The $96 billion “Labor debt” inherited by the Howard Government in 1996 comprised $39.9 billion of Fraser Government debt that carried through the Hawke/Keating period meaning that the true level of Labor debt in 1996 was $56 billion. To pay that $56 billion off, the Howard Government sold almost $72 billion of Government assets meaning the move to negative net debt was not really due to any miraculous and bold fiscal settings, but owed everything to a series of asset sales.

Abbott will never change his spots no matter what he says, being a profound liar, he will again shoot from the hip.

What the libs need is a by election, with gross uncertainty amongst backbenchers you would not blame any one of them from taking another job if the opportunity arises. They all have credibility to protect.

This month will have periods of hilarity to keep us amused, no doubt.
Paid parental leave another broken promise. Abbott says a family package, which will have to come from new money, there is none, so where will it come from, he tried getting money from doctors [ public ] to pay for his med science project.

All Abbott govt; has done is add to the deficit by backing out policy that earns money, to suite his super rich corps.

Abbott, in turning over a new leaf and being all consultative, is going to publicly lay out his agenda today at the NPC - and then take it to a two day Cabinet meeting afterwards.

Business as usual at the PMO

Prince Phillip won't be affected by his Aussie award, but Campbell Newman and the LNP have, in effect, been affected by their 'Aussie Awards'*.

Tony will address the National Press Club today, I'm recording it, mainly so that I can use the Fast Forward function or the Off button at will.

* I got 'effect' and 'affect' into the same sentence!!

Tone, to address the 'National Press Club' today the mood of the audience could be ugly. Is there any other kind of audience for our Tone, even the Cabinet audience are ugly, and those fellas are Tony's pretend mates.
Tone, all I can suggest to lighten up the audience today, tell em's a funny one to start with. Like a joke about a Wombat PM and a Prince Dill, that should have em' in stitches! Just don't mention the war! The war your having with the rest of Australia.

Paul1405,

You have a lot of front. The Greens put up 67 candidates in Queensland and none got up.

Score, 67 ducks.