Let us look at this thread and the comments, so far.
Is it representative? or just us here in the forum OLO?
Has the country slipped down to this level of political debate?
Or is it just us.
Why do we think politicians are so very bad, is it because they never do every thing we want.
Or is the problem us.
Do we truly understand, running the country is not about keeping every one happy but do what is best for the most.
A hung Parliament has left its mark, on us all.
Easy! just blame politicians!
Tony Abbott,s attempt to bring his Boxing career in to politics, the some times drunk like nature of folk on both sides of the house, all contribute to a far worse view of politicians.
How would we go? if our every move was put under the microscope?
Watch Tony Abbott, closely,we are witness to his self destruction.

Has the country slipped down to this level of political debate?
Belly,
Unfortunately yes due to those who support blatant incompetence & saturation bureaucracy.
Sad but true. If only we could get the ALP supporters to open their eyes & absorb what is is happening to this country we could start the turn-around to get back on track.

Belly, one word mate, LIES.

People hate being sucked in by lies,the no carbon tax lie, the I will never lead the labor party again, under no circumstances, lies, lies lies!

Abbott has re badged an existing system, instead of a 2 star general he wants a 3 star general.

Dear Suesonline,

I think Abbott is the poorest alternative available to us. However, I prefer him to Attila the Hun who is not available as an alternative.

Border Protection Command, set up in 2005, is a joint effort by Customs and Navy led by Customs. Headed up by a Navy Rear-Admiral (with a two star ranking) seconded to Customs, it uses both Navy assets and personnel and Customs assets and personnel (including 18 vessels and 17 aircraft) and reports to the Home Affairs Minister.
16 other government agencies, including the Immigration Department and Australian Federal Police are considered partner agencies
Unsuccessful asylum seekers are either sent home or resettled in a third country.
Customs has recently conceded it is "stretched" by the rate of boat arrivals.
Regional processing reopened on Nauru and Manus Island in 2012
Regional Arrangement, signed July 19, 2013, will see asylum seekers sent to PNG for assessment and if found to be a refugee, also settled there.
Labor now saying "asylum seekers who come here by boat without a visa will never be settled in Australia".
Regional processing to be "significantly expanded" - no cap on numbers of people who can be sent to PNG.
Government has flagged deal could be expanded to countries such as Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and the Philippines.
Option of increasing humanitarian intake from 20,000 to 27,000 per year, if boat arrivals drop.
Government also flagged possible changes to UN refugee convention and toughening of the way asylum seekers are assessed in Australia