I am flabbergasted that the two major parties are actually themselves surprised at the lack of joiners. Is it any wonder? Both parties are  in a shambles at the moment, Labor especially.

They jump from failed policy to failed policy. The Libs, on the other hand, though probably well-intentioned, struggle to cost their policies. Both parties are not recognisable from how they were in days of old. Chifley and Curtin, and Menzies and Holt, would be astronished at what has happened to their once great, respectable and noble party.

Really? You're really surprised by this? The two major parties have never been more disconnected from the public then they are now.

Time for a fresh major party I reckon.

GoddyofOz wrote on Mar 1^st, 2012 at 11:49pm:

Really? You're really surprised by this? The two major parties have never been more disconnected from the public then they are now. Time for a fresh major party I reckon.

I said that I am surprised that they are surprised, if that makes any sense...?

john_g wrote on Mar 1^st, 2012 at 11:38pm:

I am flabbergasted that the two major parties are actually themselves surprised at the lack of joiners. Is it any wonder? Both parties are  in a shambles at the moment, Labor especially. They jump from failed policy to failed policy. The Libs, on the other hand, though probably well-intentioned, struggle to cost their policies. Both parties are not recognisable from how they were in days of old. Chifley and Curtin, and Menzies and Holt, would be astronished at what has happened to their once great, respectable and noble party.

What do you mean by putting both parties on the same level?

What is NOT respectable about the Opposition?

Think they should just shut up while a compulsive liar ruins the economy?

The reason people are hanging on to their money is because of feelings of insecurity, a disease that always flares under Labor Governments.

The bulk of mortgage payers are afraid of losing their jobs because of the growing deficit due to the  schemes that pathological Rudd thought up, recently topped by the lying Gillard bringing in the fraudulent carbon tax.

GoddyofOz wrote on Mar 1^st, 2012 at 11:49pm:

Really? You're really surprised by this? The two major parties have never been more disconnected from the public then they are now. Time for a fresh major party I reckon.

Like a new branch of a communist party?

Must be the leftard's only comfort rubbishing both parties.

Abbott and his lot are very connected, thumping our compulsive liar PM.

olde.sault wrote on Mar 2^nd, 2012 at 6:33am:

john_g wrote on Mar 1st, 2012 at 11:38pm: I am flabbergasted that the two major parties are actually themselves surprised at the lack of joiners. Is it any wonder? Both parties are  in a shambles at the moment, Labor especially. They jump from failed policy to failed policy. The Libs, on the other hand, though probably well-intentioned, struggle to cost their policies. Both parties are not recognisable from how they were in days of old. Chifley and Curtin, and Menzies and Holt, would be astronished at what has happened to their once great, respectable and noble party. What do you mean by putting both parties on the same level? What is NOT respectable about the Opposition? Think they should just shut up while a compulsive liar ruins the economy? The reason people are hanging on to their money is because of feelings of insecurity, a disease that always flares under Labor Governments. The bulk of mortgage payers are afraid of losing their jobs because of the growing deficit due to the  schemes that pathological Rudd thought up, recently topped by the lying Gillard bringing in the fraudulent carbon tax.

Probably because they ARE.

And that level is lower than a dog-turd ATM.

What is NOT respectable about the Opposition?  For one thing, keeping the Australian people in the dark.  Where are the policies?.   :(

wrote on Mar 2^nd, 2012 at 6:40am:

What is NOT respectable about the Opposition?  For one thing, keeping the Australian people in the dark.  Where are the policies?.   :(

We know what their policies are likely to be.....

Nothing more or less than a return to the Howard years.

NO, THANKS!!

Yes Kat, for the best part of it we are kept in the dark.  Although we do indeed know a few, very frightening things.   :o 

Kat wrote on Mar 2^nd, 2012 at 6:39am:

olde.sault wrote on Mar 2nd, 2012 at 6:33am: john_g wrote on Mar 1st, 2012 at 11:38pm: I am flabbergasted that the two major parties are actually themselves surprised at the lack of joiners. Is it any wonder? Both parties are  in a shambles at the moment, Labor especially. They jump from failed policy to failed policy. The Libs, on the other hand, though probably well-intentioned, struggle to cost their policies. Both parties are not recognisable from how they were in days of old. Chifley and Curtin, and Menzies and Holt, would be astronished at what has happened to their once great, respectable and noble party. What do you mean by putting both parties on the same level? What is NOT respectable about the Opposition? Think they should just shut up while a compulsive liar ruins the economy? The reason people are hanging on to their money is because of feelings of insecurity, a disease that always flares under Labor Governments. The bulk of mortgage payers are afraid of losing their jobs because of the growing deficit due to the  schemes that pathological Rudd thought up, recently topped by the lying Gillard bringing in the fraudulent carbon tax. Probably because they ARE. And that level is lower than a dog-turd ATM.

Why don't you explain, in plain English, how the Opposition is failing?

First and foremost, is that they can only talk not bring in fanciful taxes to pay for the squandering that has been going on ever since the pathological Rudd won the election.

Yep, remember how Rudd was adored?

It was practically the time of a Second Coming - showing the IQ of Labor voters.

Wait until the Coalition becomes the government then criticise them to your heart's cotent!

wrote on Mar 2^nd, 2012 at 6:46am:

Yes Kat, for the best part of it we are kept in the dark.  Although we do indeed know a few, very frightening things.   :o

poor you from memory the only thing you lot had to whinge about during the Howard years was the War in  Iraq.... a distant blur now.

the whingeing about everything else came along after he lost....he didnt say SORRY  OMG... he didnt sign KYOTO. OMG. we didnt have a CARBON TAX OMG.... btw when will the carbon tax kick in and stop the rain we were not meant to get....ha.ha.

Thank goodness for the Australian Greens, that hold the balance of power in the senate.   :)

wrote on Mar 2^nd, 2012 at 6:40am:

What is NOT respectable about the Opposition?  For one thing, keeping the Australian people in the dark.  Where are the policies?.   :(

I wasn't aware that an election was imminent?

Why declare policies for the Labor no-hopers to thieve?

In any case, Abbott detailed that the carbon and the mining tax will be repealed and to the sensible, that will be a great step forward!

No doubt, the NBN will not be extended to districts not yet  fibre-tur*ed.

olde.sault wrote on Mar 2^nd, 2012 at 7:01am:

wrote on Mar 2nd, 2012 at 6:40am: What is NOT respectable about the Opposition?  For one thing, keeping the Australian people in the dark.  Where are the policies?.   :( I wasn't aware that an election was imminent? Why declare policies for the Labor no-hopers to thieve? In any case, Abbott detailed that the carbon and the mining tax will be repealed and to the sensible, that will be a great step forward! No doubt, the NBN will not be extended to districts not yet  fibre-tur*ed.

While I oppose the carbon tax, axing the mining tax OR the NBN
would be the height of (typical Coalition) short-sighted stupidity.

Just two reasons why the opposition deserve to STAY in opposition.

I won't even mention their shocking track-record on IR and welfare.

john_g wrote on Mar 1^st, 2012 at 11:38pm:

I am flabbergasted that the two major parties are actually themselves surprised at the lack of joiners. Is it any wonder? Both parties are  in a shambles at the moment, Labor especially. They jump from failed policy to failed policy. The Libs, on the other hand, though probably well-intentioned, struggle to cost their policies. Both parties are not recognisable from how they were in days of old. Chifley and Curtin, and Menzies and Holt, would be astronished at what has happened to their once great, respectable and noble party.

It's more than that they both treat their rank and file with contempt.
Branches are stacked and Head Offices routinely roll over genuine rank and file to install party hacks and staffers (and spouses) to stand in seats they have a shot at winning.
Rank and File have next to no input into party policy.
Two small groups at the top of both parties run the shows and pretty much what they say goes.
Yes...roll up and be treated like a mug.
Is it any wonder.

tonegunman1 wrote on Mar 2^nd, 2012 at 7:13am:

john_g wrote on Mar 1st, 2012 at 11:38pm: I am flabbergasted that the two major parties are actually themselves surprised at the lack of joiners. Is it any wonder? Both parties are  in a shambles at the moment, Labor especially. They jump from failed policy to failed policy. The Libs, on the other hand, though probably well-intentioned, struggle to cost their policies. Both parties are not recognisable from how they were in days of old. Chifley and Curtin, and Menzies and Holt, would be astronished at what has happened to their once great, respectable and noble party. It's more than that they both treat their rank and file with contempt. Branches are stacked and Head Offices routinely roll over genuine rank and file to install party hacks and staffers (and spouses) to stand in seats they have a shot at winning. Rank and File have next to no input into party policy. Two small groups at the top of both parties run the shows and pretty much what they say goes. Yes...roll up and be treated like a mug. Is it any wonder.

Please point out where any Coalition MPs have installed friends or relatives in influential jobs.

Probably goes on but hardly as much as that of Labor's preference to "comrades".

wrote on Mar 2^nd, 2012 at 6:52am:

Thank goodness for the Australian Greens, that hold the balance of power in the senate.   :)

Very true.

How ironic that the only thing stabilizing this country is a bunch of communist hippies.

olde.sault wrote on Mar 2^nd, 2012 at 7:46am:

Please point out where any Coalition MPs have installed friends or relatives in influential jobs.

Baillieu in hot water over 'jobs for mates'
David Rood
September 8, 2011.


THREE former Liberal MPs, including current Liberal national president Alan Stockdale, have been appointed to Victorian water company boards, leading to immediate "jobs for the boys'' accusations against the Baillieu government.

Mr Stockdale, the Kennett government's treasurer in the 1990s, was yesterday announced as the chairman of City West Water.

Among the 68 new appointments to the water boards were former Liberal minister Geoff Coleman and recently retired Liberal MP John Vogels, who was appointed chairman of Wannon Water. Labor seized on the announcement of the roles, saying "jobs for the boys" appointments were part of Premier Ted Baillieu's daily routine. Another politically sensitive posting was the appointment of 2006 Liberal election candidate Michael King as the chairman of Barwon Water.


Opposition scrutiny of government spokesman Martin Pakula said the postings show Mr Baillieu's hypocrisy for saying one thing in opposition and doing exactly the opposite when in government.

"They always claimed that when they were in government things would be different.''

Over 630 people nominated themselves as potential candidates for the water boards. An independent panel then recommended the appointments, which were approved by Water Minister Peter Walsh


http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/baillieu-in-hot-water-over-jobs-for-mates-20110907-1jxrx.html#ixzz1nuFnVv7a

olde.sault wrote on Mar 2^nd, 2012 at 7:46am:

tonegunman1 wrote on Mar 2nd, 2012 at 7:13am: john_g wrote on Mar 1st, 2012 at 11:38pm: I am flabbergasted that the two major parties are actually themselves surprised at the lack of joiners. Is it any wonder? Both parties are  in a shambles at the moment, Labor especially. They jump from failed policy to failed policy. The Libs, on the other hand, though probably well-intentioned, struggle to cost their policies. Both parties are not recognisable from how they were in days of old. Chifley and Curtin, and Menzies and Holt, would be astronished at what has happened to their once great, respectable and noble party. It's more than that they both treat their rank and file with contempt. Branches are stacked and Head Offices routinely roll over genuine rank and file to install party hacks and staffers (and spouses) to stand in seats they have a shot at winning. Rank and File have next to no input into party policy. Two small groups at the top of both parties run the shows and pretty much what they say goes. Yes...roll up and be treated like a mug. Is it any wonder. Please point out where any Coalition MPs have installed friends or relatives in influential jobs. Probably goes on but hardly as much as that of Labor's preference to "comrades".

I just restricted myself to the process where people are installed in electorates by head office.
Here are 5 members who are either former staffers or advisors. Of course you get to say yes but that's not the point. Rank and file are just the dog's bodies.
Kelly O'Dwyer member for Higgins and former advisor to Costello.
Alex Hawke former advisor to Coonan.
Chris Pyne former staffer to Vanstone.
Jane Prentice former staffer.
Josh Frydenberg former advisor to Downer and Howard.

I am fed up to the back teeth with people putting the Coalition in the same category as Labor. They have not been in government since 2007! How can you possibly put them in the same category as the pathological liar and her Communist Leader now running the country. A lot of people criticise the Coalition, and put them in the same basket as Labor. WHY? No one has actually given any reasons as to WHY.

matty wrote on Mar 2^nd, 2012 at 11:18am:

I am fed up to the back teeth with people putting the Coalition in the same category as Labor. They have not been in government since 2007! How can you possibly put them in the same category as the pathological liar and her Communist Leader now running the country. A lot of people criticise the Coalition, and put them in the same basket as Labor. WHY? No one has actually given any reasons as to WHY.

Because we CAN!

And WILL!

Personally, I rate the coalition well below Labor.

I just wish Gillard would go, and take her carbon-tax with her....

Kat wrote on Mar 2^nd, 2012 at 11:22am:

matty wrote on Mar 2nd, 2012 at 11:18am: I am fed up to the back teeth with people putting the Coalition in the same category as Labor. They have not been in government since 2007! How can you possibly put them in the same category as the pathological liar and her Communist Leader now running the country. A lot of people criticise the Coalition, and put them in the same basket as Labor. WHY? No one has actually given any reasons as to WHY. Because we CAN! And WILL! Personally, I rate the coalition well below Labor. I just wish Gillard would go, and take her carbon-tax with her....

Well that's great reasoning, you've really convinced me, Kat.  ::)

matty wrote on Mar 2^nd, 2012 at 11:18am:

I am fed up to the back teeth with people putting the Coalition in the same category as Labor. They have not been in government since 2007! How can you possibly put them in the same category as the pathological liar and her Communist Leader now running the country. A lot of people criticise the Coalition, and put them in the same basket as Labor. WHY? No one has actually given any reasons as to WHY.

Because when push comes to shove they stick together on many of the things that while the both of them are in power we will never get actual representation on. Libs and Labs represent the parties not their electorates.
That's my reason anyway.

matty wrote on Mar 2^nd, 2012 at 11:33am:

Kat wrote on Mar 2nd, 2012 at 11:22am: matty wrote on Mar 2nd, 2012 at 11:18am: I am fed up to the back teeth with people putting the Coalition in the same category as Labor. They have not been in government since 2007! How can you possibly put them in the same category as the pathological liar and her Communist Leader now running the country. A lot of people criticise the Coalition, and put them in the same basket as Labor. WHY? No one has actually given any reasons as to WHY. Because we CAN! And WILL! Personally, I rate the coalition well below Labor. I just wish Gillard would go, and take her carbon-tax with her.... Well that's great reasoning, you've really convinced me, Kat.  ::)

TBPH, I'd sooner vote for (and trust) an outlaw motorcycle gang
to run the country than either of these current parties.

But Labor, for all its (many) faults, is still a better option than the current coalition.

Kat wrote on Mar 2^nd, 2012 at 11:22am:

matty wrote on Mar 2nd, 2012 at 11:18am: I am fed up to the back teeth with people putting the Coalition in the same category as Labor. They have not been in government since 2007! How can you possibly put them in the same category as the pathological liar and her Communist Leader now running the country. A lot of people criticise the Coalition, and put them in the same basket as Labor. WHY? No one has actually given any reasons as to WHY. Because we CAN! And WILL! Personally, I rate the coalition well below Labor. I just wish Gillard would go, and take her carbon-tax with her....

Kat, how would you go as witness in your trial?

Would your response to the prosecution be: "Why? I don't have to explain - because I can and because I will!"

You are a good example of a leftard!

So far, your only grievance seems to be the carbon tax.

What about the waste of billion of dollars and the borrowing of millions every day?

No worries?

olde.sault wrote on Mar 2^nd, 2012 at 1:41pm:

Kat wrote on Mar 2nd, 2012 at 11:22am: matty wrote on Mar 2nd, 2012 at 11:18am: I am fed up to the back teeth with people putting the Coalition in the same category as Labor. They have not been in government since 2007! How can you possibly put them in the same category as the pathological liar and her Communist Leader now running the country. A lot of people criticise the Coalition, and put them in the same basket as Labor. WHY? No one has actually given any reasons as to WHY. Because we CAN! And WILL! Personally, I rate the coalition well below Labor. I just wish Gillard would go, and take her carbon-tax with her.... Kat, how would you go as witness in your trial? Would your response to the prosecution be: "Why? I don't have to explain - because I can and because I will!" You are a good example of a leftard! So far, your only grievance seems to be the carbon tax. What about the waste of billion of dollars and the borrowing of millions every day? No worries?

IKR, notice how not one single one of them has given any reasoning as to why the Coalition are as bad, or even worse, than Labor?