http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/-/newshome/13076929/carr-hits-the-ground-running/

Incoming Foreign Minister Bob Carr has hit the ground running, already speaking with his world counterparts and drawing up plans for his first overseas trip.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard appointed the former NSW premier on Friday to replace Kevin Rudd, who quit the coveted job to challenge her for the Labor leadership late last month.

Mr Carr will take up the job after filling the Senate vacancy left by Mark Arbib in the coming weeks.

But he's not waiting to be sworn in before getting stuck into the job he's wanted for more than three decades.

Mr Carr on Saturday said he had already spoken with some of his foreign minister colleagues around the world, including UK Foreign Secretary William Hague.

Mr Hague tweeted: "Had a very good talk with my new Australian counterpart Bob Carr this morning. I know he will be an excellent colleague."

Mr Carr said he planned to make his first overseas visit to New Zealand to discuss the South Pacific.

"Even while I'm foreign minister-designate I'd look to shoot across there to pay them the courtesy of some consultation, given their expert feel for the politics of the South Pacific," Mr Carr told ABC Radio.

Mr Carr conceded that the week of speculation and confusion that preceded his eventual appointment had been messy.

"But in the end the prime minister cut through," he said.

"Ministerial reshuffles are often untidy and brutal affairs."

Mr Carr repeated that he would continue to pursue Australia's costly bid for a temporary seat on the United Nations Security Council.

"We've got a strong case and given the expansion of Australia's foreign policy interests and horizons that took place very notably under Kevin Rudd ... it's got to be said that the security council is very important to us," he said.

Mr Carr described Australia's alliance with the US as a security "bedrock" and said Australia was now taken more seriously in Washington than it had been in a long time.

Mr Carr described himself as a foreign policy realist, a term most commonly used to describe theorists who place national self-interests above ideological or moral motivations.

Bitter party of one,your table awaits you.
http://www.hereandtherewithpatandbob.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Table-set-for-fallen-soldiers-300x225.jpg

Mate its a fair comment.

Why the bugger do those c**ts (and I label every politician of every party here) fly in first class.

I flew to Los Angeles in business class - perfectly fine.

Why was that smug pr*ck Shorten in first class at taxpayer expense??

If its standard business practice for corporations to fly business class only - why is it not the same for our politicians.....

A lap of dishonour.

They fly first class cause they would cop too much crap in second class

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Mar 3^rd, 2012 at 2:50pm:

Mate its a fair comment. Why the bugger do those c**ts (and I label every politician of every party here) fly in first class. I flew to Los Angeles in business class - perfectly fine. Why was that smug pr*ck Shorten in first class at taxpayer expense?? If its standard business practice for corporations to fly business class only - why is it not the same for our politicians.....

Sunshine, if they flew in business class they'd have to put up with arseholes like you. I don't blame them, I'd happily pay the extra to avoid that.  :D :D

skippy. wrote on Mar 3^rd, 2012 at 2:45pm:

Bitter party of one,your table awaits you. http://www.hereandtherewithpatandbob.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Table-set-for-fallen-soldiers-300x225.jpg

Five minutes later ...


http://bumpshack.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Whitney-Houston-Last-Meal-Hotel-Room-PHOTOS.jpg

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Mar 3^rd, 2012 at 2:50pm:

Mate its a fair comment. Why the bugger do those c**ts (and I label every politician of every party here) fly in first class. I flew to Los Angeles in business class - perfectly fine. Why was that smug pr*ck Shorten in first class at taxpayer expense?? If its standard business practice for corporations to fly business class only - why is it not the same for our politicians.....

What are your thoughts regarding Air Force One?

NorthOfNorth wrote on Mar 3^rd, 2012 at 8:00pm:

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Mar 3rd, 2012 at 2:50pm: Mate its a fair comment. Why the bugger do those c**ts (and I label every politician of every party here) fly in first class. I flew to Los Angeles in business class - perfectly fine. Why was that smug pr*ck Shorten in first class at taxpayer expense?? If its standard business practice for corporations to fly business class only - why is it not the same for our politicians..... What are your thoughts regarding Air Force One?

That's completely different, we're talking here about the President of the United States.

I am talking about run-of-the-mill piss-ant politicians like Shorten who flew in first class on the flight I was on at taxpayer expense.

Leaders of the country are different.

So I hold the same view on regular politicians in Washington - they shouldn't fly in first class either.

I am happy for my taxes to pay for Air Force One - I think it is a necessary aircraft for the leader of the free world and represents America's prestige and power.
It speaks without saying anything.

Gist wrote on Mar 3^rd, 2012 at 6:44pm:

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Mar 3rd, 2012 at 2:50pm: Mate its a fair comment. Why the bugger do those c**ts (and I label every politician of every party here) fly in first class. I flew to Los Angeles in business class - perfectly fine. Why was that smug pr*ck Shorten in first class at taxpayer expense?? If its standard business practice for corporations to fly business class only - why is it not the same for our politicians..... Sunshine, if they flew in business class they'd have to put up with arseholes like you. I don't blame them, I'd happily pay the extra to avoid that.  :D :D

Fortunately my wog friend, those of us in first class and business class need never have any worry that we will ever have to put with you though.

You are, as "Economy" as I can imagine.

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Mar 3^rd, 2012 at 2:50pm:

Mate its a fair comment. Why the bugger do those c**ts (and I label every politician of every party here) fly in first class. I flew to Los Angeles in business class - perfectly fine. Why was that smug pr*ck Shorten in first class at taxpayer expense?? If its standard business practice for corporations to fly business class only - why is it not the same for our politicians.....

What would be your opinion on the matter if the Federal Government had a contract with the carrier to discount MPs traveling on government business such that the state paid business class prices for first class tickets?

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Mar 4^th, 2012 at 1:24am:

NorthOfNorth wrote on Mar 3rd, 2012 at 8:00pm: Andrei.Hicks wrote on Mar 3rd, 2012 at 2:50pm: Mate its a fair comment. Why the bugger do those c**ts (and I label every politician of every party here) fly in first class. I flew to Los Angeles in business class - perfectly fine. Why was that smug pr*ck Shorten in first class at taxpayer expense?? If its standard business practice for corporations to fly business class only - why is it not the same for our politicians..... What are your thoughts regarding Air Force One? That's completely different, we're talking here about the President of the United States. I am talking about run-of-the-mill piss-ant politicians like Shorten who flew in first class on the flight I was on at taxpayer expense. Leaders of the country are different. So I hold the same view on regular politicians in Washington - they shouldn't fly in first class either. I am happy for my taxes to pay for Air Force One - I think it is a necessary aircraft for the leader of the free world and represents America's prestige and power. It speaks without saying anything.

You are so full of sh1t you can not even smell your own stench. The president of the Uass has a fast eroding position in the free world while the Uass continues to ignore all its own standards and treats human rights as something that only stands for them. The Uass is morally corrupt, financially corrupt and socially despised. you have been there far too long and should stay there with your head stuck in the sand with the rest of them. >:( >:(

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Mar 4^th, 2012 at 1:24am:

NorthOfNorth wrote on Mar 3rd, 2012 at 8:00pm: Andrei.Hicks wrote on Mar 3rd, 2012 at 2:50pm: Mate its a fair comment. Why the bugger do those c**ts (and I label every politician of every party here) fly in first class. I flew to Los Angeles in business class - perfectly fine. Why was that smug pr*ck Shorten in first class at taxpayer expense?? If its standard business practice for corporations to fly business class only - why is it not the same for our politicians..... What are your thoughts regarding Air Force One? That's completely different, we're talking here about the President of the United States. I am talking about run-of-the-mill piss-ant politicians like Shorten who flew in first class on the flight I was on at taxpayer expense. Leaders of the country are different. So I hold the same view on regular politicians in Washington - they shouldn't fly in first class either. I am happy for my taxes to pay for Air Force One - I think it is a necessary aircraft for the leader of the free world and represents America's prestige and power. It speaks without saying anything.

I am with you on this one andrei... why do our pollies think they are so important.. who will forget rudd taking 140 people to Copenhagen..must have been the laugh of the day..

we seem to have some obsession with big noting ourselves..

comes from an inferior complex I guess..

convicts and all that...

I wouldnt give most of them the time of day..

yet everywhere they go they want the red carpet treatment

FORMER prime minister Kevin Rudd has set a new international benchmark for travel, clocking up more than $1 million on flights and hotel suites in his first nine months as Foreign Minister.

The documents, released under Freedom of Information, revealed Mr Rudd - who has been pushing for Australia to win a seat on the United Nations Security Council - travels with up to three advisers and staff, first and business class flights, and hotel suites costing up to $2700 a night.

According to departmental records, the total bill for Mr Rudd's travel for the nine months from the August 2010 election to June this year was $1,093,227. That was seven times more than predecessor Stephen Smith, who spent less than $150,000 in his first six months in the job.

Between August 2010 and June 2011, Mr Rudd made 14 trips abroad visiting 41 countries


Mr Rudd's accommodation compares with the $43,000 for former prime minister John Howard's four-night stay at the St Regis Grand Hotel in July 2002.

A spokesman for Mr Rudd said: "It is central to the job of any Foreign Minister to travel to engage with foreign governments in pursuit of Australia's national interests."

Mr Rudd stays at our ambassadors' residences when possible at no cost.


http://www.news.com.au/national/foreign-minister-kevin-rudds-1-million-power-trip/story-e6frfkvr-1226136290779#ixzz1o6UMahZU






UPGRADES - to first class - ARE permissible, in extenuating circumstances, following a set of guidelines set down by the Howard Government

This has been CLEARLY explained, previously, regarding Wayne Swan and staff's EMERGENCY meeting with OECD partners on GFC stimulus strategy

A rare $10,000 upgrade is a PITTANCE - in a TRILLION'S DOLLAR economy

( ... probably close to the BOOZE bill at The Lodge and Kirribilli)

Our pollies should be flying first or business class..what are we a third world country.

The company for whom I work is bigger and arguably more important than the entire country of Australia.

Our corporate travel policy is that we should not fly in anything other than business class for flights over 4 hours in length.

Out of respect for both our employees and also value for money for our shareholders.

There is never any reason for first class v business, I have travelled in both and it is not value for money.

There is no reason ever for politicians to travel in first class.
It wastes our money.

Buzz and other losers who don't pay tax probably don't care but its insulting to those people who do pay.

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Mar 4^th, 2012 at 11:32am:

Buzz and other losers who don't pay tax ...

I've responded to - and debunked - that NONSENSE all I intend to
The TRUTH is "out there"


( ... not that Andrei's RANTS carry much weight, here, or ever DID)

Your contribution is pathetic.


How much flood levy did you pay?

You know that tax you supported then laughed you wouldn't pay it?

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Mar 4^th, 2012 at 11:54am:

How much flood levy did you pay?

It's ok, I'll fill it in for you

$0.00


Here's an interesting one. You've criticised my father for his contribution and dedication to Australia.

How do you think your tax contribution to the country stands up against his???

Maqqa and the congo line are running scared of Labor now. ;D

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Mar 4^th, 2012 at 1:43am:

You are, as "Economy" as I can imagine.

Your a zero who imagines himself a hero. Wrong, dickbreath. Now smack off back to that shithole you live in.

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Mar 4^th, 2012 at 11:54am:

Your contribution is pathetic. How much flood levy did you pay? You know that tax you supported then laughed you wouldn't pay it?

I pay my taxes d1ckhead, and do you think the F/M of this country should travel in bean counter class with hypocrites like you. Butt out of what you don't have the spine to fight for and run back to the Uass.

nairbe wrote on Mar 4^th, 2012 at 3:40pm:

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Mar 4th, 2012 at 11:54am: Your contribution is pathetic. How much flood levy did you pay? You know that tax you supported then laughed you wouldn't pay it? I pay my taxes d1ckhead, and do you think the F/M of this country should travel in bean counter class with hypocrites like you. Butt out of what you don't have the spine to fight for and run back to the Uass.

this is our F/M and they spend most of their time traveling O/S. So yes they deserve and need the first class thanks, morons. Where was the crying when alexander the national embarrassment was traveling around the world.

Your a zero who imagines himself a hero. Wrong, dickbreath. Now smack off back to that shithole you live in.


Don't think Andrei lives in Italy gist. That's about the biggest shithole country I can think of.

blackadder wrote on Mar 4^th, 2012 at 3:44pm:

Your a zero who imagines himself a hero. Wrong, dickbreath. Now smack off back to that shithole you live in. Don't think Andrei lives in Italy gist. That's about the biggest shithole country I can think of.

Yeah but your an airhead without the air. Some people behave stupidly but you have the knack of creating new stupidity from nothing. So it's no surprise that you can't think. Of anything.

Love the wogs, they are always very quick on the front foot but as usual, run behind their mummy's when the going gets tough.

The likelihood of running into the likes of Mario here in business class on a plane are about the same as Gillard winning an election...

Between 0 and none.

blackadder wrote on Mar 4^th, 2012 at 3:44pm:

Your a zero who imagines himself a hero. Wrong, dickbreath. Now smack off back to that shithole you live in. Don't think Andrei lives in Italy gist. That's about the biggest shithole country I can think of.

Greece is on par

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Mar 4^th, 2012 at 4:17pm:

Love the wogs, they are always very quick on the front foot but as usual, run behind their mummy's when the going gets tough. The likelihood of running into the likes of Mario here in business class on a plane are about the same as Gillard winning an election... Between 0 and none.

Going business class arsehole? Good. smack off and stay there.

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Mar 4^th, 2012 at 11:32am:

There is never any reason for first class v business, I have travelled in both and it is not value for money. There is no reason ever for politicians to travel in first class. It wastes our money.

Again... What would be your opinion on the matter if the Federal Government had a contract with the carrier to discount MPs traveling on government business such that the state paid business class prices for first class tickets?

NorthOfNorth wrote on Mar 5^th, 2012 at 7:50am:

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Mar 4th, 2012 at 11:32am: There is never any reason for first class v business, I have travelled in both and it is not value for money. There is no reason ever for politicians to travel in first class. It wastes our money. Again... What would be your opinion on the matter if the Federal Government had a contract with the carrier to discount MPs traveling on government business such that the state paid business class prices for first class tickets?

Then I would be interested to know why they can't get business class tickets at economy class fares.

My flights between Australia and Los Angeles are ridiculously cheap because as a company we spend hundreds of thousands of dollars with Qantas, United, American etc.

There is no reason for first class. None at all.
I have been in first, it is actually harder to work in there than in business.

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Mar 5^th, 2012 at 8:49am:

NorthOfNorth wrote on Mar 5th, 2012 at 7:50am: Andrei.Hicks wrote on Mar 4th, 2012 at 11:32am: There is never any reason for first class v business, I have travelled in both and it is not value for money. There is no reason ever for politicians to travel in first class. It wastes our money. Again... What would be your opinion on the matter if the Federal Government had a contract with the carrier to discount MPs traveling on government business such that the state paid business class prices for first class tickets? Then I would be interested to know why they can't get business class tickets at economy class fares. My flights between Australia and Los Angeles are ridiculously cheap because as a company we spend hundreds of thousands of dollars with Qantas, United, American etc. There is no reason for first class. None at all. I have been in first, it is actually harder to work in there than in business.

Most pollies, business people and VIPs that fly regularly are usually upgraded from business to first class.
On any international flights longer than a few hours you would have top be nuts to travel cattle class if you can afford to fly business.

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Mar 5^th, 2012 at 8:49am:

NorthOfNorth wrote on Mar 5th, 2012 at 7:50am: Andrei.Hicks wrote on Mar 4th, 2012 at 11:32am: There is never any reason for first class v business, I have travelled in both and it is not value for money. There is no reason ever for politicians to travel in first class. It wastes our money. Again... What would be your opinion on the matter if the Federal Government had a contract with the carrier to discount MPs traveling on government business such that the state paid business class prices for first class tickets? Then I would be interested to know why they can't get business class tickets at economy class fares. My flights between Australia and Los Angeles are ridiculously cheap because as a company we spend hundreds of thousands of dollars with Qantas, United, American etc. There is no reason for first class. None at all. I have been in first, it is actually harder to work in there than in business.

You're moving the goalposts now... But anyway... It appears you'd be less miffed if there was a contract in place to lower the costs for MPs traveling on government business to travel in business or first class.

NorthOfNorth wrote on Mar 5^th, 2012 at 9:12am:

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Mar 5th, 2012 at 8:49am: NorthOfNorth wrote on Mar 5th, 2012 at 7:50am: Andrei.Hicks wrote on Mar 4th, 2012 at 11:32am: There is never any reason for first class v business, I have travelled in both and it is not value for money. There is no reason ever for politicians to travel in first class. It wastes our money. Again... What would be your opinion on the matter if the Federal Government had a contract with the carrier to discount MPs traveling on government business such that the state paid business class prices for first class tickets? Then I would be interested to know why they can't get business class tickets at economy class fares. My flights between Australia and Los Angeles are ridiculously cheap because as a company we spend hundreds of thousands of dollars with Qantas, United, American etc. There is no reason for first class. None at all. I have been in first, it is actually harder to work in there than in business. You're moving the goalposts now... But anyway... It appears you'd be less miffed if there was a contract in place to lower the costs for MPs traveling on government business to travel in business or first class.

I would be surprised if they do not get cheaper airfares

adelcrow wrote on Mar 5^th, 2012 at 9:05am:

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Mar 5th, 2012 at 8:49am: NorthOfNorth wrote on Mar 5th, 2012 at 7:50am: Andrei.Hicks wrote on Mar 4th, 2012 at 11:32am: There is never any reason for first class v business, I have travelled in both and it is not value for money. There is no reason ever for politicians to travel in first class. It wastes our money. Again... What would be your opinion on the matter if the Federal Government had a contract with the carrier to discount MPs traveling on government business such that the state paid business class prices for first class tickets? Then I would be interested to know why they can't get business class tickets at economy class fares. My flights between Australia and Los Angeles are ridiculously cheap because as a company we spend hundreds of thousands of dollars with Qantas, United, American etc. There is no reason for first class. None at all. I have been in first, it is actually harder to work in there than in business. Most pollies, business people and VIPs that fly regularly are usually upgraded from business to first class. On any international flights longer than a few hours you would have top be nuts to travel cattle class if you can afford to fly business.

I agree on the economy class.
Most definitely.

I don't agree with our company policy that you have to be "level 20 or above" to fly business class.
I think it should be anyone who flies but thats not really my beef.

Economy is a no-no.
First class is obscene. It's a waste of our taxpayer money.

Why should I fly business working for one of the most successful companies in the world and Shorten - who is flying on OUR MONEY - sits in First Class??????

adelcrow wrote on Mar 5^th, 2012 at 9:15am:

NorthOfNorth wrote on Mar 5th, 2012 at 9:12am: Andrei.Hicks wrote on Mar 5th, 2012 at 8:49am: NorthOfNorth wrote on Mar 5th, 2012 at 7:50am: Andrei.Hicks wrote on Mar 4th, 2012 at 11:32am: There is never any reason for first class v business, I have travelled in both and it is not value for money. There is no reason ever for politicians to travel in first class. It wastes our money. Again... What would be your opinion on the matter if the Federal Government had a contract with the carrier to discount MPs traveling on government business such that the state paid business class prices for first class tickets? Then I would be interested to know why they can't get business class tickets at economy class fares. My flights between Australia and Los Angeles are ridiculously cheap because as a company we spend hundreds of thousands of dollars with Qantas, United, American etc. There is no reason for first class. None at all. I have been in first, it is actually harder to work in there than in business. You're moving the goalposts now... But anyway... It appears you'd be less miffed if there was a contract in place to lower the costs for MPs traveling on government business to travel in business or first class. I would be surprised if they do not get cheaper airfares

They would do.
Qantas charge $12k for business class to London.
When mine was booked by our company it was $5k.

That's not the point. They shouldn't travel FIRST.

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Mar 5^th, 2012 at 9:32am:

adelcrow wrote on Mar 5th, 2012 at 9:15am: NorthOfNorth wrote on Mar 5th, 2012 at 9:12am: Andrei.Hicks wrote on Mar 5th, 2012 at 8:49am: NorthOfNorth wrote on Mar 5th, 2012 at 7:50am: Andrei.Hicks wrote on Mar 4th, 2012 at 11:32am: There is never any reason for first class v business, I have travelled in both and it is not value for money. There is no reason ever for politicians to travel in first class. It wastes our money. Again... What would be your opinion on the matter if the Federal Government had a contract with the carrier to discount MPs traveling on government business such that the state paid business class prices for first class tickets? Then I would be interested to know why they can't get business class tickets at economy class fares. My flights between Australia and Los Angeles are ridiculously cheap because as a company we spend hundreds of thousands of dollars with Qantas, United, American etc. There is no reason for first class. None at all. I have been in first, it is actually harder to work in there than in business. You're moving the goalposts now... But anyway... It appears you'd be less miffed if there was a contract in place to lower the costs for MPs traveling on government business to travel in business or first class. I would be surprised if they do not get cheaper airfares They would do. Qantas charge $12k for business class to London. When mine was booked by our company it was $5k. That's not the point. They shouldn't travel FIRST.

I reckon most of them would get bumped up to first class.

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Mar 5^th, 2012 at 9:32am:

Quote: I would be surprised if they do not get cheaper airfares They would do. Qantas charge $12k for business class to London. When mine was booked by our company it was $5k. That's not the point. They shouldn't travel FIRST.

So your point is not about the money now?

adelcrow wrote on Mar 5^th, 2012 at 9:38am:

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Mar 5th, 2012 at 9:32am: adelcrow wrote on Mar 5th, 2012 at 9:15am: NorthOfNorth wrote on Mar 5th, 2012 at 9:12am: Andrei.Hicks wrote on Mar 5th, 2012 at 8:49am: NorthOfNorth wrote on Mar 5th, 2012 at 7:50am: Andrei.Hicks wrote on Mar 4th, 2012 at 11:32am: There is never any reason for first class v business, I have travelled in both and it is not value for money. There is no reason ever for politicians to travel in first class. It wastes our money. Again... What would be your opinion on the matter if the Federal Government had a contract with the carrier to discount MPs traveling on government business such that the state paid business class prices for first class tickets? Then I would be interested to know why they can't get business class tickets at economy class fares. My flights between Australia and Los Angeles are ridiculously cheap because as a company we spend hundreds of thousands of dollars with Qantas, United, American etc. There is no reason for first class. None at all. I have been in first, it is actually harder to work in there than in business. You're moving the goalposts now... But anyway... It appears you'd be less miffed if there was a contract in place to lower the costs for MPs traveling on government business to travel in business or first class. I would be surprised if they do not get cheaper airfares They would do. Qantas charge $12k for business class to London. When mine was booked by our company it was $5k. That's not the point. They shouldn't travel FIRST. I reckon most of them would get bumped up to first class.

Oh yeah I have no doubt.
I do as well, in fact the trip to Aus last month on the way I was by Qantas from Bus to First.

That's totally different.

Australian public service policy is though that Shorten was travelling in first class based on a flight booked for first class.

If he is upgraded thats all good.
He wasn't.

It's a waste of our money.

NorthOfNorth wrote on Mar 5^th, 2012 at 9:47am:

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Mar 5th, 2012 at 9:32am: Quote: I would be surprised if they do not get cheaper airfares They would do. Qantas charge $12k for business class to London. When mine was booked by our company it was $5k. That's not the point. They shouldn't travel FIRST. So your point is not about the money now?

Yes it is about waste of money.
It wouldn't be $5k for FIRST though would it.

Whilst the charges are cheaper for relationships, it would still be more to book first than business.

Hence it is a waste of money.

There is no justification for flying in first class at all - particularly when you are flying at taxpayer expense.

I looked around the other week when I was in there.
Hardly any of those fkers would have bought their own ticket. It's obscene.

Hey dood s , Bob Carr is going to Hollywood ??  :) :)

Brad Pitt and all those actor pussys will get the cold shoulder , cos there's a new kid in town .  8-) Woo hooo .

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Mar 5^th, 2012 at 10:08am:

NorthOfNorth wrote on Mar 5th, 2012 at 9:47am: Andrei.Hicks wrote on Mar 5th, 2012 at 9:32am: Quote: I would be surprised if they do not get cheaper airfares They would do. Qantas charge $12k for business class to London. When mine was booked by our company it was $5k. That's not the point. They shouldn't travel FIRST. So your point is not about the money now? Yes it is about waste of money. It wouldn't be $5k for FIRST though would it. Whilst the charges are cheaper for relationships, it would still be more to book first than business. Hence it is a waste of money. There is no justification for flying in first class at all - particularly when you are flying at taxpayer expense. I looked around the other week when I was in there. Hardly any of those fkers would have bought their own ticket. It's obscene.

Why don't you obtain, via FOI, details of MPs travelling expenses and details on any extant contracts with carriers.

NorthOfNorth wrote on Mar 5^th, 2012 at 10:19am:

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Mar 5th, 2012 at 10:08am: NorthOfNorth wrote on Mar 5th, 2012 at 9:47am: Andrei.Hicks wrote on Mar 5th, 2012 at 9:32am: Quote: I would be surprised if they do not get cheaper airfares They would do. Qantas charge $12k for business class to London. When mine was booked by our company it was $5k. That's not the point. They shouldn't travel FIRST. So your point is not about the money now? Yes it is about waste of money. It wouldn't be $5k for FIRST though would it. Whilst the charges are cheaper for relationships, it would still be more to book first than business. Hence it is a waste of money. There is no justification for flying in first class at all - particularly when you are flying at taxpayer expense. I looked around the other week when I was in there. Hardly any of those fkers would have bought their own ticket. It's obscene. Why don't you obtain, via FOI, details of MPs travelling expenses and details on any extant contracts with carriers.

To show what?
What we already know?

Ministers travel in first class. It's policy.

I have seen Shorten and Arbib on separate occasions checking into first on flights I have been on going to/from Australia.

If you're upgraded, you don't check in at the First counter.
You check into business and then you are told you've been upgraded.
That's how it works.

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Mar 5^th, 2012 at 10:26am:

To show what? What we already know? Ministers travel in first class. It's policy. I have seen Shorten and Arbib on separate occasions checking into first on flights I have been on going to/from Australia. If you're upgraded, you don't check in at the First counter. You check into business and then you are told you've been upgraded. That's how it works.

To demonstrate the circumstances under which they travel as opposed to taking a guess about them.

You cannot know, by watching them checking in, any conditions under which they travelling.

I suspect you're trying to impress us all with the circumstances of your own travel conditions.

I cannot believe that you, as a taxpayer, have no problem with Ministers travelling at your expense in obscene luxury and in a class which is a no-no for common business practice.

How many times have we seen the public sector the policies they follow which would never happen in the corporate world?

Thomson - withdraw money on a corp card. That's instant dismissal with us. Cash is not audit traceable.

Public sector - 2 hour lunch breaks, first class travel, poor receipt keeping.

They are a disgrace and all on our money.

NorthOfNorth wrote on Mar 5^th, 2012 at 10:29am:

I suspect you're trying to impress us all with the circumstances of your own travel conditions.

Stating that I am not allowed to travel in first?
Yeah sure. That's it.

These guys fly FIRST CLASS that is my point.
On our money.

How can that not annoy you?

I fking hate the public service, I really do.
Losers who can't make it in the real world and who live off our backs, parasites.

NorthOfNorth wrote on Mar 5^th, 2012 at 10:29am:

You cannot know, by watching them checking in, any conditions under which they travelling.

1) It is public record that Ministers can travel in first class.

2) I have observed 2 Ministers checking into first class at the counter in a line different to the rest of us.

Now, really, does it take Albert Einstein to work out what's happening there?
You need a FOI application to know we, the taxpayer, are picking up those parasite's first class travel??

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Mar 5^th, 2012 at 10:34am:

I cannot believe that you, as a taxpayer, have no problem with Ministers travelling at your expense in obscene luxury and in a class which is a no-no for common business practice. How many times have we seen the public sector the policies they follow which would never happen in the corporate world? Thomson - withdraw money on a corp card. That's instant dismissal with us. Cash is not audit traceable. Public sector - 2 hour lunch breaks, first class travel, poor receipt keeping. They are a disgrace and all on our money.

I have experience of financial and audit constraints on government expenses. They are strict and require a much greater degree of accountability from public servants and politicians than those expected of their private sector peers.

NorthOfNorth wrote on Mar 5^th, 2012 at 10:38am:

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Mar 5th, 2012 at 10:34am: I cannot believe that you, as a taxpayer, have no problem with Ministers travelling at your expense in obscene luxury and in a class which is a no-no for common business practice. How many times have we seen the public sector the policies they follow which would never happen in the corporate world? Thomson - withdraw money on a corp card. That's instant dismissal with us. Cash is not audit traceable. Public sector - 2 hour lunch breaks, first class travel, poor receipt keeping. They are a disgrace and all on our money. I have experience of financial and audit constraints on government expenses. They are strict and require a much greater degree of accountability from public servants and politicians than those expected of their private sector peers.

Clearly.
Craig Thomson being a shining light huh?

Cash withdrawals.
Hookers.
Flights for his wife.

Yep, air tight control.

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Mar 5^th, 2012 at 10:40am:

Clearly. Craig Thomson being a shining light huh? Cash withdrawals. Hookers. Flights for his wife. Yep, air tight control.

And the reason you are aware of this is because?

NorthOfNorth wrote on Mar 5^th, 2012 at 10:42am:

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Mar 5th, 2012 at 10:40am: Clearly. Craig Thomson being a shining light huh? Cash withdrawals. Hookers. Flights for his wife. Yep, air tight control. And the reason you are aware of this is because?

You mean about the MP who has not been reprimanded or sacked or faced any action at all for this?

Seriously??

Cash withdrawals on a corp card???
And that's control????

I started off life as an auditor, that's the worst thing knocking around.

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Mar 5^th, 2012 at 10:44am:

NorthOfNorth wrote on Mar 5th, 2012 at 10:42am: Andrei.Hicks wrote on Mar 5th, 2012 at 10:40am: Clearly. Craig Thomson being a shining light huh? Cash withdrawals. Hookers. Flights for his wife. Yep, air tight control. And the reason you are aware of this is because? You mean about the MP who has not been reprimanded or sacked or faced any action at all for this? Seriously?? Cash withdrawals on a corp card??? And that's control???? I started off life as an auditor, that's the worst thing knocking around.

Well, let's see how it all pans out for Thomson...

As for travel conditions for MPs... A FOI request would help reveal the facts of the matter as opposed to biased 'gut feelings'.

You use the language of 'obscene', 'disgrace' & etc... You're clearly charged up about this (pardon the pun)... So what's a few bucks for a FOI application to obtain details of MPs' travel conditions?

NorthOfNorth wrote on Mar 5^th, 2012 at 10:55am:

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Mar 5th, 2012 at 10:44am: NorthOfNorth wrote on Mar 5th, 2012 at 10:42am: Andrei.Hicks wrote on Mar 5th, 2012 at 10:40am: Clearly. Craig Thomson being a shining light huh? Cash withdrawals. Hookers. Flights for his wife. Yep, air tight control. And the reason you are aware of this is because? You mean about the MP who has not been reprimanded or sacked or faced any action at all for this? Seriously?? Cash withdrawals on a corp card??? And that's control???? I started off life as an auditor, that's the worst thing knocking around. Well, let's see how it all pans out for Thomson... As for travel conditions for MPs... A FOI request would help reveal the facts of the matter as opposed to biased 'gut feelings'. You use the language of 'obscene', 'disgrace' & etc... You're clearly charged up about this (pardon the pun)... So what's a few bucks for a FOI application to obtain details of MPs' travel conditions?

You'll see I show no bias in this.
One of my first posts on this thread stated I am referring to all politicians of both sides.

My views on the spending habits and control (or lack of) with the public sector shows no political bias.

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Mar 5^th, 2012 at 11:01am:

You'll see I show no bias in this. One of my first posts on this thread stated I am referring to all politicians of both sides. My views on the spending habits and control (or lack of) with the public sector shows no political bias.

You assume I'm referring to political bias.

NorthOfNorth wrote on Mar 5^th, 2012 at 11:03am:

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Mar 5th, 2012 at 11:01am: You'll see I show no bias in this. One of my first posts on this thread stated I am referring to all politicians of both sides. My views on the spending habits and control (or lack of) with the public sector shows no political bias. You assume I'm referring to political bias.

I did yes.
To what bias are you referring?

Do I think the public sector are lazy arseholes?
Yes.

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Mar 5^th, 2012 at 11:36am:

NorthOfNorth wrote on Mar 5th, 2012 at 11:03am: Andrei.Hicks wrote on Mar 5th, 2012 at 11:01am: You'll see I show no bias in this. One of my first posts on this thread stated I am referring to all politicians of both sides. My views on the spending habits and control (or lack of) with the public sector shows no political bias. You assume I'm referring to political bias. I did yes. To what bias are you referring? Do I think the public sector are lazy arseholes? Yes.

QED

The bias is intrinsically true though.

I know enough people who have worked or do work in the public sector to know its true.

Making budget is not ever considered.

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Mar 5^th, 2012 at 11:58am:

The bias is intrinsically true though. I know enough people who have worked or do work in the public sector to know its true. Making budget is not ever considered.

Your 'bias is intrinsically true'... Well, you would say that, wouldn't you... Do you know any biased people who would claim any other? If they did, they would by that be acknowledging their bias towards a desired (as opposed to necessarily actual) scenario which would be an admission that their bias could be unjustified.

Making budget is not ever considered? Really? And you know this... How?

You know enough people who have worked or do work in the public sector? How many, in your opinion, is 'enough people'? 2, 5, 8?

Maqqa wrote on Mar 3^rd, 2012 at 2:39pm:

http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/-/newshome/13076929/carr-hits-the-ground-running/ Incoming Foreign Minister Bob Carr has hit the ground running, already speaking with his world counterparts and drawing up plans for his first overseas trip. Prime Minister Julia Gillard appointed the former NSW premier on Friday to replace Kevin Rudd, who quit the coveted job to challenge her for the Labor leadership late last month. Mr Carr will take up the job after filling the Senate vacancy left by Mark Arbib in the coming weeks. But he's not waiting to be sworn in before getting stuck into the job he's wanted for more than three decades. Mr Carr on Saturday said he had already spoken with some of his foreign minister colleagues around the world, including UK Foreign Secretary William Hague. Mr Hague tweeted: "Had a very good talk with my new Australian counterpart Bob Carr this morning. I know he will be an excellent colleague." Mr Carr said he planned to make his first overseas visit to New Zealand to discuss the South Pacific. "Even while I'm foreign minister-designate I'd look to shoot across there to pay them the courtesy of some consultation, given their expert feel for the politics of the South Pacific," Mr Carr told ABC Radio. Mr Carr conceded that the week of speculation and confusion that preceded his eventual appointment had been messy. "But in the end the prime minister cut through," he said. "Ministerial reshuffles are often untidy and brutal affairs." Mr Carr repeated that he would continue to pursue Australia's costly bid for a temporary seat on the United Nations Security Council. "We've got a strong case and given the expansion of Australia's foreign policy interests and horizons that took place very notably under Kevin Rudd ... it's got to be said that the security council is very important to us," he said. Mr Carr described Australia's alliance with the US as a security "bedrock" and said Australia was now taken more seriously in Washington than it had been in a long time. Mr Carr described himself as a foreign policy realist, a term most commonly used to describe theorists who place national self-interests above ideological or moral motivations.

I am trying to look for the words "first class tickets" or even "business class" in the article reference and link, Couldn't find it

Missing link

Just like the author of this thread