Australia General Discussion

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

The LNP is desperately trying to hold onto power in Queensland, arguing that because there may eventually be a byelection in Ferny Grove, they should keep power as a caretaker government until then.

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/queensland-election-2015-springborg-speculates-on-ending-speculation-20150209-139xu8.html

While I agree that the ALP shouldn't formally take Government until the legitimate issues around Ferny Grove are adjudicated ... Springborg's desperation is pretty pathetic at this point.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

Newman has visited the Governor as resigned as caretaker Premier.

EDIT: The resignation has been tendered, but only becomes official ONCE a new Premier is able to form Government. I actually think that's a reasonable position.

[Barnes]

Apparently I was incorrect in assuming that the Government lost its DD trigger with the CEFC bill that the Senate rejected back in June.  Of course, a bill was finally passed that effected that repeal, but it was a physically different bill than the one rejected in June -- so, that one could theoretically be used as a trigger, even though a bill of an identical nature eventually passed the Senate.

Also, the earliest possible date for a by-election in Ferny Grove is April according the ECQ, so it's almost certain that Labor will form a government within a day or so, regardless of the eventual decision with regards to Ferny Grove.

[You kip if you want to...]

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/australasia/australian-pm-tony-abbott-labelled-most-incompetent-western-leader-by-us-think-tank-10041683.html

Well this has happened.

Does someone who actually knows what they're on about mind telling me if it'd be fair to call Abbott the worst PM ever? Or at least his premiership so far...

[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.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

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.

Plus, you know, he's promised that after being in government for 16 months, we're finally going to get good government, so ... there's that.

[Barnes]

Philip Ruddock is standing down as Government Chief Whip.

[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.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

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.

What's really ridiculous, is that I said to a colleague on Tuesday "watch them do something really empty, like sacking Ruddock" - typical Abbott it's everyone's fault but his. If you're a first term PM who has an averaged -41 net approval ... it's not the Chief Whip's fault.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

Annastacia Palaszczuk has been commissioned by the QLD Governor to form government.

[Ebowed]

Annastacia Palaszczuk has been commissioned by the QLD Governor to form government.

But... what about caretaker Springboard?

[Platypus]

The Ruddock thing is stuuuuupid beyond belief. He was the only thing Abbott had going for him in the parliament.

[Barnes]

The Ruddock thing is stuuuuupid beyond belief. He was the only thing Abbott had going for him in the parliament.

Plus, this was yet another "Captain's Call."  Abbott really is his own worst enemy...

[Barnes]

The interim Queensland ministry of Palaszczuk, Jackie Trad, and Curtis Pitt has been sworn in.

[Talleyrand]

The full Palaszczuk Ministry has been announced. With 8 out of 15 members being women, it might be the first majority women ministry in Australia. Returning MPs Grace Grace, Di Farmer, and Jim Pearce didn't receive ministries; it is possible one might become Speaker.

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/palaszczuk-says-new-cabinet-is-the-best-possible-team-for-queensland-20150215-13ffno.html

[Platypus]

Abbott: Because we gave you $1bn after the tsunami, you shouldn't carry out the death sentence on two Australian drug smugglers.

also...

Abbott: Yes, frozen berries have given 15+ people Hep A, but food security doesn't need to be improved from imported fresh products because I have a responsibility to the health of the wallets of Australians.

Ho-leee-feck.

[Ebowed]

Abbott: Because we gave you $1bn after the tsunami, you shouldn't carry out the death sentence on two Australian drug smugglers.

Even a stopped clock ...

I can only disagree insofar as it would be quite silly to expect the sentences commuted for two Australians when other victims of Indonesia's system, largely from other countries, see no improvement.

[Ebowed]

Abbott: Because we gave you $1bn after the tsunami, you shouldn't carry out the death sentence on two Australian drug smugglers.

Even a stopped clock ...

I can only disagree insofar as it would be quite silly to expect the sentences commuted for two Australians when other victims of Indonesia's system, largely from other countries, see no improvement.

I have to recant this, both due to the arrogant nature of Abbott's remarks and my own flawed perspective - it was perhaps sort of nice to see such a conservative figure being so forceful in opposition to capital punishment - but even in this instance his advocacy is a hindrance.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

I'm on my phone - but look into Abbott's discussions with military re: ISIS.

Nuts.

[Ebowed]

I'm on my phone - but look into Abbott's discussions with military re: ISIS.

Nuts.

It's incredible.

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[morgieb]

George W. Abbott

[Phony Moderate]

If you want a new way you've to choose...a new government.

[Knives]

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

[Mr. Morden]

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?

[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.