When Rudd makes moves to ban or greatly reduce political donations, then I’ll start to think that he is genuinely expressing a desire to make his party more democratic.

But at the moment, by singling out one little group, and only for one state branch, it seems as though he is trying to be seen to be doing something decisive while actually not doing anything of any significance.

The Queensland government has just moved itself closer to big business (if that is possible) by abolishing the $5000 cap on donations and halving public funding for political parties.

It presents a great opportunity for Rudd to denounce this and make moves in the opposite direction.

Ludwig I truly think I gave an honest answer to your question.
Can you Shadow Minister say that?
I am a contented man right now.
A rare event has taken place .
My dreams have been answered.
And too, in my view my open warfare on my party, its power brokers, and yes that is my union too.
Especially so in fact, not its rank and file, not its officials , but some who lead it!
Ludwig every union I ever knew had its grubs, *no greater crime can be committed against members than thieving from them*
The CFMEU is tainted, a crime organization masquerading as a union.
In that and 0nly that SM is right.
Like moths flying around a candle, some in some unions flirt with them.
Yet they more than work choices by their actions, do more harm to workers.
My sheer joy at day after day, being reminded by Kevin 24/7s endless charge toward the reforms I called plaintively for is the best feeling in the world.
But too I glee! laughing near crying happiness , at the fall of fools who opposed both him and party reform is electric.

<he (PM Rudd) has banned property developers from standing as candidates at the state or federal level>

What does he say about PMs with large property portfolios?

http://www.news.com.au/realestate/news/rudd8217s-luxury-property-portfolio-miles-from-struggle-street/story-fncq3gat-1226673021164

onthebeach,
but that's hypocrisy which the ALP doesn't object to. Anyone else it would be disgraceful.
I personally don't give a hoot how much property Kevin Rudd accumulates as long as he stops preventing us from getting ahead & as long as he doesn't use us to pay for all his silly failed policies like he did during his first term.

individual,

I am happy that he is successful and lives well.

In view of the political scandals affecting Labor, perhaps he would be better off banning ex-union heavies and their lawyers.

There are obvious dangers in making decisions on the run. Has Kevin changed? Sadly, maybe not.

Belly,

I am glad for you that you have Kevin 747 back again. Especially as you so roundly sang the praises of Juliar 3 years ago.

As property developers, I don't seem to recall Thomson, Williams, Obeid, or MacDonald being property developers. Perhaps someone could enlighten me as to why this profession is being targeted?