Has been, you are right, however I think this is grounds for a new thread.

You see ever since self assessment came into effect in apprenticeships, the bar was lowered.

Take butchery for an example, not the hardest trade out there, yet one can come through having only done each core duty only once.

I have had butchers turn up for work that only had a basic level of knowledge about their job, yet expected to be paid as a tradesman.

What is needed to improve skills are levels within trades.

It is simply not fair for a fresh tradesman to command the same pay rate as a seasoned tradesman, yet the system does not allow for this.

Even now, knowing we have a jobs skills crisis, the breaking down of a beef carcass, a duty that one would expect essential in this trade, has been made optional.

Yet, if you have a trade, you can enroll for many uni courses that would have otherwise been out of your depths.

But as for labor, I doubt I will see them in power again for decades, if ever again.

So 579, do you still hold the view that our government is not in cruise control mode.

579 you should understand this, Rechtub may well be a good bloke.
But his understanding of politics comes from the news print he wraps the meat in.
It is off cuts from the news rolls used to print on and is blank.
If Gillard wins, then let my party bleed now, only after the fall can we raise.
At least 5 should leave Parliament and end forever, the control of out siders on my party.
Australia is never going to want Gillard.

Rudd on the backburner to simmer down. Eventually shorten will get the nod from Julia that is my prediction. It may take another 12 months.

Now take butchery, Persons like butch would vote for anyone that does not have a policy. Even though our economy is moving along very well. 215 bill through parliament. an incredible record. He just doesn't like a female in front.

Rudd's so tired of the politics of division that he felt it appropriate to take a swipe at Abbott while expressing his concerns on the issue.

Tony should of course stop being negative and divisive, it's Ok for Labor apparently.

R0bert

Rudd has made the correct decision to move to the back bench where he is no longer has to support the PM, and is free to say what he wants.

Yesterday upon the stair,
I saw a leadership challenge that wasn't there,
I wish it wasn't there again today,
Oh how I wish he'd go away.