From Kate Sikora, Daily Telegraph:
"AT the halfway mark for the State Government's 100-day action plan, Premier Barry O'Farrell is facing an uphill battle to deliver on his commitments.
With 50 days already passed, less than half of the 39 promises his Government promised are yet to be introduced.
Some MPs and industry stakeholders fear the Government may try to rush through ``poorly thought out'' legislation and miss opportunities that benefit the state -- just to meet their 100-day timetable."

I thought O'Farrell was unimpressive and less than inspiring during his term as NSW Liberal opposition leader, and during the campaign I found him the same, but the other lot had to go.

Since being elected Premier I have found O'Farrell mealy mouthed and slippery when commenting on issues that he is addressing, and the same on those yet to be addressed. I never considered him the great white hope but I did expect some stiff Kennett style productive direction for the state, but he is not up to the task as a man, nor is the NSW Liberal team as a whole. I am, even at this early stage suspecting that they are duds, and the only hope is that they are not costly duds like the corrupt NSW ALP.

Bob Katter is talking of a new party, and I will certainly listen to what he has to offer as the Coalition and the ALP are second stringers, in it for self fulfillment and self realization, none can be described as servants to the people for the people.

Dear SOG,

I live in Victoria so I'm not too familiar with the problems of NSW. Obviously the people voted in the party they felt could do a better job. However, don't wish for a "Kennett style," government for NSW.
In Victoria we're still recovering from the damage caused by Kennett's government - of autocracy, cronyism and laissez-faire ideology. The eradication of an effective auditor-general and the unhealthy relationship between the government, Crown Casino boss, Lloyd Williams and then Liberal Party treasurer, Ron Walker spring to mind.

Perhaps for NSW it's still too early to judge? Or perhaps as you point out - we could all use politicians whose loyalties lay more with their constituents then their party. People like Tony Windsor come to mind.

As a member of the only possible alternative government the ALP I think it is too early to be sure.
Anything looks better than my mobs efforts over 3 years.
I am unsurprised at what he has done so far, given his mandate he has acted as expected.
A party so long in opposition, with such a mandate and once in a lifetime advantage is bound to do its hardest work first.
In another thread I say ten seats will be lost on solar and life sentencing for police killers.
If only that number are lost Barry will have a landslide.
It is unlikely he will not win a second term, even nearly four years out from his next one.
As a Labor voter I know it will be all of those 4 years before our new leader makes his mark, he will however bring light to a black and bruised, self inflicted wounds, party.

I love the way that Gillard was labelled a liar when she broke an election committment but when O'Farrell did the same thing, he was only being "reasonable".

His real trial is yet to begin. Let's wait and see before making too many assumptions.

Wobbles you and I would get on, but we both know Big Barry has a mandate.
We do not like it, but it is his to hold and wave about as he wishes.
My team gift rapped it and gave it to him.
We, if it was us,would right now be marching over the heads of some who voted us in.
It is the nature of big victory's big margins, use it early.
I know, yes for sure, he is first hurting his own.
Those being kicked in the guts by his solar broken promise are his voters,be honest the scheme is mostly for those with the cash to invest and profit.
WA is even stopping the whole scheme,after it gets to a minor amount of its potential!
No real regard for alternative energy.
Let Barry be what he is,a conservative, but lets not become Tony Abbott's,lets not get down in the gutter.
In time Conservatives being conservatives will build a ladder we can use to get back in power.
We are rightly so, in the very naughty boys corner for some time yet, lets take our self inflicted punishment.
While understanding Big Barry is working for us.
PS
get involved in NSW save our cops campaign.

When Gillard (or insert name of any Labor pollie) changes an election promise - it is a damned lie.

When a Lib leader changes an election promise; it is 'non-core' or 'reasonable' given that they have discovered a massive 'blackhole of debt left by Labor', blah, blah, blah.

Too soon to say if O'Farrell has impressed. Although he may have more success since he has a clear mandate, unlike Federal Labor.

As a Victorian, I do know that the Libs inherited a solid economy (despite attempts to claim otherwise) and watching hard won progress being eroded a little at a time. Now we have 'work-choices' for public servants - a sector that was stripped to the core during the Kennett years and not topped up.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/state-politics/jobs-safe-under-two-part-budget-cuts/story-e6frgczx-1226038103290

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/ipad/health-plan-to-be-held-back/story-fn6bfmgc-1226048670026

So it goes...

Did anyone expect O'Farrell to impress? You won't get much difference in essentials given both sides of government are pushing similar agendas in relation to privatisation and neo-liberal agendas.

The NSW election was more a case of getting rid of the previous failed ALP government in a 'best of a bad bunch' situation.

It highlights the lack of real choice within our current political choices. There are huge opportunities in Australia for a new party (or parties) to fill those gaps, in particular campaigning on a democracy and transparency platform

I really can't see validity of the "mandate" argument.
While it's true that Gillard is in a minority government situation, so too were all coalition governments, whether they were announced before an election or formed afterward. They are created out of necessity in all cases.

If it's a matter of total votes then Labor won more primary votes than the LNP after Howard's first term too but Howard still claimed to have a mandate at the time.

The long-held gerrymander system that protected the Country Party in Queensland was also the stuff of legend.

I agree that it's far too early to assess O'Farrell but he was very ineffective as an Opposition Leader and any adverse developments are likely to be passed on to Abbott.

Yes as unimpressed as I am Gillard has the numbers Abbott is the only alternative.
NSW should surprise no one, growing anger will continue.
But the bloke is doing what we knew he would.
4 year term seats to spare he is filling his dream wish, no one to stop him its his bat ball and state.
For a time, he is the NSW opposition,doing more than my mob can do for my team.
Robo is a true leader the best we have had from the day Carr left.
The only leader we have had from that day.
He however is armed with a balloon without air, Barry is fixing that bless his little heart.
He has time seats and numbers it will take two landslide elections to remove him,but strong men get strong followings.

Not that I ever expected that blubbering lout to be any better, but Barry has proved every bit just as corrupt, two-faced and dodgy as any Labor politician.
-Retrospective Solar rebate backflip
-Dodgy investigations for 'dangerous solar panels'
-Refusal to similarly touch dodgy illegal development projects retrospectively
-Another 'bribe a demographic' stunt.

With the best my electorate has to offer, I would suggest taking your pick between the Greens or Christian Democrats- at least they will be less dodgy.

KH I got a kick out of that.
Greens and Cd's have as much chance of ever ruling as I do.
And half those sins you put on Barry belong to my mob, my thanks for that.
Get used to it, those who put him in, me too, knew exactly what we did.
He can sin a great deal more and not get close to some he replaced.

My in box is full this morning with information on just what Barry is up to.
Not my wish, some do not understand my separation from a boss who is less than unionist is forever.
Barry is acting very bad, my view is he does not truly understand his actions, he will.
And the blame game continues.
No one who ever posted here, or ever will ,wants an ALP government more in NSW.
But not yet, not less than 100 days in to a very long trek.
Labor is now feeding on Iron man food, building Mussel and fitness for a future not yet in sight.
We vote every four years not 100 days.
I want my party to know as I do, to never forget as I will not we put Barry there.
We have still to sup fully on our humble pie.
Fully to explore and understand why we the NSW Branch, the engine room of National Labor, let every one of our followers and those who never will down.
Barry look again at your policy's, yes I blame Labor, but you must understand, elections far away today do come around.

Perhaps for NSW it's still too early to judge? Or perhaps as you point out - we could all use politicians whose loyalties lay more with their constituents then their party. People like Tony Windsor come to mind.
http://www.soberrecovery.com/

Tony Windsor, yes some judge him harshly.
Most never knew him, and few know his history.
But he, in my view, a ALP member, is as good a man as any in that place.
He backed conservative in NSW .
He is an honest man, who long ago left the nationals owed them nothing.
It is not too early to judge.
It is too early to cry.
Labor and its followers let low thugs/self interested mugs/ and even worse turn each single vote mine too, in to a credit to be used and abused.
Yes we know our sins we are working to be better, we are better for their absents.
But the self inflicted wound NSW Labor is must bleed even more before we can say enough.
The NSW ALP is as much guilty as Barry is here.

Some in the union will be unhappy with my words, so be it.
Hiding behind a word that is a lie, SOLIDARITY that hides incompetence is a path to not serving the best interests of membership.
Solidarity miss uses my reason for being union, only the best should serve always.
I left my union job early.
22 years of fighting the NSW RTA made me a position as union official.
In time I took over my old workplace as one of my responsibility's.
A person in the wrong job, constantly got involved in things he knew nothing about, never will.
I left , refusing to let him interfere with my work in the RTA a group running on madness.
You will read of Barry's intention to control public service wage deals.
You will not hear, maybe not care about the reality's involved.
That control is stalling wage deals for out door workers in Forests Parks RTA .
no! not union thuggery!
Look please do,at the RTA it told its workers it wanted 2.5% productivity improvements.
Then told them, no negotiations! what those would be.
Roadside slashers sold of transported away in the middle of the night.
Roadside toilets and rubbish let to contract.
No union worker involvement.
That SAVING BECAME A LOSS!
2.5% savings cost more.
And who do you think will carry the bucket?
government out door workers see jobs and contracts won after these stupid things take place,a carton of beer can buy influence that would stun you.

SOG, we seem to be debating half a question.

Has Barry O’Farrell Impressed? Next part of the question, “impressed who?”

Has he impressed Kate Sikora, the minority and ALP party support base?
No!
Should he?
No!
Did we expect him to?
No!
Does this carping bunch of losers represent anything remotely connected to a majority view?
No?
Is there a State election imminent?
No?
Do the current majority of NSW electors give rats what the losers think?
No!
Do they think it’s time to give Robertson a go?
No!

Does this thread demonstrate the desolation, despair, anger, frustration and utter absence of reality of ALP supporters?

YES!

C’mon folks, for pity’s sake get over it and move on.

I greatly respect the thoughts and ideas of some conservatives.
You can find if you look good on both sides of any debate.
As the main defender of Barry OFarrel in this thread and an activist ALP member let me say this.
SPINDOC it is impossible, for me to find ANYTHING about your posting style and content, to admire.
Based only on your words respect in ANY WAY is not something I can ever have for you.
Now my story above came about under a Labor government, not in control of its departments or its Ministers.
Big Barry MUST focus on those who drove this series of events, he can do no more harm to those Ministers, but the public service is dysfunctional and should not be rewarded for it, get the knife out Bazz.

Belly,

<< I greatly respect the thoughts and ideas of some conservatives.>>

Really? And which ones would those be and on what policy issues?

Perhaps an answer from you would help someone like me understand how on earth you can be an “ALP activist” on the one hand and be defender of anything conservative. I don’t believe you Belly. You are a “crumbling ALP supporter” and embarrassed by what is happening to the ALP.

If you find my style or content “offensive” you can always say what has caused offence then I can apologize to you, but to suggest you “don’t admire” it makes me wonder why you feel any obligation to admire anything as a condition for debate? This is OLO and outside the consequences of breaching GY’s terms and conditions, I see no obligation for “admiration”.

I will suggest to you that it is time some posters stopped running their fingernails down the blackboard. This is fast becoming a forum for “whining” from those who have difficulty grasping reality, this thread offers many examples. If you don’t like what the ALP has done to its support base then tough, your pollies, and your party.

Back them by all means, criticize them if you need to, but don’t try to tell Liberal supporters or BO’F how to run things “your way”. Stop trying to sit on the political fence otherwise you run the risk of “splitting your difference”

Spindoc the thread is a personal observation personified when I read the article.
What could Barry have done in the three months he has run the show? One thing that he could have done is abolish land tax and all the associated government grabs related to buying selling or building in this state. The ALP ran investment over the boarders when they deemed that everybody that owned a domicile plus an investment property were robber barons’.

Barry could have done plenty and he has done nothing regarding legislation that inhibits investment in NSW.

It may never have entered your mind spindoc, but good government has been my foremost wish from my first post here.
Even you will be aware my party has been said to be little different than conservatives.
That belief gave birth to the heedless Greens, and your side gave birth to its extreme right tea party schism.
I do not value your diatribe, words,views, I remain ALP right and only.
You launched into an insulting post, ignoring totally, some in your team are quite concerned at Barry's early actions.
And included me, unfairly, in those expecting him to be other than he is.
I voted for him NEVER as a crumbling ALP voter.
I used him to flog my dysfunctional party.
Still do, my words clearly tell some things, blame Labor not Barry for his actions, he is being conservative Labor was being? still not sure but products of unwed parents in need of help with tyeing their shoes comes to mind.
You, in that post, insulted every view other than your own,cop it sweet if you do so some like me will come along and return serve.

Oh- having said that, I'm still happy Labor got the boot- all in all they were far worse in the corruption sense; and at the very least, there are enough non-majors in parliament to keep Barry on a still comparatively less corrupt path.
Considering:
Labor- stripped local planning laws to steamroll corrupt developments
Barry- returned local planning laws, but continued to allow corrupt developments.

Don't get me wrong, they're both horrible and I would very much love to see both parties' candidates voted out for more independents or people that actually take governing more seriously than a gravy train.

SOG, Yes I understand you started of as a personal observation. We do get your message.

The ALP ran the State for some 12 years and BO’F has been in power for 50+ days and here’s your story. You find him mealy mouthed and slippery, uninspiring, not up to the task as a man, or his team as a whole, you suspect they are duds, he could have abolished the land tax and could have done “plenty” to open up NSW to investment. Fortunately for the people of NSW you represent a minority view but have long fingernails.

Don’t you think your “personal observation” is both astonishingly premature and just little rancid?

Belly, I still don’t know what it is you’ve taken offence to? What did you find “insulting”?

Was it the bit where I suggested you were a crumbling ALP supporter? or the bit about sitting on the fence?

You confirm on the one hand that you are an ALP activist but on the other hand you actually voted for BO’F? But that this was just a protest vote of course because your ALP is “dysfunctional”.

Then you say “as a Labor voter”, that “Big Barry has a mandate” but “We do not like it”, that you “remain ALP right and only” and that “Barry is acting very bad, my view is he does not truly understand his actions”.

Is this fence sitting or what?

You insist that your foremost wish is for “good government”? Yet you can’t say “who’s government is good or what policies you support? Except possibly the ALP’s alternative energy policy you are so keen to see BO’F re-implement?

Belly, forgive me for saying this but the majority of voters do not see the “ALP” and “Good Government” as anything other than a contradiction in terms.

As I suggested, this all seems like running fingernails down the blackboard, what on earth do you actually stand for?

spindoc try to keep up, I will write slowly.
About two years and some months ago, I and a third of my party's voters said we would be voting for Barry.
You are aware his record majority proves we did?
In this thread, do you read before insulting? I said it would take two landslide elections to unseat him.
We have elections every 4 years so 8 years.
I reminded in my first second and third posts, my party , not Barry is to be blamed.
In other threads, I said our destruction was the only way we could rebuild.
Again in this one, I thank Barry, the only true opposition so far, in NSW for letting us get a few seats back next election.
He has every right to do as he wishes, only fools did not know he would.
I did, and still knew/know my party made it happen.
BUT if enough of us, constantly remind them,and enough like you constantly remind us how truly blind conservatives are,SOME that is our return will be as a better party/government.
One day, believe me, the true nature of Tony Abbott his crew who have high jacked conservatism will be seen, no less a black hole awaits him and them.

OK Belly, now I understand.

You are a welded on ALP activist and trade union member who voted Liberal to punish your own party, which you now resent because the ALP is dysfunctional and they forced you into this action against your ALP principles. You expect the ALP to learn from this punishment as this destruction will force the ALP to rebuild and get back into power through two (?) landslide elections before Tony Abbott finishes high jacking the conservatives because they are truly blind and will fall into the same black hole that the ALP is about to climb out of.

Thank you for typing slowly, it took me a while but by jolly, we got there

I take my leave from you, not ever found much balance in you.
I am happy to be me and grateful I am not as stuck in my own world as you.
In reality, some know well, both party's need to bring some from the other side to them, to win elections.
John Howard did this very well.
Abbott, in my view with deliberate lies and confrontation no matter what the issue, is doing it.
But he is bringing fleas, those who will bite him on finding he is using them.
My ALP, I do not expect to live to see it, in NSW will return a better stronger party, for its punishment.
On your statements you must forgive me for thinking this,, you will always vote for your side no matter what.
In addition your words say constant improvement,change for the better is unneeded, your party is poorer for supporters like you.

Belly, leave is granted.

Belly you are too tribal.You believe the BS put out by your own party.They all lie to us.It is just the lesser of two evils.Start thinking for yourself instead of taking the party line.

Arjay come for a walk with me.
Do you understand I never, well rarely agree with you.
I think mate few do.
Did you see my straight up and down condemnation of my party's actions?
Can you think with me on this.
Say I want better government.
But know one side is better than the other.
Brings more true change more fairness and equity.
And that I think the other side is less likely to care for my country's average Jane and Joes.
I know good and bad exists on both sides.
And that no one will ever get everything they want out of a party.
ok so far?
So do I make my vote count.
Or throw it away in affect voting for those I trust least.
I trust conservatives least, but have voted for them,once,March this year.
Greens? no not by accident,they divide anti conservatives.
Arjay I have no regard for your views, not a bit, I do not know if you are a believer in them, or just sprouting propaganda.
But what ever the reasons you should consider not continuing to tell me and other we are blind.
Those three wise monkeys arjay, their got every thing wrong.
Refusing to see hear or speak evil? or is it truth?

Barry O Farrell has impressed me today.
It has been announced that he intends to put graffiti artists, [another word for idiot] before the courts.
And that they could see drivers license lost if found guilty.
A good move and thanks .