Producer you miss the point entirely. Even minor state premiers do not travel alone. To do their job at COAG they need a host of department people, with all the necessary paper work.

I suppose they could all catch Qantas, & take an extra day for the job, that is why I mentioned saving heaps of bureaucrats time & money. The cost of flying them all on commercial flights, & accommodation would far exceed the cost of the government aircraft.

So it is not just the cost fuel, but the cost of all the rest.

A fat slob flying to the football was pure cost, with no redeeming value what so ever. With that fool, the longer he was away, the less of our money he would waste.

Hasbeen - The point you highlight is not lost on me. Although I acknowledge Mini does travel with an entourage (some necessary, some not so), the private jet is still wildly more expensive than the public airline option.

Then as Ludwig correctly pointed out there is the teleconferencing (I would suggest video conferencing) which would save most if not all the expenses you highlight. I’m not suggesting that from time to time face to face is a more desirable option, particularly the leaders. That type of face to face does not warrant a private jet especially during austerity. The hypocrisy is not the jet itself; it is the jet and associated large range of large cost at the time of austerity.

We also have to consider, Spindoc does not want to pass on consequences that effect future generations. The jet delivers greenhouse gasses to the precise area in the atmosphere where they do the most damage. Where is Spinner by the way, I thought he would be right back at me with his/her vitriol.

With all due respect, Hasbeen I will leave the footy thing for another debate.

Dear Producer,

What is going on in Queensland sounds horrific but we are not having the best of time in Victoria either. The Liberal lot have come in, delivered the first state deficit since Kennett, blown out hospital waiting times by 20%, changed leaders, , decimated TAFE and just basically vandalised the place. Now their 'fiscal management'/ideology deems that they can't make the decision to take advantage of a scheme that will net them 2 dollars for every one they invest in our state school system. This is money that is sorely needed and is part of what a State government is tasked by the people to manage.

Their latest big push? To introduce gold prospecting in our National Parks (while it should be noted, stripping pest control budgets by 90%) since this was an election commitment.

I had my issues with the Brumby government but hell, this lot are worse than amateurish.

And this is my fear for the Federal government. I watched Q&A the other night with Tanya Plibersek vs Peter Dutton. I'm sorry but only the most jaundiced mind would put Dutton within a bull's roar of the capability of Plibersek. Hockey over Swann? Bishop over Carr? Nope. Some of the other match ups are closer but not enough to inspire any great confidence.

Damn we could well be in for a rough trot.

Morning csteele,

It seems odd to me that you have such a negative view of what is going on in Queensland?

I don’t know what happens to news of our political sentiment when it leaves QLD and eventually arrives in VIC. Well actually I do, just Google Newman to see just how much bile the media is throwing up.

You say << What is going on in Queensland sounds horrific >> If you were basing that comment on the polling of ALP supporters you would be quite right, 80% of whom are appalled at what is going on.

On the other hand 77% of LNP supporters are quite happy with the way things are going up here. The LNP has lost some support with the TPP running at 43 to 57 which is in spite of all the nasty decisions the LNP has had to make. In our view the worst is over for the LNP. Even if there is no change for the better the ALP will remain in the wilderness for a very long time.

The ALP VIC and FEDS on the other hand have their own problems as you point out. With a 10% drop in the polls, ALP supporters in VIC would do well to focus on saving your own skins rather than to try to bounce the dead ALP cat in Queensland.

Csteel – I don’t think Victoria or Queensland is the only state having a rough trot. I believe it is an Australia wide phenomenon. I think the old DIY ethic is not as strong as it used to be and the average punter believes that government owes him something. The sad thing is the punter has lost sight of the fact they are collectively the government.

There is a case for austerity but it would seem those in power do not have the ability to apply it to themselves. The big end of town also seems to be immune as well.

The main reason I started this thread was to highlight just that.

One factor and I believe that contributes, we do not enjoy proportional representation. Mini-Me and his mob rule Queensland with less than 50% of the primary vote.

Old spinner says that 77% of LNP supporters are quite happy with Mini. If less than 50% (I reckon that dropped off) supported the LNP at the last election what Spinner is saying is that only 38% of Queenslanders support what Mini is doing now. I reckon Spindoc is about right and this I believe this phenomena is not restricted to Queensland. Our parliament should be representative and inclusive not polarised as it is now!

I initiated a thread last year on proportional representation. It was a good discussion and was happy with the way it went.

http://forum.onlineopinion.com.au/thread.asp?discussion=5047#135441

I hope Bob and Clive’s parties along with the greens and some independents can hang the next election. I agree with you Rabbott and his mob does not inspire any great confidence.