Australia General Discussion

[BaconBacon96]

I think it's too soon to judge someone who has been in office for 16 months on whether they are the worst PM or not. That said, he's not looking like he'll appear near the top of any rankings any time soon.

[BaconBacon96]

Philip Ruddock is standing down as Government Chief Whip.

It appears Abbott's loyalists are dumping some of the blame for the narrow vote on him.

[BaconBacon96]

I can't believe next year Bill Shorten will be PM, simply astounding.

Isn't there a decent chance that Abbott is couped later this year, and the government then wins back enough support under Turnbull (or whoever) to win reelection?

That is my current prediction.

[BaconBacon96]

I can't believe next year Bill Shorten will be PM, simply astounding.

Isn't there a decent chance that Abbott is couped later this year, and the government then wins back enough support under Turnbull (or whoever) to win reelection?

They're all damaged goods though, like Turnball and Bishop look just as awful as Tony atm.

The polling suggests otherwise.

[BaconBacon96]

Turnbull was a nightmare as OL and this misses a FUNDAMENTAL issue. The issue with the Government's predicament is not the PM (he doesn't help, obviously) but if they don't seriously address the policy issues, they'll lose regardless.

Polling had Labor winning if they returned to Rudd... things didn't work out too well did they?

Rudd was being helped by Lib voters and Turnbull's position is being helped by Labor and Green voters who aren't likely to switch their votes.

If Turnbull fires Hockey and others, cuts back on some of the more controversial policies, introduces he's own and than calls an early election, where Labor will be cut off guard with little policy of their own, he could win the Coalition another term quite easily.

The key to that strategy is the early election. Turnbull must call an election well early, before the people turn on him. 

[BaconBacon96]

A recent focus back on national security and foreign affairs is the reason. This is a flash in the pan.

[BaconBacon96]

A recent focus back on national security and foreign affairs is the reason. This is a flash in the pan.

Man, this sort of nonsense actually works?  I guess if it didn't, they wouldn't do it... :-/

Exactly. Every time the news cycle focused on foreign affairs last year, Ukraine, MH17, ISIS etc. Abbott's approvals go up.

[BaconBacon96]

Renewed rumours about the leadership, reports coming out that Turnbull now has the numbers for a spill. Suggestions that the treatment of the Human Rights Commissioner has further damaged Abbott's position internally.

[BaconBacon96]

Once that budget comes around, the Coalition will be in trouble once again.

[BaconBacon96]

It occurred to me what the cause of this increase in government popularity is; The response to the Bali Nine issue and the two men up for execution in Indonesia.

[BaconBacon96]

So Abbott decided to back down on a planned cut of $500 million out of auto industry assistance without consulting his Cabinet or backbench.

He's digging his own grave, I tell ya...

[BaconBacon96]

What kind of assistance? Isn't Holden (i.e., the Australian auto industry, if I'm not mistaken) shutting down in two years or so anyway? Or is this assistance relating to this transition?

I get the impression it had been an annual payment for some time and the reason they were planning to cut it was due to the end of auto manufacturing in Australia.

[BaconBacon96]

Palmer's Party is collapsing quickly. They probably won't survive after the next federal election.

[BaconBacon96]

There's talk about a double dissolution being called due to the Senate's lack of cooperation with the government.

Of course, this would be a suicidal idea. One minister reportedly said that they would have to be 'high on crack' to go ahead with it.

[BaconBacon96]

I am sad. Fraser was one of my favorite PMs.

[BaconBacon96]

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-03-23/julie-bishop-rolls-eyes-at-treasurers-budget-razor-comment/6340520

The tension is high in the Liberal cabinet.

[BaconBacon96]

Newspoll says 51-49.

Get off the drugs.

Roy Morgan has it at 56-44, for Labor. That's closer to reality.

[BaconBacon96]

Less than a week in and we're already f**ked.

[BaconBacon96]

What a ridiculous predicament.

[BaconBacon96]

So, Richie Benaud. Surely a bigger legend and icon than any politician down there (ever, that is)?

It's a sad day for Australia and for all cricket fans across the world.

[BaconBacon96]

I'd like it if Albo was leader actually.

[BaconBacon96]

Yes it was quite a short sighted gesture. I expect it'll be removed at some point.

[BaconBacon96]

The Greens are such a joke of a political party, I can't even with them.

Context? No?

[BaconBacon96]

Adam Bandt has become quite entrenched in Melbourne, as seen by the large swing towards him in spite of the swing against the Greens last election. It seems he's built quite the personal following. Unless he were to somehow vacant the seat, I don't see Labor getting it back for a long time.

[BaconBacon96]

Probably a good decision; they need a younger, more dynamic leader. Milne never had Brown's charisma.