeer
                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                  March 15, 2016, 1:57PM

                                                                                  • Yeah look at how that turned out. Another LNP debacle to contend with. And a very costly one at that...........

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    Former Liberal voter
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 2:25PM

                                                                                  • Peanuts compared with the $2 Billion the RGR border NON protection policies have cost us and continue to cost us.

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    andrew
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 2:40PM

                                                                                  • andrew
                                                                                    peanuts..........
                                                                                    compared to the billions a year for detention camps also.
                                                                                    Does that make either right?

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    fizzybeer
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 3:53PM

                                                                                • Have the Greens Party now been added to the endangered species list?

                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                  Tucky
                                                                                  Location
                                                                                  Warragul
                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                  March 15, 2016, 1:56PM

                                                                                  • couldn't get a seat on a park bench.

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

                                                                                • "It's such an exciting time to be....a Green".

                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                  enough is enough
                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                  March 15, 2016, 1:53PM

                                                                                  • Luvvies.... "Support for same sex marriage has reached a new peak, Essential Report shows — but voters want a plebiscite."
                                                                                    "On voting intention, the parties remain locked at a two-party preferred outcome of 50% each. The Coalition is down a point to 42% and Labor is also down a point to 36%, while the Greens are up a point to 11%. This is the third week the major parties have been deadlocked at 50%-50%."
                                                                                    Must... try.... harder..

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    dipaha
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 1:57PM

                                                                                • Today's Senate debacle has all been about the Greens trying to shore up their vision of being a third major party by forming an alliance with someone who wants to see them gone. Remember the Democrats? Sound familiar. Is Di Natale the new Meg Lees?

                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                  Tucky
                                                                                  Location
                                                                                  Warragul
                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                  March 15, 2016, 1:53PM

                                                                                  • Did Meg drive a monster SUV as well?

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    enough is enough
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 1:55PM

                                                                                  • "Is Di Natale the new Meg Lees?"

                                                                                    My thoughts exactly, Tucky. The Black Wiggle may end up looking like the Black Knight.

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    Gigondas
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 2:05PM

                                                                                  • The Greens were the only Party not to have sold their principles down the river.

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    jofek
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 2:15PM

                                                                                  • jofek, that's a rather sad past tense.

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    Banjo
                                                                                    Location
                                                                                    Eden
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 2:23PM

                                                                                  • jofek, you are sounding more desperate than AGreen, Pen, ACG et al.

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    enough is enough
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 2:27PM

                                                                                  • Banjo, yup.

                                                                                    E=E, not as desperate as you sound my friend.

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    jofek
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 2:41PM

                                                                                • Tories plus Lib Dems in UK equals Coalition plus Greens in Australia. Nothing wrong with that if this simple equation stops Labor and Muir and the rest of the rabble stuffing up the country.

                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                  djw
                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                  March 15, 2016, 1:52PM

                                                                                  • True. The stuffing of the country is already safely in the hands of the Liberals and their three coalition partners (the Nationals, The Greens and the Disaffected Liberal Right).

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    Gigondas
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 2:02PM

                                                                                  • one heck of a more driveable coalition than labor and the CFMEU and to go back 60 or so years remember when labor was in bed with the commies. Ha ha what a great job the DLP did.

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    djw
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 2:09PM

                                                                                  • yes djw because the last 2 1/2 years have just been soooooo peachy keen

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    davemac
                                                                                    Location
                                                                                    Melbourne
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 2:41PM

                                                                                • The Pulse seems to have lost a large number of disaffected Greens supporters. Where have they gone? Will they ever recover? Stay tuned, this is getting ugly.

                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                  enough is enough
                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                  March 15, 2016, 1:51PM

                                                                                  • enough is enough

                                                                                    I can't be bothered with someone who is stuck in pre 2012.

                                                                                    You must be so "excited" with your "innovation" of no new "ideas".

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    A Green
                                                                                    Location
                                                                                    Australia
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 2:13PM

                                                                                • I wish I was in Canberra today. One hell of a day to remember. Is Green the new Blue?

                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                  enough is enough
                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                  March 15, 2016, 1:46PM

                                                                                  • This has been the best day of The Pulse since Gillard got wiped out by Rudd, I mean Shorten. I mean Sam. Oh well, you know what I mean.

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    enough is enough
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 1:41PM

                                                                                    • The day isn't over yet.

                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                      fizzybeer
                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                      March 15, 2016, 1:50PM

                                                                                    • You sound positively tumescent today EIE.

                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                      Immal
                                                                                      Location
                                                                                      Melbourne
                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                      March 15, 2016, 1:52PM

                                                                                    • No its the best day since Abbott who replaced Turnball replaced Abbott to form the Shadow opposition, well you know what I mean.

                                                                                      Good to see the Greens joining the Abbott Shadow Opposition.

                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                      TAT?
                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                      March 15, 2016, 1:59PM

                                                                                    • To suggest it's panning out the way it has,is genius at work , is to demean the meaning. It was flagged all weekend. ho hum.
                                                                                      On a happier note for you, Morrison has just declared that there are no tax cuts in this budget.
                                                                                      So now the Liberals have a policy for the election-Tax cuts. When you consider that most people want better services, how do tax cuts fit in with this want in the context of budget disaster? Oh I'm sorry, you changed the goal posts, deficit isnt a problem anymore. At least if you were consistent, you would be more credible. Or is it a game to bait us more concerned individuals?

                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                      andyfreeze
                                                                                      Location
                                                                                      pascoe vale
                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                      March 15, 2016, 2:05PM

                                                                                    • Immal, eie today is both tumescent and omnipresent. Seems like 50% of posts… a triumph of quantity over quality.

                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                      Gigondas
                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                      March 15, 2016, 2:11PM

                                                                                  • Come on Penny and Sam - negotiate, negotiate. Oh dear, they have really spat the dummy this time. Shows what their true personalities are. Not nice at all.

                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                    enough is enough
                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 1:40PM

                                                                                      • Wong is a total disgrace....she reminds me of Trump the way she yells abuse at other senators.

                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                        paul
                                                                                        Location
                                                                                        Brisbane
                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 2:02PM

                                                                                    • A filibuster in the Senate...... hardly. Filo pastry, more likely. It's light, flaky and lacking in substance.

                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                      Tucky
                                                                                      Location
                                                                                      Warragul
                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                      March 15, 2016, 1:38PM

                                                                                      • Sounds like the Senate is the REAL CIRCUS OZ.
                                                                                        I guess that the Greens are the new clowns.
                                                                                        Bob Brown is probably not laughing.

                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                        ASK
                                                                                        Location
                                                                                        Canberra
                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 1:38PM

                                                                                        • Can only imagine the worst examples of confected outrage coming up in QT. The conga line of ALP MPs getting the punt will be a great photo. 'Form one line, no running or pushing'!!!!

                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                          enough is enough
                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                          March 15, 2016, 1:38PM

                                                                                          • Butler will be first to go...

                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                            paul
                                                                                            Location
                                                                                            Brisbane
                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                            March 15, 2016, 2:04PM

                                                                                          • Vote Pal: Are you mentioning Labor and responsible in the same sentence? Novel idea.

                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                            housemartin
                                                                                            Location
                                                                                            hong kong
                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                            March 15, 2016, 1:36PM

                                                                                        • How about setting up an "out of Senate" rogues gallery of the funniest images you can find of all Senate members? You could then intersperse them in the commentary without "offending" the Senate rules. Might "encourage" them to have a bit more sense about the matter!

                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                          RodH
                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                          March 15, 2016, 1:35PM

                                                                                          • Is there a large accountancy company who can whip up a report that tells us how many voters have promised never to vote Green again? there must be something like a $500 million benefit to the community.

                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                            enough is enough
                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                            March 15, 2016, 1:34PM

                                                                                            • BIS Schrapnel?

                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                              Banjo
                                                                                              Location
                                                                                              Eden
                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                              March 15, 2016, 1:42PM

                                                                                            • about the same money as the cost of the SSM plebiscite eenie.

                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                              fizzybeer
                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                              March 15, 2016, 1:42PM

                                                                                          • If Labor were a true progressive party they would sack Sam Dastiaryi for foul mouthing Greens in his recent speech.
                                                                                            Have they forgotten that it was the greens under bob brown who supported gillard minority government.

                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                            spectator
                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                            March 15, 2016, 1:34PM

                                                                                            • Spectator
                                                                                              I suspect Di Natale has forgotten that.

                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                              Steve
                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                              March 15, 2016, 2:14PM

                                                                                          • Penny is still carrying on, but didn't push for marriage equality when Labor was in power and in a position to do something about it.

                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                            adrian
                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                            March 15, 2016, 1:33PM

                                                                                            • Would loved to have been a fly on the wall when plod had a meeting with the classy highly educated bi-lingual Iran Foreign Minister.

                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                              Amro
                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                              March 15, 2016, 1:32PM

                                                                                              • Oh good, Xenophon sellout too.

                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                eh
                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                March 15, 2016, 1:32PM

                                                                                                • Pen, ACG, AGreen et al. How is lunch digesting today?
                                                                                                  Eaawwhhhh!!!!

                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                  enough is enough
                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                  March 15, 2016, 1:31PM

                                                                                                  • looks like there will be no future Green Labor Coalition government
                                                                                                    Many commentators were hoping that this would happen and Sarah hanson young would be the next immigration minister of Green Labor govt in Sept 2016

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    yogi bear
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 1:36PM

                                                                                                  • eie - our progressive friends are very quiet about polls today.

                                                                                                    Any idea why ?

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    Hacka
                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                    Canberra
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 1:37PM

                                                                                                  • Hacka, I think they are hiding under their beds thinking it's just a bad, bad dream.

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    enough is enough
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 1:39PM

                                                                                                  • hacka
                                                                                                    last year Ipsos/Fairfax bad.
                                                                                                    This year suddenly the gospel according to the cons.
                                                                                                    Natural improvement or selective accountability responsible?

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    fizzybeer
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 1:45PM

                                                                                                  • Posted below.... Luvvies.... "Support for same sex marriage has reached a new peak, Essential Report shows — but voters want a plebiscite."
                                                                                                    "On voting intention, the parties remain locked at a two-party preferred outcome of 50% each. The Coalition is down a point to 42% and Labor is also down a point to 36%, while the Greens are up a point to 11%. This is the third week the major parties have been deadlocked at 50%-50%."
                                                                                                    Must... try.... harder..

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    dipaha
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 1:49PM

                                                                                                  • Hacka, as usual you are silent when the polls are against your party of choice and boisterous if you get something of a bounce. It is a little like your approach to economic indicators.

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    jofek
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 2:18PM

                                                                                                • Lazarus is rising! He's on fire.

                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                  A country gal
                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                  March 15, 2016, 1:31PM

                                                                                                  • Eat Mal: I prefer Treasury figures.

                                                                                                    2007 Gross debt $75 billion
                                                                                                    2013 Gross debt $300 billion

                                                                                                    2007 debt ceiling $75 billion
                                                                                                    2013 debt ceiling $300 billion

                                                                                                    2006/7 Net debt $0 for the first time in 3 decades from a high of 18% under the Keating government. $96 billion paid off by Costello

                                                                                                    Future Fund $117.85 billion after being implemented by Costello which is not taken into account in the gross debt.

                                                                                                    Yes, the debt has grown under the coalition, but it is indisputable that Labor absolutely wrecked Australia's bottom line. Congrats

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    housemartin
                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                    hong kong
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 1:30PM

                                                                                                • Time for those bloggers who keep saying Turnbull and the LNP cannot negotiate with the Senate and get anything through to admit they are completely wrong. Hilarious

                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                  enough is enough
                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                  March 15, 2016, 1:30PM

                                                                                                  • EIE,

                                                                                                    ""Time for those bloggers who keep saying Turnbull and the LNP cannot negotiate with the Senate and get anything through to admit they are completely wrong. Hilarious""

                                                                                                    Correct me if I'm wrong that has been your sentiment for ages has it not?

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    Buffalo Bill
                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                    Sydneys Northshore
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 1:35PM

                                                                                                  • Buff, your Jedhi Knight tricks won't work today.

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    enough is enough
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 1:43PM

                                                                                                • About this plebiscite thing.... how come the government can't make up its mind on same sex marriage because they are concerned about community opinion and potential backlash; yet when it comes to involving us in a war or spending trillions of dollars they don't consult us?

                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                  Tucky
                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                  Warragul
                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                  March 15, 2016, 1:28PM

                                                                                                  • @1.16. Wong on marriage equality 2012: "I believe in the traditional concept of marriage". Now shall we talk about courage and conviction and selling out on principles Penny? Game.Set.Match.

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    Piped Piper
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 1:28PM

                                                                                                    • Courage and conviction and selling out on principles.
                                                                                                      Piped
                                                                                                      You just summarised the Turnbull "legacy"

                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                      fizzybeer
                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                      March 15, 2016, 1:34PM

                                                                                                    • Don't be so harsh PP, political expediency is the only game in town, note St Julia of Altona's "there will be no..........." then along came Bob

                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                      Smack
                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                      City of the Fallen
                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                      March 15, 2016, 1:36PM

                                                                                                    • Interesting quote Piped care to source it?

                                                                                                      Heres Wongs speech to the Senate on the Marriage Amendment Bill of 2012 .

                                                                                                      http://www.pennywong.com.au/speeches/marriage-amendment-bill-no-2-2012-senate/

                                                                                                      Nowhere in that does she say what you claim.

                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                      mirrorsofsmoke
                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                      Sydney
                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                      March 15, 2016, 1:40PM

                                                                                                  • Wong who wouldn't support SSM 2007-2013. Karma Penny, Karma with a capital K.

                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                    enough is enough
                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 1:26PM

                                                                                                    • If the Senates been this much of a bunfight , QT should be a real scream.

                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                      mirrorsofsmoke
                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                      Sydney
                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                      March 15, 2016, 1:26PM

                                                                                                      • Wow, nice sellout, Greens.

                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                        eh
                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 1:26PM

                                                                                                        • When the Greens side with Labor it's because of great negotiation skills. When they side with the Coalition it's because they are selling out. Makes perfect sense.

                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                          adrian
                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                          March 15, 2016, 1:34PM

                                                                                                        • I don't think any Greens voter is comfortable with the Greens in bed with the Coalition on anything but this is politics which is about the numbers ahead of principles. Labor is much less reticent than the conservatives as it is closer to the Greens on the political spectrum.

                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                          stevek
                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                          Sydney
                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                          March 15, 2016, 1:55PM

                                                                                                      • Will the next referendum question be, not about same sex marriage or indigenous recognition, but the abandonment of a Senate? It seems from the government's actions this week that governance is all about how best to rig things so as to stay in power. Why have a senate that is merely a rubber stamp? Why not just get rid of it anyway?

                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                        Tucky
                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                        Warragul
                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 1:24PM

                                                                                                        • The Greens just signed their own death warrant

                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                          bill
                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                          March 15, 2016, 1:17PM

                                                                                                          • Di Natale has signed his own.
                                                                                                            Next leader please.

                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                            fizzybeer
                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                            March 15, 2016, 1:21PM

                                                                                                        • Di Natale is quickly becoming Malcolm's Tony Windsor.

                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                          enough is enough
                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                          March 15, 2016, 1:16PM

                                                                                                          • but from your perch that would now be a good thing?

                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                            fizzybeer
                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                            March 15, 2016, 1:20PM

                                                                                                        • A Labor Senator whose look-a-like is in show business heckling a Green Senator whose look-a-like is in show business. Pot meet kettle?

                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                          Smack
                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                          City of the Fallen
                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                          March 15, 2016, 1:16PM

                                                                                                          • I see they've called in the big guns. At least you're good with language, Smack.

                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                            Banjo
                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                            Eden
                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                            March 15, 2016, 1:22PM

                                                                                                          • Bobsey Twins?

                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                            enough is enough
                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                            March 15, 2016, 1:22PM

                                                                                                          • Shame you keep repeating yourself Banjo, that the only tune you got?

                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                            Smack
                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                            City of the Fallen
                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                            March 15, 2016, 1:33PM

                                                                                                        • To all you ALP luvvies - take a good long look at Sam Daystari. He is your next leader.

                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                          The Sniper
                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                          Sydney
                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                          March 15, 2016, 1:15PM

                                                                                                          • Luvvies.... "Support for same sex marriage has reached a new peak, Essential Report shows — but voters want a plebiscite."
                                                                                                            "On voting intention, the parties remain locked at a two-party preferred outcome of 50% each. The Coalition is down a point to 42% and Labor is also down a point to 36%, while the Greens are up a point to 11%. This is the third week the major parties have been deadlocked at 50%-50%."
                                                                                                            Must... try.... harder..

                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                            dipaha
                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                            March 15, 2016, 1:23PM

                                                                                                          • Wrong house.
                                                                                                            But why stand on convention.

                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                            fizzybeer
                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                            March 15, 2016, 1:25PM

                                                                                                          • @fizzy - John Gorton came from the Senate to become PM.

                                                                                                            I think the house you mean is The Sniper's house. I will wager it with him that Sam won't be the next ALP leader.

                                                                                                            Sniper - are you game for that bet?

                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                            tasch2
                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                            Mornington Peninsula
                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                            March 15, 2016, 3:00PM

                                                                                                        • 12:55 - yes we know Sam relates more to children's television than the Senate, but wouldn't he be wiser not to remind us ?

                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                          Hacka
                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                          Canberra
                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                          March 15, 2016, 1:14PM

                                                                                                          • obviously you watch a lot of Ch22

                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                            fizzybeer
                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                            March 15, 2016, 1:24PM

                                                                                                        • Shame we can't have a filibuster lasting for three days to undermine the govt's determination to rule like a dictatorship

                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                          A country gal
                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                          March 15, 2016, 1:13PM

                                                                                                          • Hacka, if Muir goes who will be the Summernats Ambassador? Are you interested?

                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                            enough is enough
                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                            March 15, 2016, 1:12PM

                                                                                                            • eie - those noisy, tyre-burning and polluting things aren't an area of expertise, although with the abundance of kangaroos here, happy to help Ricky in that department.

                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                              Hacka
                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                              Canberra
                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                              March 15, 2016, 1:28PM

                                                                                                            • A lot of spinning tyres and going nowhere.
                                                                                                              Yes, a great position well suited to any representative of the regime.

                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                              fizzybeer
                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                              March 15, 2016, 1:32PM

                                                                                                          • Seems a little ironic that it's Ricky and his 1,500 votes leading the charge against Senate reform.

                                                                                                            If there's a shining example of how unrepresentative the Senate has become - no disrespect intended - but Ricky is the poster boy.

                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                            Hacka
                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                            Canberra
                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                            March 15, 2016, 1:08PM

                                                                                                            • if the rules don't suit the con purpose, change the rules.
                                                                                                              So much more dictatorial than sensible policy followed by mature discussion.

                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                              fizzybeer
                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                              March 15, 2016, 1:28PM

                                                                                                            • yep, Ricky is finished and good riddance!

                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                              adrian
                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                              March 15, 2016, 1:36PM

                                                                                                            • Hacka
                                                                                                              But it was LNP preferences that elected Muir.
                                                                                                              If you don't want monorail parties, follow the ALP lead and give preferences to major parties.
                                                                                                              You don't need Senate voting reform to do that.

                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                              Steve
                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                              March 15, 2016, 2:09PM

                                                                                                          • Ricky Muir, he's not in the drum circle either, instead of messing with the Pups should have teamed up with dream catcher brigade when he had the chance.

                                                                                                            Too late now Ricky, more political road kill on the way.

                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                            SteveH.
                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                            March 15, 2016, 1:06PM

                                                                                                            • The Greens just lost my vote by getting into bed with the government.

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

                                                                                                              • Utterly incredible and totally stupid that no photos can be published of this Senate vote.

                                                                                                                Just publish the damn thing anyway.

                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                mirrorsofsmoke
                                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                                Sydney
                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                March 15, 2016, 1:00PM

                                                                                                                • Progressive types have never been too big on pesky things like laws and obeying them.

                                                                                                                  Yeah, it's a silly law but flouting it isn't the answer.

                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                  Hacka
                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                  Canberra
                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                  March 15, 2016, 1:10PM

                                                                                                                • I think it got answered eh Hacks?

                                                                                                                  See the photo at 1:37pm

                                                                                                                  Regressive types only ever follow orders dont they?

                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                  mirrorsofsmoke
                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                  Sydney
                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                  March 15, 2016, 1:45PM

                                                                                                                • Hacka, did you say that with a straight face? Our Government has pretty much transgressed every international law they've had the opportunity to.

                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                  jofek
                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                  March 15, 2016, 3:00PM

                                                                                                                • A strong younger team, you jest, more like leftover leaners from the the RGR debacle,there is no-one in Canberra worth voting for, leaners and bludgers the lot of them.

                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                  EXO
                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                  Port Macquarie
                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                  March 15, 2016, 12:59PM

                                                                                                              • I don't understand the term "gag debate" when the whole notion of a proper debate is a gag/joke/laugh.

                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                Tucky
                                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                                Warragul
                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                March 15, 2016, 12:58PM

                                                                                                                • Will Shorten get more fotos posted today than Terri Butler? That is the big question.

                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                  paul
                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                  Brisbane
                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                  March 15, 2016, 12:56PM

                                                                                                                  • "The Greens are voting with the government to gag debate."

                                                                                                                    No room in the drum circle for Labor these days apparently, at least they're consistent, always ready to shalt the ALP in or out of power.

                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                    SteveH.
                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 12:56PM

                                                                                                                    • Must be chaos in the Senate with the photo being prohibited by the Senate!

                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                      Tucky
                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                      Warragul
                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                      March 15, 2016, 12:55PM

                                                                                                                      • That's their absurd rules, and one which really irks the Pulse. I'm watching and it's the noisiest in a long time.

                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                        A country gal
                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 1:01PM

                                                                                                                    • The end of ridiculous Ricky....but he could easily get re-elected at he next election right? Wrong.

                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                      paul
                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                      Brisbane
                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                      March 15, 2016, 12:53PM

                                                                                                                      • Get back on the same planet as the rest of us would you!

                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                        Shane
                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                        Hammondville
                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 12:52PM

                                                                                                                      • HM
                                                                                                                        Debt
                                                                                                                        257 billion 2013.
                                                                                                                        6.6% increase in one month under Joe.
                                                                                                                        37.5% increase in one Joe budget.

                                                                                                                        22/1/16
                                                                                                                        406 billion.
                                                                                                                        given that figure is 2 months old and no adjustment to policy double is in the ballpark.
                                                                                                                        The LNP is a taxing government...more so than ALP.
                                                                                                                        Removing a concession such as NG is likely only to be a tax on those who can most afford it, as opposed to say an increased GST which will tax tose who can least afford it.
                                                                                                                        It's called social responsibility.

                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                        Vote Mal Eat Pal
                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 12:51PM

                                                                                                                    • Greg Hunt has now claimed that Australias green house gas emissions "peaked" 10 years ago.

                                                                                                                      “I believe that we have reached what is sometimes known as peak emissions,” Hunt told the ABC’s AM program.

                                                                                                                      “My best estimate is that we are unlikely as a nation ever to surpass [2005 levels] ... In my best judgment, the advice, the information from the department, we reached peak emissions in 2005-06 ... and the course of history to come for Australia is that we will continue to be below that figure.”

                                                                                                                      In that case who needs the CSIRO?
                                                                                                                      Or those pesky climate scientists...

                                                                                                                      Unfortunately for G Hunt not many other people are agreeing with him ..

                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                      mirrorsofsmoke
                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                      Sydney
                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                      March 15, 2016, 12:51PM

                                                                                                                      • The February spike is scary in the extreme.
                                                                                                                        Science, what science, environment, what environment.

                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                        fizzybeer
                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 12:59PM

                                                                                                                      • He's talking about % emissions from electricty generation and yes he s correct.

                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                        Brettie
                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 1:02PM

                                                                                                                      • Dont know where you got that idea from Brettie, theres not a mention of electricity in the whole interview let alone percentages related to it except for the very end where GHunt claims that
                                                                                                                        "Can we do it without driving up electricity prices for individuals as is Mr Shorten's approach? Yes."

                                                                                                                        Perhaps youd like to point it out, heres the link to the ABC's transcription

                                                                                                                        http://www.abc.net.au/am/content/2016/s4424983.htm

                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                        mirrorsofsmoke
                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                        Sydney
                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 1:09PM

                                                                                                                      • Trust me that's what he's talking about. He's a pollie so they often talk about one thing trying to make it mean another. Wouldn't ne the first and wont be the last.

                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                        Brettie
                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 1:20PM

                                                                                                                      • Ergo hes lying eh Brettie.

                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                        mirrorsofsmoke
                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                        Sydney
                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 1:28PM

                                                                                                                    • 12.33
                                                                                                                      James Patterson.
                                                                                                                      two weeks ago it was intimated by one my friends of the right persuasion, The Black Hand maybe, that there was no connection between the IPA and con politics.
                                                                                                                      There goes another one into the big tent.

                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                      fizzybeer
                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                      March 15, 2016, 12:48PM

                                                                                                                      • Best you educate him fizzy.
                                                                                                                        How could anyone be so naive?

                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                        A country gal
                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 12:59PM

                                                                                                                      • Acg
                                                                                                                        not naive....... delusional.

                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                        fizzybeer
                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 1:07PM

                                                                                                                      • I stand corrected, yes delusional.
                                                                                                                        Keep watching these preselections like a hawk.
                                                                                                                        That's the direction they're headed, despite Magnifico in his new glasses (which haven't improved his "vision").

                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                        A country gal
                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 1:17PM

                                                                                                                      • Keating's 'unrepresentative swill' springs to mind.

                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                        Banjo
                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                        Eden
                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 1:30PM

                                                                                                                    • Will Boring Bill have anything of substance to say or just his normal whinging again?

                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                      adrian
                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                      March 15, 2016, 12:42PM

                                                                                                                      • You should have watched he was impressive very impressive no ummm and errrr no waffle straight out answers to question, once again impressive.

                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                        AMRO
                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 1:52PM

                                                                                                                      • You are right housemartine - OUR taxes at work.

                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                        davemac
                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                        Melbourne
                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 12:41PM

                                                                                                                    • 12.27
                                                                                                                      Stephanie
                                                                                                                      it appears the right hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing, can do, might do, or will do.
                                                                                                                      Situation normal for the great obfuscator.

                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                      fizzybeer
                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                      March 15, 2016, 12:41PM

                                                                                                                        • More likely he'll be working on his C.V.

                                                                                                                          Reckon Ruddo could give him a few pointers, wouldn't waste my time asking Julia, she doesn't seem to be in need of one these days.

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          SteveH.
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          March 15, 2016, 12:40PM

                                                                                                                        • All governments tax and spend? Are you talking of the MRRT where all projected income was spent then the the realisation that their actually was no income at all.

                                                                                                                          If a concession takes money out of your pocket is it not a tax?

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          housemartin
                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                          hong kong
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          March 15, 2016, 12:37PM

                                                                                                                      • 12:22 - the man's not for turning ? Love the echoes of Maggie T.

                                                                                                                        Better get get those ABCC changes in too Malcolm, then we'll really know you're not for turning.

                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                        Hacka
                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                        Canberra
                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 12:37PM

                                                                                                                        • Piped, eie - did you guys get one of those board appointments (12:11) ?

                                                                                                                          Still waiting at this end ....

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          Hacka
                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                          Canberra
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          March 15, 2016, 12:30PM

                                                                                                                          • AHA
                                                                                                                            We all knew you LNP dancing girls were on the payroll.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            Vote Mal Eat Pal
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            March 15, 2016, 12:36PM

                                                                                                                          • looking for extra income?
                                                                                                                            Sunday hospitality work.
                                                                                                                            get in before penalty rates are abolished by the cons.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            fizzybeer
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            March 15, 2016, 12:36PM

                                                                                                                          • The only board appointmen your likely to get Hacka is if someone makes you walk the plank.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            mirrorsofsmoke
                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                            Sydney
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            March 15, 2016, 12:43PM

                                                                                                                          • All in good time Hacka. Do you want an Arts Board appointment or something a bit more business like?

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            enough is enough
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            March 15, 2016, 1:10PM

                                                                                                                          • I bags the Minister for Chablis Imports & Tasting(strictly for quality control mind you)

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            Smack
                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                            City of the Fallen
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            March 15, 2016, 1:19PM

                                                                                                                          • eie - more the business side, i'd chop the arts budget (sorry George).

                                                                                                                            Smack - you'd be perfect on the board of Tourism Australia, responsible for wine tourism. Will H in Tassie has beer tourism sewn up.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            Hacka
                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                            Canberra
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            March 15, 2016, 1:35PM

                                                                                                                        • Photo 12:11pm:
                                                                                                                          Christopher Pyne whispers, "I see trouble ahead Prime Minister and I am looking to the left and not the right!"

                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                          Tucky
                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                          Warragul
                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                          March 15, 2016, 12:29PM

                                                                                                                          • Oh dear Turnbull & Pyne just cut short a media conference because nobody had a question about 'innovation'. This governments a shambles and its no laughing matter Turnbull. Starting to realise his laughing affectation is a nervous tic just like clearing his throat.

                                                                                                                            Turnbull should be nervous - beware the ides of March.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            misspunch
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            March 15, 2016, 12:27PM

                                                                                                                            • I've just looked at the date and indeed the Ides of March are upon us. Well, well, well ...

                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                              Banjo
                                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                                              Eden
                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                              March 15, 2016, 12:46PM

                                                                                                                          • 11.53 I see that everything is back on the table.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            Banjo
                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                            Eden
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            March 15, 2016, 12:24PM

                                                                                                                            • Just not much policy Banjo, flowers and fluffy bread rolls.

                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                              A country gal
                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                              March 15, 2016, 1:07PM

                                                                                                                          • Refugees
                                                                                                                            Last mention I saw was 24 refugees accepted from Syria in 7 months since announcement of 12,000 to be resettled here.
                                                                                                                            Being just a tad generous to our regime I estimate the last ones will arrive in 240 years.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            fizzybeer
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            March 15, 2016, 12:24PM

                                                                                                                            • 26, fizzy, but otherwise your comment is too true. Some sort of draconian provisions must have been put in place to further vet those Syrians who have already been found to be genuine refugees by the UNHCR.

                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                              Banjo
                                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                                              Eden
                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                              March 15, 2016, 12:44PM

                                                                                                                            • fizzy
                                                                                                                              No
                                                                                                                              The last mention of refugees was Indonesia taking us to task for dumping a boat load of refugees on an Indonesian Fishing Boat.
                                                                                                                              So much for "the boats have stopped coming"

                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                              Steve
                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                              March 15, 2016, 12:44PM

                                                                                                                          • Bill 'Full Employment' Shorten is about to make a goose of himself at the National Press Club.

                                                                                                                            As I said, Bill is sounding cocky. He has narrowed the preferred PM gap to 60-20 & is looking good.

                                                                                                                            There are policy's being released daily & we now have the big announcement of Full Employment.

                                                                                                                            Bill, this is the reason why the voters will not bring themselves to tick the ALP box on 2 July.

                                                                                                                            It's too risky & we have seen this show before from 2007-2013 & it was not good.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            Shane
                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                            Hammondville
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            March 15, 2016, 12:22PM

                                                                                                                            • Shane
                                                                                                                              you are right2007-2013 was not good.
                                                                                                                              IT WAS GREAT!!
                                                                                                                              Great growth
                                                                                                                              Great employment
                                                                                                                              Great wages
                                                                                                                              Great labour productivity
                                                                                                                              Australia led the world!!
                                                                                                                              All gone now thanks to the twits we elected in 2013.
                                                                                                                              How quickly they have wrecked the place.......

                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                              Steve
                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                              March 15, 2016, 12:47PM

                                                                                                                            • Full employment??? That must be like the 50% renewables target the ALP has.....total muppets

                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                              paul
                                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                                              Brisbane
                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                              March 15, 2016, 12:48PM

                                                                                                                            • So the 2013-now show is going well?
                                                                                                                              Good luck with that.

                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                              andyfreeze
                                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                                              pascoe vale
                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                              March 15, 2016, 12:50PM

                                                                                                                          • Looking forward to watching Bill Shortens National Press Club address 12:30pm ABC.

                                                                                                                            Winner Bill Shorten will be Australias next Prime Minister with well-developed, fair, effective policies, a strong, younger team intelligently reshaped to represent all Australians along with a determination & warmth to make Australia a better place for all. Hes a straight talker with the decency & intellect to be a fine Prime Minister and hes way tougher than Turnbull or Abbott.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            misspunch
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            March 15, 2016, 12:22PM

                                                                                                                            • More likely he'll be working on his C.V.

                                                                                                                              Reckon Ruddo could give him a few pointers, wouldn't waste my time asking Julia, she doesn't seem to be in need of one these days.

                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                              SteveH.
                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                              March 15, 2016, 12:40PM

                                                                                                                            • Get back on the same planet as the rest of us would you!

                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                              Shane
                                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                                              Hammondville
                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                              March 15, 2016, 12:52PM

                                                                                                                            • A strong younger team, you jest, more like leftover leaners from the the RGR debacle,there is no-one in Canberra worth voting for, leaners and bludgers the lot of them.

                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                              EXO
                                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                                              Port Macquarie
                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                              March 15, 2016, 12:59PM

                                                                                                                          • Debt
                                                                                                                            257 billion 2013.
                                                                                                                            6.6% increase in one month under Joe.
                                                                                                                            37.5% increase in one Joe budget.

                                                                                                                            22/1/16
                                                                                                                            406 billion.
                                                                                                                            given that figure is 2 months old and no adjustment to policy double is in the ballpark.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            fizzybeer
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            March 15, 2016, 12:18PM

                                                                                                                            • fizzy whan you ahve to borrow $14 Billion a year just to cover the interest on the ALP legacy debt and $30 Billion a year to cover the ALP deficits left in the last of Swannies budgets it is difficult to stop borrowing money ,
                                                                                                                              Would you rather they had just stopped borrowing the money they needed because of the profligacy of the RGR governments?
                                                                                                                              What did RGR do with the proceeds of the greatest mining boom Australia has ever seen ?
                                                                                                                              Set up a Future fund maybe - nah!

                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                              andrew
                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                              March 15, 2016, 1:53PM

                                                                                                                            • Joe promised a surplus in the first year and every year after that.
                                                                                                                              Lies or incompetence, there is no other choice.
                                                                                                                              But then Joe jumped ship didn't he.
                                                                                                                              And now we have Morrison.
                                                                                                                              No improvement at all.

                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                              fizzybeer
                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                              March 15, 2016, 2:21PM

                                                                                                                            • Hey fuzzy check the Australian Government Debt Clock web page .....$444b and rising fast under the LNP (best managers of the economy)

                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                              dingojoe
                                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                                              northern rivers
                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                              March 15, 2016, 3:36PM

                                                                                                                          • 10:14am: Mr Shorten also says Labor should recommit to the goal of full employment.

                                                                                                                            Here we go again!

                                                                                                                            What about committing to "no child shall live in poverty" whilst you're at it Bill.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            The Sniper
                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                            Sydney
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            March 15, 2016, 12:16PM

                                                                                                                            • Better than the LNPs "Make more children live in poverty" approach to policy.

                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                              Mr Burns
                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                              March 15, 2016, 12:27PM

                                                                                                                            • What about committing to something...anything Malcolm Abbott?

                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                              Vote Mal Eat Pal
                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                              March 15, 2016, 12:29PM

                                                                                                                            • Better to aim high and miss than aim low and make sure you hit.

                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                              davemac
                                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                                              Melbourne
                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                              March 15, 2016, 12:40PM

                                                                                                                            • Its better to be ambitious than sit on your laurels. At least you acknowledge a problem and are willing to have a go at fixing it. Do you really need to white paper and then green paper it to know there is a problem to be fixed, but only if you get elected?
                                                                                                                              This is Labor hammering home the do nothing nail, malcolm.

                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                              andyfreeze
                                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                                              pascoe vale
                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                              March 15, 2016, 12:44PM

                                                                                                                            • Constantly escalating union demands are not conducive to full employment. Boring Bill of all people should know that.

                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                              adrian
                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                              March 15, 2016, 12:46PM

                                                                                                                            • Sniper
                                                                                                                              Australia was well on the way to eliminating Child Poverty until Howard was elected and decided children were "bludgers" and withdrew the welfare.

                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                              Steve
                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                              March 15, 2016, 12:49PM

                                                                                                                            • @Steve then handed out middle class welfare.

                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                              Amro
                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                              March 15, 2016, 1:04PM

                                                                                                                            • Yes,

                                                                                                                              He'll deliver on those just like NDIS, Gonski, negative gearing, taxing multi-nationals, etc, etc

                                                                                                                              Shorten is sprouting all the "popular" policies, but as we all know, has no plan of how to make any of them stack-up.

                                                                                                                              Desperation from Shorten.

                                                                                                                              Shorten is playing the Gillard, Abbott game - promise what they want then deliver what you want.

                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                              notlad
                                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                                              Sydney
                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                              March 15, 2016, 1:12PM

                                                                                                                          • Theme song for the day...
                                                                                                                            "Wierd Al" Yankovic's Ricky.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            A country gal
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            March 15, 2016, 12:11PM

                                                                                                                            • Oh Ricky you're so fine, you're so fine, RICKY! Thanks for bringing it to my (our) attention, CG

                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                              Brisbane Jack
                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                              March 15, 2016, 12:33PM

                                                                                                                            • BJ, Cheers and ironically in the clip, his wife is Lucy.
                                                                                                                              A blast from the past and a bit of fun.

                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                              A country gal
                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                              March 15, 2016, 12:36PM

                                                                                                                          • An idea for the Senate.

                                                                                                                            The senate should be like jury duty. Everyday people (some vetting required obviously) should be randomly selected to be in the senate for a 6 month period. The House of Reps send down policy to the Senate & they review it & vote on it.

                                                                                                                            It would be more representative than the rubbish we have now.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            notlad
                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                            Sydney
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            March 15, 2016, 12:11PM

                                                                                                                            • Yes...and trial by jury is a model of perfection...not.

                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                              Vote Mal Eat Pal
                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                              March 15, 2016, 12:15PM

                                                                                                                          • For a good laugh have a read Sheridans piece in the Aus this morning titled , "Julie tell Tehran the truth".
                                                                                                                            Diplomacy Murdoch and Abbott style.
                                                                                                                            This would be the same Tehran and its Foreign Minister who last week told Bishop in no uncertain terms that the Iranian refugees in this country were free to go where they pleased and that Iran wouldnt accept forced repatriation by Australia.

                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                            mirrorsofsmoke
                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                            Sydney
                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                            March 15, 2016, 12:02PM

                                                                                                                            • So the greens want to refuse the government if they want to recall the Senate.
                                                                                                                              That must be great grounds for a DD on the basis of the place being ungovernable.

                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                              andrew
                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                              March 15, 2016, 12:01PM

                                                                                                                              • Andrew
                                                                                                                                It is ungovernable if you don't have policies.
                                                                                                                                Gillard was able to govern despot having control of either house.
                                                                                                                                These fools can't even govern themselves.

                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                Steve
                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                March 15, 2016, 12:51PM

                                                                                                                              • steve Gillard has a WRITTEN and SIGNED agreement with the Greens who supported her in the Senate.
                                                                                                                                And had successfully bought the LNP haters in Windsor and oakshoot with 30 pieces of silver!

                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                andrew
                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                March 15, 2016, 1:57PM

                                                                                                                            • Perhaps Bishop and Dutton could tell the Iranian delegation to stop funding proxy armies in Syria like Hezballah that are contributing to the refugee crisis. Send the same message to the Saudis and their wahabi proxies.

                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                              Piped Piper
                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                              March 15, 2016, 12:01PM

                                                                                                                              • Dear Piper, could it be that Iran is playing the same game America is playing? Ever thought about Turkey's role in the Syrian crisis? Ever wondered about the Shah of Iran? They have a long memory and the Americans have a short memory. Go figure.

                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                andyfreeze
                                                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                                                pascoe vale
                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                March 15, 2016, 12:32PM

                                                                                                                              • Piped
                                                                                                                                That would require Julie to act like a Foreign Minister.
                                                                                                                                It's not in her skill set.

                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                Steve
                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                March 15, 2016, 12:52PM

                                                                                                                            • Big week for Smile it Moneybags, can he pull it off are the rouges in the Senator going to win the day! The smart money is on Lambie, Lazarus et al. calling his bluff.

                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                              Donkey Vote
                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                              March 15, 2016, 12:01PM

                                                                                                                              • 11.53, So that's the"new Aussie flag. They've shrunk considerably since your last PM".

                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                A country gal
                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                March 15, 2016, 11:59AM

                                                                                                                                • The last PM ACG wanted the Southern Cross removed from the flag. The straight Union Jack would have suited Tones just fine, only other fans? Abetz, Pyne, Bernardi, Andrews.......

                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                  Donkey Vote
                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                  March 15, 2016, 12:23PM

                                                                                                                              • Labor is dictating the economic agenda with its release of policies. The Coalition has not retaliated by releasing their own policies but are merely disparaging Labor's. This leaves the public wondering about the leadership qualities of the Coalition. What leadership are they showing to persuade us that they are the best economic management option as they continually tell us.

                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                Tucky
                                                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                                                Warragul
                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                March 15, 2016, 11:59AM

                                                                                                                                • Hang in there Tucky - the coalition don't march to the beat of the ALP's drum. The coalition will announce their policies when they choose, not Labor.

                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                  The Sniper
                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                  Sydney
                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                  March 15, 2016, 12:13PM

                                                                                                                                • the public doesn't wonder Tucky.
                                                                                                                                  They know they are duds.
                                                                                                                                  How many ministers have been trialled so far?
                                                                                                                                  Any left on the bench?

                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                  fizzybeer
                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                  March 15, 2016, 12:26PM

                                                                                                                                • I can do it in picture form. Like Giotto, a big fat circle.

                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                  andyfreeze
                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                  pascoe vale
                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                  March 15, 2016, 12:26PM

                                                                                                                                • Sniper
                                                                                                                                  How much longer do we have to wait for an LNP policy?
                                                                                                                                  We have been waiting since 2010.
                                                                                                                                  Haven't seen or heard of one since then.

                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                  Steve
                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                  March 15, 2016, 12:54PM

                                                                                                                              • So Turnbull want's to cut and run to an early election does he? Looking very shifty Malcolm, very shifty indeed. Considering we've had nothing on policy or anything for that matter for over 6 months I think voters will see it for what it is. A cynical attempt to hold onto power.

                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                Rollee the Rolex's Adventure
                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                March 15, 2016, 11:54AM

                                                                                                                                  • He's probably got a winning majority in the Cayman Islands?

                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                    Vote Mal Eat Pal
                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 12:05PM

                                                                                                                                • Australia became a nation on January 1st 1901. That makes us a Capricorn and if you look at our "horror"scope for the next four years then it doesn't look good.
                                                                                                                                  "No significant change will occur for Capricornians no matter who is in charge. Money will be tight. It should not be wasted but inevitably will be. Do not get caught up in other people's conflicts but inevitably you will be. You will be beset with pleas for aid and comfort but will remain reticent to do so. For the ill and infirm just living will be unaffordable but choosing to die will not be an option. For the young Capricornians, be nice to your parents until they die as that is the only way you will get a house. Indigenous Capricornians have struggled for over two centuries; what's another four years? LGBTI Capricornians, your future is unclear as others will determine your happiness. The future is not all that bleak after all you could be on Manus or Nauru. or on some low lying country wishing that Perhaps you should take swimming lessons as most Capricornians live on the coast and the water is getting deeper."

                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                  Tucky
                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                  Warragul
                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                  March 15, 2016, 11:49AM

                                                                                                                                  • VG Tucky, we can realign the stars and "Kick This Mob Out".

                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                    A country gal
                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 11:54AM

                                                                                                                                  • ACG : The ALP on a 31% primary vote, keep dreaming

                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                    Dreamer
                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 12:09PM

                                                                                                                                • As of today, I have decided that Mr Muir gets my first vote in the senate and the greens second. I don't care who is next. The thought of any major party having control of the senate fills me with rage.
                                                                                                                                  In the reps, liberals will be last. Lies and deception are not good reasons to be in government. Having no policies is a good reason to spend time in opposition. Nothing to do with left and right as others will no doubt frame it. Malcom squibbed it.. NEXT PM please.

                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                  Andyfreeze
                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                  Pascoe vale
                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                  March 15, 2016, 11:31AM

                                                                                                                                  • Me too.
                                                                                                                                    There is an old saying that Guy Fawkes was the only person ever to enter Parliament with honest intentions (ie to blow it up).
                                                                                                                                    Could Ricky be the second?

                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                    Rod
                                                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                                                    Brooklyn NY
                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 11:45AM

                                                                                                                                  • Oh goodie goodie Mr Muir might get 458 votes this time!

                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                    andrew
                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 11:46AM

                                                                                                                                  • Yes. Vote for a guy who wants to obstruct a more democratic voting system so he can keep his job. No self-interest at all on Muir's part.

                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                    Piped Piper
                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 11:53AM

                                                                                                                                  • @Andrew - thats more than Michaelia Cash got at the last election.

                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                    tasch2
                                                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                                                    Mornington Peninsula
                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 12:01PM

                                                                                                                                  • Piped
                                                                                                                                    How is that different from Malcolm trying obstruct a democratic process so he can keep his job

                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                    Steve
                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 12:02PM

                                                                                                                                  • funny how a new voting system for the senate can become 'more democratic' only after the LNP government cant gets its way and wants the senate to be a rubber stamp rather than a house of review.

                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                    Nick
                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 12:10PM

                                                                                                                                  • Sorry to bust your bubble piper, but I don't see how perfect democracy fits into any equation. He was elected under the current system that delivered your mob the government. Are you saying it is illegitimate? Mr Muir has proven himself, therefore he gets my vote. People like me VOTE for Muir, Muir doesn't vote for himself.

                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                    andyfreeze
                                                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                                                    pascoe vale
                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 12:17PM

                                                                                                                                  • 459 and counting!
                                                                                                                                    I decided ages ago that he was going to get my vote. He is the 'accidental' politician but has tried to do the best job he can. Although I don't agree with all his decisions, my summation is that he acts on the principle of bettering Australia on each piece of legislation before him. How many politicians can you say that about?

                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                    Fleegman
                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 12:21PM

                                                                                                                                  • tasch never heard of QUOTAs???

                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                    andrew
                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 1:58PM

                                                                                                                                  • @andrew - yes. Essentially Michaelia got prefenced through on less votes than Muir by virture of the preferences received from her LNP colleagues. Muck like Mr Muir received preferences from others.

                                                                                                                                    Still means less people voted for her directly than Muir. Not a ringing endorsement you would say.

                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                    tasch2
                                                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                                                    Mornington Peninsula
                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 2:41PM

                                                                                                                                • 11.18 Oh, look three women amongst the suits.

                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                  A country gal
                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                  March 15, 2016, 11:24AM

                                                                                                                                  • Have we reached peak representation yet?

                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                    Banjo
                                                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                                                    Eden
                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 11:31AM

                                                                                                                                  • They are real ,strong women pollies , not fake quota ones that the lefties prefer

                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                    gc
                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 11:37AM

                                                                                                                                  • Probably Banjo.

                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                    A country gal
                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 11:39AM

                                                                                                                                  • gc, look at all those fake quota suits.

                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                    Banjo
                                                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                                                    Eden
                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 11:47AM

                                                                                                                                  • Great to see some women there who made it on merit alone.

                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                    adrian
                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 12:52PM

                                                                                                                                • 'Morning Stephanie,
                                                                                                                                  Senator Cormman has just advised thru their favourite newspaper that the A.B.C.C. legislation will NOT be put to the Senate this sitting week.
                                                                                                                                  Well fellow "Mushrooms" how's that make you feel?????

                                                                                                                                  Commenter
                                                                                                                                  DukeofWoyWoy
                                                                                                                                  Location
                                                                                                                                  Central Coast NSW
                                                                                                                                  Date and time
                                                                                                                                  March 15, 2016, 11:20AM

                                                                                                                                  • The Foreign Minister for Movie Stars and Selfies must be so proud of the $15 million in Aid to Fiji ...... it equates to $16.60 for every single man, woman and child.

                                                                                                                                    "Collectively, the world has gone from spending $1675 trillion on weapons in 2001 to some $2590 trillion today. This is over 10 times the amount spent globally on foreign aid each year.

                                                                                                                                    "Even poor countries like Fiji have increased their military budget to about $80 million a year. This recently manifested itself in 27 containers of Russian-made weapons, with more en route."

                                                                                                                                    Let's hear it for the wonderful work the Abbott/Credlin/Turnbull govt is doing.

                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                    A Green
                                                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                                                    Australia
                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 11:19AM

                                                                                                                                    • Sounds like we should be giving away our defence budget to Fiji instead. How much of "our" money should we be giving them A Green? I mean I know that Greens and the left don't like us defending ourselves so how much should it be?

                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                      housemartin
                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                      hong kong
                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                      March 15, 2016, 12:08PM

                                                                                                                                    • HM
                                                                                                                                      No-one begrudges military spending so long as it is done intelligently...that means not buying outdated technology of the plan.

                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                      Vote Mal Eat Pal
                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                      March 15, 2016, 12:14PM

                                                                                                                                  • ALP scratching around in the rubbish bin for something to produce as a policy.. uncosted of course, as per usual... LOL

                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                    gc
                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 11:14AM

                                                                                                                                    • BS Shrapnel.
                                                                                                                                      The bits are still flying.

                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                      fizzybeer
                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                      March 15, 2016, 11:23AM

                                                                                                                                    • Gc
                                                                                                                                      Show me one costed LNP policy.
                                                                                                                                      Better still, show me one LNP policy.

                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                      Steve
                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                      March 15, 2016, 11:29AM

                                                                                                                                    • Wrong. All of Labor's policies have been costed by the Parliamentary Budget Office. BTW, who costed the Liberals' policies before the 2013 election?

                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                      Banjo
                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                      Eden
                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                      March 15, 2016, 11:29AM

                                                                                                                                    • fizzy, you should see the blatant propaganda my MP Broad posted in the regional paper.
                                                                                                                                      Blatant lies and a ferocious scare campaign.
                                                                                                                                      No doubt aimed at protecting farmers with their seaside holiday homes they gear at a loss.

                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                      A country gal
                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                      March 15, 2016, 11:42AM

                                                                                                                                    • awell Banjo when are the ALP going to share the methodology of their costings ?
                                                                                                                                      They could start with the modelling of the impacts of their negative gearing policy..

                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                      andrew
                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                      March 15, 2016, 11:50AM

                                                                                                                                    • Banjo: Now they just have to find the money to pay for them. Tax and spend as always, say in the form of 5 big new taxes.

                                                                                                                                      Labor, your taxes at work.

                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                      housemartin
                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                      hong kong
                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                      March 15, 2016, 12:11PM

                                                                                                                                    • All governments tax and spend, housemartin. The current government is taxing and spending at a record rate. By the way, the removal of a concession is not the same as a great big new tax.

                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                      Banjo
                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                      Eden
                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                      March 15, 2016, 12:22PM

                                                                                                                                  • 11:04 - Labor press briefing e-mail failure, hmmm.

                                                                                                                                    Did they try the "Send" button ?

                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                    Hacka
                                                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                                                    Canberra
                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 11:11AM

                                                                                                                                    • No, they had word there was a Gremlin errr Goodwin in the works.

                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                      A country gal
                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                      March 15, 2016, 11:23AM

                                                                                                                                    • Trying to use the NBN.

                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                      Baldone
                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                      Canberra
                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                      March 15, 2016, 11:46AM

                                                                                                                                    • Godwin's infiltrated the ALP mail servers ACG ?

                                                                                                                                      Baldone - yes, private industry would have managed it so much better wouldn't they.

                                                                                                                                      Although i still reckon the send button might have been the problem. Good to see some improvisation though.

                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                      Hacka
                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                      Canberra
                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                      March 15, 2016, 11:52AM

                                                                                                                                    • No Hacka, they just remember Mal and his mails.

                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                      A country gal
                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                      March 15, 2016, 12:01PM

                                                                                                                                    • Not sure that Malcolm actually sent any to GG did he ?

                                                                                                                                      Received a couple of course.

                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                      Hacka
                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                      Canberra
                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                      March 15, 2016, 12:06PM

                                                                                                                                    • You were a much younger woman then ACG.

                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                      housemartin
                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                      hong kong
                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                      March 15, 2016, 12:14PM

                                                                                                                                  • "Ms Bishop also held her first talks with "Fiji's Prime Minister, Frank Bainimarama, since the two countries normalised their relationship two years ago." It's amazing what a few Chinese atoll reclamation projects will do to spur our relationships with our Pacific neighbors.

                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                    Pluto
                                                                                                                                    Location
                                                                                                                                    Melbourne
                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 11:08AM

                                                                                                                                    • Indeed, Pluto, China has been responsible, in the way of funding, loans and grants, for Fiji to equip its military forces.

                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                      Banjo
                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                      Eden
                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                      March 15, 2016, 11:27AM

                                                                                                                                    • How much in trade do you think the South China Sea is worth to Australia? Or is it just a matter of a few Chinese wanting to sunbake on the beach and have a jolly little frolic in the water Pluto?

                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                      housemartin
                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                      hong kong
                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                      March 15, 2016, 11:46AM

                                                                                                                                    • housemartin, the Chinese never leave home without their snorkels. They snorkel in the Indian Ocean, the South China Sea, the Pacific; anywhere really. Then they get out of the water, relax on the beach and pretend they are tourists.

                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                      Pluto
                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                      Melbourne
                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                      March 15, 2016, 4:01PM

                                                                                                                                  • Will the minority Senators stage a sit in? and will the Greens sit with them to protest? any protest is a good protest isn't it?

                                                                                                                                    Commenter
                                                                                                                                    enough is enough
                                                                                                                                    Date and time
                                                                                                                                    March 15, 2016, 11:06AM

                                                                                                                                      • Clearly not paying much attention here, since the Greens are supportive of the changes and have been pushing this legislation for some time.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        Oliver More
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 11:17AM

                                                                                                                                      • The Green have joined with the Liberal-National govenmnet have they not?

                                                                                                                                        eie, by backing this govenment you are backing the Greens!!! Oh the irony, eie.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        Llleyton
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 11:19AM

                                                                                                                                      • Yep I've voted Green every election for 25 years. Definitely not this time. Bring back Milne.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        GOV
                                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                                        Sydney
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 11:31AM

                                                                                                                                      • "Kumbaya my Lord, kumbaya, kumbaya my Lord, kumbayaaaa.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        housemartin
                                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                                        hong kong
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 11:49AM

                                                                                                                                      • Ah, the early morning song of the house martin.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        Banjo
                                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                                        Eden
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 11:55AM

                                                                                                                                      • Relaxes me Banjo, whilst i'm weaving baskets.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        housemartin
                                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                                        hong kong
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 12:16PM

                                                                                                                                      • I think you mean BS houso?

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        Vote Mal Eat Pal
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 12:42PM

                                                                                                                                      • Eat Pal: "I think you mean BS houso?"

                                                                                                                                        Cutting edge Pal ... very, very cutting edge.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        housemartin
                                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                                        hong kong
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 1:32PM

                                                                                                                                    • Anyone notice that Richard Di Natale looks a bit like Kermit the Frog? With all those Green voters now dissatisfied with where the party is going, will we hear Richard singing "It's Not Easy Being Green"?

                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                      Tucky
                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                      Warragul
                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                      March 15, 2016, 11:01AM

                                                                                                                                      • Tucky, I've never seen Kermit wearing a black skivvy.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        Pluto
                                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                                        Melbourne
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 11:05AM

                                                                                                                                      • All possibly a bit Sesame Street at Green HQ with SHY ( Miss Piggy ) preening - and plotting against Kermie

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        gc
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 11:17AM

                                                                                                                                      • Yes I have decided to change my support for the Greens I do not like the way it is going or the new leadership

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        tashman
                                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                                        melb
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 11:18AM

                                                                                                                                      • I thought he was the Man from Uncle

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        GOV
                                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                                        Sydney
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 11:24AM

                                                                                                                                    • Photo 10:37am is a still from the new movie, "Top Gun - Less macho. More menace."

                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                      Tucky
                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                      Warragul
                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                      March 15, 2016, 10:57AM

                                                                                                                                      • BOURNE NATALE he has taken the wrong decision to back the LNP.
                                                                                                                                        My Green vote is now going elsewhere.
                                                                                                                                        What a change to the policies of the Greens after the new leader has taken over.
                                                                                                                                        No principles either.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        CAMI
                                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                                        VIC
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 11:46AM

                                                                                                                                      • I wouldn't be too down on the Greens, it seems they're starting to mature and have finally decided to contribute rather than simply wasting taxpayers money protesting.

                                                                                                                                        SHY, take note.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        housemartin
                                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                                        hong kong
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 12:19PM

                                                                                                                                    • So Morrison has conceded the Labor ideas are correct.

                                                                                                                                      Law of averages.
                                                                                                                                      he had to be right eventually.

                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                      fizzybeer
                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                      March 15, 2016, 10:57AM

                                                                                                                                      • "Mr Morrison said superannuation was not supposed to be "an estate planning tool"."

                                                                                                                                        It's nice to have governments telling us what we are allowed to do with our own money that we've saved and managed from our own hard work. Fancy that, a government saying, you are not allowed to plan your estate with your own money, we will tell you how you will manage it into your later years.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        housemartin
                                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                                        hong kong
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 12:22PM

                                                                                                                                    • If Shorten is wanting to recommit Labor to full employment, would that mean that parliamentarians would then be forced to be fully employed? They would keep their salary, but not have the untaxed fringe benefits. They would be forced to work the days and hours that most people who are fully employed do. Does Bill want only dedicated community involved selfless people in parliament? Now that would be novel.

                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                      Tucky
                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                      Warragul
                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                      March 15, 2016, 10:54AM

                                                                                                                                      • How about the parliament do their job and debate the same sex marriage bill rather than having the taxpayer pay twice for them not doing their job and then forking out a massive $500million for the priviledge of them not doing the job they were elected to do.

                                                                                                                                        This is just typical gutless politics from the LNP as usual who never put and debate anything that may be a challenge. Much better to be "agile" and outsource it to someone else if they can. Just look at the dealing with the Greens who they hated for so long. It is lazy politics to try and have to work to get re-elected. Sums up the LNP quite well.

                                                                                                                                        Why do we pay them money if they don't work for it?

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        Lance
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 11:05AM

                                                                                                                                      • Tucky, you clearly don't know much about the working life of a pollie, they work extraordinarily long and demanding hours.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        housemartin
                                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                                        hong kong
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 12:24PM

                                                                                                                                    • It is such an exciting time to be a Green!

                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                      Daniel
                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                      Sydney
                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                      March 15, 2016, 10:54AM

                                                                                                                                      • Looks like it's an exciting time to be Frank Bainimarama too.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        Pluto
                                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                                        Melbourne
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 11:03AM

                                                                                                                                    • All this talk about Senate reform is not the Senate THE House of review there to represent the STATES and not the respective party with the majority in the House of Representatives? If the P.M. wants the Senate to be subservient to the House of Representatives why not just abolish the Senate and save the taxpayers money ?
                                                                                                                                      I think that the current Senate has been a House of Review and should be encouraged to continue to do so. It should not become a useless tool of the Party machine which controls the lower house.

                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                      CLC
                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                      March 15, 2016, 10:53AM

                                                                                                                                      • Hear hear.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        Lance
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 11:12AM

                                                                                                                                      • CLC: You're right, the Senate should be abolished, the micro parties are not a democratic representation of the States at all.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        housemartin
                                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                                        hong kong
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 12:50PM

                                                                                                                                    • 10.34 I hope Julie Bishop cooked up and ate those eggplants in Fiji.

                                                                                                                                      Alex Ellinghausen, a splendiferous set of photos. Well done.

                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                      Banjo
                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                      Eden
                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                      March 15, 2016, 10:49AM

                                                                                                                                      • She can bring them back.
                                                                                                                                        No chance of her ever being searched at the airport again.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        fizzybeer
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 10:52AM

                                                                                                                                      • Too funny, fizzy, and too true.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        Banjo
                                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                                        Eden
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 10:57AM

                                                                                                                                      • And checkout those sunnies, is she auditioning for Black Hawk Down 2?

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        A country gal
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 11:10AM

                                                                                                                                    • 10.37 am. Diplomacy 101 from Bishop. What a class act. Meanwhile Plibersek is still wondering where that country Africa is. Perhaps it's been covered over by Pen's massive sea level rises.

                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                      enough is enough
                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                      March 15, 2016, 10:45AM

                                                                                                                                      • Liberal=good Labor=bad.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        davemac
                                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                                        Melbourne
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 10:49AM

                                                                                                                                      • Bishop is certainly a big big improvement over the Abbott diplomacy fiasco's (note: I say fiasco's as every time he opened his mouth he insulted or offended someone overseas). The LNP certainly needed to ft its game in this area - actually every area and it is still a work in progress.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        Lance
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 10:55AM

                                                                                                                                      • EiE
                                                                                                                                        I wouldn't laugh too much about sea level rises.
                                                                                                                                        Sea levels are currently rising almost twice as fast as predicted.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        Steve
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 11:08AM

                                                                                                                                      • We we pondering at the weekend when was the last time Plibersek actually asked Ms Bishop a question on foreign affairs in QT?
                                                                                                                                        All she has asked, usually of Turnbull, in recent memory is the dross that passes for questions from the ALP.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        andrew
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 11:12AM

                                                                                                                                      • EiE
                                                                                                                                        Is Bishop trying to make up for the fact that while she was sitting on her hands, China was the first country to provide aid and manpower to Fiji after the cyclone?

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        Steve
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 11:34AM

                                                                                                                                      • Lance: Only mature conversation please.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        housemartin
                                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                                        hong kong
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 1:00PM

                                                                                                                                      • The only reason people are laughing is because they're not listening and don't believe in that old chestnut.

                                                                                                                                        Blistering heatwave in Melbourne today I see, 21 degrees in the middle of March ... wow!

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        housemartin
                                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                                        hong kong
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 1:04PM

                                                                                                                                    • @10:37
                                                                                                                                      See no evil. Check.
                                                                                                                                      Hear no evil. Check.
                                                                                                                                      Speak no evil... Ch... Oh bugger!

                                                                                                                                      But hey, 2 out of 3 ain't bad.

                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                      Gigondas
                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                      March 15, 2016, 10:45AM

                                                                                                                                      • looks like Arnie in the terminator.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        fizzybeer
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 10:51AM

                                                                                                                                    • Pen, those useless military assets you bang on about seem popular in Fiji.

                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                      enough is enough
                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                      March 15, 2016, 10:43AM

                                                                                                                                      • tourist chopper would do the same job unless JBish has a derringer up her sleeve eenie.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        fizzybeer
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 10:49AM

                                                                                                                                      • EiE
                                                                                                                                        Since when are we sending submarines and F25s to Fiji?

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        Steve
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 10:51AM

                                                                                                                                    • Here at the Pulse, we are a caring community. We look out for each other when tough times hit.

                                                                                                                                      We now all need to gather around and support one of our own, enough is enough. How we can even begin to imagine the pain, hurt and grief that the headline “‘They’re not the nutters they used to be’: Liberal Party open to Greens ‘arrangement’” must have caused

                                                                                                                                      eie, we’re all with you. Be strong.

                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                      Gigondas
                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                      March 15, 2016, 10:40AM

                                                                                                                                      • Meanwhile, Greens voters are spitting the dummy and swearing they will never vote Green again. Mission accomplished.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        enough is enough
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 10:47AM

                                                                                                                                      • So I'm sure all those pissed off Greens voters will vote LNP instead.

                                                                                                                                        Mission accomplished in a George W Bush sense I fear.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        davemac
                                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                                        Melbourne
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 10:54AM

                                                                                                                                      • enough to make them all vote Labor eenie if they are so under appreciated.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        fizzybeer
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 10:54AM

                                                                                                                                      • Yes EIE. It is always divisive politics with the LNP despite Turnbull's marshmallow words. Lets not try and put up good policies hat we are prepared to argue for in parliament but just take the easy way out and try and trick our way back in.

                                                                                                                                        Yep, new lipstick but same old pig.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        Lance
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 10:59AM

                                                                                                                                      • Some Greens voters may desert, eie, but it seems a significant rump of ultra-right Liberals are also spitting the dummy and swearing they will never vote Liberal while Maocolm Turncoat (as they call amusingly him- those right wingers sure know how to craft a joke) is in charge, and they’re doubly upset about your lot cuddling up to the Greens. Any deserting Green is highly unlikely to vote Liberal. You’re still well behind on the deal.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        Gigondas
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 11:05AM

                                                                                                                                      • Sorry Gig, that's a bridge too far.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        A country gal
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 11:13AM

                                                                                                                                    • 10:31am. This Year in a Theater Near YOU. "Julie Bishop. Action Woman."

                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                      Pluto
                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                      Melbourne
                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                      March 15, 2016, 10:39AM

                                                                                                                                      • Doesn't she know Bishops in choppers don't go well together?

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        davemac
                                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                                        Melbourne
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 10:52AM

                                                                                                                                      • Julie's got special dispensation.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        Pluto
                                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                                        Melbourne
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 10:56AM

                                                                                                                                    • Have to laugh at the Senators with 0.03% of vote trying to dictate terms to the Government.

                                                                                                                                      Malcolm push on & get this done. Pass the Senate reform. Then the Senators with 0.03% of the vote can vote down the Union legislation again & we can have the DD & go to the polls on 2 July.

                                                                                                                                      Bring it on. Bill is getting a bit cocky. He's had a big two months, the Government has had a poor start to the year & yet the preferred PM polls still have it something like 60-20.

                                                                                                                                      Bill it's a Melbourne Cup, not a Golden Slipper. You may have peaked a little early.

                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                      Shane
                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                      Hammondville
                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                      March 15, 2016, 10:33AM

                                                                                                                                      • So based on the fact that noone votes below the line, you want to make the senate 'major parties only'. And that's a good thing because....

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        davemac
                                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                                        Melbourne
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 10:38AM

                                                                                                                                      • Shane
                                                                                                                                        All those Senators were elected on Liberal vote preferences.
                                                                                                                                        This is a problem that the LNP created by putting the ALP and the Greens last.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        Steve
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 10:40AM

                                                                                                                                      • Shane, 73% of the vote went to Labor, the LNP and the Greens. The rest went elsewhere.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        jofek
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 10:47AM

                                                                                                                                      • I think it is funnier that the Government is going to oppose its own Legislation that it seems desperate to pass.

                                                                                                                                        Did Malcolm not say that if the ABCC legislation is passed any talk of a DD is moot.

                                                                                                                                        How prophetic.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        tasch2
                                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                                        Mornington Peninsula
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 10:49AM

                                                                                                                                      • @ davemac, if people want to vote for the micro parties they will have 6 votes above the line and 12 votes below. Those that don't want to vote for them won't have their votes hi-jacked by secret, back-room preference deals. Everyone will know that their vote will go where they intended. That's called democracy!

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        AG
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 11:09AM

                                                                                                                                      • Their mates in the CFMEU behind this skullduggery can protest with them outside Parliament.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        andrew
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 11:17AM

                                                                                                                                      • Tasch As any vote will not be on the legislation how can the government oppose their own legislation?
                                                                                                                                        Only the ALP votes against their own policies like the $5 Billion in budget from Swannies last budget they refuse to pass.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        andrew
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 11:54AM

                                                                                                                                      • davemac: It certainly is a good thing. The 2013 quota was calculated at 48,137 votes Lambie initially polled 21,794 votes or 0.45 of a quota. By the 154th preference transfer she was still 16,994 votes shy of that quota. But at the 155th count she struck it lucky in the form of surplus votes from the ALP and ended with a total of 55,572 votes - well in excess of the quota. Her ultimate victory owed as much to the 33,778 votes she harvested from other candidates as the 21,794 she won in her own right. Extend that to Muir also and that is not called democracy. Hell Muir doesn't even know how the system of government even works.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        housemartin
                                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                                        hong kong
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 1:18PM

                                                                                                                                      • housemartin, I guess democracy is Labor, LNP and Greens owning 100% of the seats with 73% of the votes? I'm not hearing anyone denouncing preference voting; just the ones who want it to only work in their favour.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        jofek
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 2:13PM

                                                                                                                                      • jofek: I'd say abolish the Senate altogether, it has completely strayed from its mandate. It is a house of review not a house of obstruction to simply prevent the passage of bills. That's why we have a 3rd reading speech. The micro parties have hijacked its intended purpose.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        housemartin
                                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                                        hong kong
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 2:34PM

                                                                                                                                      • housemartin, the conservative crossbench would have passed legislation if it was any good. The Senate has absolutely done its job as the house of review. Maybe your side could come up with some policy in the national interest; instead they choose to corrupt the system so that it works in their favour.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        jofek
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 2:46PM

                                                                                                                                      • @andrew - so now you are saying that the Governmet don't even want to vote on their own legislation.

                                                                                                                                        Why introduce it in the first place? What a bunch of incompetent clowns.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        tasch2
                                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                                        Mornington Peninsula
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 2:55PM

                                                                                                                                      • jofek: You would do well to remember Lambies' iron fisted promise to block every bill without merit introduced by the coalition unless she got a pay rise for the defense force that she was demanding.

                                                                                                                                        It makes my point precisely.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        housemartin
                                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                                        hong kong
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 3:49PM

                                                                                                                                      • jofek:You've got your numbers all wrong. Whilst the conservatives have more senators than anyone else, the combined senators of Labor, the Greens and micro parties exceeds the coalition, this is where they have used those numbers to wreak havoc and corrupt the senate, so I don't you have your head around the numbers by saying the conservatives could have passed more bills.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        housemartin
                                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                                        hong kong
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 3:55PM

                                                                                                                                      • housemartin, which of my numbers is wrong?

                                                                                                                                        The LNP could have passed any legislation they wanted with the support of the crossbench. The crossbench lean to the right. Had the policies not been so gobsmackingly bad they could have passed legislation with the support of the Greens also.

                                                                                                                                        It has never been a problem with the make-up of the Senate; it has always been a bad policy problem.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        jofek
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 5:05PM

                                                                                                                                    • I'd like to see Clive Palmer receive a roasting today in QT and if there is any mention of 800 people losing their jobs in Townsville.

                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                      The Bill
                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                      Brisbane
                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                      March 15, 2016, 10:33AM

                                                                                                                                      • And the ALP and Greens can explain why they gave Clive their prefences to get him elected in the first place.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        enough is enough
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 10:38AM

                                                                                                                                      • EiE
                                                                                                                                        Clive got elected on LNP voters preferences.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        Steve
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 10:53AM

                                                                                                                                      • Steve, wrong. Nice try to rewrite history.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        enough is enough
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 10:56AM

                                                                                                                                      • Of course EiE , everyone knew that Tony was a brainless idiot and they knew nothing about Clive , so very simple really. Don't have to draw pictures for you do we...

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        Supa350
                                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                                        Wodonga
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 11:00AM

                                                                                                                                      • EiE
                                                                                                                                        Go back and look at the detail.
                                                                                                                                        Firstly, the ALP vote was down 9%.
                                                                                                                                        Of the 15,000 first preference ALP votes, a third of them went to the LNP on the final distribution.
                                                                                                                                        That was the highest percentage in Australia.
                                                                                                                                        Almost 100% of 1st pref Greens votes went to Palmer.
                                                                                                                                        But Palmer was elected by disaffected LNP voters. Not by anyone else.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        Steve
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 11:27AM

                                                                                                                                      • Steve ,
                                                                                                                                        The LNP candidate got 44% primary vote.
                                                                                                                                        Clive got 26% primary vote.
                                                                                                                                        he scrapped home by a handful of votes on ALP and Greens preferences.
                                                                                                                                        I suggest research before posting dross.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        andrew
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 2:02PM

                                                                                                                                    • Australia should not get involved in the issues regarding the construction of islands in the South China Sea especially at the US's behest. If we follow the possible incoming US President Donald Trump's military and environmental strategies, it will cost us a fortune to build a wall around our coast, and the Chinese islands will soon disappear anyway due to Trump's dismissal of all evidence of climate change. If the latter occurs we can finally have a use for the subs we really don't need. They can be used to try to find missing aeroplanes, islands and Australian independence.

                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                      Tucky
                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                      Warragul
                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                      March 15, 2016, 10:32AM

                                                                                                                                      • Nice post, Tucky.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        Banjo
                                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                                        Eden
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 10:55AM

                                                                                                                                      • The now bypassed Holbrook may put up it's hand for a spare sub.
                                                                                                                                        The whole Trump possibility does my head in.
                                                                                                                                        Surely GOP will see to it he's not their candidate.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        A country gal
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 11:29AM

                                                                                                                                    • They want to change the voting system in the Senate. With just a mere flick of a pen the major parties get a better go. Why not do a complete change and make it more workable or like it was supposed to be originally, as a house of review. States and later territories were given a chance to have a say because we are a federation of states and territories. Lip service is given to that notion now and we are a federation of political parties. The quota system is bonkers. Because you are aligned to a party, even if you get very few primary votes, you ride in on the coat-tails of others. If there are six positions vacant in a state what is wrong with everyone voting for the least worst six only. That would be more representative wouldn't it?

                                                                                                                                      Commenter
                                                                                                                                      Tucky
                                                                                                                                      Location
                                                                                                                                      Warragul
                                                                                                                                      Date and time
                                                                                                                                      March 15, 2016, 10:29AM

                                                                                                                                      • Pretty smart move by Senator Muir. Always thought if the cross benchers wanted to force the hand of the Liberal party was to pass the ABCC. The Liberal party put all its eggs in the ABCC legislation basket and have no back-up plan if they got out maneuvered. Watching the Liberals vote against a debate on their own legislation... Amusing.

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        Philvarce
                                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                                        Brisbane
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 10:26AM

                                                                                                                                        • Go Ricky!

                                                                                                                                          "The move by Senator Muir has put the government in the invidious position of opposing its own bill - a bill it says it desperately wants to see debated - or risking losing the support of the Greens for Senate reform. That Senate reform is a crucial prerequisite if a double dissolution is not to elect even more random senators."

                                                                                                                                          http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/pms-fortunes-to-turn-on-tense-parliamentary-week-20160314-gnieg1.html

                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                          Go Ricky
                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                          March 15, 2016, 10:35AM

                                                                                                                                        • It is all about tricky politics with the LNP and rarely about taking the harder road and doing the right thing. No wonder we have got nowhere but a deficit on steroids under this current government of no ideas and no action. A good example is the current political adds about women. Yes a good thing indeed but is no more than a glossy waste of money that could be used to perhaps implement programs that actually do something to help women and not just the LNP image. What a do nothing government we have.

                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                          Lance
                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                          March 15, 2016, 11:11AM

                                                                                                                                      • Liberal Party will lose the next election

                                                                                                                                        Labor Party will transform itself into a highly accomplished party and win the upcoming election

                                                                                                                                        Liberal Party will not return to power for 15 years, The Greens will slowly fade away into meaningless existence

                                                                                                                                        This is the most accurate prediction one will ever read this year

                                                                                                                                        Commenter
                                                                                                                                        Angel
                                                                                                                                        Location
                                                                                                                                        Sydney
                                                                                                                                        Date and time
                                                                                                                                        March 15, 2016, 10:25AM

                                                                                                                                        • Half way thru Niki's book, and contrary to @H's prediction that no one is interested it seems to be flying off the shelves.

                                                                                                                                          The thing that amazes me from reading it is that Abbott managed to last as long as he did.

                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                          davemac
                                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                                          Melbourne
                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                          March 15, 2016, 10:17AM

                                                                                                                                          • Is this the same Nikki Savva book that Paul Barry totally destroyed last night on your ABC?

                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                            Piped Piper
                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                            March 15, 2016, 10:26AM

                                                                                                                                          • read quicker.
                                                                                                                                            I want to find out what happened in the end.

                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                            fizzybeer
                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                            March 15, 2016, 10:27AM

                                                                                                                                          • My tip is Melisandre brings him back as a zombie PM.

                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                            davemac
                                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                                            Melbourne
                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                            March 15, 2016, 10:34AM

                                                                                                                                          • If you tell a little lie the public will spot it...if you tell a big lie...

                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                            Vote Mal Eat Pal
                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                            March 15, 2016, 10:35AM

                                                                                                                                          • @piper Paul and other commentators has a point as far as perception of balance.

                                                                                                                                            But I'm with Niki, she's got first hand sources and Abbott would just lie. Credlin has simply come out with abuse, true to form.

                                                                                                                                            I know who I believe.

                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                            davemac
                                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                                            Melbourne
                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                            March 15, 2016, 10:40AM

                                                                                                                                        • Speaking of the Senate, has there been any references of calculations on how much the Government is going to need to pay out to these "retiring " Senators?

                                                                                                                                          I know the newbies wont get much, if anything, but if the long serving ones go the bill would be enormous.

                                                                                                                                          Commenter
                                                                                                                                          mirrorsofsmoke
                                                                                                                                          Location
                                                                                                                                          Sydney
                                                                                                                                          Date and time
                                                                                                                                          March 15, 2016, 10:16AM

                                                                                                                                          • Very soon the pork barrelling and empty promises will start happening as politicians come door knocking begging for votes. While big issues such as climate change, asylum seeker treatment, indigenous people's welfare and the growing divide between rich and poor should be the important topics on the agenda; the focus will undoubtedly be on the hip-pockets of voters and we will ask "What's in it for me?" as the politicians try to buy our votes. It seems that 'shallow' now is the new black.

                                                                                                                                            Commenter
                                                                                                                                            Tucky
                                                                                                                                            Location
                                                                                                                                            Warragul
                                                                                                                                            Date and time
                                                                                                                                            March 15, 2016, 10:14AM

                                                                                                                                            • So the ABCC is urgent, urgent go to the canvas urgent, need to resolve it or else DD time...

                                                                                                                                              How urgent? Meh, maybe in a few weeks.

                                                                                                                                              Chill dudes.

                                                                                                                                              Commenter
                                                                                                                                              davemac
                                                                                                                                              Location
                                                                                                                                              Melbourne
                                                                                                                                              Date and time
                                                                                                                                              March 15, 2016, 10:13AM

                                                                                                                                              • Not urgent enough to have a Federal ICAC that can look at corruption everywhere - including within the Parliament.

                                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                                jofek
                                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                                March 15, 2016, 10:21AM

                                                                                                                                              • So many witch hunts so little time.

                                                                                                                                                Meanwhile Commbank running rampant, but that's OK as there's no union or ex Labor PM angle to exploit..

                                                                                                                                                Commenter
                                                                                                                                                davemac
                                                                                                                                                Location
                                                                                                                                                Melbourne
                                                                                                                                                Date and time
                                                                                                                                                March 15, 2016, 10:36AM
                                                                                                                                            Comments are now closed
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