It sure looks like big Clive is revealing his true agenda, adopting the strategy of bums on seats as his way of gaining power.

In his latest deal, the lady he elevated to the position of heading the NT party, can't even tell us why she came across, but, considering she has gone from pillar to post so far as her political career goes, perhaps this is just another case of she got bored.

Sure smells of money, doesn't it!

Ahhh, Rehctub's feeling threatened. Hmmm.

Actually, PUP was my number two preference at the election, so I was quite happy to see him get the results he did. My concern now is that he has a hidden agenda and is using his wealth to get what he wants.

If this is the case, then yes, I do feel threatened, or somewhat betrayed at least as this is not how democracy is meant to work.

Umm, you haven't heard that Palmer is now suing the Queensland Premier for defamation for saying similar things?

Clive Palmer said, "Mr Newman will have the opportunity to present all the evidence he has of such matters before the courts - the Supreme Court of Queensland".

He also said, "There'll be no settlement, no negotiations, the matter will go to trial".

If a conviction is delivered against Newman, will he have to resign? I'm not sure about that. I think the answer may be yes.

Here's some partial quotes of what Newman said, "He has gone on a rampage around Australia, trying to buy other people". And, "I ask, what inducements were offered to these 3 MPs? What cash? What jobs? What financial support for elections? What offers were made for them to jump ship?".

Here's some partial quotes of what Palmer said -

"To make it clear we offered them nothing".

"There's been no inducements offered to them. I got a telephone call on Friday night, it said they wanted to meet with me. They came to Queensland, they asked us about our party. We offered them nothing".

Ms Anderson, one of the 3 MPs, also confirmed she made the first contact with Palmer and that she was NOT paid to join the PUP.

Methinks Newman is now shaking in his boots.

Dear rehctub,

I wouldn't write Clive off just yet.

Just when we think we've got him figured out -
he surprises us. I remember watching "Q and A,"
a while back when one of the panelists was
the PUP MP from Tassie. Sure, she was a
"rough diamond," inexperienced. But she won over
the audience easily (and me, I have to admit).
She was quite resreshing in that she said what
she thought - no party rhetoric or spin.
And the current government will have quite a
force to deal with PUP and the Greens in the
Senate - they just may make the government change
their strategy - and not take things for granted.
Which surely can't be a bad thing.

rehctub,

"Sure smells of money, doesn't it!"

Well, hahahaha!

"If this is the case, then yes, I do feel threatened, or somewhat betrayed at least as this is not how democracy is meant to work."

You should feel threatened judging from the murk that's emerging from the LNP ranks in ICAC - more sludge revealed today.

http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/icac-hears-chris-hartcher-corruption-claims-as-liberal-mp-marie-ficarra-steps-aside-20140428-zr0np.html

And here's how Campbell Newman likes to operate.

http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/icac-told-campbell-newman-meeting-came-with-5000-price-tag-20140407-3695d.html

"The price of a meeting between Queensland Premier Campbell Newman and the head of a company linked to the Obeid family was a $5000 donation to Mr Newman's re-election fund as Brisbane lord mayor, a corruption inquiry has heard."

"'The lord mayor of Brisbane is happy to see you,'' Mr Nicolaou wrote in an email to Mr Di Girolamo on June 8, 2007. ''The person whom I am liaising with on your behalf would like you to donate the $5k as soon as possible.'"

Nothing like a man who charged $$$ for access to his position accusing another of buying govt.

Seems like Oz politics is a huge cesspit.

That must make Newman the ten thousandth that Palmer has sued. probably our new troll Nhoj is one of the few he hasn't.

Hasbeen, name the "ten thousand" people.

Yeah, thought not.

Better luck next time son.

Wow Nhojjie, you’re on fire! 12 posts on OLO in nearly four years and now 20 in two days!

………..

Rehctub, I’m not sure about Palmer. Nothing about him has really inspired me. However I can’t imagine he could be worse than either the Libs/Coalition or the Labs.

All this talk about him buying votes or deals is just so hypocritical, coming from parties that openly accept big donations from big businesses, which effectively buy favours and strongly sway policy development.

This enormous bias in underpinned by the profit-and-greed motive, which is at stark odds with our long-term national security, is one thing that needs to be ELIMINATED from Australian politics. Palmer, with his hundreds of millions, is hopefully much less open to being bribed by big and powerful businesses into developing favourable policy platforms.

So potentially he is in a much better position to develop GOOD policies in the interests of a sustainable society and healthy economy than either the Libs or Labs are…. Because the Liblabs are ABSOLUTELY in NO position to do this….. and NO level-headed person should vote for either of them ever again!!

I'm not sure of Palmer's chances but I'm almost certain Newman will not be Premier after the next Qld State election.
Putting many blue collar workers out of a job & paying yourself 70 grand a year more is not just criminal/immoral & hypocritical but also pretty stupid politically. I can't help thinking he's planning for a great Super payout when he gets the boot.

But Luddy, you were once a green, so I'm afraid we can't take your recommendation of anything political as any sort of gospel.

Gee Nhoj, you sure have the old boys running scared.
I like it!

Foxy, I didn't like that Tassie PUP politician because she reminded me strongly of Pauline Hanson. Both seem naive to me.

I can't see the PUP ever becoming a fox.
They are just another flash -in -the- pan political party...

I don't know about PUP but is so refreshing not to have the incompetent handbag brigade destroying the nation.

Crikey Haz, I’m not recommending big Clive. Like I said in my last post – I’m not sure about him.

But I’m just thinkin that the entrenched dinosaur parties are so fundamentally flawed and compromised that he would surely have to be a least a tiny bit better!

He certainly ain’t no greenie, but he’d surely have to be a more environmentally-friendly option than the pro-massive-immigration highly antienvironment and TOTALLY antisustainability Liblabs!

Luddy, mate! I don't think there has ever been anyone in federal parliament who would have a bigger conflict of interest than Clive.

I don't know what makes you think he would be anything less pro immigration than the majors. I reckon he is for anything he, or his mates, could make a quid out of.

I have been mightily amused at this enemy of my enemy attitude of the greens has led them to embrace a rapacious mining magnate, almost a caricature of their sworn enemy of development & productivity.

I reckon we have been subject to that old Chinese curse about living in interesting times, so we had best sit back & try to enjoy the ride, [as long as it isn't on a push bike that is].

Yeah you’re probably right Hazza. I can’t see PUP being any less pro-immigration or manically pro-growth.

But hopefully they’re a little bit less beholden to the enormous bribery exerted by big business, for which the Liblabs are only too willing to bend over and take it where the sun don’t shine!

Although, Clive being of that big business ilk, it is probably a forlorn hope! ( :>(

Dear Susieonline,

I think I am tending to agree with foxy on regarding Jacqui Lambie, the PUP Tassie Senator elect. When she first spoke on Q&A I looked at my wife and said something to the effect of 'what on earth do we have here?'. It wasn't so much her accent but just her grasp on issues that seemed so deficient.

However it doesn't take much nous to realise she is probably reflecting any normal person in that situation; fronting a studio audience, being asked to be articulate on a range of topics without having spent years within the political system, and not being coached by major party spin-doctors to within an inch of her life.

I quickly warmed to her and while I think our politics may well have difficulty in aligning I certainly think she may be made from sterner stuff than many of today's cookie-cutter pollies.

I especially loved this quote from her when talking about suicide rates among our servicemen and women;

"If they can't do the job, as of July 1, I will be part of holding that balance of power, and I can tell you now, those politicians up there, they're going to stop living off the Anzac legend and start living up to it,"

Our two major parties have made sure the so called house of representatives isn't all that representative at all. Jacqui Lambie however is direct representation of part of Australia that rarely gets to elbow their way into our politics. Neither a lawyer nor a university educated union official who I have little doubt will pull up her party's leader if he gets too controlling.

I hate the fact that Clive has been able to buy his way into our political system with such ease but I am also prepared to celebrate the fact that by doing so he has opened the door to the Jacqui Lambies of this world, we could probably do with a few more of them.

SteeleRedux, if you really believe Palmer has "bought his way into our political system" what you're really saying is that the Australian voters are utterly stupid and are influenced by political campaigns funded by "money".

As we all know, Australian voters are certainly not influenced by political campaigns funded by money, can truly think for themselves and are extremely intelligent - NOT.

Nhoj.,
All elections are vote buying. We all want to get as much as possible out of them for our benefit.
Why do you think Labor gets voted in after a Coalition has filled the coffers again ?
To say voters aren't influenced by campaigns funded by money is simply the cream of ignorance.
That's where the Left/Right thing comes into play. The left clambers for as much as possible for as little as possible & the Right simply wants more reward for effort rather than sharing the bulk with the Left for nothing.
That's why the public service is so huge because it is always Labor no matter who is in power.
Perhaps Clive got a strategy of finally putting the brakes on the bandwagon and, if so he'll get my vote.

SteeleRedux,

Regarding Jackie Lambie, who appealed to me as decidedly vacuous on the subjects on which she is required to be cognizant

Her commentary on climate change was particularly vacant, saying things along the lines of "I'm not really up on the carbon thing"...and "the scientists are 50/50".

In fact, she was on a par with Palmer as far as her knowledge on that subject.

Not impressed.

individual,

What do you reckon about the govt running up a further $68 billion in debt in a mere 28 weeks?....that's way ahead of any rate Labor was running.

Vacuous. Thanks Poirot, that's just the word I was looking for when discussing Ms Lambie.
Sorry Steele Redux, we will have to agree to disagree on this lady.
As passionate as she may be about her little party, she appears to be way out of her depth.

Like some here I didn't know how to take Jackie Lambie on Q&A and PUP in general, I'm sus of Big Clive and what motivates him.
Suse, I always considered Pauline Hanson to be some kinda unfunny version of Dame Edna Everage, and Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen as an even funnier version of Sir Les Patterson. talking of funnies I have a bit of a soft spot for Bob Katter and his 10 gallon hat.

Indie, Hasbeen, Runner and Rehctub, I though you fella's would be morals to vote ONE Pauline, Two Joh and THREE Sir Les, given the chance.
Nhoj, Ludwig, Poirot, SteeleRedux, Foxy and Susie keep up the good work, the forum couldn't do without you guys, and your intelligent comments. Otherwise look what we'd get from the 'Usual Suspects' and you never know someone from the outside world could read their comments and tell their friend "I read Aussie political forum! Those Aussies, what a bunch of Wombles, just like their fearless leader Mr Abbott," It's embarrassing enough for us that Abbott goes overseas and opens his trap, and the outside world hears him. Can't the Mad Monk pretend he's got 'laryngitis' or something, and keep his trap shut, and save Australia the humiliation? All he'd have to do is stand there in his taxpayer funded 'budgie smugglers; and say nothing. It would be an improvement

It will be interesting to see how the PUP
goes in the Senate and how long they do
last in politics. As for the Senator from
Tassie? Again, we'll have to wait and see.
And of course how much Mr Palmer will allow.
Interesting times ahead. Either way, people
did elect them - and things could not be
any worse in the politics of this country
than they are at present - surely?

Anyone watch "Q and A," last night - 28/04/14?
Malcolm Turnbull was given a run for his money.
Great viewing.

Individual, please try to comprehend my post better. Go to the last word in my post. It says, in big letters to emphasise the point, "NOT". Now, what do you think the word "not" means? There ya go, do you comprehend now?

Foxy, <Anyone watch "Q and A," last night ..Great viewing>

Q&A is a joke. You can see why many of Australia's leaders, of business for example, do not appear on the panel or in the audiences of the bear-baiting that is Q&A.

<The ABC’s Q&A apologises to Andrew Bolt for ‘racist’ slur
March 18, 2014

THE ABC last night apologised to Daily Telegraph columnist Andrew Bolt over claims from Aboriginal academic Marcia Langton on Q&A last week that he was racist. Host Tony Jones made the apology for comments accusing Bolt last week of racial vilification during a discussion about racial discrimination laws.

“Marcia Langton publicly said she did not think he was a racist. As a result the ABC apologises for broadcasting her comments,” Jones said last night.

Ms Langton’s comments referred to a 2011 Federal Court ruling that found Mr Bolt breached Section 18C by publishing newspaper articles questioning the motivations of fair-skinned people who identified as Aboriginal.

Mrs Langton backed down from her claims two days later on Steve Price’s 2GB radio show and apologised to Bolt. He had sought an apology from the ABC for airing the comments.

Federal Attorney General George Brandis is behind plans to change section 18C, to balance freedom of speech and racial vilification

“Andrew Bolt is not a racist and to accuse him of being a racist is itself a form of vile abuse of the man,” he said.>

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/the-abcs-qa-apologises-to-andrew-bolt-for-racist-slur/story-fni0cx12-1226857520807

Far right wing political correctness gone mad. Free speech is expressed regarding Bolt, but he objects.

Bolt can dish out the crap, but can't take it. Free speech is dead.

Far right wing political correctness wins again.

Foxy

Notice how Turnbull was insulated from any questions on the NBN.

And notice also how he was rabbitting on that the F-35 was hunky-dory because what govts and folks want is the most advanced and up-date technology with their thingamajigs...and he was shot down in flames when Van Badam asked him why, in that case, was he dishing out a second-rate NBN.

Too funny!

LOL,

Why Poirot, even a silly old 1920's fruit (you are eccentric!) such as yourself should have taken heed of Foxy's previous posts that she is a well-paid librarian who advises old people on what they should read and reads stories to young school pupils.

While one presumes Foxy's boss to be very understanding and generous and is probably the Aussie taxpayer (no end of money there you might believe), it is a bit much of you to expect that she would always at your beck and call when you want an extra to link arms with you to scoff at and 'diss'. Too funny!

Yeah settle down, beachy.

You don't have to reference Foxy and her occupation in order to have a go at me.

(although I know how hard it is for you to resist)

Too funny!

Dear Poirot,

How quaint, and so yesterday, that
otb assumes that I have a boss.
And that librarians "tell" people what
to read. What librarians do is add,
enrich, stimulate, and amplify, the reading
of young and old. They make suggestions.
They never "tell."

Yes, Malcolm Turnbull did not get away with
the usual Liberal rhetoric and spin on "Q and A,"
last night. Even to the extent that he was forced to
admit that it wasn't "all right to be a bigot."
And there were many amusing moments. Thoroughly
enjoyable show. You can see why they want to cut
the ABC. Imagine being held to account so often.
They preach "free speech," but really can't take
it when questioned. Transparency is not part and
parcel of their "polspeak." They're not Liberals
at all. Liberals were a "broad church," but this lot -
are all forced to say the same thing - over and
over again. Didn't you think the journalist from
The Guardian was great?

Christopher Pyne will be on next week.
More interesting times ahead.

cont'd ...

I forgot to add that libraries and librarians form
a vital part of the world's system of education and
information retrieval. They make available through
books, films, recordings and other media -
knowledge that has been accumulated through the ages.
People in all walks of life- including students,
teachers, business executives, government
officials, scholars, and scientists use library
resources in their work. Large numbers of people also
turn to libraries and librarians to satisfy their
leisure-time activity. In addition, many people enjoy
book discussions, film shows, lectures, and other
activities that are provided by librarians at their
local libraries. Libraries and librarians also play
an important role in preserving society's cultural
heritage. And of course today's libraries and
librarians differ greatly from libraries of the past.
This is so because librarians constantly strive to
find ways to expand and perfect the contributions
that they and their institutions make to society.

Cheers.

Paul, I didn't actually vote for Pauline Hansen, but I strongly agreed with much of what she said and, had she been elected and got her way I seriously doubt we would be where we are today, because for one, no work no dole would have been implimented not just talked about, and two, if you apply for residence here and don't wish, or attempt to assimilate you would not be welcome here. Nothing wrong with that I say.

As for Abbott, he has done one thing labor were simply incapable of, he has stopped the boats in a matter of months, not years.

Finally, as for the NBN, it is now showing what a mess it was. The so called 'gold plated package', the one that fool Conroy said would be a huge boost to our nation/productivity, has attracted exactly ZERO CUSTOMERS.

I think the numbers are something lime $9 billion thus far for 3% roll out. Oh what geniuses you labor/green lovers trusted with our futures.

I seriously can't believe that you mob still worship the ground those fools walk on as the damage they did in just six years may never be fixed in my lifetime.

Thanks for that!

Rehctub wrote regarding Pauline Hanson, "I strongly agreed with much of what she said".

Hmm, that explains a lot about the posts from Rehctub, a strong admirer of a rejected, radical politician who formed a party in 1997, got booted out by the voters in 1998, and was NEVER, EVER able to get elected again. A failed, far right wing reject from the Deep North, encased in far right wing political correctness. Australia passed judgement, and booted the incompetent Hanson OUT.

Yep, Rehctub's political correctness has a source. We've just found that source.

@Foxy, Tuesday, 29 April 2014 1:53:01 PM, "How quaint, and so yesterday, that otb assumes that I have a boss"

More word games? But honestly, what for?

You have stated before that you are a librarian and you are well paid. Also that you provide certain library services to the old and to school pupils.

That being the case it is fairly safe to assume you are employed by someone and likely you are paid by the taxpayer.

It is not unreasonable to say that you must have a very flexible and understanding boss/supervisor/manager/professional(?) to be on the Net as much as you are, from your posting record on OLO alone. Your Googling to inform perceived errant posters would tot up as well.

Just saying, don't pee on my leg and tell me it is raining.

otb,

Shades of Judge Judy no less!

Good for you!

Your assumptions are just that!

And what was said in previous posts
doesn't always follow today.

And actually - I'm not paid by the taxpayer.
Although it really is none of your bee's wax!
You don't answer any questions put to you -
like how old you are, what level of education
you've completed. And although you say you're
not on a pension - I imagine you are on some
sort of "disability," payment - for obvious
reasons. See I can make assumptions as well.

And as for peeing on your leg.
Nah - I wouldn't but I could tell you to blow
it out of your pants - however - I'm too polite! ;-)

Foxy,

Are you employed as a librarian or not?

Do you provide library services to the old and to pupils or not?

You say your library/job/employer/source of income does not receive 'direct' funding. Is there no direct or indirect public funding at all? Where then does the money come from? Donations, a benefactor, what?

otb,

People do change jobs you know.
And I've worked for every type of library
there is. From State, Regional, University,
School, to Special.

Every heard of "Special Libraries?"

Foxy,
Don't worry about my little buddy Beach, he's sour on intelligent people, and those who have achieved something worthwhile in life. As far as Beach is concerned your guilty on both counts. Beach is more interested in exposing the "Fabians" and their secret agenda, no one, even Beach knows what that is, because its a secret, but he is busy exposing it. I bet you didn't know Barack Obama is a Fabian, as is the Pope and the Queen of England, Beach got it from some dotty old Miss Marple character he follows on YouTube!

Beach is Big Clive a Fabian? Must be, everyone else is, except you and your Miss Marple.

@Foxy, Tuesday, 29 April 2014 4:44:14 PM

You specialise in non-answers. You will have the last word, but never an answer as usual.

otb,

This is an opinion forum.....not a star chamber for you to interrogate fellow posters and pass judgement on them.

Just saying....

Onthebeach...

(1) How old are you?

(2) What level of education have you achieved?

(3) What's your occupation?

(4) If you are on some type of pension, what "was" your occupation?

(5) Please actually answer these 4 questions.

Back on topic.

Reports tonight that the pup/fox has been offering inducements to serving MPs to switch to PUP. It appears he thinks he can buy enough members to become the official opposition in Qld.

I guess that could be possible, with Labor unable to field a basket ball team with it's Qld representation.

It does raise the question of what did he do to gain 3 existing MPs in the Territory.

It also raises the question of his suitability for any form of public service. Still I suppose, he is no worse than Paul's harpies from the south, which doesn't make much recommendation actually.

That Chinese curse about interesting times is flourishing.

All the union crims running Labor, Harpies running the Greens, & a shonk running a new effort with cheque book politics.

The really funny thing is all these shonks decry Abbott.

Well come on Clive, am I the next one to sue. You wouldn't get much, but your suits are only about headlines anyway, aren't they?

Sorry Nhoj, Beach will not be able to answer your questions tonight, lights out at the nursing home 7pm sharp. I'm sure if he could my little buddy would authorise his best buddy on OLO to answer on his behalf, that's me! Firstly, before I answer, I have to check if you are a Fabian, Beach does not answer questions from Fab's. Greens, Green Fab's Labor people, Labor Fabs and Mr Whippy, even if he's not a Fab, Beach just don't like Mr Whippy. Now that's cleared up, back to your questions.

(1) How old are you?
Beach, cannot answer that question as it may incriminate him.

(2) What level of education have you achieved?
Beach, cannot answer that question as it may incriminate him.

(3) What's your occupation?
Beach, cannot answer that question as it may incriminate him.

(4) If you are on some type of pension, what "was" your occupation?
Beach, cannot answer that question as it may incriminate him.

(5) Please actually answer these 4 questions.
Beach, cannot answer that question as it may incriminate him.

Nhoj, I trust these answers have been most satisfactory to you, and now you have a much better understanding of my little buddy, Beach

Nice try Hasbeen. FAIL!

Here's what you "conveniently" left out...

Quote from Tuesday morning Sydney press, "Mr Palmer says the claims made by MPs Michael Hart and Jason Costigan were made up by premier Campbell Newman, and POLICE WILL TAKE NO ACTION".

Try again Hasbeen. let's face it, you're not doing too well.

Nhoj,

Hasbeen said <<All the union crims running Labor, Harpies running the Greens, & a shonk running a new effort with cheque book politics.

The really funny thing is all these shonks decry Abbott.>>

Obviously Hasbeen does not reside in NSW where Liberal Party shonks are being haled before the ICAC one after another. In Queensland Hasbeen can't be talking to the shonk 'Hard Boiled Egg' Newman, he charges 5,000 bucks for a quite word! LOL.

I think we're all wrong, it's an Australian thing, no-one will understand.

As much as I'm not supporter of the Abbott govt PPL, here's Jacqui Lambie at her most bizarre.

http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/pups-jacqui-lambie-compares-parental-leave-scheme-to-eugenics-20140430-zr1w1.html

"PUP's Jacqui Lambie compares parental leave scheme to eugenics"

"The only fair way to administer any government-sanctioned paid parental leave scheme is as per the Palmer United policy - and ensure that all Australian parents and babies are treated equally. Otherwise those championing a government scheme which clearly tries to influence or control who becomes parents – must be associated with eugenics - and all the historic, moral and political baggage attached to this reviled social theory."

Lol!

Although I am no fan of any PPS, I do think if we have to have one, there is nothing wrong with the current labor model, min wage for six months is more than fair.

Affordable child care would be a much better option and, the child care workers who would be needed in their droves would all pay taxes.

Dear Poirot,

When I read the article about Jacqui Lambie I thought 'you go you good thing' but not quite your response it seems.

In a way she is right, there is some social engineering going on under the guise of a parental leave entitlement scheme. She has done is gone for the jugular and got some airtime which is normally limited for minor party senators and in doing so referenced the oft made lament of the middle and upper classes that it is the poor people who are having all the babies because they are 'being paid to do so'. Further that 'we can never progress as a species if the least intelligent of us are the ones procreating'.

One can certainly make the case Abbott's scheme enables those on higher incomes to consider having children younger than they might have otherwise considered possible, and in a manner which facilitates access by the mother to first 6 months of a child's life, a period regarded as really important for the parent and the child providing as they do for bonding, breast-feeding, and combating post-natal depression. This is not an illegitimate position to take. In a way this is not completely dissimilar to the previous baby bonus version which atomises the mother's tax paid in the previous year over the next 5 years.

But the main stated reason for boosting the government spending for those in the higher income brackets seems to be that the mothers at higher income brackets by definition have a higher mortgage to service therefore need more of an incentive to take that first 6 months off work to be with their newborn. It is a little less clear whether the vast majority of taxpayers who do not earn these amounts should be supporting the life style choices of those who do.

Jacqui Lambie's point is obviously a touch facetious but not completely invalid and one certainly worth making even if we don't agree with it.