Wobbles a well written and supported by truth post.
It is time for a report on Australian Politics, I offer this thread as all the evidence needed.
Supported in Parliament by the front bench of this Conservative rabble Colin the unhappy and SM are Representative of the party they serve.
It is true,that some very silly actions and people have hamstrung the ALP/Government.
Polls however do not reflect just how untrue conservative claims sometimes are, and just how truly STUPID some actions they propose are.
Never forget,Tony Abbott is on record, he said he put political PRAGMATISM first.
He an ex health minister,with no room for doubt, intended to side with Tobacco here.
Brave and honest politicians on his front bench ,ONLY stopped that.
95% of Tobacco electorally funding has gone, for more than a decade, to Liberal/Nationals coalition!
If, mark my words, Labor lost support of the independents today.
Abbott would enter Government with a chop shop wreck of policy's he would dump, not be able to get HIS OWN PARTY to support.
We stand convicted of haveing each side REFUSE change based on the fact each thinks the other side is ruled by a fool.
Sadly they are both right.
Charges here against Roxon are feeble, true but feeble and ignore Abbott's proven criminal neglect of public health.

Belly

When is it that we can tell if Abbott is telling the truth? When he makes off the cuff remarks or is it when his comments have been scripted? Can't remember, either way his behaviour pales any faux pas committed by Roxon. And as for acceptance of Tobacco Industry donations - we already know which party receives that, therefore Shadow Minister's attempt to create a storm out of Roxon is pointless as were Col Rouge's comments gratuitous.

This is the price we pay for freedom of speech...

Slightly dated but there is some info on tobacco industry political donations at http://www.tobaccoinaustralia.org.au/chapter-10-tobacco-industry/10-22-donations-to-political-parties

I regard to the topic. On the one hand the Lib's and Nat's are open about accepting political donations from the tobacco industry, one the other hand if the claim is correct Roxon tried to get money from them while publically her party is saying they don't do that kind of thing.

The fact that the tobacco companies declined does not alter the intent.

Reminds me of a religious fundy with a jar of personal lubricant and a dead internet connection.

R0bert

Robert

Very funny, but you are aware that Roxon is campaigning for plain packs of cigarettes?

Of course Tobacco Industries have never tried to smear anyone ever, have they?

If you can't trust the cigarette companies who can you trust?

I did add a proviso in my comment about the claims being true.

I think that the focus on the tobacco industry is a diversion. It's the whole concept of political donations that's the problem. I'd rather see them take donations from tobacco companies than property developers (make your own list of suspect donor's).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_donations_in_Australia

There are all sort's of dodges used to avoid disclosing who is making the donations and regardless of disclosure there is a clear conflict of interest (that includes funds from unions) in political parties accepting donations and elected representatives making decisions which might impact on their donor's fortunes.

R0bert

Totally agree with you Robert.

However it is industries like Tobacco, Coal, Uranium, Oil whose influence is particularly heinous. They continue to blindside many progressive and worthwhile endeavours to the detriment of all.