Australia General Discussion

[BaconBacon96]

Holy crap that was unexpected. Plus I heard he was meant to meet the British royals today, but didn't in the end. Wow.

[BaconBacon96]

Actually, Baird is a member of the right-wing faction. He's also a social conservative and devout Christian.

You maybe confusing him with his moderate father, Bruce Baird.

[BaconBacon96]

That was a great speech by Shorten. I supported the Coalition going into the election, but now I'm questioning their judgement.

[BaconBacon96]

How long until a spill?

Ah I think the Liberals will want to avoid looking like Labor did.

[BaconBacon96]

The reason I've never been too keen on Labor is because of things like this.

[BaconBacon96]

I'm starting to think Dennis Napthine, despite delivering a supposedly brilliant budget is completely ed. I mean in 2013, the Libs couldn't even manage 2PP win here in Victoria and recent polling has Labor at 61% to the Libs 39%. I really think Dennis will be our first one timer in ages, which is good.

All I'm hoping for is that Geoff Shaw loses his seat.

[BaconBacon96]

The Coalition is completely stuffed in Victoria. In New South Wales and Queensland they should hold though, due to their very large majorities.

[BaconBacon96]

http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2014/s4033228.htm

Have stranger things happened?

[BaconBacon96]

Australia's probably the only anglophone nation that has party's named after their leaders, like Katter's Australian Party or Palmer United Party.

[BaconBacon96]

Honestly, I'm not so sure that this government will be kicked out after one three year term. It's almost unprecedented. Despite what the polling suggests, I do not believe that enough people who voted Coalition  will all decide to vote Labor again. People are just too cautious.

[BaconBacon96]

I guess that creates an opening for independents to try to win the seats.

[BaconBacon96]

Victorian Labor also came out in favor of medical marijuana. That should draw some votes to them.

[BaconBacon96]

Unexpected news: senator John Madigon has left the DLP, and will now sit as an independent. He cites "enemies within the ranks".

Basically, the hyper-factionalism that led to the DLP's formation has finally caught up with him.

[BaconBacon96]

So, Campbell Newman's task of holding Ashgrove just got much harder.

Enjoy, Campbell

If the LNP still win the election but Campbell loses his seat, I wonder who becomes Premier. Jeff Seeney? No thanks.

[BaconBacon96]

So, Campbell Newman's task of holding Ashgrove just got much harder.

Enjoy, Campbell

If the LNP still win the election but Campbell loses his seat, I wonder who becomes Premier. Jeff Seeney? No thanks.

I keep hearing Springbourg ...

Ha. To be honest, I think I'd prefer him to Seeney. That said, there aren't many good choices in the LNP cabinet.

[BaconBacon96]

Tasmania could introduce extremely draconian smoking laws...

I don't smoke myself, and wouldn't personally (don't mind the smell, but don't want heart attacks or bad teeth) but this is clearly a recipe for disaster...

Restricting access to tobacco is a bad idea in my opinion, considering it will just create another black & grey market alike, could result in more people turning to illicit drugs, and opens up the scary avenue for restricting/banning alcohol and fast food. While tobacco is VERY different to say, a bucket of fried chicken or a pint of beer, in that there's second-hand smoke, it still seems absurd to deny adults the right to buy and use tobacco.

Indeed, people will soon see the flaws in this idea. Prohibition is a clear failure.

[BaconBacon96]

What exactly is confusing you?

It seems like some are saying that the allegations may be false and made up by opponents to the center. And there is also this 'self-harm' on top of that. I just read about that, and I am unsure about has been proved and what may be made up.

The plight of some of these asylum seekers is definitely exaggerated by the left-wing.

[BaconBacon96]

A great man and a great Prime Minister. RIP

[BaconBacon96]

http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/protester-wears-ku-klux-klan-outfit-to-oppose-burqas-at-parliament-house-20141027-11ca5b.html

A group of men attempted to enter Parliament wearing a Ku Klux Klan Hat, a Motorcycle Helmet and a Niqab in an attempt to protest the recent overruling of a ban on the burqa being worn in public galleries in Parliament and the "Political Ideology of Islam".

The growing intolerance for Islam in this country disturbs me greatly.

[BaconBacon96]

Dissident PUP Tasmania senator Jacqui Lambie leaves party to become indie.

I wonder how much permanent damage this spat left on the Palmer brand long term.

[BaconBacon96]

I was one of those people who thought it would be incredibly unlikely for the government to lose power after one term. Except now it looks like they're falling apart already, much sooner than Labor did.

[BaconBacon96]

Nick Xenophon will do better than Katter. He's quite popular in South Australia and his favourite issues are pretty unique to him.

Also I don't see Turnbull becoming Treasurer, as that would only prove that the government is in chaos.

[BaconBacon96]

Yeah um this is weird. I've been to that 'chocolate cafe' as they call it. That's in Martin Place, right in the centre of Sydney. Hopefully everyone is alright.

[BaconBacon96]

So it looks like the cabinet reshuffle is happening.

The reports are that David Johnston will be dumped from the Defence position, to be replaced by Scott Morrison. Who will replace Scott Morrison is not clear.

Also, as Arthur Sinodinos permanently steps down from the Assistant Treasurer position, Josh Frydenberg is expected to take on that role.

The key factor in this reshuffle will reportedly be the elevation of more women to senior positions. Sussan Ley, current Childcare Minister, is expected to be elevated to a full Cabinet position although which one I am not sure. Among the women being promoted is backbencher Kelly O'Dwyer, who is believed to be taking on a junior ministry or a parliamentary secretary position.

This is all unconfirmed but it sounds quite plausible.

[BaconBacon96]

* Scott Morrison "promoted" to Social Services. So he can focus all his wrath (formerly focused on asylum seekers) on pensioners etc. That should maintain his popularity! Dutton takes over Immigration.

To put it simply that's the stuff of nightmares. I'm surprised though, since national security seemed to be an interest of his.

Does anyone who's replacing Johnston in Defence?

EDIT: It's Kevin Andrews, the old Social Services Minister.