The_Brown_Hornet
John Eales (66)
Dont you hate those bureaucratic Italian cars?
Yes indeed. I'd much rather have a legislated Ferrari or Lancia thank you very much.
Dont you hate those bureaucratic Italian cars?
Right outcome for who?
Not for the voting public of Australia, who had gave a much higher primary vote to the Coalition. Not to the two independents constituents, who indicated overwhelmingly that they would prefer a conservative government. Not for our chosen democratic system which gave seats in favour of the coalition 73 to 72.
That is a bit misleading. Tony Crook said all along he would sit in the crossbenches, and so shouldnt be counted in the coalition. That makes it 72-72. The primary vote can be contrasted with the two-party preferred vote which went to Labor. As for the constituencies of the independents, the best interests of the nation as a whole outweigh those of North Queensland or country NSW. That is how the indies have approached it, and rightly so.
In an election as close as this one, I am not unhappy to see the incumbents returned. I think it will provide the most stable government. I am far from thrilled, and I think much like Ricky Ponting in the late 90s, the Coalition will be much better for the loss and come back a stronger party. It also gives Abbott the opportunity to clean house a little, and return Turnbull to the front bench.
And sorry but I am so sick of the talk of 'knifing' Kevin Rudd. He wasn't an effective PM, and was summarily booted by his own party. What is wrong with that? The government was better for it. I am no massive Labor fan but they did the right thing.
Exactly, but a pity a few of other senior members didn't go with him, it wasn't a one man show.
I'm sick of this talk about a 'hostile' senate meaning a government isn't stable. This is traditionally what we have had in Australian politics, and it has invariably lead to the best results, just compare Howard's first two terms to his third to see this.
You have defeated yourself with your own logic though. If having to contend with multiple viewpoints inveriably leads to the best results, then why are you so worried about Labor teaming up with the independents?
As for Rudd, yes he wasn't wholly responsible, but he should take the majority of blame. His autocratic nature was leading the goverment badly astray. And as you can't sack the whole cabinet, I think it was fair he was given the boot.
Personally I am very excited about the coming months and hope that it will bring about the reforms and developments that have been talked about over recent days. If parliamentary process can be reformed, country Australia get a decent representation, the Henry Tax Review given the proper review it deserves, the mining tax reassessed and due input and consideration given to all viewpoints, that will be fantastic. Even in her victory speech, Julia stated that she needs to build on her relationship with Warren Truss and the Nationals - surely that has to be a step in the right direction (or the first attempted wedge of the new term)