The Coalition in opposition would true to form by being negating, obstructive and critical.
Tony Abbott is a one trick pony knowing only the politics of division. This is his forte.
So what else is new SM.

In Govt the Coalition spent lots of public money on its own publicity.

Imagine if the Coalition could have had it's sham policy platform (as it did in this election with an $11bn black hole in its costings)
and not have been subjected to the scrutiny by the Independents,
the taxpayer would have been none the wiser that they had supplied
Gov't to such sheisters as the Coalition.
Thankfully the same Independents made the correct decision based upon the information/facts before them,
and in my view made a conscience vote. Inc Katter who is dyed in the wool.

As for the sheer blasé and bravado of anyone (inc yourself SM), that can claim any rights
or justification for the obstruction of the new Alliance Gov't and it's program by the opposition,
they're possibly toying with the patience of a hopefully wiser public.

The Independents, all brave and true it seems "inc Bob Katter" is remarkable, in that it worked the first time (we the voter) have tried it.
I wonder how much traction the Opposition will get from it's same old routine of knocking and obstruction this time around.
It's Liberals against the rest, not just Labor this time.

The New Alliance Govt just has to maintain until Fielding is gone.

It' a wild and crazy idea , but I like it.

If the opposition are looking for reasons why the independents didn't support them it is simple. The very tactics that SM is suggesting. During the negotiations the coalition were abusive, negative, pushy and weighed down by a partner in the nationals that has less support nationally than the Greens. They may have more seats due to old time loyalties in the bush but they have done nothing for the country in the last twenty years. The sooner the rural voters realise they are useless the better, then the nationals might get some spine as they have in WA and act as a truly independent party when in opposition and negotiate a true agreement in government.

SM, at some point it would be maybe nice to think that the Liberals
put the future of the country, above their own short term self
interest.

I know that this is asking alot in politics, but as far as I am concerned,
the liberals need to do a bit of real soul searching.

Let's face it, Tony was prepared to sell his liberal soul to
win, with the 75K$ a year baby subsidy. Hardly liberal ideology.

The liberals could have had a good leader in Costello, if they had
wished, but the party misplayed its hand. Abbot just doesen't
cut it, IMHO.

I'm in Tuckey's old electorate, but I am in fact glad to see the
back of him. He had passed his use by date and everyone knew it
but him.

The liberals may or may not learn from all of this, we shall see.

SM so what is new? Abbott built his whole profile on just that, the very foundations of his victory was confrontation.
Look closely at the senates history.
Labor came to his aid gutless almost childish back downs on ETS refusal to let the light in one other than Rudd's thoughts.
Mining tax in its first silly dreaming insulting plan.
And the victory both sides will look for in a DD election Labor squibbed on.
Now?
Gillard knows ,we see it already, Abbott's Rabbotts are out on the Henny Penny trail armed with fear lies and uncaring rubbish.
A million people we are told voted green in the lower house, at Bob Browns instigation many gave preferences away from Labor.
This Parliament will uncover the real Abbott the real cry baby coalition.
Abbott will not be knifed he with commit Harri Kari his confrontation will be his down fall.
Can we return to your claim you won the two party preferred?
And did my rainbow coalition not win more seats?
I, truly, think form guides say Labor can expect good things as a result of an opposition bound to one plan whimpering.
Gillard [still do not trust her] will govern well, would like her to remove that growth on her shoulder, Simon Crean, creepy bloke concerns me.

SM, spot on. >>if she fails or her government collapses Labor could be banished to the wilderness for a decade.

That's just history repeating its self. Doesn't usually happen in two of every three decades though!

Pelican, my bet is the coalition will do what ever it takes to get an early election, as thier biggest fear is that if labor runs another term there may well be nothing left to salvage. I hope I am wrong, but no one can overlook the past three years.

TZ52HX, >>>Tony Windsor has a lengthy history and a great reputation for honesty and integrity. He's a highly intelligent individual, who with honesty and dignity represents his constituency way, way, way above the call of duty. Runner, it takes NO brains to sit in your comfortable chair at your computer and attempt to degrade a decent, honest man.

His honesty and integrity, along with his repect for his constituency will be well and truely tested when the mining tax raises its ugly head.

Now if we are to believe what you say, then this tax simply will not get past, then what. It's the lifeblood of labor's planed return to surplus.

But hey, don't worry, we will have broardband.

Trouble is, the gov wants NBN to help the bush, yet, on the other hand they want to hurt the miners, the very reason why the bush is thriving. Go figure.

As I have said in a previous post, the ind have shot them selves in the foot and placed themselves in a no win situation.

Don't sign a long lease for your offices guys!

rehctub
I think you are right about the Coalition wanting an early election which does not say much about our democracy if a minority government in consultation with Independents are not given a fair opportunity to govern.

If it goes down that path, and the Coalition is seen as deliberately destructive I can't see how that strategy will help them in another election. The old 'fear' campaign will come out strong no doubt but that just means once again no-one is listening to what the voters want from their representatives in election campaigns. And that is to actually - heaven forbid - know what each party's policies are and the costings. You don't really believe that the Coalition did not want Treasury to cost their policies because of a leak. Or maybe you do?