I watched Q&A on Thursday evening - hoping to see a
fallen Prime Minister reflecting on his mistakes.
Instead, what I saw was a defiant man who still could not
understand why he was brought down.

What did other posters make of his appearance on the show?

Foxy,

What on earth made you hope for that? I don't recall a past PM ever admitting that he/she did anything wrong.

SM,

Self confidence is a trait leaders are amply
endowed with, but in Mr Turnbull's case it
was bolstered by a faith in private party
polling data only he and a select few in the
leadership group had access to and to which
Mr Turnbull referred during the show.

He believed then (in August) the same as now,
those "tracking" figures drawn from up to 20
key marginal seats had placed his government in
an election winning position and the 51-49
percent deficit to Labor in Newspoll - was near
enough not to matter.

You expect too much, it runs in the family.

Malcolm Turnbull’s son will fund independents to take on Liberal MPs

He got the result he wanted in the Wentworth by-election, but Malcolm Turnbull’s son Alex is not done causing chaos yet.

Mr Turnbull, whose father led the Liberals until he was ditched as prime minister in August and left parliament, has committed to fund independents to run against senior government MPs, including Tony Abbott, Barnaby Joyce and Energy Minister Angus Taylor, at the next federal election.

The 26-year-old fund manager, based in Singapore, has been a vocal opponent of the Liberal Party’s right wing ever since Scott Morrison replaced his father.

He was extremely active in the weeks before the by-election in Mr Turnbull’s old seat Wentworth, urging voters to send the Liberals a message.

He eventually got behind the candidacy of independent Kerryn Phelps, who defeated Dave Sharma to win the seat and rob Mr Morrison’s government of its majority in parliament.

Speaking to The Guardian, Mr Turnbull promised he would both donate his own money and help raise more to help “small-L liberal” candidates.

He specifically identified National Farmers Federation President Fiona Simson as someone he could support if she decided to run against the former Nationals leader, Mr Joyce, in the seat of New England.

Media commentator Jane Caro has toyed with the idea of running against Mr Abbott in Warringah.

Whoever he chooses, Mr Turnbull wants someone who supports action on climate change.

“This issue is, if you are going to win, you need someone with local credibility, who is practical and reasonable. Their only real barriers are cash and organisational support. Cash often solves organisational issues,” Mr Turnbull said.

http://www.news.com.au/national/politics/malcolm-turnbulls-son-will-fund-independents-to-take-on-liberal-mps/news-story/1ce9f8b2d7901f018f93279bf24e4d58

Turnbull should never have been elected as Liberal leader and I did not bother to watch the Q&A show.

I will never understand how the Libs came to elect him. Pity they did not wake up sooner.

Dutton can't count numbers - is that good for a PM?
What has Scomo done that Turnbull didn't?

Turnbull was a victim of a party far from being Liberal
He never stood a chance
Abbott who went on for years undermining Turnbull and the party should be under the spotlight too
The thread about a third force in politics highlighted my view the third force exists now
It is the small l Liberals, they still exist and still hurt at Turnbulls sacking.
Stop kidding ourselves,we know why he was dumped,he was small l Rupert came over to check on his stable of owned politicians.
And gave them their riding instructions dump Turnbull install Dutton
the small l,s had a say in that ignore the small ls at your peril

Philip S.,

I don't think that Alex Turnbull had much of an impact
at all.

Dr Phelps was a well known and highly respected member
in the community. She won on her own merit.

Politics used to be fought in town halls, in work places
and over barbecues. The battle for one of the most prized
Liberal seats in the country was waged on the internet
as much as in the physical world. Social media played a
vital role. On Facebook pages and in tweets about 380,000
messages were shared over the last month of the campaign -
voters in the wealthy Sydney electorate discussed and
argued about the best way to ensure the Liberal Party would
lose. They were disgusted at the dumping of their Prime
Minister.

It should also be pointed out that Mr Turnbull did not agree
with his son's take on things. It was clearly pointed out
on Q&A that Mr Turnbull had endorsed David Sharma's candidacy
but remained out of the fray subsequently both for the
candidate's sake and his own.

"My judgement was that given the circumstances - were I to be
campaigning in or be particularly visible in any way in the
Wentworth bye-election, It would be unhelpful to David Sharma's
prospects."

HenryL,

Malcolm Turnbull lost the Liberal Leadership in 2009
by only one vote. And he won the Leadership of the
Liberal Party - winning the ballot by 54 votes to 44.
So he must have been doing something right to be
the preferred Leader over Abbott.

Perhaps it was the fact that Mr Abbott had consistently
been behind the Opposition Labor Party in opinion polls.

The recent dumping of former PM Malcolm Turnbull is
probably due to an ideological divide that has been
growing since 2009 and is proving increasingly difficult
to bridge.

Nick,

The dumping of Malcolm Turnbull emphasises ideological
differences within the Liberal Party and will continue
to be volatile for Leaders in the future.

Dear Belly,

Malcolm Turnbull held views that were at odds
with his Coalition colleagues - in particular
on climate change, gay marriage and making
Australia a republic.

Who knows how many deals he may have made to win
support?

We'll no have to see how well our recent PM
does - and whether he can learn to back-peddle
just as fast?

very true Foxy those views, every one of them, are held by the small l Liberals who, one day will have to pick up the pieces of the big L Liberals fall.

nicknamenick Not one of your better comments "Dutton can't count numbers"

He did count the numbers and it worked he got the leadership spill, what he got wrong was some defected to another candidate.

The highlight for me of Malcolm Turnbull's
appearance on Q&A came when an audience member
asked Mr Turnbull the following question:

"Mr Turnbull, early on, I thought you had a vision
for Australia," was how Louise Dunbar began her
question.

"I saw you as a potentially great leader, intelligent,
and economically wise."

"I was sadly disappointed with your time in office.
You were ineffectual, not able to make the hard
decisions, nor confront the media to argue your case.
Unengaged with the public and biding your time
towards the end."

"I would like you to take responsibility and not blame
anyone else for this. You had the opportunity and
you blew it. What do you say to the Australian public?"

There was a moment of stunned silence from Mr Turnbull,
who had been squirming in his seat for the entire
question.

"Well, I'd say that I..." he began, and did not get any
further before he was drowned out by audience applause.

The lady had absolutely nailed it. A great summary of
Malcolm Turnbull's time in office.

Kul Kalb Biji Yomo!
(Every dog shall have his day, http://looking4meaning.com/2018/04/01/kul-kalb-biji-yomo)

Here is one evil dog who desired to rule over us, replaced by a similar dog, which will soon be replaced by yet another similar dog, so the world goes round...

Foxy,
I am no lover of Abbott, particularly in relation to his involvement in the jailing of Pauline (in co-operation with Beattie), but if the Libs thought Abbott must go they could have elected anyone except Turnbull. They elected a Laborite and a republican, that had ideas of saving the world by changing light bulbs. Mensies would turn in his grave.

Yuyutsu,

Thank You for the quote.

I also like what the former US President Barack Obama said:

"A lot of shelter dogs are mutts like me."

He certainly had his day.

Henry L.,

News.com.au sums up this current situation in Canberra
rather well I think. They point out in their article
that "At the centre of the disastrous collapse of the
Liberal Party is a feud between two men - Malcolm
Turnbull and Tony Abbott. It was a conflict so bitter
that it ate away at the government from the inside and
eventually destroyed it."

"Mr Abbott has been labelled a "wrecker." So angry at
his own ousting that he joined forces with the
conservative faction of the party to make it almost
impossible for the Prime Minister to continue and he
propelled Peter Dutton to call for a spill. The animosity
can be traced back to 2009."

Mr Abbott made his famous speech where he declared there
would be "no wrecking, et cetera," he did not keep his
word. And despite what the PM did to appease the conservatives
it did not make one iota of difference. As a result Malcolm
Turnbull lost his cred (and a lot of his soul).

Mr Abbott has a lot to answer - as do his supporters.
Was Scott Morrison one of them? Only time will tell.

Foxy's hatred of Abbott goes back many many years. Like the tantrum throwers who can't accept Trump so Foxy has never been able to accept Abbott who defeated Turnbull, Gillard and Rudd. Turnbull after backstabbing Abbott managed to take 20 seat majority to 1. Funny how Abbott never got the love and kisses from Tony Jones after he was backstabbed. Shows exactly why it was a good thing for Turnbull to reap what he had sown.

runner,

What utter bollocks.

Criticising any politician for their behaviour does not
equate to "hatred." Besides, there's enough hatred in the
world as it is. Also, citing the opinions of political
commentators also does not amount to hatred.

In any case, Malcolm Turnbull lost the Liberal leadership
in 2009 by only one vote. He won it back winning the
ballot by 54 votes to 44. Abbott had consistently
been behind the Opposition party in opinion polls. His own
party tossed him out.

Those are facts.

The recent dumping of Malcolm Turnbull as clearly stated
earlier emphasises the ambition of one man and his tactics
of seeking revenge as well as the ideological differences
within the Liberal party and this will continue to be
volatile for leaders in the future.
Perhaps unless this man, Tony Abbott and his colleagues,
get tossed out at the next election.

The Liberal Party just may then recover. But they won't
until this happens.

And that is another fact.

As for Trump?

Start your own thread on him. Don't try to divert mine.

Look. Turnbull on Q&A was a non-event because of other events. The MSM weren't interested, and it's difficult to see how anyone else is interested in yesterday's failed politicians. How Abbott got into it is a complete mystery.

What has Scomo done that Turnbull didn't?
nicnamenick,
He was the architect of the Pension asset test ! I just came from having a drink with some well-known Australians & that's why they're going to support independents instead of the LNP.
I myself found the asset test & Centrelink to be single biggest killer of incentive.
If Morrison would review this monster it would raise his support numbers, alas !
Those who pi$$ed everything against the wall are the only beneficiaries.
I bet those young Australians travelling the world for years on end are not contributing much towards their pension but wait how they'll scream when their time comes. They should have to at least pay for their Super whilst away.

ttbn,

The following media outlets covered Malcolm Turnbull's
appearance on Q&A:

ABC
News.com.au
Australian Financial Review
The Guardian
Sydney Morning Herald
Herald Sun
Canberra Times,
The New Daily,
Just to mention a few.

As well as - the overseas media, Facebook, Twitter and
other outlets.

As for what did Tony Abbott have to do with all this?
Had you kept up to date with all the reporting you would
know that "the old guard", notably Abbott and his tiny
band knew how to cause maximum disruption with
minimum numbers. Abbott was determined to see the end of
Malcolm Turnbull's leadership even if he couldn't personally
be the replacement.

Individual,

I wouldn't be too hard on those young Australians
travelling overseas. They studied and worked hard
and now deserve a break. Besides, travel is educational
and as their parents tell them - it
broadens one's outlook. They return home, get a good job,
for which they're highly qualified,
and end up contributing to a Super Fund. They will
be able to take care of themselves in their old age -
not only that. They will be able to look after their
parents as well.

As for Scott Morrison?
We'll see what kind of PM he'll make. Hopefully, it will
entail more than wearing cool caps, eating beef pies.
bus travels, or plane flights - but substantive policies
that are good for Australia and her people.
Although I won't be holding my breath. One political
commentator described Scott Morrison as another Peter Dutton,
but with a smile.

denying the storm of interest and headlines Turnbulls appearance on Q and A is proof some do not understand politics
I watched the facial expressions of the audience and it was telling
he had a lot of support

'I watched the facial expressions of the audience and it was telling
he had a lot of support'

personally I would be totally disgraced to have the approval of the average Q&A audience. You can guarantee that the 'group think' on Q&A would also support the United Nations thieving billions from the Aussie tax payer using the gw nonsense as an excuse. If Q&A audience is truely representative of the Australian public we are well and truely stuffed.

Dear Belly,

You're right Mr Turnbull did have a great deal of
support that evening. He enjoyed a generally
sympathetic reception but there was a fleeting
moment that the crowd got a bit restless when
he moved to the more contentious issue of same-sex
marriage and took credit for having it legalised.

Many viewers apparently felt it was a bit rich
of Mr Turnbull to take credit for same-sex marriage
with the postal survey, instead of simply legalising it.

One audience member even shouted "No, you didn't!" to
Mr Turnbull's claim. He was reminded that it was only
legalised in Parliament after 7.8 million Australians
- more than 60% of respondents, voted in favour of it.

Still, Mr Turnbull kept mentioning same-sex marriage
several times during the night.

He was asked a few more curly questions - and we could
see that here was a man who was very defiant - and
was not willing to accept what had happened to him.
He could not understand why? And he kept
saying it was "madness."

travel is educational
and as their parents tell them - it
broadens one's outlook. They return home, get a good job,
for which they're highly qualified,
Foxy,
Every single one of our present parliamentarians, senior bureaucrats, heads of departments, CEO's etc. has travelled the world several times over. What happened to that broadened outlook ? All I see is a Nation being held up on a shoestring by hard-working blue collar workers & overtaxed small businesses. The travelled with their suppesedly broadened outlook are mismanaging everything they lay their hands on. Is that the educational you're referring too ?

Individual,

I was talking about young people and travel and what
they could experience - not
politicians who travelled for work-related reasons.
In any case I think that almost everyone of us would
agree that life's real education happens outside the
classroom. And, travel is enlightening no matter who
you are. You learn languages, you learn about other
cultures, you learn history, today's world, nature,
and so many numerous things. When you move out of
your comfort zone you have to learn to be able to
adapt to a new learning environment in a very short
time.

As for our politicians?

If you're unhappy with the current lot - you'll have
a chance to have your say at the next election.
Make it count.

I have no doubt that we all can find the
solutions that suit us, provided that we do not
succumb to the siren calls of demagogues,
charlatans and ideologues. Provided that we stay
away from the seat-warmers, the party hacks, the
careerists, the adventurers. We need to look for
pollies who go into Parliament to make a
difference, to bring about particular reforms,
who have a vision for our nation. Can you
think of any one who fits that description at
present?

Hopefully we'll have a better idea closer to the
election next year.

If you're unhappy with the current lot - you'll have
a chance to have your say at the next election.
Make it count.
Foxy,
Democracy denies decent people to have a say !

Foxy yes as you say he hit a wall when talking about same sex
But that very issue needs looking at,given his wishes he would not have held that vote
He would have passed a bill
He had no choice, his right wing did not want it to get up!
Only by holding that plebiscite and proving to them the voters wanted it could he act.
He would have had a carbon capture tax, his right never wanted it.
Those and Rupert's insistence are the reasons he is not our PM
ScoMo is a little further right than Turnbull, but too is under riding instructions from Rupert and his right of reality Liberal faction

Individual,

Sounds to me that you have your mind made up -
Which could be the makings of a political career.
Think about it.

Dear Belly,

My husband and I will try to vote early (if we can)
today. We'll be in the area of our nearest voting
center. Hopefully our votes will count for something.

Foxy I always do, about 30 percent of us do, my job is dragging a trailer around each electorate stopping for a chat then off again
We live in interesting times

Dear Belly,

Interesting times indeed - in Victoria Matthew Guy is
running against "crime," hoping to garner votes.
Daniel Andrews is running on his achievements thus far.
Guy's record in not a good one - he was known as the
"cuts" guy. It will be interesting to see which way
Victorians go. We're in a safe Liberal seat and Matthew
Guy is the Liberal candidate in our electorate.

Still, you never know. As you said - interesting times
ahead.

Without something going wrong it seems Foxy Labor will be returned
I remain convinced the large L Liberals have while winning control of their party move too far away from their base
Follow the voters, rule one two and three at election time
NSW may be different, the recent loss of Labors leader may be telling
But the current government, seems intent on not being there after the election.
This thread, by inference,tells me that like its branches the right of the Liberals has miss judged its followers
It not unusual, even in the Nationals, to see members demanding action on climate change

Isn't Andrews the one who spent a billion dollars on NOT building a road.

Are people really going to vote for him?

Hasbeen the polls say yes, in fact had they said the opposite you would agree.
A truth, you and I are biased, the swinging voters will say who wins
Bet you a couple of day lilleys Labor wins

Dear Belly,

Labor should be returned in Victoria.

They're doing a great job.

Hasbeen,

Yes, the Premier did cancel the East/West link and as
a replacement he improved the Eastern Freeway street
access into the city. He's building the North-South
Freeway link to by-pass the current conjestion and
provide for the growth in the NE suburbs. He has
removed and will continue to remove the street level
railway crossings at dangerous points throught the
city and suburban areas and is currently planning a
rail loop through the outer suburbs of the city.

All this in replacement of a short freeway extension,
planned by the Liberal Party.

Of course he's going to get re-elected.

cont'd ...

Hasbeen,

I forgot to add that - the Liberal proposal for
a East/West freeway link was five kilometers long,
the Labor plan to be commenced shortly for a
North/South freeway link is ten kilometers.
So which is better value - to everything else I've
said previously?

if we, me too, leave our bias in the bucket at the door we will confront a truth we can never change
The growing discontent with politicians is real
Voters who are not commited to one side, even to politics, will influence the out come of every election.
IF both sides can stop the mud throwing, and serving the interests of big power/money, they can turn the dislike around

Dear Belly,

Well, we voted early yesterday and I was surprised
at the number of people who chose to vote early.
The conversations while waiting to vote focused on
"Why was Malcolm Turnbull dumped by his party?"
WHY kept coming up, over and over again.

The results of this Victorian election should be a
clear indication to us all how voters feel. I got the
distinct impression - they were not happy with the
current situation.

Foxy I have noted that feeling more and more of late
Turnbulls dumping has hurt true Liberals are openly talking about it.
Liberals called for a second candidate in this coming election to resign, she appeared in a far right parties add
Further proof the right has, long ago, infiltrated that party
Best wishes to Danial Anderson, calling it now

It appears that this discussion has now run
its course. I'd like to Thank everyone who
contributed and I look forward to our next
discussion. And for those of you in Victoria,
Good Rational Thinking in casting your vote
on Saturday, 24th November 2018 - the future
of the state is in your hands - so cast it well.