On the ABC news,this morning it was stated that Bill Shorten has voiced his ambitions of becoming the Leader of the Labor Party. Now this could be another press-generated rumor, but what does every one think about this?
NSB

NSB thanks for the chance to comment
I have had the Honor to know the man, in away work for him.
My life time Union the AWU owes him our existence.
Not long ago he came to the top in a union that had just Amalgamated.
It was no easy job, we went in to an internal war.
I proudly a son of the AWU long before saw Bill Shorten meld the union with Bill Ludwig and others back to one,todays AWU is too a son of my AWU.
Bill like the man who took his job, Paul Howe's is no fool, let the anti unionists rant but that is all it is,these two are our future.
Shorten,read his speech history while running the union,see his speechs in Parliament.
He tends to be driven ,may turn up in unmatched shoes cares not about his appearance some times, is late often.
But brilliant.
I think Kevin Rudd had him tied up in a cupboard, and Gillard has him there too.
Bill Shorten, mate, let your loyalty be again to those like us,the AWU members you saved .
We are the people rank and file or just ALP voters, even those who want to vote ALP but can not.
Do it again save this time my party it too has been My lifetime one and it needs TLC.

This "news" arrived courtesy of a Wikileak. Apparently a cable from the US ambassador back in 2008 included the information that Bill Shorten "has prime ministerial ambitions".

The cartoon on the front page of The Australian summed it up - you don't have to buy it, just glance at it in the newsagent's pile...

Functionary (reading to Ms Gillard from a piece of paper he holds in his hand): "...and apparently Bill Shorten is quite ambitious"

Ms Gillard (for it is she): "You forgot to warn me to brace myself"

Move along. Nothing to see here.

Dear Noisy,

From the little I've seen of Bill Shorten
on "Q and A," he certainly seems articulate,
intelligent, an excellent communicator.
And from all appearances - ambitious.

I'm not surprised that he's a man in a hurry
to get to the top job. He was one of the guys
responsible for the demise of former PM - Kevin
Rudd (Rudd had refused to promote Shorten to a
front-bench position claiming that parliamentary
experience was essential when designating front-bench
portfolios).

Anyway, Shorten has tertiary qualifications, (Arts/Law
plus an MBA). And apparently he's also got the support
of Bob Hawke and Beazley. So, who knows what lies ahead
for him - especially with the right kind of backing.

He's married to the daughter (Chloe)
of our current Governor-General, Quentin Bryce. He was
married previously to the daughter of Liberal Senator
Beale, and grand-daughter of Sir Edward Beale ( former
Ambassador to the US).

It will be interesting to see how his career pans out.
He does seem to be a man on a mission for the top job.
And he is popular amongst the members of the Labor Party.

cont'd ...

my apologies for the typo. It should read -
former Ambassador to the US - Sir Howard Beale.

There would be many politicians who harbour ambitions of becoming Prime Minister. I am not sure why the newspapers are making this into a front page revelation. Andrew Robb stated his desire to be leader of the Libs on Australian Story the other night even if he thinks he may have missed the boat. Nothing surprising in any of this.

I hope the ALP does not endorse Bill Shorten but stranger things have happened.

ABG

Anyone but Gillard.

If Labor did nothing for the next 2 years, it would be better than the damage they have wrought over the last 4.

Australian Labor Party is up to its chin in talent.
To ignore that is to be blinded by the truth Kevin Rudd hog tied by a few, was nearly as bad, unable to act as Gillard.
Bill Shorten is, has been,and always will be, factional power.
From the controlling but not isolated from pain right of my party.
I believe, the dislike for him comes via his union background.
Remember, Labors has both great and dreadful history of ex unionists, Greg Combet too is a great man from union back ground.
I have no doubt.
Not at all
Bill Shorten, unless he waits till after a defeat, will prove to be the man we thought Rudd was.

ALP up to its chin in talent? They hide it well.

I personally thought they were up to their Rs in crocodiles.

Bill did not get my support for any reason other than he is the one.
We have fools from the union movement in Parliament.
Blame that, and one post here, on the product of the south bound end of a north bound Bull,the word? solidarity for labor, a lie. weasel word, to excuse a dill being given a seat,hows it going Doug Cameron?
Tomo may need that seat along side soon.
I fear only the continuation of Gillard because some do not ,yet want the lead but wait the train wreck.

The ABC broadcast and other mutterings are a signal that the move is
on to remove Julia Gillard.
These things don't happen by chance.

I would hate to see Gillard replaced, the coalition has invested so much time on an effective hatchet job, that she could not win an election for dog catcher led alone a parliamentary election.

Belly and I disagree on the benefit of Australia's Worst Union and his Messianic adoration of Little Bill.

I also laugh at the idea the ALP is up to it's knees, or armpits, in talent.

Frankly, I see very little 'talent' on offer in any parliament at the moment, but of course, maybe if one takes a relative view on them all, then maybe, relatively, Little Billy is a bigger man after all.

I would like to see an interest in what policies our politicians create or support rather than a single focus on their personalities, which is all we get.

Given the silence from within the ALP on the now totally failed 'Baptist reffo final solution' there seems to be not much ability to think or critique policies the leadership cooks up.

I heard Doug Cameron voice a modest concern, ages ago. I've heard Anna Burke speak explicitly about her concerns and today I heard Stephen Jones state fairly clearly his concerns. Three out of how many?

And the other side is even worse.

I doubt Little Billy is an answer to anything too much, but whether he'd be any worse than Rudd, Beazley, Crean, Gillard, or the more successful Hawke and Keating, who knows?

It sure wouldn't matter if the present Labor party was up to the armpits in talent, they'd soon bury it.

Now the ABC have picked up the Beattie for PM chant. There must be something happening down there in the deep mud, or auntie's lot would not be talking about it.

I will not be the least surprised to see Labor go for Beattie, it would be typical. They went with Julia because they believed the womans vote would help them, & it did, not because of any ability they thought she had. Worked to, just!

Beattie on the other hand is a known catastrophe. Only he, & his anointed replacement Anna could get Queensland into such a mess, during a mining boom, so no thinking person would want him as PM. However, he has buffooned his way to electoral victory, which is all that counts with them.

I was hopeful that it couldn't get any worse, but you know, perhaps it can.

TBC you pulled the chain so cop it sweet.
The AWU got its nick name from the idiotic left wing unions.
It is mild to some of the insults one crime organization posing as a construction union hurled at me.
Including death threats.
I have seen a demented official, it helps in that team, screaming at a male manager of an international firm, he would bash and rape him.
I despise such filth, and that word, SOLIDARITY, it hides the crime that is harming all unions.
Such unions should be destroyed. I did my bit, won every round, my delegates on exit, and lots of members are refugees from that group.
Now you, from left of me, will not favor a right wing power broker, my memory's of the Left at Labor conferences is of fowls at one end of the room calling each other comrade and trying to look like they could not all fit in to a phone box.
Bill Shorten needs no lefty support he like me wants nothing to do with that lost tribe.

"ALP up to its chin in talent? They hide it well."

They do tend to have a better range of pollies who can speak well without a cringe factor than the Liberals but articulate speaking does not necessarily equate to good policy (or a controlled budget).

Beattie, anyone wondering about the opportunities he might bring should spend some time reading up on the standards of the government he lead.

They could also check into the history of the section of the criminal code which allowed politicians who deceived parliament to be prosecuted, section 57 I think.

They could have a look at the way government owned utilities were run while Beattie was premier and the cost to Queensland of that.

The Bligh government has been remarkably poor but the foundations for that were well and truly laid on Beattie's watch.

R0bert

Even the more balanced Conservatives have got on the band wagon, Labor is not the dark hole you blokes pretend
But some thing is wrong.
Bill Shorten seems to be harnessed, or not in touch as much as once.
His piece in the Herald Sun today says to me he can not/or will not be looking for leadership.
Some one must/and will perception is every thing.
I have said before I am no Gillard fan,she has flopped from day one.
A pride seems to rule her, she NEVER truly explained, said sorry but things changed, she gave life to the lie story, by being too proud to explain.
Eat our humble pie, deal with conservatives on boat people, bring back Rudd.
A MAN NOW CHASTENED BY HIS FALL.

Having given it the benefit of my critical appraisal, I've come to the conclusion that the ALP are definitely up to their armpits in something!

(and it aint talent)

Dear Poirot,

What's the alternative?

Please those who like me remain Australian Labor supporters take the time to see why I may have to leave my party.
CONTEMPT, that word describes my feelings to those who leave my party and turn on it.
But I am driven by fear SIMON CREAN! a man I would walk away from if we alone survived in this world, is said to be Labors next leader.
For what ever reason, he is the only person, from even the idiotic true left in my party, who would be worse than Gillard.
Look back, to the great and good man who was his father, who put this bloke on his path.
Note not unlike others he came via the trade hall rising to the top, and betraying that group.
He formed alliances that today haunt My party are the reason for this days lost nature of my government.
Gillard. Latham, Crean,Fitzgibbon I need not go on.
Gillard now matches her mentors Crean and Latham, in harm done to My party.
Can it be? this far from an election SELF INTEREST RULES no one wants to buy failure?
That a man so unloved, dripping in the blood of Kim Beasley as is Latham and Gillard is to be given another Chance? to in flick more damage?
Reform my party, do not bury it, never replace another dud with a dud.
LIE tell your self we can win with any of Lathams ex gang, no we never can new leadership now!

Hi Lexi & Belly,
Like yourself, I have watched Bill Shorten carefully, and the few times that he has appeared on Q & A, has convinced me that he has a quiet, even handed approach to the questions that have been put to him.
I was aware that he is Ms. Bryces' son-in-law, he certainly has the right mien to carry out any appointment which requires intelligence and dignity.
It is obvious that most males do not like having a female PM, perhaps we are not ready for one just yet, however whatever happens, I would wish her well. I am glad that I am not a labor voter, or a liberal for that matter, but should Bill Shorten make a move, I might consider a change of mind.
Enjoy your days my good friends,
NSB

Lexi,

I take your point - the prospect of an Abbott led government makes me twitch as well : )....I don't know what the alternative is, and alas, I've given up trying to make sense of the modern species of politician....your guess is as good as mine.

Belly,

How about pitching your "CONTEMPT" in the direction of the ALP - not at people who've become fed up with their crappy style of government. I haven't gone to any other party....the problem is that I'm having trouble differentiating between them.

Dear Poirot,

I understand your frustrations at the current choices
in politics. The media paints Labor as incompetent
whilst ignoring the fact that the Opposition has
absolutely zilch to offer.

Every elected government needs a minimum of two terms
to achieve its programmes. The Americans recognise that
by limiting the term of an elected President to a maximum
of eight years.

Political experts agree that three years is not enough
for any leader to fulfill the promised agenda. Julia
Gillard has another two years before an election. In
all fairness for her to achieve anything substantial
it would take a further three years.

John Howard had repeated opportunities to prove himself
until he finally made a total mess and was rejected by
his own electorate.

Fretting and criticising at this stage really doesn't
achieve anything positive. For any project in any field of
endeavour - takes time. With the added pressure of a
political opposition hell bent on destruction and
the constant negativity of the cheerleaders in the media
makes it doubly difficult to achieve positive outcomes.

Dear Lexi,
Yes, we do have to cop it sweet in a lot of political areas, although, I feel that the incumbent government needs to be given the opportunity to get some bills in to place, and at least start achieving what they have proposed, it cannot be easy with Mr.Abbot and his gang of school boys nipping at the PMs heels whenever she speaks, one thing that I have learnt though is I would never, as long as my rear-end points to the ground, vote for the Liberal party again, thank goodness that I didn't at the last election. Give Ms.Gillard the time to get her policies in place, it doesn't happen over-night, but it certainly needs more time for her to make her mark....I remember how long the Liberal government took to hatch and enact the wretched GST, love it or hate it, we have accepted it (GST), as we did with changing to Decimal currency.
Have a good evening my friend,
NSB

Lexi,

I'm not listening to what the media is saying about Labor. I'm merely looking on and taking my own notes. What are you expecting from poor-old-barely-recognisable-Labor's second term that could possibly retrieve their reputation from the populist chasm into which it's fallen?
Will there be more policy on the run?...such a bracing pastime for a pollie, but a trifle perplexing to the electorate.
Problem is that amidst a market-oriented materialistic society awash with middle-class welfare, Labor has no meaningful agenda anymore.

I think this is the perfect time to fret and fuss for those who wish to do so. Me, I'm just calling a spade a spade....federal politics in this country is overwhelmingly uninspiring.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-09-02/labors-left-faction-wants-endto-offshore-processing/2868178

(Now that's a bit more like it - a bit of spirit in Labor's tired old carcass - perhaps?)

For Gods sake[expression only] Poirot I was not referring to you.
It was an attempt to highlight my view I am possible going to become one I find contemptible!
I do so because those people harmed My party time and again, in the name of their self interests.
I need to say this, Rudd's fall hurt,I banked on him, idiots from my state helped him fail.
I understand why you would be upset with politics.
Mate know I too am.
But given the choice Labor is out standing better than conservatives.
Gillard, it seems to me, is being extremely brave right now.
She is taking the blame for a courts act.
She is wearing unfair rubbishing about carbon tax, from the very people who in ten years will call it her greatest achievement.
She seems intent on getting her tasks done, my tasks, then leaving the decks clean.
She has guts give her that.

Don't worry, Belly, I knew you were just tossing the term "out there", and you do have a penchant for the dramatic gesture : )

Regarding Julia taking the heat "for a court's act". The court interpreted the law as it saw fit. Quite frankly, sending refugees to a country that is not a signatory to the Refugees Convention or the Refugees Protocol was despicable...not to mention the inclusion of unaccompanied children.
Yes, I know she was dancing to the populist tune, and reinforcing the paranoia so common in this country, but surely that doesn't mean a party has to toss out its basic morality - does it?

http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/keen-to-serve-just-not-now-20110902-1jq6c.html
I must admit my pain has lead me to get a bit twisted on this subject.
I find the link one of hope.
Still think Bill is the man, ego is not a dirty word , if the person has the skills to back it.
I lay my pain at the feet of us, not our politicians.
We, me too, are often twisted to any shape, any ideas by a run away media.
The court ruled against us, the left is happy, but a quick considered look, even a glance, will show the sand being washed out from under the feet of all non conservatives and a rip forming.
Good intentions/wishes, cuddle the refugees, equals nothing, if 3 for every one who agrees disagrees with your thoughts.
I could say policy's that are not popular can never be force fed to voters.
But while Gillard/Labor live in a spotlight, we see Abbott, every day, every speech, reminding us, he told us, he lies.
And we ignore it?

What amuses me here to a large extent, but sometimes, if I let it
annoys me, is the abuse about Tony Abbott.
The labour party supporters says he is a dreadfull man and complain
about what he says about Julia Gillard & the government.

So from that I gather it is alright for the labour party & supporters
to abuse Tony Abbot but it is not alright for him to abuse Julia Gillard.
Is that because she is a woman ? No ? Maybe not, but really your
obsessive prejudice is showing.
He can't be all that bad.
The abuse of Tony Abbot I suspect is because he not so hansom.
If he had smaller ears and no speech impediment I wonder if the abuse
would be so intense ?

Dear Bazz,

Coming up with policies that actually work
would also help Abbott's credibility -
but for that you need more than condemnation
and spin. And that's all the man has.

Bazz
Maybe I'm weird but Tony Abbott is quite handsome despite his ears. He was certainly a looker in his younger years. However it is not his looks that matter but policies and the way he manages himself and his party in Opposition.

At the end of the day elections are lost on governments losing rather than Opposition's winning so his looks are definitely irrelevant.

Lexi, you need to do better than that.
Two years to an election; do you expect a policy statement now ?
Also they had a good asylum seeker policy and a good bank balance.
They had a better pink bats policy, ie not have one !
Cheers