Here's the latest Morgan poll http://www.roymorgan.com/findings/morgan-poll-july-8-2013-201307080647

Labor leads the opposition 54.5% to 45.5%.

Yep, Labor continues to get more and more and more popular, every time Abbott opens his mouth. Labor would comfortably win an election.

How long till Abbott gets knifed in the back? Not long I bet.

P Jack you leave your chin exposed with titles and words like that.
I saw different numbers than you.
While feeling the warmth of my party,s return I am aware we have won 50. something two party preferred and lost an election.
Rudd has been brilliant, and put many of my dreamed for reforms on the table.
A start and a needed one.
However Liberals have one ACE as Gillard has gone, and no longer leans on Abbott, propping both up Turnbull rises.
You now will see the silly thought that in telling it like I see it, I am desperately trying to?
Take some wind out of my party,s sails.
now and in the past, future too, my only reason for naming Turnbull, is he is so far in front of Abbott he frightens me.

Labor's (Rudd's) best chance is to be positive. The conservative oppositions negativity, combined with their raft of phony policies is making them a questionable commodity that the voters may well not be prepared to entertain. Voters are starting to fear the consequences of voting conservative, their lack of vision combined with Abbotts poor leadership is making voters nervous. It is unheard of where an invitation by the incumbent to his opponent to debate the issues before the people is refused, in the way Abbott has refused to debate Rudd, what is Abbott hiding from? Abbott well knows that a head to head debate will expose him as a weak leader with phony policies and no vision for Australia.
The events of the past couple of weeks has left the conservatives shell shocked, they thought they were in for an easy ride in September, but not to be. The ball game has taken on a new dimension since Rudd hit the ground running and Abbott has been left in a knot like his blue tie. I'm sure more than on Liberal is mumbling "Where is Turnbull when you need him." A well known cliche, but rather apt here 'a week is a long time in politics.'

A Morgan poll had Latham winning an election too.

All who believe the poll should put their money with bookies who will offer great odds.

Go for it and bet your house on the certainty you see before you. LOL

These polls are taken in Uni campuses not in factories & at Centrelink queues. Go & ask everyday workers with their feet on the ground instead of Ubi students with their heads in the clouds.

Labor's (Rudd's) best chance is to be positive.
Paul1405,
fyi, even a totally flat battery still has a positive terminal. Rudd is that terminal in the ALP.

P Jack, labor's best chance is if the church can hear their confession as the money they have wasted, along with little to show for it, combined with the fact that they are relying on taxes like, the carbon tax at some four to five time the world average and mining tax which has been a dud.

Unfortunately they were relying on these to at least try to repay their debt.

Paul...Labor's (Rudd's) best chance is to be positive

Are you serious!

Please enlighten me, what do they have in the past six years to be positive about?

Or, are they once again, with Kevin at the wheel, predicting the future. I hope not, because let's face it, he got it very very wrong last time.

.....These polls are taken in Uni campuses not in factories & at Centrelink queues

Spot on Indi.

Now, I ask you labor voters a very serious question, what do you think has changed IN JUST TWO WEEKS that will fix all labor's wrongs?

Now as for Tony Abbott debating Rudd, be fair now, he did say he would, but only when an election is called.

Now what's wrong with that.

At the end of the day, as I've said many times I doubt Rudd will be able to get the monkeys off his back, insulation and illegals, and this is what I think will cost him, and labor, the election.

rehctub,

Even Newspoll says it's 50/50.

Polls taken (exclusively) at uni campuses.......

In yer dreams.

Kevin Rudd is presenting himself as a new,
responsible and trustworthy leader willing
to own up to fault, move on and assist all
to prosper.

If Abbott is seen as a bruiser, with no
detailed policies of substance, too afraid
to debate and Rudd is seen as a leader who
can fly to Indonesia to explore new
solutions to the asylum seeker argument and
mend the damage over live cattle exports -
then this just may alter the narrative that
Labor was lost.

As Tony Wright, writing in The Saturday Age,
July 6th 2013, points out,
"Generations of students of public relations,
strategy and damage control would remain in
awe."

rehctub,

"As for Tony Abbott debating Rudd, be fair now, he did say he would, but only when an election is called."

You make it sound as if an election is someway off in the fuzzy distance.

Tell me, why did Tony stage this?:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/image/4790018-3x2-940x627.jpg

Which in common parlance is referred to as an over-the-top, US-style sugar-fest "campaign launch".

Now why would Mr Abbott "launch" his campaign if he's splitting hairs about information on an exact election date?

Surely if he's convinced enough to stage a hoopla-filled campaign launch, he's ready to put his best foot-(in-mouth) forward in a debate?

No?

Lexi,

That is a switch. Are you and the Left now in favour of live cattle and sheep exports?

What has changed?

General request
Does anyone know where Kevin13 and Therese are in that sweet VIP Boeing 737-700.

Kevin13 and the missus, Carr and his misssus, and the others really need s special Flight Tracker on the Net devoted to them. So that the exasperated Aussie taxpayer can at least see where the luxury VIP jets range, even though there are no outcomes of any worth. Has Kevin13 lined up his UN job yet, or is the Aussie taxpayer up for more $$millions spread around the world?

No way that Kevin13's bottom will be dislodged from that luxury VIP 737-700 until he really truly has to go to election. LOL

onthebeach,

That's coincidental.

Talking of travel expenses......?

http://nofibs.com.au/2013/07/06/exclusive-abbott-forced-to-repay-taxpayers-9400-he-charged-taxpayers-to-promote-his-book/

http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/abbott-forced-to-repay-travel-expenses-20130707-2pk9b.html

At least Rudd wasn't promoting his book...or claiming travel allowance for his "volunteer" activities.

I am amazed the Aust people appear to like Rudd so much.

If this popularity for the ALP holds up for another month or so, then it will be Abbott's leadership that will come under much greater pressure. That would also be amazing.

Hard life being a pollie, as nothing is never certain. It can all change in a matter of days.

Not to mention Howard's taxpayer funded jet shuttle taxi service....

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/archive/news/pms-jet-a-taxi-service/story-e6frf7l6-1111114449873

Chris,

I'm waiting for Abbott to say something of substance.

You know, the opposite of slogans and pamphlets.

The only reason he was allowed to coast is that Gillard was copping so much flack. Now Abbott is being called upon to sell himself and his party, the heat is on and Mr Abbott finds himself in unfamiliar territory.

Last night on 7:30, when asked how he will "turn the boats around" without Indonesian cooperation, all he could say (three times) is that "Howard did it".

That's it - no detail at all.

If he's the present under the Christmas tree, then I'm shaking it - and it appears to contain "nothing".

It's your choice folks:

One wears glasses and a smile
The other a sneer on his big-eared dial
One can talk and enunciate
The other's a bruiser who won't debate
We need a leader to see us through
But the question is -
Who, Who, WHOOOO?

A public debate between the two men would help.

Poirot, I have been saying for a long time people want a new vision in line with Australia's present problems.

It looks like they will be attracted by a more positive stance, even if this means that they are hoping Rudd now moves beyond rhetoric.

I suspect if Abbott does not step up in terms of a positive policy direction, then he will be in trouble.

At this stage, still too early to tell. All will be revealed when campaign gets underway once election is announced. However, the coalition would be sadly mistaken if it thinks it can rely merely on bagging the past, asylum seekers or the carbon tax. It will need to balance both the past and future in terms of policy reminders and direction.

It will be a dirty campaign; lets hope some policy choices also emerge

Chris,

It doesn't need to be a dirty campaign.

You're right that it is too early to tell.

I think, with the re-emergence of Rudd, the LNP strategists need to revise their game plan.

However, I'm not sure if Abbott is up to that scenario.

We can tell Rudd has the conservatives rattled with the way the "usual suspects" are posting.

"Go for it and bet your house on the certainty you see before you. LOL" beach person.

"These polls are taken in Uni campuses" Indi
"fyi, even a totally flat battery still has a positive terminal. Rudd is that terminal in the ALP." more Indi

"what do you think has changed IN JUST TWO WEEKS that will fix all labor's wrongs? Now as for Tony Abbott debating Rudd, be fair now, he did say he would, but only when an election is called." Butch

Rudd has got them rattled.

"The Opposition leader, Mr Abbott, was forced to repay taxpayers nearly $9,400" Poirot, and to think I was going to vote for this felon. Thank you for pointing out his criminal activity for me. Oh, I am totally mortified that an almost member of the catholic clergy should be found stealing from the public purse, outrageous.
I am flabbergasted to think one so holy, Mr Abbott that is, would stoop to level of the common criminal classes.
An unnamed spokesman for Mr Abbott, was that Archy Pell speaking for his glove puppet? I can't go on, I'm to distraught over this appalling news about Mr Abbott. I'll take a Bex, with a cup of tea and have a good lie down. This has totally shattered my faith in one so holy, that's it I'll never vote Liberal again.

Folks let us all put some thought in to our posts on this subject.
Clearly I want Labor to win.
Just as clearly think they can.
But look at some things said here.
It is my view, any one, who said the polls are wrong, needs to with draw from the thread.
Such comment is evidence of no understanding of the subject.
And reread, search for such comments and you will see the very same folk gloated about the polls, when they went the other way.
Our personal wishes and biases will not change the truth.
Like the ALP Liberals have a leader unwanted out in the electorate.
Some in the ALP even thought Gillards sometimes lead over Abbott meant electoral Victory.
Gillards removal has left Abbott naked before an electorate ever ready to dislike him.
Will Labor win?
I think/hope so.
Watch however who leads the Liberals, how bad/ugly the Murdock press becomes ,a history of bias exists there, Murdock as was his father, wants power in politics, it can have a bearing.
To be honest with Abbott leading Labor can not be beaten.
With Turnbull, free to have his policy,s and dump those he wishes to?
Close run race.

Dear Belly,

I agree with Paul.

Rudd does have them rattled.

I just heard Joe Hockey saying on national television
that in order to avoid the rising prices of petrol
Rudd should call "an early election."

It seems that calls for an "early election," is the
current mantra of the Libs replacing even the
carbon tax, and "we'll stop the boats," hymns.

Voters need to hear these things and judge for
themselves who really deserves to govern.

I support Labour all the time the very best party to vote for. But I'm definitely not going to vote for this Rudd, I think he's a very evil strange guy, who only wants to get into the United Nations and that's all. He thinks only of himself not Australian people at all. He has this giant ego, all about him him him! And not Australian people at all, My mates reckon hes a bit crazy about his power and more power. Be careful about this very evil man, a very dangereous man at that is Rudd the dud!

Dear misanthorpe,

Here's Mr Abbott:

http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/abbott-forced-to-repay-travel-expenses-20130707-2pk9b.html

http://theaimn.com/2013/05/01/may-day-may-day/

http://theaimn.com/2013/01/19/never/

http://www.independentaustralia.net./2012/politics/tony-abbott-and-his-slushy-question-of-character/

Your choice of course.

Yes, Lexi & Poirot,

Labor may retain almost all its seats, except a few which are up for grabs with new Labor candidates. And except for Thompson's. And, of course, they won't win Oakeshott's or Windsor's. Well, that pulls it down to barely 65 to 85.

So, unless they can actually take half a dozen, or even a dozen, seats FROM the Coalition, they may still lose the election: let's say 70 to 75 might be the best they can expect, plus a few Independents, Katter and maybe Crook ? - effectively 70 to 80.

I hope my local Labor member keeps his seat, for the record. But once this the rampant passion of this honeymoon starts to fade, then the chance of victory fades. So the earlier they go, the better. IMHO.

And even if Labor loses this one, the more they can hold, the better they can recover. Live and learn, and plan for 2016.

Cheers,

Joe

Dear Joe (Loudmouth),

Who would have thought that Kevin Rudd would
be able to put the bounce back into Labor?
It was predicted that the Coalition was
assured of a win at the next election.
Now things are not looking as certain.

I wouldn't dream of predicting the final outcome
just yet. Anything can happen in the next few
months.

A public debate between the two men will definitely
help. Nothing is certain at this stage.

Lexi>> It was predicted that the Coalition was
assured of a win at the next election.
Now things are not looking as certain.<<

Lexi my belle, do you recall how Labor was able to form a government?

They had to enlist the independents. Kev may have saved some existing seats…..but even if he saved them all, it would not be enough to govern without the help of some independents.

Kev or not the Libs will have the numbers Lexi . Particularly with the imminent departure of Windsor and Oakeshot.

Sorry Joe, I did not see your post, which my response to Lexi mimics.

Just have to mention that Mr Abbott is now claiming his "expense folly" is Labor digging up dirt on him - and that it is old news.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-07-09/tony-abbott-says-labor-dirt-campaign-behind-questions-over-expe/4808492

Margo Kingston is the journalist who found the info through FOI when investigating the Slipper allegations earlier this year.

So it might be a left-leaning journalist, but there has been no involvement by "Labor" at all.

And it is not "old news".

Why didn't Mr Abbott correct the public record on the matter?

And why has the Liberal party pursued Mr Slipper with such gusto for a $900 expense, when Mr Abbott was made to repay a much larger amount?

Poirot has Slippery's (ahem) back for him. Julia Gillard did too. Julia and her handbag hit squad never had any problem with Slippery.

Any wonder the Greens/Labor government will go down in history as the most scandal-ridden ever.

Regarding Abbott, "The Labor minister at the time was perfectly satisfied that there had been nothing that was deliberately done wrong and the matter was closed" and that is fair enough. It speaks volumes that it was seen as an error by the Labor minister at the time, and was repaid.

Yes, onthebeach.

No probs at all.

Slipper is reported to the AFP and pursued through the courts...for $900

And Abbott is allowed to pay his ($9,400) back - claiming it was all a mistake.

No conflict there at all.......

Paul 1405

I would not get too excited. Rudd is a goose, always has been and always will be, even if he wins (my opinion). I cant believe that Labor, a supposed working class party, would fall for him, although I would understand why the policy elites would.

Truth is that Rudd will do what it takes to win, he will move to right on some issues, move to the left on others. That is what he is, a politician, but one who talks more bs than most. I hope Austs reject Rudd, but I am prepared for the worst.

No matter who wins, I see a lot of problems ahead.

Poirot,

The difference that all except you can see is that the Abbott's claim was accepted by the responsible Labor minister as a simple error. It was also repaid, which rather underlines the point.

But do carry right on defending Slipper. Julia Gillard and her handbag hit squad defended Slipper too.

What can be done with $9,400 of tax payers money.

Support an unemployed person for 38 weeks on Newstart.
or Support an old age pension couple for 17 weeks.
or Provide 1360 scripts for Australian with heath care cards.
or Provide pensioners with 3760 trips on public transport.
or Provide 447 vaccinations for children.

OR; Give it to one grubby politician to promote his crappy book.

Rudd's popularity shows how failed the handbag brigade were. Fancy having a man despised totally by his own party now makimg Gillard, Swan and the rest look so bad.

The handbag hit squad including Swann turned on one another for personal political gain.

Penny Wong shafted Julia Gillard from behind and Swann (the male feminist expert on misogyny) did the same, to take two instances.

Throw a freebie bottle of rum and an axe into a Caucus meeting and no-one might emerge later.

Naughty Tony.

As well as the "oversight" about his Battlelines claims (which have been well-known in the blogosphere but for some reason, not reported) there are also these self-promotional escapades -

“6 Jan 2012 Tony competes in Pier to Pub swim in Lorne, claims $349 in travel allowance + $1095 flights to Melb
21 April 2012 Tony competes in Hervey Bay Surf Lifesaving Pier to Pub swim, claims $349 travel allowance + $2023 flights
5 August 2012 Tony competes in Coffs Coast Cycle Challenge, claims $349 travel allowance for Coffs on 4 August + $650 flights
9 Sept 2012 Tony competes in Wagga ‘Lake to Lagoon’ fun run, claims $354 travel allowance on 8 Sept & $160 for flights
Dec 2012 Tony the trucker drives rig down Pacific Hway, claims $1108 in travel allowance for staying 3 nights in Brisbane, Coffs & Terrigal
Tony claimed $9600 for charter travel to/from Aurukun Mission when he volunteered there in 2012
Tony claimed travel allowance when he volunteered at Aurukun in 2012
Tony claimed $1700 in travel allowance for his volunteer work as truancy assistant in Aurukun in 2009
Tony claimed travel allowance for his volunteer work as builders labourer in Hopevale in 2011 -

“Travel Allowance should only be paid when travel is primarily for official business, committee meetings, or parliamentary political party meetings.”

Now that the shoe is on the other cloven hoof, how does it feel?

Poirot, onthebeach wrote:

>>Regarding Abbott, "The Labor minister at the time was perfectly satisfied that there had been nothing that was deliberately done wrong and the matter was closed" and that is fair enough. It speaks volumes that it was seen as an error by the Labor minister at the time, and was repaid.<<

You replied:

>>Yes, onthebeach.

No probs at all.

Slipper is reported to the AFP and pursued through the courts...for $900

And Abbott is allowed to pay his ($9,400) back - claiming it was all a mistake.

No conflict there at all.......<<

How is that a response Poirot, you just disregard the rather pertinent point that the Labor party accepted it as an admin bungle.
Do you dispute that?
If not why answer like an acolyte defending the hill.

A brilliant diversion, Poirot ! You the man !

Any chance of BTT ?

Joe

Lexi first we should ignore folk who claim they always vote Labor.
But so they claim, not this lot, straw man stuff.
Few doubt my absolute wish for a victory for us and Kevin.
But we should fight till the end , not pause to celebrate before crossing the line.
It is standard election time stuff, playing the under dog.
Self confidence should be hidden until we cross the line.
Yes Abbott is shell shocked and unwanted.
What however if the put Turnbull in his job?

We can tell by the posts of the "usual suspects" that the geeky kid from the library, wearing glasses, has got the Bully Boy in his budgie smugglers on the ropes. Geeky has come out swinging, delivering the old one two, gives BB a black eye and a bloody nose, Bully Boy don't know what's hit him, yells to his mate Hockey Joe, "gee this kids got a punch." "Sorry Tone, just because you belted the red head chick around the playground don't mean ya can handle the geek! I'll see if Money Bags Mal will step in for ya!
p/s It was Bully Boy who pinched the other kids "lunch money", spent it on Phantom Comics, had to pay it back. Shame about that.

There are still a whole lot of possibilities to play out, including a concerted campaign against Rudd, probably like nothing before seen in federal politics.

In any case, if Abbott proves not up to reversing polls, I would be surprised if the Coalition did not go to a more popular leader if need be.

However, I still think Abbott is only warming up to the task

sonofgloin, onthebeach,

"...Abbott's claims were accepted by the responsible Labor Minister as a simple error. It was also repaid, which rather underlines the point."

It "does" rather underline the point. Procedure usually dictates that when this occurs, parliamentarians are afforded the opportunity to "offer to repay - and then "to repay".

Why hasn't this been afforded to Slipper?

Can you point me to where Gary Gray said he accepted it was a "simple mistake"?

As far as I can read, Gray wrote to Abbott:

"Given the repayments made, I do not intend to take further action in relation to this matter..."

Furthermore, regarding the "simple mistake" (staff supposedly inadvertently booking private travel and claiming expenses), Gray warns Abbott that it was inappropriate under the Members of Parliament act for his Ministerial staff to be booking his personal travel.

http://nofibs.com.au/2013/07/06/exclusive-abbott-forced-to-repay-taxpayers-9400-he-charged-taxpayers-to-promote-his-book/

Main point:

It has been standard procedure under these circumstances for parliamentarians to offer and be allowed to repay expenses outside of entitlement....under what is known as the Minchin Protocol.

In Slipper's case, however, someone reported him to the AFP, which changes the game. (I believe an FOI request has been lodged on that matter)

http://nofibs.com.au/2013/07/04/a-familiar-afp-smell-over-slipper-and-ashby/

Now i hear Arthur Sinodinos is heavily involved in economic policy, I am much more hopeful about the Coalition. Smart guy, and just the person Abbott needs at the front of the ministry.

Finally Labor has stepped up anti-dumping measures through a commission.

Looks like we are now going to have some serious economic debates. About time. Hope it more than rhetoric, because at end of day, economy is most important issue

Dear Poirot,

You're doing a great job.
Keep up the good work.

One of the pre-requisites for Democracy is
access to information. A democracy requires
its citizens to make informed choices. If
citizens or their representatives are denied
access to the information they need to make
these choices, or if they are given false or
misleading information, the democratic
process becomes a sham. When politicians conceal
information or lie - their actions are contrary to democratic
values and can damage public faith in our
political institutions.

With an election coming up voters need to be able
to make informed choices - to be able
to assess who deserves to govern. They need to
be able to use their rights in a meaningful way.

To quote Harlan Ellison:

"You are not entitled to your opinion. You are entitled
to your 'informed' opinion. No one is entitled to be
ignorant."

right on lexi

that is why we should see correspondence from Garrett to Rudd over home insulation program so we can learn truth of whether warnings were ignored at highest level.

Yep, I am all for transparency, especially on really important issues that involved hundreds of millions in waste and deaths of people.

Thanks, Lexi,

I does make one wonder how, if you're travelling to a book-signing in a Comm car, it can be inadvertent.

I'm considering that it's probably the case that Ministers sign of of expense claims They have staff to prepare the paperwork...but do you reckon MP's sign off on it?

Dear Poirot,

As Peter Coleman pointed out in the Preface
to, "The Costello Memoris,"

"Whatever they may say, most of them do not go
into Parliament to bring about particular reforms;
they go in because they find the life is irresistible."

I think they eventually take the "perks" simply
for granted - and treat them as entitlements without
giving costs involved a second thought.

Yes, Lexi.

Which is why, when a deviation is made, as is the case with the anomalous treatment of Slipper - it stands out like.......

Dear Poirot,

There are many things that stand out:

http://www.independentaustralia.net/2011/politics/throwing-truth-overboard-to-win-an-election/

SIEVX also comes to mind.

Then there's:

http://www.independentaustralia.net/2013/politics/rudds-return-ruffles-reckless-abbott/

Clearly Mr Abbott prefers not to discuss policies (or his past
sins) or debate, but to continue to take pot shots at
the PM. I suspect that he's not going to succeed this time
though.

The thought Tony is just warming up is fun.
The man we have seen post his climb to the top is not Tony Abbott.
Squeaking negative comments and talking fear, *that was as good as he gets*
The all new improved TA!
His time is near, every time our word smith PM makes a statement Tony seems to need to waffle around it looking for a way to fight it.
Lets hope this hopeless little guy continues to lead until one day after the election.
I am starting to like him!

Yes, Belly.

Chris Lewis,

Check out this article - says it all.

http://www.theage.com.au/federal-politics/political-opinion/abbott-under-pressure-as-the-game-changes-20130709-2pod8.html

He's not "warming up".

This is as hot as he gets.

come on poirot,

let me be optimistic. I want anyone to win, but Rudd. I don't understand why the goon should be given another chance.

Maybe I live in hope, but if Abbott cannot beat the dud after the last 6 years, then he should indeed be replaced.

I will bet Abbott will rise to the occasion, but sometimes I am also wrong.

Gee fancy quoting Judith Brett, I mean go back and read some of the rubbish she wrote in 2007, only for Rudd to prove a great disappointment.

It is amazing how some people get easily excited. I mean, even if the dud wins, do you honestly think he is going to make much difference given his persona and limited ability.

Now I have observed that Arthur Sinodinos will be playing an important role in regard to Coalition policy, one of the sharpest people I have observed in terms of awareness of politics and policy,
I am sure that the Coalition will have an effective campaign which combines reminding people of the past and new policy ideas that will make some appeal. After all, he helped Howard win three elections.

In any case, given that Abbott destroyed Gillard in the 2004 health debate and saw of two prime ministers, I feel he is being written off far too early.

Time will tell.

"Why Abbott is scared to debate the economy."

http://www.abc.net.au/unleashed/4809588.html

Who, Who, WHOOOO?

A public debate between the two men would help.
Lexi,
I have asked quite a few intelligent people the same question & the unanimous answer was along the lines of Tony Abbott is the preferred candidate & they are intelligent enough to not need a debate because they have already seen the performance of Rudd & Co.

Goggle too has a good story on Abbott failing to debate.
However Chris get ready to feel your pain.
If it is Abbott that faces Rudd.
A host of good reasons exist to support the under dog being a sort after tag in this country.
I think premature gloating turns Australians off.

We need to wait.

Of course, there will be debate/s before the election, but Abbott is not going to beckon to Rudd's every call.

Abbott and his advisors will have some sort of strategy.

Again, give him some credit as a pretty successful Opposition leader.

And, given there has been a lack of policy detail so far, it may well be that policies by the Coalition later rather than sooner will make greater appeal.

More important to me, however, is what sort of policy mix will emerge from the upcoming political battle between the two major parties.

Chris,

I suppose I can't blame you or assuming that Mr Abbott has some sort of strategy...something of substance that will catch Rudd on the back foot and reveal the splendour that awaits us in the form of a Coalition masterstroke.

Can't see it myself.

The way it looks to me is that Mr Abbott seems to have hitched a ride on the coat tails of Ms Gillards odium.

In this recent interview he appears to be campaigning for Howard and Howard's policies.

http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2013/s3798648.htm

That's about the strength of it, I'm afraid.

He's a mediocre pollie who found himself in the top job in fortuitous times (for him).

Unfortunately, now that he really has to stump up and provide some substance, he's exposed for his lack of it.

Poirot,

He may be mediocre, most of us are, are we not? But at least he is not a bs artist, promising the world and delivering little.

To be honest, I have never been interested much in any focus on which leader wins or loses.

I have always been interested in the policy mix that evolves from societal interaction and from the political and policy competitions of the day. I hope we get a sensible mix in future years

Chris,

"He may be mediocre, most of us are, are we not?....."

Most of us aren't attempting to present ourselves as the alternative Prime Minister.

Dear Poirot,

Thank you for highlighting this.

In my discussions with others re Tony Abbott I have generally been at pains to acknowledge his work on his own time volunteering in Aboriginal communities. I have usually expressed the opinion that the insights he must invariably gather during these couple of weeks each year could well stand him in good stead if he becomes PM, possibly giving him the tools to formulate effective and empathetic policy.

Yet I had always assumed this volunteering was done on his own time and at his own expense. To find he has been billing the rest of us for the privilege was disappointing to say the least. Not only that we seem to be shelling out for him to compete in various bike and swimming races as well. It is not as though he is short of a quid either.

But the most egregious would be forking out for his book tour then having him lie about it. Margo Kingston should be applauded for her efforts in exposing the his hypocrisy particularly after the Slipper attacks, and his continuing refusal to answer questions about it.
http://nofibs.com.au/2013/07/09/abbotts-battlerort-lines-collapse-under-bkjabour-questioning/

Not a good look Mr Abbott.

Poirot.

May the best man win. I cant stand Rudd for a whole lot of reasons, but share a lot of interest in Labor' policy platform. If Rudd can actually do something about the issues of interest to me, then good on him. If Abbott can, then same sentiment from me.

I think they both have strengths and weaknesses, as do the parties they represent, so in the end I am not that worried or interested in who wins. If the dudd wins, then I hope the Labor Caucus keeps in his place and tempers his flawed ability and ego.

My prime faith is what society forces on the policy agenda to make all those political elites listen.

What I love is Abbott's audacity to simply run away or deflect the issue onto Rudd as playing dirty politics and the media, including the ABC, picking up almost solely on this erroneous aspect.

Imagine how cowering the media will become under Abbott as PM.

Phony Tony, hypocrite, desperado, certified liar. If I hear him impugn the "character" of others once more I'll throw a shoe at my TV. His humbuggery is breath-taking.

Please LNP, give us a choice and let Malcolm take charge.

Yes, csteele,

The interesting aspect is the battle to drag MSM kicking and screaming into the conversation.

They don't appear to want to know much about Abbott's $9,400 - compared to the coverage they gave to Slipper's $900.

Having just watched the debate Abbott hid from I have the view he has much to regret, because he did not turn up.
A few sound bights after the debate,on ABC TV saw Tony talking about his required path, not the one Rudd has lead us on.
We may well remember this day.
As the day a return to Turnbull moved its first rock.
I feel the inevitability in Turnbull leading again, and only wounder if it is before or after the election.

Poitot>> They don't appear to want to know much about Abbott's $9,400 - compared to the coverage they gave to Slipper's $900.<<

While we are on the subject of what most people do not know....

Julia had to pay back some tax payer money that she allowed a relaive to take advantage of.

Belly>> I feel the inevitability in Turnbull leading again, <<

Belly my china, why is it that only Labor voters like Turnbull?

Most Lib supporters believe he is a turncoat given that he almost ended up on your side of the fence at the beginning of his race to power.

Hi SoG,

Do you mean the half-mill or so that her boyfriend scammed out of various building companies ? i.e. what they used to call 'Protection Money' ?

Yes, Poirot, it is perhaps unfair that 'Mussels' Slipper is being investigated for his fiddle. Perhaps Julia could go into bat for him. Again.

Joe

Joe I meant this one:

"PRIME Minister Julia Gillard is among federal MPs who have been forced to repay almost $100,000 to taxpayers after wrongly claiming family travel perks."

http://www.news.com.au/national-news/mps-including-prime-minister-julia-gillard-tripped-up-by-travel-perk-rules/story-e6frfkw9-1225993347272

Dear SOG, and Joe (Loudmouth),

So what was the amount exactly that the PM had to re-pay
on behalf of her relative? A little over $400. And it was
repaid immediately. And what were the amounts of
Julie Bishop, Downer, Malcolm Turnbull? In the thousands-
right? Looks like some follow their leader.

Joe - as for your suggestion of
Julia Gillard going to bat for Peter Slipper again?
Nah. Won't happen. But perhaps you may suggest for
Tony Abbott to go to bat (again) for the "beacons
of humanity at his old Seminary," who'll be fronting
up at the Royal Commission no doubt. Abbott described
Father Nestor (convicted pedophile) as being a
"beacon of humanity at the Seminary).

Loudmouth,

I find it highly amusing that you, as a self-proclaimed champion of feminine honour and integrity, delight so much in reproducing Mr Slippers "mussel" reference.

Such as here:

http://forum.onlineopinion.com.au/thread.asp?discussion=5855&page=0#165103

Here:

http://forum.onlineopinion.com.au/thread.asp?discussion=5616&page=0#155295

and, of course, here:

http://forum.onlineopinion.com.au/thread.asp?discussion=5901&page=0#167000

Why, Joe, you've employed that reference more than Slipper himself.

Still, it's in a similar realm as your penchant for deploying the word "sweetie" when you're either patronising a woman or find yourself out-gunned in debate with one - or both.

Not surprising at all, in fact...."Mr Feminist".

Cheers

: )

sonofgoin,

re: your last post.

The point I made in this earlier post was that MP's and Senator's are "usually" afforded the opportunity to repay - and life carries on.

Not so for Mr Slipper.

http://forum.onlineopinion.com.au/thread.asp?discussion=5901&page=0#166887

P, point taken. You could draw some cross refernce as to how they stitched Pauline Hanson up, to the letter of the law.

SOG you are aware it was Tony Abbott who went for the throat of Hansen?
Be interesting if he was to need her vote IF she wins her senate seat.
Not that it would be of much use to him in opposition.

Belly>> SOG you are aware it was Tony Abbott who went for the throat of Hansen<<

Yes I know, after all he was the attack Dalmatian before he changed his spots.

But in fairness china, Hanson had Labor and the Libs in coalition for the scalp of the Australia Party. This is a two party system and that is how they want it.

Sorry, Poirot, I'll leave your friend Slipper alone from now on ;)

Cheers,

Joe

Excellent Loudmouthy-type response (Lol)

Just arguing against double standards, not to mention the odd conspiracy.

http://www.judgments.fedcourt.gov.au/judgments/Judgments/fca/single/2012/2012fca1411

I believe it's about to be revealed that the Commonwealth "will" cover Slipper's legal costs.

Further questions over "abuse of process" need to be addressed.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jul/12/ashbygate-peter-slipper-james-ashby

SOG Australia party?
Do you mean one nation?
Love the fear and yes loathing sneaking in to Conservatives comments.

Further to my comment above...

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-07-12/government-to-cover-slippers-legal-costs/4817032

Ze tide, she is turning (methinks)

Belly>> SOG Australia party?
Do you mean one nation?<<

Yes One Nation....where did I get Australia Party from....

SOG we once had one of the many Australia party,s represented here.
Palmer wanted it too.
And in some form it has been used by many.
One Nation, now dead, hit a nerve on every side of politics.
And fell victim to its birth parent, when a Liberal candidate was dumped [Hansen].
Her policy,s however then became Liberal ones.
Like rifling to contents of her purse after mugging her.

Pjerk

Just looking forward to Labor losing and spending a year or two rubbing your nose in it.

SM,

No suprises here.
You guys have been "robbing" us blind for years.

Hi Poirot,

You may gain some inspiration from a real hero, not just your friend:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jul/12/malala-yousafzai-un-taliban-militants-speech

But I have my doubts. I fervently hope that Malala is still celebrating her birthdays in seventy or eighty years' time.

But she will have to run the gauntlet - for life - against your other friends, the cultural warriors, in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

I just don't understand how you right-wingers can live with yourselves.

Joe

Wonderful Malala...much respect for her.

Not much respect for you, Joe.

What have her plight, and her aims and ambitions, got to do with the political machinations in Oz at the mo?

Fancy Mr Feminist using her to make a cheap point on an unrelated thread like this.

BTT

: )

Shadow Minister, do you own the horse with that name.
I once followed him he had talent but it seems not enough.
Based on your form, observed over a number of years, you will if defeated blame others for it.
I understand.
Truly I do, having no opposition you had every right to think you had it in the bag.
Must hurt heaps, knowing that is now far from true.
Horse racing may actually be of help, some racing bits are to hold a horses mouth in that race in position.
Tony would benfit greatly.
From one that keeps his mouth shut.

Whatever faults some may wish to see in Tony Abbott, one thing is sure, he at least is a Dinky-Di Aussie, budgie smugglers and all. So he's not perfect, but then who is, in Oz politics or otherwise?
I put my money on Tony because he is real; warts and all I can relate to him and his views, and I am willing to give the benefit of the doubt to his ruck-men and ladies to do the right thing, and to pull the economy back on the right track - for everybody's benefit.

I can't say the same for Kevin Rudd. Kevin strikes me as a master ring-meister, a puppet-master whose real self is hidden behind a purpose-built image, and whose utterances are precision-connived to give any audience exactly what he thinks they want to hear.
You can certainly count on Kevin to promise the world, but I for one would not count on him delivering.

Kevin has already had one go, and he pulled some fairly large rabbits out of his hat without conferring with the 'back-room' boys (and girls) and got his comeuppance in short order, to the back of the neck. Are we now expected to believe they have all forgiven him his past sins, and are fully backing Kevin the 'man' - or are they merely backing Kevin the 'image', Kevin the magician, Kevin the conjurer?
I know what I believe, and I have yet to see many leopards changing their 'spots' - unless when trying to con an unsuspecting 'gazelle'.
Of course, strutting the stage in full spotlight can enable some to adopt a fully-believable alternative 'persona', but it is the harsh light of reality which produces their true 'colours'.

In the end, this election ought be determined not only on 'policies', but also on a belief that the spruiker of those policies will be able to deliver, and without bringing the economy to its knees to do it.

Some countability would be good in stead of saying stop the boats. When they see Abbott coming they will put an axe through the floor.
If there's a shortlist of idiots, Abbott has got to be right up there.
You can't possibly believe three words is all it will take. Be interesting to see how future polls show up.

Hi Poirot,

Yep, you got me there :) It's so easy to go off-topic, isn't it ?

Now, what was the topic again ? Ah yes, polls. Labor. Rudd. It's still a sort of honeymoon period, but he has made some mistakes already - going along with the dumping of Trish Crossin, for example, talking about war with Indonesia, for another. He could lose some union votes by cutting back their power in intra-Party decision-making, for another.

It will be a long and windy road to the elections.

Wouldn't be dead for quids !

Cheers,

Joe

Interesting, Shadow Minister, for all your oh-so-sensible diatribe, your holier than thou pronouncements from on high...you still stoop to the puerile practice of altering posters names, as if you're still in primary school.

Pathetic really.

Hey, Joe.

Yeah it was only the other week that I predicted Rudd would be back - and you thought, nah, they'll stick with Gillard and sink without a trace.

I'm not certain of everything Rudd stands for or even his style, but it's nice to see the Libs receiving a long needed tickle-up.

They'll be a few more questions on Ashby and Slipper to come yet - just to tickle them up some more.

(Take it from me, I've got a feel for this stuff:)

"....one thing is sure, he at least is a Dinky-Di Aussie..."

Crikey, to think I've never noticed that until just then when you said it, Salty. Policy schmolicy, it's just so simple when you briefly stop to think about it.

Strutting the stage in full spotlight can enable Phony Tony to adopt a fully-believable alternative 'persona', but it is the harsh light of reality which produces his 'colours'.

He tried to pull a $9400 swifty on you Salty (and more) yet you love him no less while Kev's a rorting clean-skin. Don't try to sell blind allegiance as thoughtful analysis here, Salty, you'll always be called on it.

Lexi,

Considering the number of Crooks in the labor party (incl now the member standing for benelong), and the vast travel expenses of KRudd, I would say that Labor is far better at rorting the tax payer.

The ,member now not standing for that seat SM.
There is the difference.
You can do much better, in reverting to bitter one liners in the fashion of another poster, your fear is seen.

Parrot,

Yes indeed, when confronted with trolls whose sole purpose is to make inflammatory statements then I use something simplistic to wind them up.

Tony allowing Rudd to have the media floor to himself should not happen. It's a free kick and won't go unnoticed. This is a failing of the coalition, and a worrying trend. We went from miles in front to behind in a week, Rudd can work a media scrum, Tony needs to get with the game or the outcome may not be good. I am not sure about advertising what happened in the past, we are going to vote on the future. That is what the young people want. I suppose we have to stick with Tony now, any trouble or adverse talk and Rudd will bring on an election. Tony is partly to blame for the sudden change, hounding Gillard and promoting Rudd. IT's enough to make you want to vote for Ol Blue.

SM,

"Parrot,

Yes indeed, when confronted with trolls whose sole purpose is to make inflammatory statements then I use something simplistic to wind them up."

Not that you ever troll and make inflammatory statements.....No probs, it's what we're coming to expect from you in lieu of cogent argument.

.........................

Btw, I have to wait a couple of hours to post this in the Abbott thread.

About you telling me I'm the one telling porkies. It's no use trying to stonewall.

That "personal blog" belongs to the journalist, Margot Kingston.

The only reason that this matter was raised in MSM this week is because of her research into the matter of Slipper's and Abbott's expenses. She is the source of the story.

Far from being her personal opinions, These are documented facts sourced through FOI and evidenced in letters to and from Slipper and Finance.

http://nofibs.com.au/2013/07/04/a-familiar-afp-smell-over-slipper-and-ashby/

These letters are included in the link above.

Look at the one from David Tune, of Finance, dated 17 June, 2012.

It reads,

"Prior to the AFP investigation, Finance had no concerns with your travel paid under entitlement on those days....To the extent that Finance has received any further information on those days, it would only be from assistance provided in response to AFP queries during the course of the AFP's investigation."

What is it about actual letters from Finance to Slipper that you find hard to deal with?

Don't fall back on the old line "It's only a personal blog."

This blog contains factual documentation. Have you sourced any factual documentation that proves the contrary?

(Will cut and paste this into other thread when I can post on it again)

SM,

(From post on other thread)

Btw, I have to wait a couple of hours to post this in the Abbott thread.

About you telling me I'm the one telling porkies. It's no use trying to stonewall.

That "personal blog" belongs to the journalist, Margot Kingston.

The only reason that this matter was raised in MSM this week is because of her research into the matter of Slipper's and Abbott's expenses. She is the source of the story.

Far from being her personal opinions, These are documented facts sourced through FOI and evidenced in letters to and from Slipper and Finance.

http://nofibs.com.au/2013/07/04/a-familiar-afp-smell-over-slipper-and-ashby/

These letters are included in the link above.

Look at the one from David Tune, of Finance, dated 17 June, 2012.

It reads,

"Prior to the AFP investigation, Finance had no concerns with your travel paid under entitlement on those days....To the extent that Finance has received any further information on those days, it would only be from assistance provided in response to AFP queries during the course of the AFP's investigation."

What is it about actual letters from Finance to Slipper that you find hard to deal with?

Don't fall back on the old line "It's only a personal blog."

This blog contains factual documentation. Have you sourced any factual documentation that proves the contrary?

...................

The upshot being that if Finance had "no concerns" with Slipper's travel on those days - why would they refer the "non-matter" to the AFP?

(And that's in addition to your dismissal of Kingston's email reply from Finance)

"Hi Margo,

No, the Department of Finance and Deregulation did not refer this matter to the Australian Federal Police.

The matter was separately referred to the Australian Federal Police by a third party.

Regards,

Tameena | Communications and Public Affairs"

There appears to be proof that Finance "did not" refer Slipper to the AFP.

You bleating the they "did" - is just you bleating that they did.

doog, "Tony allowing Rudd to have the media floor to himself should not happen"

It is true that Kevin Rudd is a human headline. Always has been and he will never change. $Rudd is jet streams and posing abroad, throwing around taxpayers' money that should be going towards better purposes like hospitals.

Most people have met self-promoting motormouths at work and in their personal lives. There is not much you can do with them but let them rave. Ultimately their chickens come home to roost. I have never met anyone who really likes anyone who is constantly in their face telling them how good s/he is.

Rudd is patronising as all self-promoting people are. Here he is patting a disabled woman on the head before leaving for his luxury VIP jet,

<Footage of Kevin Rudd patting the head of a disabled woman has left a disability advocate "shaking with rage".

Comedian Stella Young, who is also a disability campaigner, says the prime minister's behaviour shows Australians have a long way to go to change patronising and disrespectful attitudes>

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/2013/07/10/15/13/head-patting-the-disabled-disrespectful

Australia certainly does have a long way to go to
change certain attitudes. I wonder what's worse though,
a pat on the head by a pollie
or a politician who continues to claim
expenses for his "charity" work?

http://www.independentaustralia.net/2013/politics/tony-abbotts-dodgy-pollie-pedal-expense-claims/

Thanks, Lexi,

Here's the original source.

http://www.phonytonyabbott.com/blog/how-the-taxpayer-paid-for-tony-abbott-to-compete-in-surf-races

Doog in training for a big event you have to put the hard yards in.
Tony would know that from his sporting pass time.
But he got by in part on Gillards lack of sail-ability, and the endless and mindless negativity.
All down hill from here he can not turn it around.

Politicians and other leaders should claim expenses for their charity work. That is the same for a businessman as it is for a politician. They also buy tickets in raffles, have the bite put on them for all sorts of drives, from Guides biscuits through. They should not always be out of pocket.

Tony Abbott sure does do a lot of good with his indigenous work and has done so for years, not just at election time. A broad range too: charity rides, rural firefighting, clean-up Australia, indigenous and so on. Good on him and brick bats to the miserable, negative narks who likely do 'Zip' themselves ('Zip' - to quote their present leader who was re-born by the grace of union heavies after three years of whiteanting Australia's first woman PM).

His opposite number Kevin Rudd is sitting in the soft calf leather of the luxury VIP 737-700, along with the missus and now his young son -appointed as a senior adviser by Rudd. Loves overseas junkets does our Kevin13 and must like company too.

Though Kevin13 and the missus are millionaires with stacks of assets including property, no-one is asking them to forgo the generous Prime Ministerial & accompanying missus and son travelling and other allowances while Kev doles out millions of Taxpayers' money as overseas aid to the 'good causes' he encounters overseas. The UN next, eh Kev?

SM "...the vast travel expenses of KRudd, I would say that Labor is far better at rorting the tax payer...."

Equating Abbott's illegitimate expenditure claims for jogging, fire-fighting and book-selling (all self-promotion) with Rudd's legitimate state business expenses shows how so sadly and tightly bound to the mast of S.S. Phony Tony that SM, Salty and the usual suspects are.

I don't expect any of them to acknowledge the inequity of Slipper's treatment or who referred him to the AFP or that Abbott fleeces them while they grin and bear it. Anything goes apparently, yet they wail like banshees when there is the remotest sniff of convention breaking or corruption by others in politics.

Getting any concession from them over the most basic of facts reminds me so much of http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQFKtI6gn9Y

I reckon your right Belly, all down hill from now on. Turnbull is making noises, must be upsetting for Tony. I can't get over how Tony thinks he can be a leader by saying nothing. I know Abbott has never been a populist, just a diversion. I favored the libs, but this leader is not up to it. I think he has sunk his own boat, by his actions.

otb,

What a hoot!

"Politicians and other leaders should claim expenses for their charity work....."

Abbott's ministerial staff are not even supposed to be booking his private travel, let alone charging the taxpayer for it.

And they wouldn't have had the so-called "inadvertent" travel expense claim if they hadn't being carrying out duties for him which were inappropriate under the "Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984".

(See Gary Gray's letter to Abbott, here)

http://nofibs.com.au/2013/07/06/exclusive-abbott-forced-to-repay-taxpayers-9400-he-charged-taxpayers-to-promote-his-book/

You are right to be worried about Tony Abbott, Poirot.

Arms flailing like windmill vanes and motormouth in high gear, Kevin13 is dropping clangers everywhere.

In a short space of time Kevin13 has laid jet trails overseas achieving nothing, patted a disabled woman on the head, appointed his son to a senior advisory job and created chaos in Jenny Macklin's portfolio.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/indigenous/kevin-rudd-misfires-on-indigenous-recognition-referendum/story-fn9hm1pm-1226677384766

That is what his colleagues were referring to back in 2008-10 wasn't it? When his own senior ministers said he was a Dud, with crippling personality problems that rendered him unsuitable as PM and a loser for the 2010 election.

OTB,

I'm not "worried" by Tony Abbott.

I'm entertained by the present machinations, is all.

Nice to see the Libs being called to account, examined a little more fulsomely.....even if MSM considers him some sort of protected species.

Time will tell.

Dear Poirot,

Finally Mr Abbott's free ride has ground to a halt.
And hopefully we'll have a debate infused with
meaning.

Labor has done the right thing. They've put the nation
first and they're back in business.

We can now take a look at Labor's plan for education
reform with the Coalition - With Abbott's NBN, public
health, asylum seekers. And see Mr Abbott's ultr-
conservative vision for Australia.

How far back would an Abbott government push the campaign
for an Australian republic, Indigenous recognition, or
marriage equality?

Who would we like to see represent Australia at the G20
Summit in St. Petersburg in September 2013.
Rudd or Abbott?

Rudd described by Bill Clinton as one of the most intelligent
leaders in the world or Abbott described by Peter Costello
as an economic illiterate?

It's not brain surgery folks!

Poirot,

A part of me wants Kevin13 to win. As I have mentioned in another thread, Kevin 13 is iconic, our very own Mr Brittas.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxBrldV5ivM

Kevin13 has the same unrealistic, unfounded confidence in himself. He creates chaos wherever he goes, similarly gets everyone offside and there is no doubt that when he is away, things work better. Jenny Macklin would be nodding at this juncture [Memo, keep Kevin13 away from Aborigines].

Therese Rudd would empathise with Helen Brittas.

Dear Poirot.

This might make you smile:

http://www.independentaustralia.net/2013/politics/rudds-return-ruffles-reckless-abbott/

Mr Abbott says he will create two million jobs in ten years, where is he going to get all these people from. Must be expecting a few boaters to drop in. Over employment is not the liberal way, it's under employment to create a pool of poverty. Work choices decimated Howard. One silly mistake and you are out of it. Abbott thinks he can win an election by saying nothing, offering no policies, and refusing to talk to the people candidly. That is not the way of a prime minister, you must be very conversive, on all topics.
The negativity has run its race.

Dear doog,

It appears that Mr Abbott has changed his rhetoric
from "We'll stop the boats," to "We'll Welcome
Anybody Who Wants To Come Here," afterall we will
need to increase the population by over 2 million
to fill those jobs he's promising. Based on Mr Abbott's
adds in the media, it shows his contempt for
the intelligence of Australians. He promises to
cut company tax, carbon tax, pay out for defence,
"direct action" on climate change, create 2 million
jobs, and still balance the budget. He stops short of
a car in every garage. Yet Mr Abbott and his colleagues
refuse to reveal any details or costings. And this
from a man that Peter Costello described as an
"economic illiterate."

Ah well, as Tony Windsor told us - "the man will do
whatever it takes to be PM, short of selling
his "a*se."

P and L; The poll in the SMH this morning has it at 50/50 with Rudd streets ahead of Abbott as preferred PM. I'm a bit concerned about my own electorate as Labor are yet to pre-select a candidate to replace the "rock star" and the Liberal has been going hard out for 18 months. If the ALP endorses the bloke I believe they are going to, and its only an if, then its going to be tough to retain this seat with less than 6% margin. That is a typical problem for Labor getting their new candidates up and running.
p/s Under Gillard KS was a write off. The Liberal is a good bloke, just in the wrong party.

Dear Paul1405,

We live in a safe Liberal seat.
Our Rep. has been in for years - and
takes his wins for granted.
I'd love to see
him replaced with a decent candidate.
However, There's never been anyone of any standing
running against this party seat warmer - so he'll probably
get in once again. Unfortunately, that's the way
our party system works - people usually vote for a
party not a candidate. I'd vote for a candidate - if
there were decent ones around. We have an excellent
Liberal State Rep. who works very hard.
Federally, its a different matter.