Paul,

The angle that Abbott is now taking is to directly tackle Juliar and while it might take some direct pressure off Thomson, it is still very much there.

I find the angle being pushed by Labor is more than a little trite, that because Thomo is feeling a little sad that the only solution is to ignore his heinous acts and Labor's efforts to cover them up. As long as Thomson shows no contrition for his actions and Labor pretends that Thomson must be treated as pure as the driven snow until led away to serve his sentence, then there is no justification for the scrutiny to cease.

As for Rhiannon, we all know that her policies extend beyond the greens' platform to issues like enforced boycotting of companies dealing with Israel etc. Do you support these?

As for your liberal buddy, I would say that his ideas fall far from most liberal supporters.

Dear Paul 1405,

The following link sums things up rather well:

http://newmatilda.com/2012/05/22/thomson-scandal-future-oz-politics

And this satirical, tongue-in-cheek one you may also appreciate:

http://newmatilda.com/2012/05/24/media-failed-us-thomson

SM

Lee Rhiannan is a strong advocate of Palestinian human rights, as are the majority of Green members including me. The peaceful boycott of business which support Israeli military action against the Palestinians in violation of UN resolution's is seen by some as a legitimate tactic to highlight the plight of the Palestinian people.
Personally, I do not agree with the action of boycott, at this time. I would rather bring to public attention business which support and profit greatly from militarism throughout the world, regardless from where ever those businesses originate. What is you view of militarism?

stand by SM!
This ones mine!
CN and Cambell may be the same.
But lee? mad as a march hare!
I will bet 99% of this nation know she is, and are as unhappy with her as I am.
Her only position in the A C T should be as a lolly pop holder at a very busy intersection!

Your right david f, Campbell Newman has already shown that he is a power crazed cowboy at best. A State Premier who thinks that he personally, should have control over the future of the Great Barrier Reef.

SM, the only accuracy in your post regarding the Independents is their courageous decision to back Labor. Beyond that, your talking about current state polling when it comes to Cowboy Newman and thats not relevant. David f is referring too future Federal polling and the oncoming effect of Newman's tenure and in addition this post is about improving Federal polling for Labor, at this time.

Finally reading between the lines:

"while I am generally loath to make predictions, I see their chances of re election being less than that of a snowball in hell given their "courageous" decision to back Labor against the clear political persuasions in their electorates",

means that your polling is showing, "that the relentless and withering personal attacks on Windsor, and Oakeshot (in particular) by the LNP, and the money spent (same) within their electorates, is resonating among local electors".

Here's a national polling question I would like answered SM,

"Who do you see as our most trustworthy members of Parliament" ?.

I think Windsor would top the list by streets with Xenophon, followed by Oakeshot and Wilke, with maybe Albanese bringing up fifth place.

Dear Thinker 2,

As always a voice of reason.
So refreshing in this internet jungle.