chris
I am not sure what you mean by 'semantics of unemployment'. However I thought an analysis of long term unemployment would be essential in assessing the policy proposals. It is a complex issue and it is not about blaming people but looking at what works best.

watching the debate..im noting..the 7 worm=more liberal
and the 9 worm..more rudd..eg right at top..on..9..on the middle line on 7

so..the worms annoy me

the debate is much a non..event..
thanks in part to..worm watching

Tonight at Rooty Hill Mr Abbott said Libs would bring down reporting of foreign investment in rural lands down to $15M rather than the current reporting figure of (I think he said) $200M. He also said there would be a publicly accessible register outlining foreign ownership, promising greater transparency. Well that remains to be seen, but the reduction in reportables is good start. I would argue it needs to be lower.

Rudd looked like he was doing investment policy on the run at that announcement and spun off a line about joint-ventures and matched the greater transparency aspect. Joint ventures not a bad idea either in some circumstances, but it looked spur of the moment. I could be wrong of course.

pelican, "Rather than criticising others' views why not declare your stance and the reasons for or against"

That is amusing, given that I was criticising you and others for leaping into the fray to joust for one side or the other as usual. Predictable. On another day with a different side putting up the same policy the stance would be different as would be the rationalisation. I gave examples where that has probably already occurred in the past. You do support maternity leave for senior public servants no doubt. You don't say that above a certain level they should receive lesser benefits, or go it alone.

I have explained numerous times that I really don't care what policies are implemented as long as the policies are arrived at through consultation with the public and particularly those directly affected. Also that legislation is accompanied by a statement of intent, the desired outcomes and measures of attainment. Further, wherever possible legislation has a sunset date.

There is a jealousy at work that would deny senior women parental leave. I really don't care whether there is parental leave or not. But if it is to be, all should be treated equally. If as you say it is welfare, find some other way of treating all women the same. That means paying mums at home and not just those who are employed. Feminists argue that parental leave is not welfare and nor is maternity leave for example. Was the case they argued all bollocks?

There would be no unemployment if all incentives to unemployment were removed.
Cut out the dole and social security, bring in a third time losers act like they have in the US.
Build bigger and harder prisons out in the desert and lock up the criminals for ever if they try to steal their way in life.
See how quick people go to work for whatever they can get.

OTB
"I really don't care whether there is parental leave or not. But if it is to be, all should be treated equally."

Senior women are not denied parental leave - where did you get that idea? I agree if there is to be a PPL then when women when caring for a baby out of work should receive the same amount rather than tailored to income (but that is my personal opinion).

I do agree that PPL and other issues should be open to public consultation ie. improving and expanding democratic participation. In fact why not bring it to the election via referendum? Perfect opportunity and then government would have a mandate.