Tony Abbott is Finished as Opposition Leader!
Not even Margie Abbott can save Tony Abbott now.
Tony Abbott and the Coalition are on a hiding to nothing with a new Roy Morgan poll confirming that Julia Gillard and Labor are back on an election-winning footage on the crucial two-party preferred stakes.
Despite previous concerted efforts by the Coalition and specifically loyal lap dogs Julie Bishop and Christopher Pyne to depict Tony Abbott as a “human being” and the PR machine dragging out his poor wife Margie to front the media, Tony Abbott remains universally loathed by the electorate and a new poll confirms his future prospects as Opposition Leader are grim.
What Ashby Affair?
Mr Abbott has been conveniently missing in action in recent days coinciding with the findings of Judge Rares who slammed the political motivations of Senior Liberals and their role in orchestrating the failed campaign against Parliamentary Speaker Peter Slipper.
I didn’t read it therefore it doesn’t exist
Mr Abbott says that he “hasn’t read the judgment” in which the Federal Court threw out the sexual harassment case against Peter Slipper. In much the same way, presumably, that he said he hadn’t read a statement issued by BHP back in August that it was shelving plans for a $30 billion expansion of the Olympic Dam uranium and copper mine in South Australia.
Seizing, somewhat prematurely, a mis-guided opportunity to attack the Government’s carbon tax, Mr Abbott blamed BHP’s decision on the carbon price and the mining tax, although BHP cited neither as a reason in its statement explaining the decision.
When questioned about the BHP statement on national television, Mr Abbott said that he had not read BHP’s statement, but the following day performed a complete about face, saying that he had “mis-answered” the question, and had in fact read the statement.
But of course the Abbott apologists will insist that neither Mal Brough nor Tony Abbott have any questions to answer. That onus always falls on the Government, apparently.
Face it Tony, you’re fucked.
As at mid-December support for the ALP is now at 52.5% (up 5%) while support for the Coalition has collapsed by five points to 47.5% on a two-party preferred basis.
This is the largest lead the Gillard Government has held since 2010.
If a Federal election were held today the ALP would win with a clear majority according to today’s Morgan Poll.
Despite the increase in support for the ALP the Roy Morgan Government Confidence Rating is now at 105pts (down 1pt from the last face-to-face Morgan Poll) with 43.5% (down 0.5%) saying Australia is ‘heading in the right direction,’ compared to 38.5% (up 0.5%) saying Australia is ‘heading in the wrong direction’.
Gary Morgan says:
“Today’s Morgan Poll provides an early Christmas present for the Gillard Government with the ALP (52.5%) cf. L-NP (47.5%) holding its largest two-party preferred lead over the Opposition for more than two years — since November 2010. Importantly, the Government leads the Opposition amongst both men (ALP: 50.5% cf. L-NP 49.5%) and women (ALP: 56% cf. L-NP 44%).
“The improvement in the Government’s fortunes comes after a bad couple of weeks for the Opposition as the sustained attacks on Prime Minister Julia Gillard over her involvement in an AWU ‘slush-fund’ from nearly 20 years ago fell flat due to a lack of evidence of any wrongdoing.
“The case the L-NP promoted against former Speaker Peter Slipper involving his former staffer James Ashby backfired on several LNP members as Justice Steven Rares dismissed any alleged sexual harassment and threw the case out of court. The Government is now floating the possibility of an Inquiry into the conduct of the case which would involve investigating several LNP members who drove the case.
“Also favouring the Government were several pieces of good economic news with the RBA dropping Australian interest rates to 3% in the first week of December — equal to the record lows reached during the Global Financial Crisis; a significant pick-up in iron ore prices and the Australian sharemarket and a well-publicised drop in the official ABS unemployment figures (5.2%, down 0.2%) — Although the Roy Morgan unemployment estimate shows real Australian unemployment of 10.0% and a further 8.1% under-employed).
“In the environmental field the Gillard Government’s commitment to reducing Australia’s carbon dioxide emissions (most prominently via the contentious Carbon Tax) was also given a significant boost at the UN Doha Climate Summit with the latest science suggesting it is “extremely likely” humans are responsible for more than half of the observed global temperature rises since the 1950s (though this is still denied by many).
“Finally a recent special telephone Morgan Poll in late November shows that Abbott’s leadership is now coming under question with Prime Minister Gillard (49%, up 4%) strengthening her lead over Opposition Leader Tony Abbott (36%, down 1%) as ‘Better Prime Minister’ and even more worryingly for Abbott, showed a record high 63% (up 3%) of electors disapproved of Abbott’s performance as Opposition Leader.
“Until now, Abbott’s personal disapproval, which has consistently out-rated his approval, has not been a problem with the L-NP enjoying a comfortable advantage on a two-party preferred basis over the Government. However, if the Government retains the advantage shown by today’s Morgan Poll the L-NP may consider returning to former leader Malcolm Turnbull — who is preferred to both current Prime Minister Julia Gillard: (Turnbull: 59% cf. Gillard: 31%) and former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd: (Turnbull: 54% cf. Rudd: 38%). But, both Turnbull and Rudd have a similar problem with their Parliamentary colleagues — they don’t have their support!”
theguttertrash.com 
Well I certainly hope that these percentages translate to the next election. Although I’d still like to see it so close that Phoney Tony thinks he’s won and then it all changes at the last moment and Labor snatches victory!
I think his brain would snap and there be a tad more than a bit of wall bashing from our Tony!
TA not fit 2B PM!
I’m especially impressed with his defence of Brough despite the fact that he hasn’t read the courts decision. The shear arrogance of this nasty piece of work is amazing!
Although I’d still like to see it so close that Phoney Tony thinks he’s won and then it all changes at the last moment and Labor snatches victory!
I was hoping that he would do all the hard work, knock himself out, and then right at the end, the spill is declared and someone else beats him [might still happen].
Let me guess, the newsltd owned poll will show the opposition is still preferred by the electorate.
Toxic tony has over reached, gone in too hard in his mission to destroy the joint. The whirling dervish has self destructed, consuming it’s own creator. All testosterone and fists of fury, no brain to tell him that you stop when you have your opponent on the floor and your foot on their chest. If there’s no off switch it’s just mindless violence.
Society does not prize, violence, aggression, thuggery and malevolent power.
Will the new year bring in sensitive and kind tony, one who would never dream of doing all the nasty things he’s spent the last two years doing?
Oddly enough, two years ago Abbott promised a “kinder and gentler polity”.
That’s the thing with God-botherers, they’re hell bent on establishing standards, then transgressing them, while blaming everyone else for same.
They’re fucked. The lot of them.
‘Will the new year bring in sensitive and kind tony, one who would never dream of doing all the nasty things he’s spent the last two years doing?’
He’ll come our running…. infrastructure dreaming.
The PM might go to an early election in Autumn, still a risky venture but safer than waiting for the economy to collapse.
“Let me guess, the newsltd owned poll will show the opposition is still preferred by the electorate.”
Who knows what the Newspoll will bring in the New Year as its been all over the place this year.
Yes there is a drift back to the ALP but AC Neilsen look like the only Poll that shows consistent believable trends on an ongoing basis
Just looking at this same Poll in early November I do find it a bit hard to believe that 26% in the vote is for Indies and Greens.
“I’m especially impressed with his defence of Brough despite the fact that he hasn’t read the courts decision.”
What is this obsession with reading a full length decision ?
Does this mean you should not criticize the Federal Budget unless you have read every Budget Paper ?
He’s just been to Afghanistan and now he’s in the UK. I think a summary from a staffer is more than enough at this stage.
Why Afghanistan? Because he though that a photo-op with the troops would make him out to be a ‘real man’? No Tone it doesn’t, just makes you look like another politician trying to make a false image! And you certainly need a new image — so false is good!@
But he can play soldiers, hold guns and wear armoured gear, isn’t that what manly men like to see?
*how to gain reflected glory off the high esteem the public has for ‘real brave men’
Shame about the school massacre happening at the same time where the shooter used military style assault weapons.
Go phony!
“But he can play soldiers, hold guns and wear armoured gear, isn’t that what manly men like to see?”
Oh,
And of course Julia has never done any of that has she.
Talk about one standard for Abbott and a different standard for the Left (“that’s my team”)
And of course who could forget the video of Julia (“I’m trying my best and you are all so unfair”) in a RAN Patrol Boat off the coast of Darwin with Bradbury in tow just prior to the 2010 election.
What was a member for Western Sydney (the seat of Lindsay) doing in a RAN Patrol Boat off the coast of Darwin ?
Mmmmm………..I wonder why he was there ?
Something to do with appealing to the “Wild Uneducated West” of Sydney I suppose.
“Shame about the school massacre happening at the same time where the shooter used military style assault weapons.”
WTF is that supposed to mean ?
That is pretty f**kin’ low
Face it Tony, you’re fucked.
I don’t think so. ruperts invested way too much time and money to drop him too easily. He’ll be counting on Christmas and tabots absence, and of course journos complete disinterest, to get him through.
Mind you, that really only plays into Labors hands in hte long run.
Like her or hate her, Gillard shows guts when the shit hits, tabot shows his heels. People see that he is a gutless thug, no amount of journalistic obfuscation can hide that.
And of course Julia has never done any of that has she.
Yea. you’re right, the PM wore armoured gear. just like everyone else in a war zone is required to do.
I don’t remember her buddying up with the soldiers in a ‘shit happens’ kinda way 😯
What is this obsession with reading a full length decision ?
I don’t think it is necessary to read the entire document, but, when you have been making insinuations and character assassinations for so long, the least he could do was read the last paragraph.
Of course, if you want to dispute the findings, reading pertinent sections actually lends weight to argument. Well, usually, unless you are the journos fav
What is this obsession with reading a full length decision ?
Does this mean you should not criticize the Federal Budget unless you have read every Budget Paper ?
He’s just been to Afghanistan and now he’s in the UK. I think a summary from a staffer is more than enough at this stage.
1. There is no obsession … I’ve read … and I suspect others here have … in fact its not fkn hard to read … why don’t you try … BEFORE you comment on it! The breach of separation of powers is so obvious even YOU could see it (I think) … the Liberal Party has attempted to bring down an elected government … ILLEGALLY!
2. “should not criticize the Federal Budget” – poor analogy the and the Budget is broken into sections that interst only parts of the community … you wouldn’t be interested in training and development or assistance for refugees for instance … support for the banking system would gain your immeduate attention …
3. “Summary from a staffer” – FMD its Abbott’s JOB to read it – have you ever flown to the UK – plenty of reading time … or he already KNEW …
====================================
That is pretty f**kin’ low
And you’d know – y’know “insect intellect” an’ all that …
Hey, good thread … sreb!
Thanks TB. Finding a current photo Margie Abbott was the difficult part…
Oh we’ll its good to see TB defend the most appallingly disgraceful post regarding the massacre of children .
The Left sticks together like two wet turds.
Anyone trying to make a political linkage between Abbott and the Newtown massacre is a disgrace. But TB thinks its fine and attacks another for even mentioning it.
Don’t make yourself look even more of dickhead, Toady … (we do need to protect you from yourself)
Well condemn it then.
Go on.
You won’t !
And you claim I have no compassion
What a joke!
The lawyer representing federal MP Craig Thomson is claiming vindication for his client, saying subpoenas issued to several brothels failed to produce any evidence.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-12-19/thomson-lawyer-claims-vindication-after-subpoenas-returned/4436718
Another conspiracy from the libs about to blow up in their faces. Personally, I’m not overly concerned about Thom(p)son at all anymore, everything he has said to date is being exposed as fact, and everything said against him being exposed as pure character assassination. Meanwhile, his main accuser, and ‘brave’ whistle-blower (tabots little helper) jackson, is slowly being exposed to more resemble the type of character that that they tried to pin onto Thom(p)son.
It is actually starting to look like she might be the one with a ‘case to answer’, unlike Thom(p)son, as prematurely alleged by some.
Yeah right.
Here’s a plausible explanation…
• 8 Years ago, before Thompson was in parliament Jackson got someone to pinch his credit card
• Then she got them to spend some money on prostitutes,
• Then she got them to put the credit card back in his wallet
Then she got the SMH to investigate and write a story. Then she got Craig to sue them. Then she got him to unconditionally withdraw his action, but say he “reached an out of court settlement”
Jackson also made all those unauthorised cash withdrawals and it was her that took Craig’s wife on all those junkets.
Yep, nothing to account for as far as Craig is concerned, it’s all Jackson’s fault!
You should write detective novels yomm 😉
Well condemn it then.
As usual, I think you missed the points … it was all about Abbott … and in my following post about the nasty comments you can make … whether you actually realise you do or not …
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Yep, nothing to account for as far as Craig is concerned, it’s all Jackson’s fault!
I must say ToM, that when you put it like that (very succinctly too – for a change) … it does actually read like fiction … I was beginning to think the police might charge him until I read your summary … now I just don’t know …
No smoking gun, but plenty of questions
While this does clear Abbott’s office regarding the creation of PDFs/files on DPS servers, it does raise questions over the timing of file creations….
….
For now, I will have to say that there is a lot of suspicious activity regarding IT in Abbott’s office. There is no smoking gun (as I did claim in my last post), but more of a whiff of bullshit. The fact Abbott’s office blamed servers (which is incorrect) rather than Microsoft Word, claimed it was ongoing through April, then claimed they were unaware of the problem does make me believe there is some furious track covering happening.
http://sortius-is-a-geek.com/?p=2652
“everything he has said to date is being exposed as fact….”
“Everything….?”
The only thing Craig Thomson has said is that “he isn’t guilty of any wrongdoing”.
Did I miss some other comprehensive statement where he explained how brothel charges appeared on his credit card statements, massive cash withdrawals were made using same, and numerous boozy lunches were also paid for by him using Union members’ funds…?”
Also he did in fact LIE about the so-called “settlement” with Fairfax. (Fairfax have written to him demanding that he stop saying that they “settled” the case with him, but he’s yet to do so).
The tears in parliament were a nice touch though, even if just a tad melodramatic.
The only thing Craig Thomson has said is that “he isn’t guilty of any wrongdoing”.
And that is still a fact 😉
Craig needs professional help.
Craig needs professional help.
I know someone else who does … egg 😉
Craig is a pathological liar.
Well condemn it then.
Why does he need to?
Have you heard of ‘association’?
Not really sure what you are after, I made no ‘appalling’ or heartless remark re the recent mass killing of chldren and I would no do so. I suspect you are trying for a ‘look over there’ to take the heat off your comments on the other thread.
We’ll go the long explanation for those who have difficulty keeping up.
Abbott has in the past been pictured shouldering and aiming assault weapons, playing soldiers and doing his best to bask in the reflected glory of the soldiers in afghanistan. It is the same as his daily media stunts with business where he makes light of the jobs that manual and factory workers perform for a living. These photos are flogged by his own media team as a promotion of tony [read link below]
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/defence/footage-of-tony-abbott-firing-a-machine-gun-in-afghanistan-has-been-released/story-e6frg8yo-1225938787004
What I meant, and perhaps it went over your head, was tony was again attempting to gain reflected glory off the soldiers in afghanistan, so people might be distracted about his gutlessly dodging of comment about his own knowledge of the slipper conspiracy.
Unfortunately for him, playing soldiers and posing with assault weapons is not a good ‘association’ when there has just been a school massacre using similar weapons.
So, no I was not in any way making light of a tragedy, I was actually highlighting how awful it is and how the weapons used to massacre innocent children are serious weapons of warfare not to be used as photo ops.
I actually don’t know how you can see it any other way and how you can draw some other conclusion, you must be desperately trying to distract.
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/national/tony-abbott-pays-surprise-visit-to-diggers-in-afghanistan/story-fncyva0b-1226535787501
Awww, don’t pick on tony, it’s hard for him, you can’t expect him to stop plotting and scheming to overthrow the govt. and actually read anything like reports and stuff as part of his job.
http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/abc-cleared-of-bias-over-abbott-interview-20121220-2bomp.html
Gotta love the libs, they have their biased media on side, their army of shock jocks on radio and in print with attacking journalists like bolt, akerman, blair, albrechtsen daily bleating their anti labor message and propaganda.
Yet when abbott makes an idiot of himself by not performing at the required level for the job he aspires to, it is everyone else’s fault!
The link from KL’s post … in full (Liberal Party HQ frowns on Acolytes clicking on links that may show Tony & The Thumsukkers in a bad light
continuouslyAnother APOLOGY from a “veteran” Liberal …
Wonder who complained? And if they had any “bias” …
“I made no ‘appalling’ or heartless remark re the recent mass killing of chldren and I would no do so.”
Exactly as expected
“Craig needs professional help.”
Yes I’m sure he’d welcome another pro.
http://www.news.com.au/national/tax-shortfall-threatens-swans-surplus/story-fndo4bst-1226541133706
Swan walks away from his surplus commitment… about 6 months after sensible people know he would have to.
This man is a joke. He’s politicised the budget process more than any other treasurer in memory.
Exactly as expected
reality bites, what a sore loser! You can’t manufacture intent that isn’t there [oops, I’m forgetting you are a conservative supporter, guess you can – except it’s still fake]
Wonder who complained? And if they had any “bias” …
liberal party supporters and members are encouraged to write letters of complaint on behalf of the libs whenever the abc says something they don’t like.
I remember when viewers [and paul keating] complained about a perceived chris uhlmann bias against the PM in his interview and the abc gave the same ‘devil’s advocate’ interviewing style response to that too.
http://www.abc.net.au/unleashed/4004234.html
Surely the politicians should be on top of the issues when they have interviews, it is their daily job! Would the rest of us get away with such incompetence and non-performance? It’s why phony tony never attends abc shows, they are considered ‘too dangerous’ for the coalition, they prefer the much easier ride they get with the likes of alan jones, brekkie with karl or rupert’s tv.
A little less show pony stunts, conspiring to overthrow and a little more reading would be better for phony tony’s image.
Even 2dt/jaws recommends some book learnin’ to improve and self-educate.
IMO, abbott has a history of refusing to front up when tough questions are expected and he is held to account for what he has said or done. He is gutless compared to gillard who at least will stand, fight and deliver when her back is against the wall.
This man is a joke. He’s politicised the budget process more than any other treasurer in memory.
I can’t remember a time when it wasn’t politicised.
Perhaps we now need a new thread
“Wayne Swan is Finished as Treasurer”
But Julia loves being surrounded by intellectual baboons like herself. So I guess he’s safe
It was only last week the rusted ons were saying chasing after a surplus was worthwhile, now its apparently not urgent.
Ad hoc guvmint… can’t wait to see the back of them
SPESHUL REEPORT FOR EGG ‘N’ WALLY
AUSTRALIANS are the wealthiest they have been in five years despite worries about the global economy and cost of living pressures at home.
Figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics show household wealth climbed 18.4 per cent in the past year to $69,422 per person.
http://www.news.com.au/money/money-matters/australians-the-wealthiest-in-five-years-abs-figures-reveal/story-e6frfmd9-1226541272380
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Swan walks away from his surplus commitment… about 6 months after sensible people know he would have to.
Make yer fkn mind up … you even complain when someone agrees with you … BTW The Treasurer is generally advised by all those highly qualified, highly paid accountants and economists at the Treasury … you know the ones who work “harder” than anybody else …
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
It’s why phony tony never attends abc shows …
Never seen him on, Lateline, or, Insiders, come to think of it …
“… BTW The Treasurer is generally advised by all those highly qualified, highly paid accountants and economists at the Treasury … you know the ones who work “harder” than anybody else …”
Hard working Canberra Public Servants ?
Who are you trying to kid.
The nice lady at Centrelink said the queues are getting longer, “started three months ago”.
Swan’s record…
• Knifed his leader in order to create a revised MRRT that raised …$ZERO
• Promised a surplus 200+ times for a political advantage
• Abandoned the promise
• Forecast 10.5% unemployment, so plunged us into $80bn debt, but 8.5% with all the cash
• Missed the forecast by about 40%
• Kept his stimulus in place long after it was clear that his forecast was way out.
• Kept stimulating while the Reserve Bank was raising interest rates to reduce demand
• Later was cutting spending – contracting – to achieve a political surplus while the RB was reducing interest rates to stimulate
Swan is simply a dumb blustering bullsh!t artist. He represents all that is incompetent and ugly about the ALP.
‘Wealth per person is still down 5.1 per cent over the past three years, but Mr Sebastian said falling interest rates and an improving sharemarket could push it to new highs in the coming months.’
It could, but what are the odds? Those with money are still recovering from the GFC and external factors are weighing heavily.
Good link…Keane presents an informative package.
If you are reading this post in 22 minutes it means the Mayans were wrong.
And so are the pantz wetting climate change nutters predicting the next Armageddon.
I see hockey was doing his share of pantz wettin this morning.
Armageddon has come, but all because Labors predictions didn’t come true.
Personally, I think Labor should have got the surplus hell or high water. They are going to be crucified by the media for this, and rightly so this time. Never make a promise you can’t keep. like they did with Wilkie.
Whether the doom and gloom that is about to unleashed will be worst on the economy than if Labor had stripped spending, switched numbers, anything, to get their surplus, will remain to be seen. As will the electorates reaction to the announcement.
The economists have argued for this for months. Let’s see how many abandon that now
It was a dumb promise to make. I think abandoning it might be even dumber
“They are going to be crucified by the media for this, and rightly so this time. Never make a promise you can’t keep. like they did with Wilkie…………………….
It was a dumb promise to make”
Quick alert the Police
TomR has been kidnapped !
TomR has been kidnapped !
Not precisely
Simply making my way to the mothership to escape the impending disaster. (it isn’t supposed to happen until 3.30PM Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)
Still time to WET PANTZ!
* squirt, squirt…
“You can’t run this country if you can’t manage its Budget,”
– Gillard April 2011
“My commitment to a surplus in 2012-13 was a promise and it will be honoured,”
– Gillard April 2011
“It’s vital to get the Budget back into surplus and back into the black. That’s what this Budget has done. That is the best thing we can do to help families with cost of living pressures,”
-Gillard May 2012
Strangely enough I think people have gotten over the charade of the Surplus. They knew it was never going to happen and I think its already reflected in the narrowing poll numbers anyway.
I think people will get pretty pissed off with Gillard for not fronting up yesterday to be by Swan’s side. She should have returned from holidays for a day.
But it will now make it impossible to sell the Disability Scheme, Dental Scheme and Gonski because people are not stupid and will fear tax increases to fund them. That’s the bogeyman that Abbott and Hockey will run on
I think people will get pretty pissed off with Gillard for not fronting up yesterday to be by Swan’s side. She should have returned from holidays for a day.
I AGREE!
(I feel like I need a shower now)
Swan has a long history of overblowing the rhetoric, over promising, under delivering.
It’s yet more proof that he’s just a dumb, self important bullsh!t artist.
‘Disability Scheme, Dental Scheme and Gonski’
Good point.
That’s the bogeyman that Abbott and Hockey will run on
Of course they will, and all Labor have to do is remind people that, if they taxed as much as the Liberals did, we’d have a surplus.
“It’s yet more proof that he’s just a dumb, self important bullsh!t artist.”
No doubt about that
But at least he had the guts to front up by himself without Gillard or Wong.
I think it was stupid sending him into the feeding frenzy of the press conference by himself. If you know you are about to get grilled and attacked you need everyone on board to help bat away some of the questions.
You need collective brain power (bullshittery) to take on the collective brainpower of a battery of journalists itching to get at ya.
Wong at a minimum should have been there (perhaps I didn’t see her) to take some of the load.
Swan was left by himself floundering around
“…I think people will get pretty pissed off with Gillard for not fronting up yesterday to be by Swan’s side. She should have returned from holidays for a day…”
“…If you know you are about to get grilled and attacked you need everyone on board to help bat away some of the questions…”
More pissed off than abbott, pyne, abetz, brough, hockey & bishop dodging any questions on ashbygate? Don’t think so! Some things can’t be brushed under the carpet, especially as for years QT has been hijacked for that filth and sleaze.
Why should gillard be there? I don’t really think it’s any big deal, there’s no shame in a deficit, in fact they should not have promised a surplus IMO. I’d rather jobs and services than everything gutted as it will be under the Libs.
I know that some of you think the earth revolves around the budget, but people just see it as more of the same partisan politics. Look around you, people are still doing well, the giant, aspirational middle class don’t care about the poor or mostly migrants on the low paying jobs. They would rather a surplus and to keep their precious tax rebates and welfare than job losses. Now if only we could get some money off the miners!
AO – ”there’s no shame in a deficit, in fact they should not have promised a surplus IMO”
That is true, there is no difference between a small deficit and a small surplus in economic terms. It is simply that Swan and Gillard made unconditional commitments, motivated as always by a their political, rather than economic, strategy.
It is the one consistent theme in this government – make politically expedient commitments, over promise, do an about face, get Swan to bluster his annoying spin.
This is a dishonest, incompetent government.
The dumb thing was any politician saying “absolutely” … shall we dredge up some LibNit lies again …
Swan was an idiot to “expect” a surplus and say it … but would have been a moron to continue under present circumstances … in fact knowing the flak the ALP would get from the hockey stick and the robb(ot) and the pious prick running the joint … the announcement from swan was rather courageous … for a pollie …
And for all you novices and acolytes out there political flip flps are not new from any government …
‘This is a dishonest, incompetent government.’
tru dat
I tend to agree with the comment @10:40am …
Typically Swan made the promise of the basis of an economic prediction 3 (yes THREE) years ago.
A prediction that relied on modelling, if one of the variables…varied, then the prediction was shaky. But typically Swan could not help himself, and rather than say that the surplus was a projection, based on suitable economic conditions and a stable revenue base, he made it unconditional.
Swan is a dumb, dishonest fool. So is Gillard for going along with the stupid charade, she was still committing to a surplus a week ago.
This government deserves plenty of flak for being untruthful, senseless, deceitful, expedient, duplicitous…
Typically Swan made the promise of the basis of an economic prediction 3 (yes THREE) years ago.
You’ll probably find that many big companies did the same … based on the same unfo available at the time …
I don’t see too many multi-nationals, banks, economists, or “financial” experts disagreeing with the decision – just a bunch of political whingers who’d complain if any member of the ALP government sneezed …
“You’ll probably find that many big companies did the same … based on the same unfo available at the time … ”
Yeah
But they are if on the ASX legally obliged to give continual guidance whenever there is doubt about their previous forecasts. Most big companies adjusted their guidances 1 year ago.
Swan did not.
He’s an idiot
If someone promised you 3 years ago they’d be able to pay back a loan you lent to them 3 years ago by 2013 and continually said everything was going well, and as recently as last weekend said everything was on track, only to then turn around yesterday and say they don’t know when they’ll be able to repay you (being the cranky bugger you are) you’d be pretty pissed off.
I would be as I don’t like those sort of surprises.
Exactly.
Just last week Gillard was still talking about a surplus. No one believed her.
All she was doing was buying time. A company director could never get away with the delay.
She wanted maximum reporting of the Slipper/Ashby finding, and wanted to delay reporting about this latest breach of commitment until just before everyone goes on holidays.
Dishonest, sly, incompetent, expedient.
Dishonest, sly, incompetent, expedient.
It’s called…politics tomM, they all do that sort of stuff.
Enough of the double standards. Why do you insist that she is held to a higher standard than any male politician? Anyone would think male pollies never tell lies, never spin, never fudge, never break promises.
The trouble is, no-one makes the males accountable, people accept it from them.
‘no-one makes the males accountable,’
With all due respect… you may have an obsession.
… only to then turn around yesterday and say they don’t know when they’ll be able to repay you (being the cranky bugger you are) you’d be pretty pissed off.
Two things …
1. I don’t tolerate ignorance and fools easily … so I may appear cranky to you.
2. Your analogy … as usual is way off beam … fiscal balance is not exactly the same as a personal loan …
… but if yoy want to use it …
… if the borrower also told me that they’d just lost their job because of Noddy Newman’s ToeCutter campaign, (ie revenue was down due to market change) … then I’d probably re-negotiate the deal and understand his/her plight … having been uneployed myself …
… after struggling through your posts for well over six years now, I suspect that you would simply call in the loan and declare the poor sod bankrupt …
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
She wanted maximum reporting of the Slipper/Ashby finding, and wanted to delay reporting about this latest breach of commitment until just before everyone goes on holidays.
You sound so knowledegable, ToM, as if you lived and breathed every second of the Prime Ministers thoughts personally … and really … its just fluffy, tommy speculation and BS …
Dishonest, sly, incompetent, expedient.
Simply shifting policies as information changes … nothing new … Abbott, lies, cheats, obfuscates, demonstrates incompetence, freezes in interviews, decieves, grandstands …
But could he actually achieve anything for me and mine? … nup …
Howard lost office (largely) because he was seen as dishonest.
He used spin, and put his partisan interests first. The public got tired of it.
Rudd got knifed by Gillard and her mates because he was simply seen as hooked on spin. He wasn’t even particularly mistrusted!
Keating lost because the ALP hacks & warlords put the handbrake on any further reform. They ruined a decent legacy for Keating.
Gillard is only getting the type of scrutiny that all her male predecessors got. There is no evidence that she’s subjected to any more scrutiny because she’s a woman.
“… after struggling through your posts for well over six years now, I suspect that you would simply call in the loan and declare the poor sod bankrupt … ”
No I would not declare them bankrupt.
I dont do bankruptcies
I’d need to get a friend of mine to do it
THE West Australian government has trimmed its surplus forecast for the current financial year by $56 million as it lifts spending to meet the needs of an expanding population while revenue from mining royalties softens.
If memory serves me correctly … the WA government is a Dishonest, sly, incompetent, expedient. LibNit government … 🙄
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I dont do bankruptcies
And here we all were thinking you knew everything … as I often say, lotsa money doesn’t make you more intelligent … (BTW missed the point again I see)
You have A friend? Well I’ll be fkd! (Owes you money does she/he?)
There is no evidence that she’s subjected to any more scrutiny because she’s a woman.
Ye gods …
Apparently I got the time wrong.
The World ends at 10:11pm tonight.
Which means that if you are reading this and are related by blood to………… or related by marriage to………………. or in anyway acquainted at all to ………..that continuously cranky prat known as TB ……………….you only have until then to tell him what you REALLY think of him.
“… the WA government is a Dishonest, sly, incompetent, expedient. LibNit government “…still in surplus and giving continuous quantifiable updates.
Fixed for ya !
He maybe a cranky prat, but he still makes me laugh.
… that continuously cranky prat known as TB …
Better than being a bullshit artist (and you should let someone you know read some of your posts – female would be good … 😛
I look forward to you next “joke” … have you ever posted one …
You’re just pissed off ’cause we know dickwits with money are just that and you get make an “impression:” (egg, has always ben easily led – and he is looking for a loan)
… never impressed me (and I think you know it) …. grrrrr … 😆
Seems all the banshee wailing is falling on deaf ears anyway according to some “experts” …
http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Labor-budget-surplus-deficit-Gillard-Swan-pd20121221-36R9N?opendocument&src=idp&utm_source=exact&utm_medium=email&utm_content=152880&utm_campaign=kgb&modapt=commentary
‘he is looking for a loan’
LOL
Labor needs to go early to reduce the carnage…. Easter still looking good.
If they stay their nervous hand and go the full term, it’ll be a rout.
Speaking of Jokes (seeing sreb, is still away … hehehe … and no weekend rostrum)
😉
“… never impressed me (and I think you know it) …. grrrrr … ”
Oh that’s ok TB
I only look at the scoreboard $$$$$ when im in the mood then i totally and utterly switch off completely
Ivemade my $ and despite the shrieks from the Left about money and happiness I hate to disappoint but I’m actually happy.
Any more $ is rather meaningless.
If I carked it tomorrow my one love would be well looked after.
In fact this year my aim is to have a massive obscene income and pay not one cent in tax.
That is a great aim to have.
A lot more well to do people should try.
It’s an ambush !
Set just for the Lefties
With all due respect… you may have an obsession.
Actually, it’s not my obsession, not me with the same dot and bullet points and over and over.
If I seem obsessive it is only because I have to counter tomM’s magnificent gillard obsession. Repetition doesn’t make any of it true and won’t persuade those of us who can see past slogans and character assassinations.
Who woulda thought that tomM would turn out to be a cheerleader for the extreme right faction of the liberal party.
In fact this year my aim is to have a massive obscene income and pay not one cent in tax.
So, for all the good fortune that this country continues to shower upon you, you won’t give anything back?
‘Who woulda thought that tomM would turn out to be a cheerleader for the extreme right faction of the liberal party.’
More importantly, what about me, a staunch supporter of the far left all my life and now gone over to the agrarian socialists?
Its finished Kitty…. looking at the behaviour of the left here and at the cafe, mass delusion is rampant and will need serious attention.
In case AO hadn’t noticed – my hostility towards Gillard is matched by my loathing of Swan.
In fact I think I’m more critical of Swan.
When people try to excuse Gillard because she has a minority government, they always forget to recall that it was Gillard who delivered that outcome. The ‘vote magnet’ delivered the worst electoral outcome for a first term government. She knifed Rudd when he was ahead 52/48 2PP.
…Its finished Kitty…. looking at the behaviour of the left here and at the cafe, mass delusion is rampant and will need serious attention.
I beg to differ. it might be that way with a certain baby boomer demographic, but the winds of change are upon us.
Young people are ready to force the change. A younger generation who have been badly served by capitalist greed. They won’t spend their lives slaves to the 1%, they want a full life, want time with family and friends, they know the shit deal that workers are getting with this fake ‘flexibility’ demand in IR because they are living it. They are educated and know that climate change is real and we have reached the tipping point. They want a balance that they are not getting now with baby boomers controlling everything and creaming retirement $ from ripping them off.
The Greens will become more popular and the two right wing neoliberal parties labor and liberal will feel their voting power. Labor has gone too far down the neoliberal route and the time is right for another left of labor party without the unfair union stranglehold and jobs for the union boys domination.
When people try to excuse Gillard because she has a minority government, they always forget to recall that it was Gillard who delivered that outcome.
It was the voters who delivered the outcome…you and lab/lib will have to get used to it. I like the minority parliament, some progress is finally enabled without the crippling inaction of majority labor or liberal govts. So tired of focus group polling and the country held to ransom by a few marginal electorates full of bigoted ignorants.
May there be a lot more of it, people are tired of the status quo and the political shenanigans of the political duopoly of vested interests and corruption. Change is required.
Perhaps they are hoping abbott’s good friend michael lawler will do everything in his power to intervene and influence proceedings again.
‘They are educated and know that climate change is real and we have reached the tipping point…’
Sadly they have been brainwashed, but I’m confident we can quickly turn them around with some facts, laced with humour.
‘The Greens will become more popular and the two right wing neoliberal parties labor and liberal will feel their voting power.’
Watermelon Dreaming
AO, I don’t particularly mind minority government, I’d even like it if the independents were like Wilkie and Xenephon.
Carr did well in minority, so did Bracks. Both were probably more competent politicians than Gillard, and were certainly supported by smarter deputies.
It is the combination of Gillard, Swan, Oakeshott, Windsor and the Greens that make this one a disaster. Though Adam Brandt seems less of an ideologue than some of his colleagues.
Welcome to the, Über Kapitalist, world the, Robber Baron, Liberal supporters have waiting for you …
In fact this year my aim is to have a massive obscene income and pay not one cent in tax.
That is a great aim to have.
A lot more well to do people should try. Toad of Toad Hall
The result of that mindless thinking … in the USA …
As my business mentor used to say … we import their Coca Cola … why not their laws …
http://www.reuters.com/subjects/income-inequality/indiana
I’ve been retired for seven years and still pay tax … I know there are always people worse off than me …
… obviously a difference in upbringing, life experience and background … and “morals”?
‘Labor was not formed by workers in Barcaldine and Balmain in the 1890s to be a debating society. The party was set up by unionists to change society, to make our economy deliver fairness and opportunity to those not born into privilege. It is impossible to imagine Australia’s political and economic history without it.
‘Today, Labor faces a crisis of purpose, culture and grassroots campaigning capability. In response, the party needs to do more than reform, it needs to transform.
‘Modern organisations address culture, personnel, policy, values and resource allocation when facing up to change. So should Australia’s oldest political party.’
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/to-rebuild-labor-needs-more-than-party-tricks-20121221-2brc3.html#ixzz2FmFM2vtv
‘HE is Bruce Wilson’s brother-in-law and he admits he authorised $300,000 in construction company payments that bankrolled the secret slush fund at the heart of the Australian Workers Union fraud scandal.
‘But Joe Trio, a former senior executive at building giant Thiess, maintains he knew nothing of the fraud committed under his nose by Mr Wilson and his bagman, fellow AWU official Ralph Blewitt, until told by the West Australian police fraud squad.’
Andrew Burrell in the Oz
http://www.abc.net.au/unleashed/4436552.html
…The overwhelming sense I have of this year is that our public life has been dominated, more than usual, by immature men. This isn’t necessarily a comment on the misogyny debate that has been front-and-centre of recent political discussion, though there is little doubt that having a woman in charge of the country has stirred up a lot of Freudian angst among the Y-chromosome-bearing segment of the commentariat.
It is more about how a particular form of male petulance is normalised and, often, rewarded in our public culture. By and large, such behaviour goes unchallenged because those who are best in position to do the challenging are cut from the same nappy cloth…
Feminist logic?
Feminist logic?
Nup, the truth … and I’m cut from the same “nappy cloth” … men usually make decisions based on what’s between their legs, not what’s sitting on their shoulders …
That said, women have a similar problem and make decisions based on what’s beating in their chest …
Men marry for love, this is a truism, but I’m not sure about women.
Another world war would see women gain equal value, only to be stripped from them when its all over. There is no easy answer to equality of opportunity, but the good news is that young women at university are scoring brilliant results.
Men marry for love, this is a truism, but I’m not sure about women.
seriously?
What is this thing called luv?
The romantic meme is a recent human invention.
The romantic meme is a recent human invention.
So why do you state that men marry for love, but you can’t allow the same ‘truism’ for women, as if there is doubt to female motivation?
It’s a bit like the MSM around here, so much happening and none of it reported or acknowledged:
http://www.news.com.au/national/alp-calls-police-on-mal-brough-scandal/story-fndo4bst-1226542407719
hockey’s deleted tweet:
http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/political-news/at-home-with-wayne-swan-20121222-2bshd.html
This is Wayne Swan, relaxing at home.
Who is this tosser trying to impress? He’s at home on his deck, relaxing and wearing a tie??!! He should be wearing his suit jacket.
He should be wearing his suit jacket.
Something you should remind Mr Brough and Ms Bishop and Mr Pyne and Mr McCardle and Mr Ashby and Ms Doane and probably Mr Hockey and Mr Abbott and probably “I Don’t Lie” Noddy Newman …when the AFP comes knocking at their collective doors …
WGAF about how Wayne Swan dresses at home … BTW you should have read the story and you may have understood why he was dressed thus … 🙄
Yeah right TB.
He’s at home on his own, with the dog, there’s some police guarding the house. But he wears his tie, because he’s acting Prime Minister and having his photo taken. Maybe it’s because he expects a call from Barak Obama or Bruce Springsteen.
Swan is an embarrassment, an incompetent, and no matter how may friendly articles suckhole journalists write about him, he’s still a tosser.
Swan is an embarrassment, an incompetent, and no matter how may friendly articles suckhole journalists write about him, he’s still a tosser.</i.
Y'know, many, many years ago when I was struggling through primary school, we had a saying that springs to mind … "Yeah, takes one to know one … nanananana … "
Feel better now do ya? 😛
‘as if there is doubt to female motivation?’
Survival mechanism in a hostile environment is written on the hard drive.
In primitive society half the births came about through rape.
.
In primitive society half the births came about through rape.
What are you rambling on about, egg …
What are you rambling on about, egg …
I think he’s been aiming at some sexist
drivelcomment, difficult to work it out though because of the deliberate effort to obfuscate and obscure meaning. Wanting and needing to ‘have a go’ without looking [to others] like having a go.But he wears his tie, because he’s acting Prime Minister and having his photo taken.
How inapproprite! Lucky the fashion police are forever scrutinising labor politicians for infringements of code-of-attire!
Oh no, put some clothes on please – why is there no beach in sight!
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/sydney-confidential/tony-abbott-breaks-speedos-ban-promise/story-e6frewz0-1225825223670
Ugh!
Those links of yours should be banned, KL!
Does demonstrate, ToM’s, obsession with the trivia of ALP members of government … compared to the LibNits
Kitty needs to be aware that the plight of women elsewhere in the world requires her support.
In western democracies the women’s movement has been successful in bringing about equality of opportunity. The blogosphere (5th Estate) offers a terrific platform for transformation and revolution at a universal level,
‘Wanting and needing to ‘have a go’ without looking [to others] like having a go.’
Some time back I mentioned that I was one of the few males at Bev Kingston’s history lectures and I was so impressed that I became domestic.
Now you might think my business partner would appreciate me pulling my weight, but instead she became a man and now I’m stuck with 90% of the domestic work.
Hehehehehe……..
How does the Christmas song go
“one Swan is scheming The Lefties are squealing
And a paltry left in Treasury ”
Is that country music cd still available ?
It has been a fun year of coherent and intelligent discourse. Even the TDT sock puppets are more intellectual and rational than the normal variety.
Next year, I’m hoping that Rudd again challenges Gillard, but successfully this time. Rudd then calls a snap election, and scares the Liberals into a quick spill, with Turnbull becoming their leader. The election results in another hung parliament, but with 5 or 6 Wilkie types holding the balance.
Rudd becomes PM and effectively cowers the factions and Gillard retires ungraciously. But in a surprise move, Lindsay Tanner stands in Gillard’s seat of Lalor and is elected. He is appointed Treasurer.
On election night, we will have a 4 hour concession speech by Rob Oakeshott following a 30% swing against him. Tony Windsor blames Barnaby Joyce for his loss.
———————
Here’s a photo of Swan pretending to surf, but he appears to be in a lake.
What a tool.
Next year, I’m hoping …
… and wishin’ and prayin’ and
thinkin’ dreamin’, plannin’ and prayin’ …😆
Be careful what you wish for …
http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/national/poll-suggests-qld-govt-is-worst-union/story-e6frfku9-1226542862287
Will the LibNits at Federal level be any better …
I once used the same phrase for Egypt (having visited there in ’97) warning of the Muslim Brotherhood …
http://uk.reuters.com/article/2012/12/23/uk-egypt-politics-idUKBRE8BJ1EF20121223
Frying pan and fire … I was an Anna bLie dissenter … but knew that Noddy Newman’s lot would be worse …
I’m not a fan of the Gillard government … but anyone with half a brain can see that Tony Abbott & The Thumsukkers are way out of their league …
Be careful what you wish for … or hope for …
Well, I can hardly believe that TB!!
A peak Queensland union organisation commissions a poll to help it prove the Queensland government is not doing a good job!!
It’s a remarkable turn of events.
——————
Meanwhile, I see there are reports of a particular anniversary this May.
It will be 10 years since Gillard lectured the Liberals with – ”does anyone think we’ll be processing asylum seekers in Nauru in 10 or 20 years?”
Gillard has provided so much material to work with.
Chuckle … as if any polls are actually objectively neutral …
++++++++++++++++++++++++
I’ve wished all my “old” friends at CW a Merry Christmas …
So to all the Trashers … friend and foe (and lurkers) … ☆☆☆ A Very Merry Christmas ☆☆☆ to you and yours, wherever you may be …
Thanks comrade, the same to you and yours.
Merry Christmas
ToM, el gordo, Tosy, sancty, KL, reb,TB, ToMR, toilet, toot toot, Sparta, min( lurking) baachus, Neil, Lekni, ray hunt,
And all of you other blog tragics
I hope I didn’t miss a regular
Ditto.
It’s also great that Even Tide pops in to correct spelling. I suspect they may have some capacity beyond correcting the spelling of year 10 students.
I also think it is about time some of the self selected lurkers participated in the seasonal good will!
I also think it is about time some of the self selected lurkers participated in the seasonal good will!
You mean like a coming out party? 😯