In my last night in Australia, it gave me great pleasure and a fair bit of confidence that the most sensible member of the panel was a member of the British Conservative Party.

Shorten avoided every question he could on the leadership.
Bishop showed why I think she is a total airhead.
And yet again they seemed to find some old duddery battleaxe to throw in some curveballs.

However Dan Hannan reflected my views on nearly every point!

So you UNDERSTOOD what he was saying, did you?

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Feb 20^th, 2012 at 9:39pm:

In my last night in Australia, it gave me great pleasure and a fair bit of confidence that the most sensible member of the panel was a member of the British Conservative Party. Shorten avoided every question he could on the leadership. Bishop showed why I think she is a total airhead. And yet again they seemed to find some old duddery battleaxe to throw in some curveballs. However Dan Hannan reflected my views on nearly every point!

LOL the 1st person I thought of with his last comment was you ;D

Shorten of course dodged the leadership crap, I think we are all just about over it (except those rusted on and see it as a sure way to get Abbott up), but once the program got onto actual policy questions he did well.
Agree about Bishop, you could see the fear when that lady asked exactly what was meant by flexability, Shortens example of Alcoha was telling. I think we can safely assume penalty rates are gone if Abbott wins.
Dan made some great points on Europe, actaully made me feel a little sorrry for the poor old greek tax payer/avoider.

Dsmithy70 wrote on Feb 20^th, 2012 at 9:52pm:

actaully made me feel a little sorrry for the poor old greek tax payer/avoider.

Andrei Hicks? I thought he was an Aussie.

Dsmithy70 wrote on Feb 20^th, 2012 at 9:52pm:

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Feb 20th, 2012 at 9:39pm: In my last night in Australia, it gave me great pleasure and a fair bit of confidence that the most sensible member of the panel was a member of the British Conservative Party. Shorten avoided every question he could on the leadership. Bishop showed why I think she is a total airhead. And yet again they seemed to find some old duddery battleaxe to throw in some curveballs. However Dan Hannan reflected my views on nearly every point! LOL the 1st person I thought of with his last comment was you ;D Shorten of course dodged the leadership crap, I think we are all just about over it (except those rusted on and see it as a sure way to get Abbott up), but once the program got onto actual policy questions he did well. Agree about Bishop, you could see the fear when that lady asked exactly what was meant by flexability, Shortens example of Alcoha was telling. I think we can safely assume penalty rates are gone if Abbott wins. Dan made some great points on Europe, actaully made me feel a little sorrry for the poor old greek tax payer/avoider.

Funny he should be on actually.
In the last round of Euro elections it was his performance on the BBC's Question Time that switched my vote back to the Conservatives from UKIP.
He talks a lot of sense and there are some serious issues to be addressed in the EU - greater integration and more unified policy is exactly the opposite what we should be doing.

But given its an Australian show, they'd be within their rights for not giving a flying bugger actually so I was surprised he was on there.

I like a lot of Abbott's policies on workplace relations, don't get me wrong. I agree with an end to penalty rates, I agree with greater flexibility to respond to the global market capitalist supply and demand curve.

Bishop said all this BUT she parroted it. I didn't actually believe she knew what half of it meant and I reckon a 15 mins grilling on it and all she'd do is parrot the same lines and couldn't actually answer any of it.
I really don't think she understands!

I agree about Shorten, he is a slippery eel on the leadership thing BUT whilst I don't agree with several standpoints he takes, I can see he clearly actually does understand what he is talking about.

I actually think on economics and market capitalism I'd enjoy a conversation much more with Shorten than Bishop. I'd disagree totally with him but I know he understands and builds his point on knowledge.
The other is just an airhead.

Enquiring mind wrote on Feb 20^th, 2012 at 9:55pm:

Dsmithy70 wrote on Feb 20th, 2012 at 9:52pm: actaully made me feel a little sorrry for the poor old greek tax payer/avoider. Andrei Hicks? I thought he was an Aussie.

If you don't have anything of value to add Colonel may be just be on your way and find Matty or something.

If you have anything of value to add, please feel free to add it otherwise I think some of those other sillier threads are more your thing or go and convince some others you served in 'Nam (honest!).

I have nothing further to add on your silly comments.

No penalty rates and I quit and go on the dole. It's simply not worth the effort of getting up at 3am and getting home after 9pm. Then again, I'd probably find that my hourly rate would go up by 50% to make up for it because as it stands my employer has to bring in employees from 600kms away then house them and feed them just to make up the numbers.

I don't know enough about him to pass comment but I'd give him the time and a fair hearing going on his performance tonight.

It's really is frustrating for a small L liberal such as myself at the moment and a tad sureal that Labor seems to reflect those values more than the party that founded them and is named after them.
Totally free market capitalism will go the same way as communism as we can see in your present abode.
A balance is required, and if they do away with penalty rates then I expect everything including banks, post offices & government offices to be open on weekend just as they are on Monday 10am.
You cannot just penalise one section of the job market which is what you will be doing by getting rid of them.

Dsmithy70 wrote on Feb 20^th, 2012 at 10:14pm:

I don't know enough about him to pass comment but I'd give him the time and a fair hearing going on his performance tonight.

May be a tad harsh, but I thought it looked like he wrote Bishop off as an idiot early on. He clearly had more in common with Shorten which was interesting because he is from the Right of the Conservatives.

He's one of my local MEPs (we have 10 to elect in the SE of England) and he got my vote.

Anyway, I don't agree on either capitalism or the penalty rates.
Capitalism will stay because, put simply, it is the only card game in town. It's the best system we have.
It rewards hard work, it bases on people's natural instinct and that is to succeed and be rewarded for it through monetary value. That's what we as people are about.

Penalty rates have to go. They are a relic of a by-gone time and a by-gone set of markets.
We now operate in a global economy - In the 1970s it was Australian companies mainly competing with Aussies for the Australian market.

Now Australians compete with Indians, Chinese, European and North American competitors. It's important to keep Operating Costs down and to do this direct labour expense is a key area.

It's really important for competitiveness that we have a flexible, fluid workplace relation programme. I know that's what Bishop said, the difference with me and her is I don't think she has the first clue what it means.

Quote:

May be a tad harsh, but I thought it looked like he wrote Bishop off as an idiot early on. He clearly had more in common with Shorten which was interesting because he is from the Right of the Conservatives.

No pretty spot on, I think Bishop was banking on his Conservative I'm Conservative lets kick Shortens ass, but as soon as she opened her mouth he knew who knew what they were on about.
It would be interesting to hear his private thoughts after a meeting with Abbott.


Quote:

Capitalism will stay because, put simply, it is the only card game in town. It's the best system we have.

No argument there jsut that the States are like the USSR was with communism.
Australia has a better balance with the social safety nets so embraces the best of both just as China is rising because it embraces both abet it still has a fair way to go on the social fronts.


Quote:

Penalty rates have to go. They are a relic of a by-gone time and a by-gone set of markets.

Like I said fine but I want weekday services on weekends otherwise you are just punishing hospitality/retail/service(nurses,police,fire, cleaners etc) workers.
If you wish to argue we are in a 24/7 economy then the whole economy has to be that.

Julie Bishop had a preconceived position to drag every topic back to the carbon tax.....Even when the high Australian dollar is the real problem Julie Bishop ignored the facts and played politics blaming the carbon tax for everything when it has not even been implemented yet.....She had the opportunity to talk up what the Liberal party would do and failed miserably.....Nothing less than what I expected from this horrible woman!!!

I'm watching a replay of Q&A on ABC iView.

Wow, Bill Shorten. I have never seen a Politician hedging his bets both ways so brazenly. He literally said "If I were a betting man...". This is the same man who was one of the architects of this whole saga. I would love to see proof of Julie Bishops claims that Rudd has been in negotiations with Shorten for the Treasurer Portfolio. I personally think she is a bald faced liar.

Looking at Shortens answers and general demeanour, I would say that there is a very real chance that a Leadership challenge is imminent. Let's hope there is, so we can get this sh*t over with.

GoddyofOz wrote on Feb 21^st, 2012 at 12:32am:

I'm watching a replay of Q&A on ABC iView. Wow, Bill Shorten. I have never seen a Politician hedging his bets both ways so brazenly. He literally said "If I were a betting man...". This is the same man who was one of the architects of this whole saga. I would love to see proof of Julie Bishops claims that Rudd has been in negotiations with Shorten for the Treasurer Portfolio. I personally think she is a bald faced liar. Looking at Shortens answers and general demeanour, I would say that there is a very real chance that a Leadership challenge is imminent. Let's hope there is, so we can get this sh*t over with.

Keep ex-unionists away from our treasury. Is there anyone in labor who are not ex-union?

Dsmithy70 wrote on Feb 20^th, 2012 at 9:52pm:

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Feb 20th, 2012 at 9:39pm: In my last night in Australia, it gave me great pleasure and a fair bit of confidence that the most sensible member of the panel was a member of the British Conservative Party. Shorten avoided every question he could on the leadership. Bishop showed why I think she is a total airhead. And yet again they seemed to find some old duddery battleaxe to throw in some curveballs. However Dan Hannan reflected my views on nearly every point! LOL the 1st person I thought of with his last comment was you ;D Shorten of course dodged the leadership crap, I think we are all just about over it (except those rusted on and see it as a sure way to get Abbott up), but once the program got onto actual policy questions he did well. Agree about Bishop, you could see the fear when that lady asked exactly what was meant by flexability, Shortens example of Alcoha was telling. I think we can safely assume penalty rates are gone if Abbott wins. Dan made some great points on Europe, actaully made me feel a little sorrry for the poor old greek tax payer/avoider.

ask yourself smithy.... WHO RELEASED THE VIDEO???

this is all about keeping this on the front page..

dont you think whenever something controversial comes up about rudd.. he is always heading overseas as it hits the headlines..

I am over it too.. if she had half the guts she had when she knifed him.. she would bring it on.


so you think directing every answer to Abbott was a good answer..hohum

I likes the way he dodged Bishops question on would he work with rudd...LOL..

he had already signed in there when he was giving rudd kudos's  for being a fine man.. the video proved nothing..ha.ha.. and a fine Foreign Minister..

who bloody wouldnt be in his shoes.

he proved to me what a turncoat he would be when it comes to a confrontation....whats the betting he takes a sickie that day?

Dsmithy70 wrote on Feb 20^th, 2012 at 9:52pm:

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Feb 20th, 2012 at 9:39pm: In my last night in Australia, it gave me great pleasure and a fair bit of confidence that the most sensible member of the panel was a member of the British Conservative Party. Shorten avoided every question he could on the leadership. Bishop showed why I think she is a total airhead. And yet again they seemed to find some old duddery battleaxe to throw in some curveballs. However Dan Hannan reflected my views on nearly every point! LOL the 1st person I thought of with his last comment was you ;D Shorten of course dodged the leadership crap, I think we are all just about over it (except those rusted on and see it as a sure way to get Abbott up), but once the program got onto actual policy questions he did well. Agree about Bishop, you could see the fear when that lady asked exactly what was meant by flexability, Shortens example of Alcoha was telling. I think we can safely assume penalty rates are gone if Abbott wins. Dan made some great points on Europe, actaully made me feel a little sorrry for the poor old greek tax payer/avoider.

;D ;D ;D ;D After 30 minutes    THEIR GOING DOWN ;D ;D ;D 

Dsmithy70 wrote on Feb 20^th, 2012 at 9:52pm:

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Feb 20th, 2012 at 9:39pm: In my last night in Australia, it gave me great pleasure and a fair bit of confidence that the most sensible member of the panel was a member of the British Conservative Party. Shorten avoided every question he could on the leadership. Bishop showed why I think she is a total airhead. And yet again they seemed to find some old duddery battleaxe to throw in some curveballs. However Dan Hannan reflected my views on nearly every point! LOL the 1st person I thought of with his last comment was you ;D Shorten of course dodged the leadership crap, I think we are all just about over it (except those rusted on and see it as a sure way to get Abbott up), but once the program got onto actual policy questions he did well. Agree about Bishop, you could see the fear when that lady asked exactly what was meant by flexability, Shortens example of Alcoha was telling. I think we can safely assume penalty rates are gone if Abbott wins.Dan made some great points on Europe, actaully made me feel a little sorrry for the poor old greek tax payer/avoider.

why? because at every step, abbott has said the opposite? or is it because you think he has the Gillard disease and his every word is untrustworthy?

I think we can safely say if Abbott wins, and they try take penalty rates away, there will be union strikes.   Penalty rates are well justified.   ;)

longweekend58 wrote on Feb 21^st, 2012 at 8:03am:

Dsmithy70 wrote on Feb 20th, 2012 at 9:52pm: Andrei.Hicks wrote on Feb 20th, 2012 at 9:39pm: In my last night in Australia, it gave me great pleasure and a fair bit of confidence that the most sensible member of the panel was a member of the British Conservative Party. Shorten avoided every question he could on the leadership. Bishop showed why I think she is a total airhead. And yet again they seemed to find some old duddery battleaxe to throw in some curveballs. However Dan Hannan reflected my views on nearly every point! LOL the 1st person I thought of with his last comment was you ;D Shorten of course dodged the leadership crap, I think we are all just about over it (except those rusted on and see it as a sure way to get Abbott up), but once the program got onto actual policy questions he did well. Agree about Bishop, you could see the fear when that lady asked exactly what was meant by flexability, Shortens example of Alcoha was telling. I think we can safely assume penalty rates are gone if Abbott wins.Dan made some great points on Europe, actaully made me feel a little sorrry for the poor old greek tax payer/avoider. why? because at every step, abbott has said the opposite? or is it because you think he has the Gillard disease and his every word is untrustworthy?

It will be quite something to see at the next election if the labor party try to tell us Australians that liberals cant be trusted. I can't help feeling that a room full of people who have not been picked by labor, may leave the room laughing.

It is going to be interesting to say the least and comical.

progressiveslol wrote on Feb 21^st, 2012 at 8:06am:

longweekend58 wrote on Feb 21st, 2012 at 8:03am: Dsmithy70 wrote on Feb 20th, 2012 at 9:52pm: Andrei.Hicks wrote on Feb 20th, 2012 at 9:39pm: In my last night in Australia, it gave me great pleasure and a fair bit of confidence that the most sensible member of the panel was a member of the British Conservative Party. Shorten avoided every question he could on the leadership. Bishop showed why I think she is a total airhead. And yet again they seemed to find some old duddery battleaxe to throw in some curveballs. However Dan Hannan reflected my views on nearly every point! LOL the 1st person I thought of with his last comment was you ;D Shorten of course dodged the leadership crap, I think we are all just about over it (except those rusted on and see it as a sure way to get Abbott up), but once the program got onto actual policy questions he did well. Agree about Bishop, you could see the fear when that lady asked exactly what was meant by flexability, Shortens example of Alcoha was telling. I think we can safely assume penalty rates are gone if Abbott wins.Dan made some great points on Europe, actaully made me feel a little sorrry for the poor old greek tax payer/avoider. why? because at every step, abbott has said the opposite? or is it because you think he has the Gillard disease and his every word is untrustworthy? It will be quite something to see at the next election if the labor party try to tell us Australians that liberals cant be trusted. I can't help feeling that a room full of people who have not been picked by labor, may leave the room laughing. It is going to be interesting to say the least and comical.

yes how true. if there is something that labor under Gillard has well and truly lost is is TRUST. would you beleive anything this woman says?

longweekend58 wrote on Feb 21^st, 2012 at 8:22am:

progressiveslol wrote on Feb 21st, 2012 at 8:06am: longweekend58 wrote on Feb 21st, 2012 at 8:03am: Dsmithy70 wrote on Feb 20th, 2012 at 9:52pm: Andrei.Hicks wrote on Feb 20th, 2012 at 9:39pm: In my last night in Australia, it gave me great pleasure and a fair bit of confidence that the most sensible member of the panel was a member of the British Conservative Party. Shorten avoided every question he could on the leadership. Bishop showed why I think she is a total airhead. And yet again they seemed to find some old duddery battleaxe to throw in some curveballs. However Dan Hannan reflected my views on nearly every point! LOL the 1st person I thought of with his last comment was you ;D Shorten of course dodged the leadership crap, I think we are all just about over it (except those rusted on and see it as a sure way to get Abbott up), but once the program got onto actual policy questions he did well. Agree about Bishop, you could see the fear when that lady asked exactly what was meant by flexability, Shortens example of Alcoha was telling. I think we can safely assume penalty rates are gone if Abbott wins.Dan made some great points on Europe, actaully made me feel a little sorrry for the poor old greek tax payer/avoider. why? because at every step, abbott has said the opposite? or is it because you think he has the Gillard disease and his every word is untrustworthy? It will be quite something to see at the next election if the labor party try to tell us Australians that liberals cant be trusted. I can't help feeling that a room full of people who have not been picked by labor, may leave the room laughing. It is going to be interesting to say the least and comical. yes how true. if there is something that labor under Gillard has well and truly lost is is TRUST. would you beleive anything this woman says?

Keep a close eye on the those worms in debates. As soon as labor try to say liberals cant be trusted, the worm will disappear off the bottom of the screen.

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Feb 20^th, 2012 at 9:39pm:

In my last night in Australia, it gave me great pleasure and a fair bit of confidence that the most sensible member of the panel was a member of the British Conservative Party. Shorten avoided every question he could on the leadership. Bishop showed why I think she is a total airhead. And yet again they seemed to find some old duddery battleaxe to throw in some curveballs. However Dan Hannan reflected my views on nearly every point!

I dont often agree with Andrei, but in this instance he is spot on.Does that make me a fithy conservative?

skippy. wrote on Feb 21^st, 2012 at 9:19am:

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Feb 20th, 2012 at 9:39pm: In my last night in Australia, it gave me great pleasure and a fair bit of confidence that the most sensible member of the panel was a member of the British Conservative Party. Shorten avoided every question he could on the leadership. Bishop showed why I think she is a total airhead. And yet again they seemed to find some old duddery battleaxe to throw in some curveballs. However Dan Hannan reflected my views on nearly every point! I dont often agree with Andrei, but in this instance he is spot on.Does that make me a fithy conservative?

it probably means you took your blinkers off for a moment to watch that program.. ;D

longweekend58 wrote on Feb 21^st, 2012 at 8:03am:

Dsmithy70 wrote on Feb 20th, 2012 at 9:52pm: Andrei.Hicks wrote on Feb 20th, 2012 at 9:39pm: In my last night in Australia, it gave me great pleasure and a fair bit of confidence that the most sensible member of the panel was a member of the British Conservative Party. Shorten avoided every question he could on the leadership. Bishop showed why I think she is a total airhead. And yet again they seemed to find some old duddery battleaxe to throw in some curveballs. However Dan Hannan reflected my views on nearly every point! LOL the 1st person I thought of with his last comment was you ;D Shorten of course dodged the leadership crap, I think we are all just about over it (except those rusted on and see it as a sure way to get Abbott up), but once the program got onto actual policy questions he did well. Agree about Bishop, you could see the fear when that lady asked exactly what was meant by flexability, Shortens example of Alcoha was telling. I think we can safely assume penalty rates are gone if Abbott wins.Dan made some great points on Europe, actaully made me feel a little sorrry for the poor old greek tax payer/avoider. why? because at every step, abbott has said the opposite? or is it because you think he has the Gillard disease and his every word is untrustworthy?

No because that what business groups have their sights set on.
Listen to the rhetoric ever since the fat Greek chef cried poor.
But you believe what you want, Tony will never lie to you, especially since he aspires not promises or commits.
Anyway like I said if they go I expect to be able to go to the RTA on Sunday's then across to the bank to draw a cheque.

longweekend58 wrote on Feb 21^st, 2012 at 8:22am:

yes how true. if there is something that labor under Gillard has well and truly lost is is TRUST. would you beleive anything this woman says?

Ah the rusted ons. As though you were ever inclined to believe her.  ::)

Or Rudd. Or anyone in fact.

Jesus Christ himself could come down from the heavens announced by heralding angels and surrounded by the choir invisible triumphantly chorusing his praise to take the reigns of leadership of the Labor party...

... and still you would be saying that we can't trust a word that he says.   :o

skippy. wrote on Feb 21^st, 2012 at 9:19am:

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Feb 20th, 2012 at 9:39pm: In my last night in Australia, it gave me great pleasure and a fair bit of confidence that the most sensible member of the panel was a member of the British Conservative Party. Shorten avoided every question he could on the leadership. Bishop showed why I think she is a total airhead. And yet again they seemed to find some old duddery battleaxe to throw in some curveballs. However Dan Hannan reflected my views on nearly every point! I dont often agree with Andrei, but in this instance he is spot on.Does that make me a fithy conservative?

I would say no. All Cannan did was display how utterly moronic and incompetant the Conservatives in Australia are as opposed to the rest of the world.