Australian Federal Election 2010 [Archive]

CountArach

07-19-2010, 05:59

Well if the Dutch can have a thread, so can we...

This should be an interesting election to watch. Gillard is still something of an unknown factor as Prime Minister, though early actions indicate she is probably more conservative than many (myself included) had assumed... perhaps more conservative than Rudd. She hasn't had long to prove her capacity for the job, though she is well known in the public eye and has proven to be an exceptional minister under Rudd's government.

And against her you have Tony Abbott. I've tried to type out some sort of balanced view of him a few times now, but I can't manage it. I see very few redeeming features and even fewer reasons why someone would want him leading this country. So instead I'll keep my thoughts on him for some sort of later post. I hate using anecdotal evidence, but I do know a lot of apolitical people who will be voting for Labor simply because they don't want Abbott running the country - I can only imagine this will be solidified during the debates where has always appeared smug and where Gillard truly excels (look at his performance last election when debating Health policy with Nicola Roxon - he didn't even turn up on time and then proceeded to alienate what little support he had left in that room). Further, he is exceptionally gaff prone, and seems to say something stupid on a near weekly basis.

Electorally I don't think Labor can lose this election - they have been leading in the polls since the last election except for a very brief period when they were roughly equal with the Liberals, and Gillard polls better than Rudd did towards the end of his PMship. It will also be interesting to watch how the Greens do - they are polling in the low teens almost all the time, an increase of 4-5%, and they stand a decent chance of winning the seat of Melbourne, as well as the balance of power in the Senate.

Personally, as a member of the Greens, they will be getting my vote. And what of my fellow Australians, what do you think?

KukriKhan

07-19-2010, 14:35

Will the election outcome result in any change in your military commitments, you think?

pevergreen

07-19-2010, 14:41

I doubt it will have any affect on the ANZUS treaty, as for Iraq et al, I doubt it.

I don't like Gillard, but then, the other choice is Abbott. Eurgh.

I identify with Labor more than the coalition, but...

Leader of the greens annoys me as well. Gunna stay with the local member, forget who it is, but I believe its labor now. Unless Farmer runs again, she held her seat here for many years, she did a fine job.

CountArach

07-20-2010, 03:05

Will the election outcome result in any change in your military commitments, you think?
I doubt it. Labor is committed to Afghanistan, and the Liberals are the people who got us in there in the first place and are never willing to admit a mistake.

Abbott has already caused confusion about his own WorkChoices policy (http://www.smh.com.au/federal-election/work-choices-mess-leaves-libs-rattled-20100719-10hyt.html):

CONCERNS about Tony Abbott's ability to withstand the rigours of an election campaign are rippling through Coalition ranks after the Opposition Leader struggled to get his lines straight on his promise that Work Choices was ''dead, buried and cremated''.
[...]
In a series of interviews, he continued to leave open the possibility the Coalition would change aspects of the industrial relations system, especially the removal by regulation of unfair dismissal protections for small business employees.
[...]
On the day the election was called, Mr Abbott said that if elected, for the first three-year term he would not touch Labor's Fair Work Act, the legislation that replaced Work Choices and restored workers' entitlements.

On morning TV yesterday, Mr Abbott said, ''I have an election to win'', when asked what would happen after three years.

Then, on ABC radio, he said he had no plans to change the legislation ''not now, not ever''.

Later, on Fairfax radio in Melbourne, Mr Abbott said: ''I can't give an absolute guarantee about every single aspect of workplace relations,'' before signing a pledge in the studio saying Work Choices was ''dead, buried, cremated''.

''We've had a lot of change over the last few years, I think what business needs is a period of certainty and stability. And that's what they'll get," he said.

At a subsequent news conference, Mr Abbott did not rule out changing the regulations which would remove the unfair dismissal protections Labor had reintroduced.

Asked about a pledge in his budget reply speech to remove the unfair dismissal burden from the back of small business, Mr Abbott said: "I think there are provisions within the existing legislation to make our workplaces fairer and more flexible." He then called an abrupt end to his news conference.

Inconsistencies and mistakes have a serious impact in election campaigns. As well as concerns about Mr Abbott's ability to ''stay on message'', some Liberals wondered why their party's campaign headquarters would not be operational until tomorrow, believing the party had been taken by surprise.

naut

07-20-2010, 09:30

I don't like Gillard, but then, the other choice is Abbott. Eurgh.
Likewise. Gillard is a smuck and Abbot is a fool, with backwards views on marriage, abortion and refugees. I'm voting Greens. It won't have any effect on my Rep seat, as I'm in Warringah, Tony Abbot's electorate. The :daisy:. However, every vote to the Greens edges them to extra Senate seats, which is key regardless of whomever becomes the ruling party, as it means they have to compromise and don't get their own way. Plus I agree with every ideal the Greens espouse.

aimlesswanderer

07-20-2010, 10:16

Gillard is not likely to be the best PM ever, but far better than a gaffe prone conservative religious quack like Abbot. In a way it's a choice between faceless Labor factional power brokers and the coalitions' dinosaurs (Ruddock, Bishop, Andrews - the Living Dead) and religious quacks...

Given that I don't like conservatives and their general religiosity and slavish subservience to big business, I am voting for either Labor or the Greens. I'm in Big Joe's very safe electorate, but like Psychonaut I hope my senate vote helps gets a Green senator elected.

pevergreen

07-21-2010, 09:44

I am woefully ignorant of the green's policies, but I dislike them.

To err is to be human, to be wrong/uninformed and refuse to back down is to be australian. :laugh4:

CountArach

07-21-2010, 10:53

I am woefully ignorant of the green's policies, but I dislike them.
Why do you dislike them?

@ aimlesswanderer - I've met Lee Rhiannon a few times and she is one of the nicest and most genuinely thoughtful people I have ever encountered. Add in her dedication to issues (getting money out of politics in particular) and I think she will make a brilliant Senator.

aimlesswanderer

07-21-2010, 12:05

@ aimlesswanderer - I've met Lee Rhiannon a few times and she is one of the nicest and most genuinely thoughtful people I have ever encountered. Add in her dedication to issues (getting money out of politics in particular) and I think she will make a brilliant Senator.

I definitely think that political donations should be capped at a maximum of, say, $20. When politicians say that the massive donations from certain organisations don't affect policy at all, everyone thinks that is complete :daisy:. That is just as nauseating as the massive corporations saying that they are "helping democracy" with huge donations.

Sometimes the Greens are a bit extreme, but often they have good ideas. I would not be happy with either of the main parties or Family First (quack religious nuts) having the balance of power in the senate. Definitely voting Green in the senate.

Beskar

07-21-2010, 13:00

Why do you dislike them?

Reminds him of Org Moderators, and he is scared of them spanking him for being a naughty boy when he leaves his computer on stand-by.

naut

07-21-2010, 14:02

I am woefully ignorant of the green's policies, but I dislike them.
So you dislike social justice and sustainablilty then? :wacko:

social justice
sustainability
grassroots democracy
peace and non-violence
renewable energy
opposition to uranium mining and nuclear power
promotion of a sustainable approach to water management
preparation for peak oil
energy efficiency
public transport expansion
support for refugees
support for independence movements around the world, including East Timor, Tibet and West Papua
support for human rights in countries such as China and Burma
qualified support for voluntary euthanasia
increased corporate taxation
support for same-sex marriage
regulated use of Cannabis for medical purposes

Tellos Athenaios

07-21-2010, 17:17

But what of Australia's Great Firewall?

naut

07-21-2010, 20:25

But what of Australia's Great Firewall?
Looking sickly, well at least until the election is over.

CountArach

07-22-2010, 05:25

So you dislike social justice and sustainablilty then? :wacko:

social justice
sustainability
grassroots democracy
peace and non-violence
renewable energy
opposition to uranium mining and nuclear power
promotion of a sustainable approach to water management
preparation for peak oil
energy efficiency
public transport expansion
support for refugees
support for independence movements around the world, including East Timor, Tibet and West Papua
support for human rights in countries such as China and Burma
qualified support for voluntary euthanasia
increased corporate taxation
support for same-sex marriage
regulated use of Cannabis for medical purposes

THank you sir. May I add being the only one of the main 3 parties who don't support any form of Internet censorship?

miotas

07-22-2010, 09:52

I'll most likely vote for the greens, I like their policies more than any other main parties.

HoreTore

07-22-2010, 09:58

Are you trying to tell me that Crocodile Dundee isn't your Great Leader...?

pevergreen

07-22-2010, 13:37

Ok, I agree with some, disagree with the some.

The leader of the party annoys me. I don't like him, nor do I like many politicians.

Senate vote, I'm not sure. Are Gamers for Croydon going for the Senate? :laugh4:

Edit: Having checked their website, they advise to go for the Greens or the...ASP (Australian Sex Party?)

http://www.sexparty.org.au/index.php/component/content/article/9-frontpage/428-austen-tayshus-to-run-for-sex-party-against-tony-abbott

AUSTEN TAYSHUS IS GOING FOR A SEAT?

My vote is going to the ASP.

naut

07-22-2010, 14:26

AUSTEN TAYSHUS IS GOING FOR A SEAT?

My vote is going to the ASP.
It's my local seat too. Hehe. Rep vote going to them then. Kinda like a political big middle finger to Tony Abbott. :grin:

aimlesswanderer

07-24-2010, 02:24

Forget letting Bob Brown (Greens) into the leader's debate, where is the ASP?

And I'd love to get the ASP and Steve Fielding into a "debate".

CountArach

07-24-2010, 07:01

Edit: Having checked their website, they advise to go for the Greens or the...ASP (Australian Sex Party?)
The ASP is really awesome policy-wise. Also I couldn't help but laugh immaturely when I clicked on the "Video" tab on their site.

pevergreen

07-24-2010, 16:33

Ooh, I didn't do that. :laugh4:

*goes to check it out*

Have had a couple people ask about the election, they're saying they don't know who to vote for. I'm thinking of advocating the ASP and if they don't go for that, the greens. I may not like them, but I like legalising R18+ games more.

Speaking of the leaders debate, was watching 7 news, they said it was going to be boring, but they'd make it interesting by showing not 1, but 3 different worms! Egads, I can't think of anything more interesting.

Then again, theres a great new show pitch I know has gone unrecognised.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzgQzls8CwY

pevergreen

08-10-2010, 12:13

So, 11 days to go until voting time.

Polls seem to be even. If northern/country queensland swings against Labor, that could be enough.

Kevin still hasn't really done anything, and the odd circumstances conerncing the meeting are a bit off.

Still, it is Tony...

The 'debate' on sunrise between the ASP and the Family First party was hilarious.

Any other Aussies think they know who is going to come out on top?

Captain Blackadder

08-10-2010, 14:18

Voting for the greens in the senate, voting for libs in lower house since my seat is such a safe labor seat that I am voting Liberal just to make it clear that labor cannot take us for granted.

naut

08-11-2010, 06:50

Tony Abbott is slightly leading the polls. GAH!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJTX0iWYX9A

How?

Oh yeah. He's up against Gillard.

a completely inoffensive name

08-11-2010, 07:16

I have no clue about Australian politics, so all I'm going to say is vote for the party that will let you guys play rated "Mature" video games without having to tone them down.

Skullheadhq

08-11-2010, 15:07

I have no clue about Australian politics, so all I'm going to say is vote for the party that will let you guys play rated "Mature" video games without having to tone them down.

I don't think they actually have that kind of party in Australia, wouldn't want to live there, only kangaroos and censorship down under.

pevergreen

08-11-2010, 15:21

I don't think they actually have that kind of party in Australia, wouldn't want to live there, only kangaroos and censorship down under.

The greens and the ASP are for it.

Labor/Coalition (the two main forces) are the ones behind the internet filter. Liberal will keep it wont they, if they win?

naut

08-11-2010, 15:46

The greens and the ASP are for it.

Labor/Coalition (the two main forces) are the ones behind the internet filter. Liberal will keep it wont they, if they win?
Well the Liberal Senators have stopped backing it, so it is dead in the water and won't return until the election is over at the minimum. But, in all likelihood it is dead for the forseeable future.

Heh, ALP advert:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCVL9vTM_yU

Hilarious considering how much the ALP has shifted to the right. For non-Aussies we essentially have two centre-right parties to choose from, ALP has the worst environmental policies and the Liberals have the worst social+economic policies.

Furunculus

08-11-2010, 16:39

great advert.

miotas

08-11-2010, 16:39

Oh god, was that seriously on the tele? What are our pollies taking?

naut

08-11-2010, 17:12

Oh god, was that seriously on the tele? What are our pollies taking?
Yep. Who knows. Both major parties are horrible on almost every issue: climate change, asylum seekers, gay marriage, public transport, sustainable urban development, healthcare, etc.

Hopefully the Greens do well, but it is difficult to judge until we are closer to the actual election. (http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/this-time-the-force-is-with-the-greens-20100810-11xie.html)

The Pitch this week on Gruen Nation was particularly good:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4jI1atQwp4

aimlesswanderer

08-12-2010, 12:01

At least that is funny, though I could really do without seeing Big Joe dancing in a sumo outfit! Most of the election ads have been seriously boring. Not to mention far too repetitive.

Skullheadhq

08-12-2010, 12:28

What's the chance the Greens are going to win?

miotas

08-12-2010, 12:37

0%

They could however get good numbers in the senate and be able to influence policy.

Skullheadhq

08-12-2010, 12:49

0%.

Why do Australians hate freedom?

miotas

08-12-2010, 13:02

:shrug: They are still a relatively minor party. They are becoming much more popular with each election though.

naut

08-13-2010, 10:53

Why do Australians hate freedom?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQp6YIRM-Jg

Because there is a massive racist undercurrent here. And it often isn't very subtle either. Aussies tend to have a fear that Asia is going to consume it. Thus right-leaning parties are favoured. Which would be fine, if the heads of those parties weren't crazy religious nutjobs.

The other major issue is highlighted by this wonderful bit in Yes We Canberra (from 2 minutes, 12 seconds onwards):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WM6CPHOGfao#t=2m12s

Basically the entire opposition party, including their Treasurer, has got no grasp of economic policy and how to run a stable economy. Unlike the Labor party, which successfully guided the country through the GFC.

aimlesswanderer

08-13-2010, 11:53

Yes, the not so subtle racist undercurrent is, sadly, fuelled and encouraged by many politicians and media. Instead of confronting it head on, the govt decided to mimic the coalition.

The Coalition is full of the living dead (Phillip Ruddock, Bronwyn Bishop, et al), religious quacks (chiefly Abbott) and people who think global warming is a "vast left wing conspiracy to de-industrialise the West" (Cory Bernady, Tony Abbott and most of the rest - yes, one actually said that).

The "faceless labor machine men" are hardly ideal, but are, to me, definitely preferable to the bizarre collection of weirdos that is the federal coalition.

I hope that the Greens can win at least one lower house seat, as I think (or hope) that would make Labor less prone to go right wing. And I'd be very happy if Family First didn't win a seat. Actually I hope the Sex Party get more votes than FF!

I must say, the economic scare campaign about government debt is just surreal, given how we are doing both relatively and absolutely well. It sounds like the coalition wants to have a budget surplus and just hoard it forever.

CountArach

08-14-2010, 07:15

Oh god, was that seriously on the tele? What are our pollies taking?
No, it was one of the many online ads that each party has been producing in an effort to make things 'go viral' (I hate that phrase...).

EDIT: And I'm still waiting for Tony to say something absolutely moronic that will cost him the election. It is just a matter of time.

I hope that the Greens can win at least one lower house seat, as I think (or hope) that would make Labor less prone to go right wing. And I'd be very happy if Family First didn't win a seat. Actually I hope the Sex Party get more votes than FF!
They are the favourite to win in Melbourne according to betting markets now that Faulkner is retiring (which I'm glad about because I'd hate for the Greens to win a seat solely at the expense o one of my favourite parliamentarians), but I personally don't think it will happen. That wouldn't have any bearing on Labor policy, however, as Labor are still likely to have a thin majority. It is in the Upper House where things really mattter - the Greens are almost certainly going to be holding the balance of power after this election.

aimlesswanderer

08-14-2010, 12:11

EDIT: And I'm still waiting for Tony to say something absolutely moronic that will cost him the election. It is just a matter of time.

They are the favourite to win in Melbourne according to betting markets now that Faulkner is retiring (which I'm glad about because I'd hate for the Greens to win a seat solely at the expense o one of my favourite parliamentarians), but I personally don't think it will happen. That wouldn't have any bearing on Labor policy, however, as Labor are still likely to have a thin majority. It is in the Upper House where things really mattter - the Greens are almost certainly going to be holding the balance of power after this election.

Tony must be just bursting to unleash his "real" self - which would include a classic "foot in mouth" moment or 2. Likely to be about women.

I know the Greens won't really affect the lower house this time, but by winning their first lower house seat at a general election (they won one briefly after a by-election) they will be sending a big signal to Labor, especially. Labor would likely (hopefully) be more careful about going right after the liberals.

Yeah, the senate will be interesting. I hope the Greens can restrain some of their more idealistic elements. I'd hate for their campaign to be derailed by an unfortunate comment. They should know the conservatives (and Rupert Murdoch's News Corp) are just waiting for that, and would be all over them in that case.

Beskar

08-14-2010, 18:39

No, it was one of the many online ads that each party has been producing in an effort to make things 'go viral' (I hate that phrase...).

It makes it like they are an STD.

naut

08-15-2010, 19:37

EDIT: And I'm still waiting for Tony to say something absolutely moronic that will cost him the election. It is just a matter of time.
He's almost there (http://www.2ue.com.au/blogs/2ue-blog/the-battle-of-broadband-votes/20100810-11xav.html). By the end of the week he'll really screw up.

Yeah, the senate will be interesting. I hope the Greens can restrain some of their more idealistic elements. I'd hate for their campaign to be derailed by an unfortunate comment. They should know the conservatives (and Rupert Murdoch's News Corp) are just waiting for that, and would be all over them in that case.
I think they know that, and they'll probably sit tight and say nothing.

pevergreen

08-16-2010, 04:55

Yes, the not so subtle racist undercurrent is, sadly, fuelled and encouraged by many politicians and media. Instead of confronting it head on, the govt decided to mimic the coalition.

Its actually quite disgusting how bad it is.

Ah well, this may actually be the first year I watch some sort of couting the votes show.

I support any third party holding the balance of power in the upper house, regardless of who they are (excluding FF)

I love how the media up is has basically said that labor has lost purely due to queenslanders being angry at Kev being knifed in the back.

aimlesswanderer

08-16-2010, 07:55

He's almost there (http://www.2ue.com.au/blogs/2ue-blog/the-battle-of-broadband-votes/20100810-11xav.html). By the end of the week he'll really screw up.

I think they know that, and they'll probably sit tight and say nothing.

The coalition plan for el cheapo broadband is rather, well, primitive. And all to save a few $ now, never mind the future.

One problem with some of the young, hyper idealistic Greens, is that they haven't quite figured out how to operate and get things done in the real world. Bob Brown is an example that the idealists should consider emulating.

Its actually quite disgusting how bad it is.

Ah well, this may actually be the first year I watch some sort of couting the votes show.

I love how the media up is has basically said that labor has lost purely due to queenslanders being angry at Kev being knifed in the back.

Yes, it has gotten really bad, to the extent where people who were already prejudiced are starting to think that they are totally normal and mainstream - hard not to with all the politicians (coalition especially) fear mongering, and sections of the media pouring oil into the flames. In a way it reminds me of the One Notion episode, where Hanson was spouting prejudice, the media was giving her lots of airtime, and the PM said nothing. At least Costello had the guts to come out and say she was a quack.

I normally have it on in the background while gaming. Last time I was soooo happy when Howard got unceremoniously dumped last time.

I'm not sure about this "she knifed Kev" protest vote. The coalition and the media mention it every second sentence in QLD related coverage, and I don't doubt that it has had some effect, but is it really massive? Labor did very well last time in QLD, and now the situation has reversed, but there are other factors in play.

CountArach

08-16-2010, 14:31

One problem with some of the young, hyper idealistic Greens, is that they haven't quite figured out how to operate and get things done in the real world. Bob Brown is an example that the idealists should consider emulating.
Just for the record, the average age of Greens members is over 50. They just draw a lot of support from young University students.

I'm not sure about this "she knifed Kev" protest vote. The coalition and the media mention it every second sentence in QLD related coverage, and I don't doubt that it has had some effect, but is it really massive? Labor did very well last time in QLD, and now the situation has reversed, but there are other factors in play.
I see it only affecting a very very small portion of people, many of whom were probably unlikely to go for Labor anyway. Labor has never performed well in Queensland, as with Western Australia and there are broader societal issues for that.

tibilicus

08-17-2010, 02:23

pevergreen

08-17-2010, 04:29

I see it only affecting a very very small portion of people, many of whom were probably unlikely to go for Labor anyway. Labor has never performed well in Queensland, as with Western Australia and there are broader societal issues for that.

?

Labor has been in power in Queensland (state) since 1989... Including the biggest win ever by any Labor government in qld, and one of the best in Australia

Party Vote % (change) Seats (change)
Labor 48.93 ↑10.07 66 ↑22
Liberals 14.32 ↓1.77 3 ↓6
Nationals 14.16 ↓1.02 12 ↓11
One Nation 8.69 ↓13.98 3 ↓8

Yes, One nation has 11 seats in the 1998 election. Biggest third party hold ever.

This election was the first in which One Nation Party supporters were elected into state Parliament, with the controversial party winning 11 seats. With nearly 23% of the vote, One Nation gained a higher percentage of the vote than any other third party (non-Labor or Coalition) in any State or Territory since Federation. This was also the only election where a third party has gained more votes than both the Liberal and National parties (considered separately).

I can't find the federal results easily enough, but QLD has been labor heavy for quite a while now.

miotas

08-17-2010, 04:49

I like the look of the Ozzy election cycle, it's so much fun. Politicians running around in speedos, election ads which would never get passed the censors here and all in all a more upbeat environment. Over here it's all doom and gloom, with each politician telling us how the other politician will destroy the country in a sombre and serious tone.

I guess I just think ignorance is bliss though when it comes to political realities.

Nah we get those doom and gloom ads too.
A spoof ad on how to make a liberal ad

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5_PSAGIkh4

and an actual liberal ad

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xSAkcinQk0&feature=related

and a labor scare ad

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCKCTR5YAIk

aimlesswanderer

08-17-2010, 14:26

Just for the record, the average age of Greens members is over 50. They just draw a lot of support from young University students.

I have heard that there is a real age gap thing happening. The uni students are far more likely to be the naive hyper idealistic types, and are thus much more likely to say something unfortunate.

And seriously tibilicus, you call our election fun??? The only "fun" has been the occasional foot-in-mouth moment, Gruen Nation dissecting the advertising, and the Chaser harassing politicians. Most of the ads are way boring and, by this stage, have been seen/heard far far too many times. Most of us can't wait till it's over!

I shudder to think how boring UK elections must be. Your last one was gloomy because the government had massive debts already and the economy was down the crapper. Hard to be upbeat about that...

Oh, and I think Get Up do the best ads by far.

Furunculus

08-17-2010, 16:53

it was an awesome election in the UK, most fun i'd had with politics in a long time.

naut

08-18-2010, 08:48

So I received a "How to Vote Liberal" brochure in the mail today. I set it on fire. It didn't burn well. Disappointing.

ASP ad:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdEVVW_ahnE

Beskar

08-18-2010, 14:36

They should go in coalition with the greens, if they get anywhere.

Main issues are - Environment and Sex, perhaps even Sex in the Environment.

aimlesswanderer

08-20-2010, 10:52

Well, it's nearly over. Fellow Aussies, don't forget to vote tomorrow!

Furunculus

08-21-2010, 10:52

exit polls suggesting narrow win for labour with 52% of the vote...................

pevergreen

08-21-2010, 11:37

Greens may win a few lower house seats.

I went through the senate form, filled it out 1-60.

I had to make sure that One Nation and Family First were the absolute lowest.

Raz

08-21-2010, 11:38

Gah, why settle for a mere Prime Minister when you can have a Führer:

Vote Family First!

pevergreen

08-21-2010, 14:19

Vote Family First!

Vomit.

Anyone but abbott as pm. QLDers are voting for libs because of kev's backstab, no other reason.

aimlesswanderer

08-21-2010, 17:08

Looks like a hung parliament as neither major party gots enough to govern in their own right. The postal votes and recounts will be interesting, and who knows about the senate, that is a very mysterious beast indeed. Though I think the Greens picked up lots of seats.

At least if the coalition form government, the Mad Monk will hopefully be less able to do strange things.

But the Greens won their first lower house seat at a general election.

tibilicus

08-21-2010, 19:41

Question: Both times I've seen Julia Gillard on the news, she's used really bad anecdotes from American presidents. The first was a completely shameless rip off of the whole "yes we can" speech and today it was a Bill Clinton quote which didn't seem to have much relevance. This all makes her seem a bit "lightweight". Is this the case?

drone

08-21-2010, 22:21

pevergreen

08-22-2010, 08:30

Was it "I did not have sex with that woman"?

Unfortunately not.

"The people have spoken but it's going to take a little while to determine what they've said."

Greens have the balance. I cannot stand the thought of Abbott as PM, as I saw on CountArach's facebook wall

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=149636495063533&ref=mf

Mass suicide if Tony Abbott becomes PM

nearly 20 thousand people attending :laugh4:

aimlesswanderer

08-22-2010, 12:04

The Greens have the balance in the senate, but the government might scrape through to 74 seats, just 2 shorts of a majority in the lower house. In that case, they'd need only the 1 Green and 1 independent (Andrew Wilkie, formerly a Green, and a fairly sensible sort) to govern. The coalition is looking at 72 seats (and would need the support of all 4 independents), so, thankfully, it looks like we won't have Abbott as PM any time soon!!!! So looks like no mass suicide Pever.

Labor might get 74 seats, Coalition 72 (http://www.smh.com.au/federal-election/labor-leads-race-for-minority-government-20100822-13akb.html?autostart=1)

pevergreen

08-22-2010, 12:34

lower case p :tongue:

I hope that happens

naut

08-22-2010, 13:30

Greens may win a few lower house seats.

I went through the senate form, filled it out 1-60.

I had to make sure that One Nation and Family First were the absolute lowest.
I voted Greens in the Senate, so it is safe to assume that those would be lowest by default with my vote. Sex Party ftw in the reps.

Skullheadhq

08-22-2010, 18:20

Any news about the results?

Beskar

08-22-2010, 18:27

Disappointed Greens haven't had a real turnout, as in, having a shot of being a real candidate in the elections.

naut

08-22-2010, 19:07

Hung Parliament Skull. Most likely a Labor led government. There'll be several electorates that will take longer as they are really close, and recounts will no doubt occur.

Disappointed Greens haven't had a real turnout, as in, having a shot of being a real candidate in the elections.
Lol. That'd be overly optimistic. They did well to get their first MP, especially when you consider 25 years ago they were laughed at and got ~2-5% of the vote. Now they are king-makers in the Lower House and most likely hold a strong position in the Senate.

pevergreen

08-23-2010, 02:12

They're definately gaining. First Greens senator in QLD.

Am I the only one that thinks the Liberals should split from the Nationals?

Beskar

08-23-2010, 03:09

Me too.

Coalitions should be temporary.

pevergreen

08-23-2010, 03:35

Me too.

Coalitions should be temporary.

I got no problems with it being a benefit for them, but the Nationals hardly get any seats now, everything is run by the Liberals. They remove them, they lose a bunch of seats they'd probably win back anyway and they remove the "im leader of party x i should rule" fights.

Beskar

08-23-2010, 04:39

Oh and to quote some one:

11.6% of the primary vote yet they only get one seat in 150. That's democracy... nevermind

Well done Greens for getting that many votes. I will be cheering for you over here.

naut

08-23-2010, 07:11

Haha. That quote is silly. The Lower house works on a geographic/population scale, where the electorate votes for their local representative. The Senate is proportional, so the Greens will have 9-10 Senate seats, up from 8. So it is reasonably democratic. The Greens always struggle to gain MPs, because their supporters are not homogenous groups living in the same geographic locations, they are spread across the country.

CountArach

08-23-2010, 10:07

Greens did superbly well this election. Roughly 11.5% nationally, balance of power, and the first time in the House of Reps (excluding our one win in a by-election). We could well be here to stay for quite some time!

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/08/23/2990446.htm?site=thedrum
Anyone interested in the possible outcomes of a minority government should read this article.

miotas

08-23-2010, 11:07

It'd be nice if this debacle gets the members of the House of Representatives actually representing their constituents more, rather than just being a member of the Labor party or a member of the Coalition. It's also good to see that the independents want better telecommunications.

pevergreen

08-23-2010, 15:03

naut

08-25-2010, 08:11

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQ_s6V1Kv6A

aimlesswanderer

08-26-2010, 13:21

Hmm, 72 all, but the Coalition may pick up another one. Who will the independents and the Green support?

OMG, I hope Abbott keeps treating the independents with contempt.

naut

08-26-2010, 18:31

The Green said he's more likely to side with Labor. The independents are difficult to predict, one is a former Nat MP who left the party and is at odds with the Nats.

miotas

08-27-2010, 03:44

one is a former Nat MP who left the party and is at odds with the Nats.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQ_zYZBDmls

aimlesswanderer

08-30-2010, 14:21

The disturbing thing is that Bob Katter seems relatively sane compared to Steve Fielding and Bill Heffernan. Yes Bill, I'm talking about you - you haven't been making any stupid calls to the independents have you?

Indepedent's wife fields a call from "the devil" (http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/08/30/2996808.htm)

tibilicus

08-30-2010, 17:11

Still no PM yet? Any indication where the balance of power is swinging towards?

pevergreen

08-31-2010, 02:23

Its looking like 72/73 (depending how you look at it) for each major party.

The independants are just shopping around, they'll choose when they need to I guess.

Screw the entire thing and get a republic going, imo.

CountArach

08-31-2010, 07:28

Screw the entire thing and get a republic going, imo.
We'd still have a Parliament :wink:

But yeah still in teh air. I'm liking the electoral math a lot more for Labor though the more I htink about it.

aimlesswanderer

09-01-2010, 14:17

Well the Greens did a deal with Labor (http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/09/01/2999219.htm), though that only gives them an extra seat in the all important lower house. In the Senate it will certainly help them alot. The Greens got quite a few concessions too.

And the Treasury thinks Coalition has a rather large black hole in their election commitment costings.

CountArach

09-02-2010, 10:40

And the Treasury thinks Coalition has a rather large black hole in their election commitment costings.
$7-10 Billion. They claimed $250 million for "stopping the boats" as a saving. I love having a credible opposition party...

Wilkie sides with Labor (http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/wilkie-sides-with-labor-20100902-14qz6.html). I was almost certain he will but this makes it 74-73, which should be enough to get Windsor and Oakeshott on side which leaves it 76-73 with Katter being irrelevant... thank God.

naut

09-02-2010, 16:25

Katter is a nice enough bloke, but a window licker without a progressive bone in his body.

CountArach

09-05-2010, 12:30

Katter is a nice enough bloke, but a window licker without a progressive bone in his body.
Unlike the other Independents he is much more willing to use the present position of Parliament towards his own ends. Wilkie for example apparently turned down a huge amount of pork from the Opposition. I could not see Katter doing that.

Beskar

09-05-2010, 15:55

Damn, this election seems to be taking a long time.

aimlesswanderer

09-06-2010, 14:31

I really hope that the independents don't side with Abbott... thankfully they seem to be inching towards Labor.

Bob Katter has some very strange demands, and it would mess up the country if they were implemented.

Hopefully the major parties get the message that the electorate gave them.

pevergreen

09-07-2010, 07:34

ITS ALL OVER.

Labor 76 - Coalition 75

The idiot Katter went with the Coalition, the other two independants went with Labor, one citing the NBN (new upgraded fibre internet) was the clenching factor.

Ignoramus

09-07-2010, 13:05

Just to add my two cents(and to add a different viewpoint), I'm disappointed Gillard got back in. As a conservative, I am quite pleased that Abbott came so close, but as I expected Windsor and Oakshott to back the ALP, today's result was no surprise. I did find it telling that Windsor gave one of his reasons for not back the Coalition was because they might go off to polls again and win an outright majority(that may come back to haunt him). But regardless, I doubt the parliament will last full term.

Interesting times.

aimlesswanderer

09-07-2010, 14:04

I am very glad that Abbott isn't PM. Labor may be bad, but I think they have better ideas that the coalition.

Be interesting to see how long it will last.

pevergreen

09-07-2010, 14:09

I am very glad that Abbott isn't PM. Labor may be bad, but I think they have better ideas that the coalition.

Be interesting to see how long it will last.

Yeah, they are two sides of the same coin, or as Mr. McDermott says, "two cheeks of the same arse". Ah DAAS, how I miss you.

Abbott would have been terrible for the country.

NBN > upgraded copper

Beskar

09-07-2010, 14:12

Why not use fibre-optics? pever.

tibilicus

09-07-2010, 14:38

Lets just hope the ALP is better than the UK version.

pevergreen

09-07-2010, 16:51

Why not use fibre-optics? pever.

?

I'm sure I've said it in this thread, but I think both parties are a joke, but I prefer Labor over Liberal and anyone over Abbott.

I also prefer the NBN to the Coalitions planned upgrade of the copper. That just wouldn't cut it for me, seeing as I live about 8km by copper from the exchange, I'm at the very lowest of speeds.

CountArach

09-08-2010, 02:14

Lets just hope the ALP is better than the UK version.
They aren't.

But yeah I'm pleased with this result. The first time the Greens have ever won a House of Representatives seat and we get straight into government. Further, this next parliamentary term is going to change the shape of Australian politics for the better in terms of parliamentary reforms - more independent speaker, a parliament less based on scoring political points, etc.

miotas

09-08-2010, 03:11

In reply to all the Katter hate: I may not agree with all his policies, but I do respect him for sticking to his guns, unlike so many pollies who are just whores to opinion polls.

The next few years will be very interesting. It'll be nice to see the pollies sweat.

naut

09-09-2010, 15:16

Very pleased! Was hilarious to see all the Liberal tears over Facebook. I'm mighty pleased that the racist, religious bloke didn't get the top spot. We're all saved for another 3 years at least. Plus he and his party are about as good as budgeting as OneTel.

aimlesswanderer

09-10-2010, 17:10

CountArach

09-11-2010, 10:25

The libs really need to clean out the dinosaurs and the living dead in their ranks.

People like Bill Heffernan, Ruddock, Bronwyn Bishop etc, they have got to go. And how about choosing a leader NOT from one of the wealthiest electorates in the country? Malcolm Turnbull (Vaucluse), Abbott (Mosman and parts further north), Brendan Nelson (North Shore), Howard (semi North Shore)... even the nearly leader Costello was from one of the rich Melb eastern suburbs electorates. Not a good look I'd say. No wonder they are so keen to fund struggling private schools which need an extra concert venue or sports ground.
But who else have they got? Most of the lower socio-economic seats are Labor or national and the Libs aren't ever going to give up leadership to a Nat.

The biggest issue for the Libs in the next decade is the growing number of wealthy inner-city types who are wealthy and who have very liberal (small-l) social views. A little known fact is that at the '07 election the Greens actually had a higher per capita income amongst their voters than either of the major parties.

naut

09-11-2010, 10:53

The libs really need to clean out the dinosaurs and the living dead in their ranks.

People like Bill Heffernan, Ruddock, Bronwyn Bishop etc, they have got to go. And how about choosing a leader NOT from one of the wealthiest electorates in the country? Malcolm Turnbull (Vaucluse), Abbott (Mosman and parts further north), Brendan Nelson (North Shore), Howard (semi North Shore)... even the nearly leader Costello was from one of the rich Melb eastern suburbs electorates. Not a good look I'd say. No wonder they are so keen to fund struggling private schools which need an extra concert venue or sports ground.

Seriously, check out the ABC's Interactive electoral map (http://www.abc.net.au/elections/federal/2010/map/).
Well the Liberals appeal to Baby Boomers and their families mostly. So the people they pick are largely representative of those who support them yes?