Lol!

Killarney,

"Yes, mate ... because every country in the developed world lost money hand over fist because, since the 80s, their government revenues had become inextricably embedded to the global finance system, which - you might have heard the rumour by now - went into total meltdown circa 2008 and not only hasn't recovered in the period since, but has become infinitely worse."

Yes, indeedy...but of course, that's a mere bagatelle to some on here who would have much preferred to see us go into recession, the economy stall, unemployment to skyrocket and us to go into debt as well.

Pericles,

I don't think Abbott is an astute anything - although yes he lobbed that grenade to the states in the hope they all run around with their heads cut off and raise the GST...which is probably the way to go in any case.

But everything else is ideological - white-anting medicare, shutting down just about anything that smacked of ethical policy, targeting the poor, while glancing the rich with a limp lettuce leaf, etc. He's simply implementing the IPA agenda and attempting to undermine Australia's egalitarian system.

It's not particularly astute, in your first fiscal outing, to reveal your scam, and to unload your diabolical agenda all in one hit...it's so bloody obvious! Far more astute to do it in increments so that you at least have some sizable voter base left when it comes around to campaigning prior to next election. The way things are, many swinging voters who trusted Abbott et al and now find themselves targeted will avoid the same mistake again like the plague.

Of course Abbott and his govt are lying bastards of the first degree...an absolute betrayal of the trust of those who voted him in - and unprecedented in its brazen deception.

You can kiss goodbye to any possibility that Abbott will call a Double Dissolution.

Latest Galaxy Poll - 2 party preferred:

L/NP 41 (-7)

ALP 59 (+7)

Okay false alarm...(don't ya hate it when you fail to confirm:)

Galaxy says L/NP 47 - ALP 53

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/its-true-we-hate-the-budget-and-paying-for-hockeys-50000-dinner/story-fni0cx4q-1226921367229

DD still out of the question IMO

Hi there POIROT...

As much as it galls me to admit it, I think you're right on this issue, I'd be surprised if Mr Abbott did seek a 'Double Dissolution' because I reckon it could well cost him government ? There was little to be gained in additional revenue by imposing a Tax levy on those earning over $150,000 PA. Essentially because he gave us an assurance that he'd NOT raise taxes ! True, many of the electorate will be unaffected. But, he broke a promise, and that will forever resonate in the minds of the electorate ?

No longer can he articulate the old chestnut; by repeating the promise of PM Gillard, NOT to introduce the Carbon Tax. A very bad tactical and strategic move on behalf of PM Abbott, I thought he was much smarter then that ? He's really disappointed me with this very puritanical Budget of his and the Treasurer ?

As was this co-payment of $7 being levied, each time we consulted a Doctor. Another very bad error of judgement ? Medicare should be left alone, for all time. And any government who seeks to mitigate it's overall philosophy, would lose government on that issue alone, in my opinion.

I just cant understand either of them, Messrs Abbott or Hockey, 'blundering' into this pathetically useless policy, with this stupid $7 co-payment, and breaking his no increasing of tax policy...why ?

I know The Mad Monk aka Tax Em' Tony, has quit The Liberal Party and joined The Raving Loony Party. Even someone so far to the right as our Tone, and I do believe Tax Em' was last seen orbiting somewhere right of Pluto, how far right can you get! Even Tax Em' wouldn't risk a DD election on Joe Cockeys crazy budget.
Wait a moment, stop press, my partner has just read my post and she informs me that in fact, The Raving Loony Party, and The Liberal Party are one in the same, just a re-badge job! And Tax Em' Tony is mad as the Mad Hatter and is likely to do anything, if Caligula could make his horse a Senator, Tone thinks it might be a good idea to make his Bicycle (case he hasn't got a horse) one as well. Would be the only way he's ever going to get Cockey's budget passed!

Tax'Em Tony will be stabbed in the back within the next 12 months, and the new leader Malcolm Turnbull, in order to get the coalition reelected, will reverse many policies.