Australia General Discussion 2.0

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...lol

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I thought Turnbull spoke with more enthusiasm and vigor than Abbott had in any recent QT.

It's the MPs on his benches who need to get in line.

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Turnbull will probably lead those particular polls against Bill Shorten for quite a while.

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I feel like Turnbull has some room to act on his more progressive instincts in six months time once he's solidified his position, or until after the next election.

I wouldn't be surprised if he did move forward the date of the gay marriage plebiscite, for example.

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Was that Doug Cameron he was referring to? How dare he, Doug is wonderful.

Also I love how the right-wing shock jocks are in meltdown that their beloved Tony was replaced by a somewhat more progressive member of the same conservative party. It's not unlike the attitude of the Tea Party in the US.

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I wonder how a 'Conservative Party' led by Cory f**king Bernardi would do.

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Turnbull's Cabinet is expected to be announced either this weekend or on Monday.

His backers are tipped to be rewarded, some of Abbott's Praetorian Guard are expected to be moved on and more women are favoured to be appointed. The following new appointments have been suggested in the media

Treasurer: Scott Morrison
Minister of Defence: Christopher Pyne
Minister of Employment: Arthur Sinodinos
Minister of Immigration: Michaelia Cash
Minister of Communications: Joe Hockey

Ministers expected to be retained in their roles include

Minister of Foreign Affairs: Julie Bishop
Minister of Environment: Greg Hunt
Attorney-General: George Brandis (perhaps could be promoted to Leader of the Government in the Senate)
Minister of Health: Sussan Ley
Minister of Trade: Andrew Robb

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Kevin Andrews is holding a press conference. Sounds like it's confirming he's being moved on as Defence Minister.

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He referred to Turnbull as 'Mr Turnbull' and to Abbott as 'Prime Minister Abbott' lol.

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It's certainly appearing the reshuffle will be much bigger than anticipated.

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Treasurer: Scott Morrison
Minister of Industry, Innovation and Science: Christopher Pyne
Minister of Defence: Marise Payne
Minister of Employment and Minister of Women: Michaelia Cash
Assistant Treasurer and Minister of Small Business: Kelly O'Dwyer
Minister of Communications and Minister of Arts: Mitch Fifield
Minister of Education: Simon Birmingham
Minister of Resources, Energy and Northern Australia: Josh Frydenberg
Minister of Social Services: Christian Porter
Cabinet Secretary: Arthur Sinodinos

These are the biggest changes

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Steve Ciobo is Minister for Int. Development. He was purged from the Shadow Cabinet when Abbott originally won leadership.

So dutton remains?

Yes, that surprises me a bit to be honest.

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Turnbull  certainly seems to be very reform minded and his theme is definitely about innovation and the future. He has indicated there will be policy changes, so I'm interested to see what they are exactly.

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Turnbull's new ministry being sworn in.

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He referred to Turnbull as 'Mr Turnbull' and to Abbott as 'Prime Minister Abbott' lol.

Why Turnbull doesn't simply kick him out of the caucus?

Because that would be a needlessly antagonistic move in a party already dealing with internal infighting.

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She really did owe Abbott her support, since she was one of the primary reasons his leadership collapsed.

Looks like she'll leave politics hated by both sides and rightfully so.

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I like Turnbull a lot as a person, he is a serious improvement from Abbott. While I am cautiously optimistic that he'll improve government policy, I would need to see serious change in the Liberal Party policies towards welfare, education, industrial relations etc. before considering supporting them as a party, even under his leadership.

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It is always fun though seeing what interesting people get elected to the Senate though.

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Poor Lawrence.

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Tony and Joe's new seats in Question Time today.

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So the federal government came out in support or legalizing medical marijuana yesterday. A Turnbull decision, or something a long time coming?

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I don't agree with the decision of course but it's pretty obvious that the decision was made due to the long history of alcoholism in remote Indigenous communities.

They are also trialing cashless welfare cards in Ceduna, South Australia I believe.

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Onwards we march towards the Republic!

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The 11th was the 40th anniversary of the Dismissal of Gough Whitlam.

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Anyone else see Labor's attack on Mal Brough and the Prime Minister in QT on Thursday?