Senate crossbencher Lucy Gichuhi joins the Turnbull government in shock numbers manoeuvre

Former Family First senator Lucy Gichuhi has defected from the crossbench to join Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's government.

The Kenyan-born lawyer had been voting as an independent following the dissolution of her previous party but will now sit as a fully-fledged Liberal Party senator for South Australia.
http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/senate-crossbencher-lucy-gichuhi-joins-the-turnbull-government-in-shock-numbers-manoeuvre-20180202-p4yzak.html

Well done, Mal   :)

:)

---

The sheriff is near!

Have sent this email to her under the title 'Your decision.'


Quote:

Yours to make and mine to condemn.  I am a retired Queensland lawyer so I will have no influence over your future.  However, I am appalled to see you aligning yourself with a mob who could not care less about dealing with refugees/asylum seekers equitably and who go out of their way to shaft them as has now been disclosed and confirmed in the ABC's 'Cabinet Files' story. Cheers.

We expected that those "independents" are just libs in disguise which is why they vote with coalition with the occasional "no" to confuse voters.

Aussie wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2018 at 8:02pm:

Have sent this email to her under the title 'Your decision.' Quote: Yours to make and mine to condemn.  I am a retired Queensland lawyer so I will have no influence over your future.  However, I am appalled to see you aligning yourself with a mob who could not care less about dealing with refugees/asylum seekers equitably and who go out of their way to shaft them as has now been disclosed and confirmed in the ABC's 'Cabinet Files' story. Cheers.

Lawl.


Despite having grown up in rural Kenya, Gichuhi says that the concept of poverty never entered her mind, and she is firmly against government handouts as she believes "they create victims and nobody wins".[2] She said her Christian faith was the backbone of her political beliefs, but strongly supports freedom of religion.[2]

Gordon wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2018 at 9:43pm:

Aussie wrote on Feb 2nd, 2018 at 8:02pm: Have sent this email to her under the title 'Your decision.' Quote: Yours to make and mine to condemn.  I am a retired Queensland lawyer so I will have no influence over your future.  However, I am appalled to see you aligning yourself with a mob who could not care less about dealing with refugees/asylum seekers equitably and who go out of their way to shaft them as has now been disclosed and confirmed in the ABC's 'Cabinet Files' story. Cheers. Lawl. Despite having grown up in rural Kenya, Gichuhi says that the concept of poverty never entered her mind, and she is firmly against government handouts as she believes "they create victims and nobody wins".[2] She said her Christian faith was the backbone of her political beliefs, but strongly supports freedom of religion.[2]

I'd bet she didn't get where she is without a few handouts.

stunspore wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2018 at 9:20pm:

We expected that those "independents" are just libs in disguise which is why they vote with coalition with the occasional "no" to confuse voters.

Do you mean kind of like the Greens and Oakeshott and Windsor being labs in disguise?

Gordon wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2018 at 9:43pm:

Aussie wrote on Feb 2nd, 2018 at 8:02pm: Have sent this email to her under the title 'Your decision.' Quote: Yours to make and mine to condemn.  I am a retired Queensland lawyer so I will have no influence over your future.  However, I am appalled to see you aligning yourself with a mob who could not care less about dealing with refugees/asylum seekers equitably and who go out of their way to shaft them as has now been disclosed and confirmed in the ABC's 'Cabinet Files' story. Cheers. Lawl. Despite having grown up in rural Kenya, Gichuhi says that the concept of poverty never entered her mind, and she is firmly against government handouts as she believes "they create victims and nobody wins".[2] She said her Christian faith was the backbone of her political beliefs, but strongly supports freedom of religion.[2]

The left hates it when anyone who isn't a minority or female disagrees with their point of view. Look at the disgusting vitriol levelled against great Australians like Jacinta Price and Warren Mundine.

She doesn't like handouts. So why is she now a member of the liberal party.

Stupid, stupid woman.

crocodile wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2018 at 10:57pm:

She doesn't like handouts. So why is she now a member of the liberal party.

I wonder if she prays to her god for handouts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tGuJ34062s

They're all poor man's libtards in senate anyway

matty wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2018 at 10:51pm:

stunspore wrote on Feb 2nd, 2018 at 9:20pm: We expected that those "independents" are just libs in disguise which is why they vote with coalition with the occasional "no" to confuse voters. Do you mean kind of like the Greens and Oakeshott and Windsor being labs in disguise?

Greens aren't labs. 

greggerypeccary wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2018 at 11:01pm:

Stupid, stupid woman.

She may lack any principles, but she is hardly stupid; rather very cunning.

she probably won't get re-elected.

stunspore wrote on Feb 3^rd, 2018 at 9:59am:

matty wrote on Feb 2nd, 2018 at 10:51pm: stunspore wrote on Feb 2nd, 2018 at 9:20pm: We expected that those "independents" are just libs in disguise which is why they vote with coalition with the occasional "no" to confuse voters. Do you mean kind of like the Greens and Oakeshott and Windsor being labs in disguise? Greens aren't labs.

More like labor's "labrats". ;)

stunspore wrote on Feb 3^rd, 2018 at 9:59am:

matty wrote on Feb 2nd, 2018 at 10:51pm: stunspore wrote on Feb 2nd, 2018 at 9:20pm: We expected that those "independents" are just libs in disguise which is why they vote with coalition with the occasional "no" to confuse voters. Do you mean kind of like the Greens and Oakeshott and Windsor being labs in disguise? Greens aren't labs.

Huh? I meant how they pretty much voted with Labor all the time.

Where are you cods?

Shouldnt be allowed!  ;D ;D ;D

Redmond Neck wrote on Feb 4^th, 2018 at 4:00pm:

Where are you cods? Shouldnt be allowed!  ;D ;D ;D

She is still tossing Teddy.

Redmond Neck wrote on Feb 4^th, 2018 at 4:00pm:

Where are you cods? Shouldnt be allowed!  ;D ;D ;D

;D ;D ;D where is that old bag of wind anyway ?

Its time wrote on Feb 4^th, 2018 at 4:03pm:

Redmond Neck wrote on Feb 4th, 2018 at 4:00pm: Where are you cods? Shouldnt be allowed!  ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D where is that old bag of wind anyway ?

As I said.....tossing Teddy.

https://m.popkey.co/7111d7/vz9RY.gif

Gee, you can tell the Welfare Dependent Lefties are shocked and horrified as they see the tide turning to sweep Mal to a victory at the election.

This BOOSTS the Lib Senate Voting Power to 30 and eliminates one feral obstruction in the Senate!!!!

The Good Lady has SEEN THE LIGHT and has experienced a Godlike transformation away from the DARK SIDE where the Lefties lurk.

Is this Divine Intervention or what? Has the hand of God reached down and turned the good lady to face the light on the hill ?

God looks after those on the LIGHT SIDE and condemns those on the DARK SIDE where the Lefties lurk.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HQrZw-NMhTk/Uj4RgE1ImfI/AAAAAAAAAMU/3f_CD0vL1PM/s640/Arunachala.jpg



Kenyan-born crossbench senator Lucy Gichuhi joins Liberal Party in surprise move
Henry Belot 9:03am, Feb 3, 2018 Updated: 2:21pm, Feb 3

https://1v1d1e1lmiki1lgcvx32p49h8fe-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/lucy-gichuhi-960x540.jpg
Senator Gichuhi says she is a 'liberal at the core' and values 'freedom, choice and religion'. Photo: AAP

Crossbench senator Lucy Gichuhi has defected to the Liberal Party in a move that will boost the Federal Government’s fortunes in the Senate, restoring its voting bloc to 30.

Senator Gichuhi has a history of voting with the Coalition in the Senate, although her move reduced the number of crossbenchers the Government needs to negotiate with during tight votes.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announced the surprise move on social media, and praised the former Family First and independent senator as an inspirational figure.

“Those values — freedom, enterprise, getting ahead, opportunity — they are liberal values and you embody them,” he said.

Mr Turnbull described the Kenyan-born senator as an “inspiration”.

“Her story is a remarkable tale of perseverance, selfless sacrifice for family and achievement over adversity,” he said in a statement.

“She chose to come to Australia because she knew it was the best country in the world to realise her dream, and now she is in the Australian Senate working to ensure that Australia remains a land of opportunity.

“She is a true Australian success story and we are honoured that she has chosen to join the Liberal Party.”

Senator Gichuhi said she was a liberal at the core and valued “freedom, conscience, choice and religion”.

“I didn’t discover that until I did my maiden speech and I thought, wow, I can’t believe how liberal I am at the core,” she said.

“And I think that really enables me to serve South Australians.”

She said that after witnessing the strengths and weaknesses of every political party, she chose the one closest to her own values.

“The process has led me to the conclusion that the Liberal Party is the closest in its core foundational values and principles to those that I aspire to in my own life,” she said.

Senator Gichuhi replaced former Family First leader Bob Day in Federal Parliament, following his resignation in November 2016.

She has been voting as an independent senator since Family First was absorbed into former Liberal senator Cory Bernardi’s new party, Australian Conservatives.

While Family First’s two South Australia politicians joined Senator Bernardi’s team, Senator Gichuhi decided to remain as an independent.

Her defection to the Liberal Party restores the Coalition’s numbers in the Upper House after Senator Bernardi’s defection.

It is welcome news for the Turnbull Government before the return of Federal Parliament on Monday.

https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/national/2018/02/03/kenyan-born-cross-bench-senator-lucy-gichuhi-joins-liberal-party/

... dear o dear o dear ... here we go with identity politics again, with everyone in parliament treading on eggshells not to appear racist at anything she says.

PC will now slip into high gear.

LH I reckon you might discover that this Lady led by God is no politically correct dumbo but an experienced realist who has been there and done that.

Have a squiz at this to be convinced.

https://www.sbs.com.au/news/australian-success-story-pm-welcomes-gichuhi-to-liberals



http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/h/0/s/t/r/s/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.p4yzak.png/1517614627415.jpg
No wonder Mal is smiling all the way to winning the election as little drogger Bull S. slides downhill faster than an Olympic skier.



VIDEO: Beaming Mal's warm welcome to the Lady led by God to Salvation

Lord Herbert wrote on Feb 4^th, 2018 at 5:26pm:

... dear o dear o dear ... here we go with identity politics again, with everyone in parliament treading on eggshells not to appear racist at anything she says. PC will now slip into high gear.

Racist?

What are you talking about?

Aussie wrote on Feb 4^th, 2018 at 4:16pm:

Its time wrote on Feb 4th, 2018 at 4:03pm: Redmond Neck wrote on Feb 4th, 2018 at 4:00pm: Where are you cods? Shouldnt be allowed!  ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D where is that old bag of wind anyway ? As I said.....tossing Teddy. https://m.popkey.co/7111d7/vz9RY.gif

;D

the gecko troll is still on another planet without the vaguest clue what is going on - just wants attention.

And LW is barracking for the Libs to win in Taswegia.

juliar wrote on Feb 4^th, 2018 at 6:04pm:

the gecko troll is still on another planet without the vaguest clue what is going on - just wants attention. And LW is barracking for the Libs to win in Taswegia.

Why did you say this, Herbie?

"... dear o dear o dear ... here we go with identity politics again, with everyone in parliament treading on eggshells not to appear racist at anything she says."

Thank the Heavens Above she is NOT GAY!!!!!




Uhuru meets Kenyan-born Australian Senator Gichuhi
January 16, 2018 (3 weeks ago) 3:26 pm

https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/news/files/2018/01/UHURU-GICHUHI-STATE-HOUSE.jpg
The Kenyan-born Australian Senator was accompanied by her husband William Gichuhi and daughter Agnes/PSCU

By PSCU, NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 16 – President Uhuru Kenyatta Tuesday met Kenyan-born Australian Senator Lucy Gichuhi and urged her to use her position to boost bilateral ties between Kenya and Australia.

During the meeting with the Senator who paid him a courtesy call at State House, Nairobi, President Kenyatta said he was particularly keen to see a regular exchange programme that would facilitate sharing of ideas between Kenyan and Australian people.

“I am keen to see the young people learn from each other through these exchange programmes,” President Kenyatta said.

The Head of State said the exchange of ideas should also apply at the professional and cultural levels among other areas of mutual benefit.

The President said Kenya could learn a lot from Australia which has been a democracy for 200 years.

He congratulated Senator Gichuhi on her election to Australia’s federal Parliament, saying it was no mean achievement.

The Kenya-born Senator commended Kenya, saying last year’s election process was a major milestone in terms of entrenching democracy.

She supported President Kenyatta’s position on the exchange programme, noting that she got into politics through internship.

“I joined politics through an internship programme and I would want young Kenyans to learn through the exchange programmes,” Senator Gichuhi said.

She said there was also room for Australians to learn from Kenya’s way of life renowned for its hospitality, friendship and openness.

The Kenyan-born Australian Senator was accompanied by her husband William Gichuhi and daughter Agnes.
The meeting was also attended by Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed, Principal Secretary Monica Juma and Kenya’s High Commissioner to Australia, Amb. Isaiya Kabira.

https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/news/2018/01/uhuru-meets-kenyan-born-australian-senator-gichuhi/

Landsakes alive!!! The gecko troll has been Xed out!!!!



Quote:

Why did you say this, Herbie? "... dear o dear o dear ... here we go with identity politics again, with everyone in parliament treading on eggshells not to appear racist at anything she says."

https://s.yimg.com/ea/img/-/180203/5a74c86ac68f9_630x354_2284333.png
Lady joins the strength with Malcolm.


And here she goes back to her roots in the old country.  She is a Christian too.  See lovely video and her home village.

She really shames the Malingering Welfare Dependent Lefties in the video.

Bet she has a really low opinion of the old burnt out union brown noser Bull S.  Don't think she would have much time for the political Correctness crap.


Be inspired when you have a look at this.

https://www.sbs.com.au/news/australia-s-first-black-african-senator-lucy-gichuhi-returns-to-her-childhood-home

juliar wrote on Feb 4^th, 2018 at 6:13pm:

Thank the Heavens Above she is NOT GAY!!!!! Uhuru meets Kenyan-born Australian Senator Gichuhi January 16, 2018 (3 weeks ago) 3:26 pm https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/news/files/2018/01/UHURU-GICHUHI-STATE-HOUSE.jpg The Kenyan-born Australian Senator was accompanied by her husband William Gichuhi and daughter Agnes/PSCU By PSCU, NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 16 – President Uhuru Kenyatta Tuesday met Kenyan-born Australian Senator Lucy Gichuhi and urged her to use her position to boost bilateral ties between Kenya and Australia. During the meeting with the Senator who paid him a courtesy call at State House, Nairobi, President Kenyatta said he was particularly keen to see a regular exchange programme that would facilitate sharing of ideas between Kenyan and Australian people. “I am keen to see the young people learn from each other through these exchange programmes,” President Kenyatta said. The Head of State said the exchange of ideas should also apply at the professional and cultural levels among other areas of mutual benefit. The President said Kenya could learn a lot from Australia which has been a democracy for 200 years. He congratulated Senator Gichuhi on her election to Australia’s federal Parliament, saying it was no mean achievement. The Kenya-born Senator commended Kenya, saying last year’s election process was a major milestone in terms of entrenching democracy. She supported President Kenyatta’s position on the exchange programme, noting that she got into politics through internship. “I joined politics through an internship programme and I would want young Kenyans to learn through the exchange programmes,” Senator Gichuhi said. She said there was also room for Australians to learn from Kenya’s way of life renowned for its hospitality, friendship and openness. The Kenyan-born Australian Senator was accompanied by her husband William Gichuhi and daughter Agnes. The meeting was also attended by Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed, Principal Secretary Monica Juma and Kenya’s High Commissioner to Australia, Amb. Isaiya Kabira. https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/news/2018/01/uhuru-meets-kenyan-born-australian-senator-gichuhi/

Why did you say this, Herbie?

"... dear o dear o dear ... here we go with identity politics again, with everyone in parliament treading on eggshells not to appear racist at anything she says."

Now that Liberal have gone black, will they go back?

Gordon wrote on Feb 4^th, 2018 at 7:05pm:

Now that Liberal have gone black, will they go back?

What do you mean, "now"?

Gosh the dumb gecko troll is Xed out again.   Gecko troll how do you do it ?



Quote:

Why did you say this, Herbie? "... dear o dear o dear ... here we go with identity politics again, with everyone in parliament treading on eggshells not to appear racist at anything she says." Gordon wrote Today at 7:05pm: Now that Liberal have gone black, will they go back? What do you mean, "now"?

Heavens why does the dunm gecko troll who is trying to get attention keep getting Xed out ?  Gecko troll how do you do it ?



greggerypeccary wrote on Feb 4^th, 2018 at 7:09pm:

Gordon wrote on Feb 4th, 2018 at 7:05pm: Now that Liberal have gone black, will they go back? What do you mean, "now"?

greggerypeccary wrote on Feb 4^th, 2018 at 7:09pm:

Gordon wrote on Feb 4th, 2018 at 7:05pm: Now that Liberal have gone black, will they go back? What do you mean, "now"?

Gordon?

Gordon,

it is appropriate now the Libs are getting the economy back in the black again after Labor nearly wiped Australia off the map permanently.


And the dumb gecko troll is Xed out again.


Quote:

greggerypeccary wrote Today at 7:09pm: Gordon wrote Today at 7:05pm: Now that Liberal have gone black, will they go back? What do you mean, "now"? Gordon?

juliar wrote on Feb 4^th, 2018 at 7:17pm:

Gordon, it is appropriate now the Libs are getting the economy back in the black again after Labor nearly wiped Australia off the map permanently. And the dumb gecko troll is Xed out again. Quote: [s]greggerypeccary wrote Today at 7:09pm: Gordon wrote Today at 7:05pm: Now that Liberal have gone black, will they go back? What do you mean, "now"? Gordon?[/s]

Why did you say this, Herbie?

"... dear o dear o dear ... here we go with identity politics again, with everyone in parliament treading on eggshells not to appear racist at anything she says."

And the dumb gecko troll is Xed out again.


greggerypeccary wrote on Feb 4^th, 2018 at 7:17pm:

greggerypeccary wrote on Feb 4th, 2018 at 7:09pm: Gordon wrote on Feb 4th, 2018 at 7:05pm: Now that Liberal have gone black, will they go back? What do you mean, "now"? Gordon? Re: New senator joins Liberal Reply #40 - Today at 7:20pm Quote  juliar wrote Today at 7:17pm: Gordon, it is appropriate now the Libs are getting the economy back in the black again after Labor nearly wiped Australia off the map permanently. [s]greggerypeccary wrote Today at 7:09pm: Gordon wrote Today at 7:05pm: Now that Liberal have gone black, will they go back? What do you mean, "now"? Gordon? Why did you say this, Herbie? "... dear o dear o dear ... here we go with identity politics again, with everyone in parliament treading on eggshells not to appear racist at anything she says."[/s]

juliar wrote on Feb 4^th, 2018 at 7:20pm:

greggerypeccary wrote on Feb 4th, 2018 at 7:17pm: greggerypeccary wrote on Feb 4th, 2018 at 7:09pm: Gordon wrote on Feb 4th, 2018 at 7:05pm: Now that Liberal have gone black, will they go back? What do you mean, "now"? Gordon?

Why did you say this, Herbie?

"... dear o dear o dear ... here we go with identity politics again, with everyone in parliament treading on eggshells not to appear racist at anything she says."

The dumb gecko troll doesn't know whether he is coming or going.


Quote:

greggerypeccary wrote Today at 7:17pm: greggerypeccary wrote Today at 7:09pm: Gordon wrote Today at 7:05pm: Now that Liberal have gone black, will they go back? What do you mean, "now"? Gordon? Why did you say this, Herbie? "... dear o dear o dear ... here we go with identity politics again, with everyone in parliament treading on eggshells not to appear racist at anything she says."

Gordon wrote on Feb 4^th, 2018 at 7:05pm:

Now that Liberal have gone black, will they go back?

Next they'll want a hijab-wearer sitting in their ranks.

Identity politics.

Got to please The Communities to get their votes.

Lord Herbert wrote on Feb 4^th, 2018 at 7:34pm:

Gordon wrote on Feb 4th, 2018 at 7:05pm: Now that Liberal have gone black, will they go back? Next they'll want a hijab-wearer sitting in their ranks. Identity politics. Got to please The Communities to get their votes.

If they take on an old racist codger who gets off by pissing on chickens, would that get your vote?

Family First were always just like a Liberal sub branch.

Not a real surprise but disappointing anyway to see one more on the nasty low life side of politics.

Gosh the dumb gecko troll is Xed out again.   Gecko troll how do you do it ?



Quote:

Lord Herbert wrote Today at 7:34pm: Gordon wrote Today at 7:05pm: Now that Liberal have gone black, will they go back? Next they'll want a hijab-wearer sitting in their ranks. Identity politics. Got to please The Communities to get their votes. If they take on an old racist codger who gets off by pissing on chickens, would that get your vote?

DNA,

get used to it Mal is a certainty now to win the election.

Dnarever wrote on Feb 4^th, 2018 at 7:49pm:

Family First were always just like a Liberal sub branch. Not a real surprise but disappointing anyway to see one more on the nasty low life side of politics.

'The low life side of politics' is redundant because it applies to both Labor and Liberal. Don't even try to tell me that one is worse or better than the other. Labor is full of useless Union hacks and Liberals useless former staffers, never done a real day's work in their life. Of course you have exceptions lik Mike Kelly (Labor) and Jim Molan (Liberal) but unfortunately they're the exception, not the rule.

juliar wrote on Feb 4^th, 2018 at 7:53pm:

DNA, get used to it Mal is a certainty now to win the election.

Sorry juliar, as rare as it is he won't. Conservatives who are not rusted on have wasked away and are not returning. The Liberals need to put in a good and strong real conservative like Abbott or Dutton to have any chance.

matty wrote on Feb 4^th, 2018 at 9:55pm:

Dnarever wrote on Feb 4th, 2018 at 7:49pm: Family First were always just like a Liberal sub branch. Not a real surprise but disappointing anyway to see one more on the nasty low life side of politics. 'The low life side of politics' is redundant because it applies to both Labor and Liberal. Don't even try to tell me that one is worse or better than the other. Labor is full of useless Union hacks and Liberals useless former staffers, never done a real day's work in their life. Of course you have exceptions lik Mike Kelly (Labor) and Jim Molan (Liberal) but unfortunately they're the exception, not the rule.

Yes many of them are career politicians. There are often a lot of lawyers on both sides and as with Gillard they often have bad form for something.

Unfortunately the only real qualification for politics is a campaign budget via a party the bigger the party the bigger the budget. In a marginal seat it can easily cost hundreds of thousands to win just to run you need a big deposit which you only get back after enough votes (to stop everybody running).

matty wrote on Feb 4^th, 2018 at 9:59pm:

juliar wrote on Feb 4th, 2018 at 7:53pm: DNA, get used to it Mal is a certainty now to win the election. Sorry juliar, as rare as it is he won't. Conservatives who are not rusted on have wasked away and are not returning. The Liberals need to put in a good and strong real conservative like Abbott or Dutton to have any chance.

Never understood the fascination with Turnbull, like Rudd he is a hobby politician pretty much bought his way into the job from what I can see. As a public speaker he looks nervous and a bumbler especially when Julia Bishop is around and on policy he is on a very short leash ........ BS Shorten in many ways is very similar except the union paid his way.

matty wrote on Feb 4^th, 2018 at 9:59pm:

juliar wrote on Feb 4th, 2018 at 7:53pm: DNA, get used to it Mal is a certainty now to win the election. Sorry juliar, as rare as it is he won't. Conservatives who are not rusted on have wasked away and are not returning. The Liberals need to put in a good and strong real conservative like Abbott or Dutton to have any chance.

Poor DrooLiar , always the last to know , brings a tear to the eye  ;D

It is good to see matty apologizes before he blunders on.

And LW is barracking for the Libs to win in Taswegia.

RightSaidFred wrote on Feb 5^th, 2018 at 6:00am:

matty wrote on Feb 4th, 2018 at 9:55pm: Dnarever wrote on Feb 4th, 2018 at 7:49pm: Family First were always just like a Liberal sub branch. Not a real surprise but disappointing anyway to see one more on the nasty low life side of politics. 'The low life side of politics' is redundant because it applies to both Labor and Liberal. Don't even try to tell me that one is worse or better than the other. Labor is full of useless Union hacks and Liberals useless former staffers, never done a real day's work in their life. Of course you have exceptions lik Mike Kelly (Labor) and Jim Molan (Liberal) but unfortunately they're the exception, not the rule. Yes many of them are career politicians. There are often a lot of lawyers on both sides and as with Gillard they often have bad form for something. Unfortunately the only real qualification for politics is a campaign budget via a party the bigger the party the bigger the budget. In a marginal seat it can easily cost hundreds of thousands to win just to run you need a big deposit which you only get back after enough votes (to stop everybody running).

Good post, spot on. And with those in Labor who are lawyers, they're mostly Union lawyers.

RightSaidFred wrote on Feb 5^th, 2018 at 6:04am:

matty wrote on Feb 4th, 2018 at 9:59pm: juliar wrote on Feb 4th, 2018 at 7:53pm: DNA, get used to it Mal is a certainty now to win the election. Sorry juliar, as rare as it is he won't. Conservatives who are not rusted on have wasked away and are not returning. The Liberals need to put in a good and strong real conservative like Abbott or Dutton to have any chance. Never understood the fascination with Turnbull, like Rudd he is a hobby politician pretty much bought his way into the job from what I can see. As a public speaker he looks nervous and a bumbler especially when Julia Bishop is around and on policy he is on a very short leash ........ BS Shorten in many ways is very similar except the union paid his way.

Exactly. Turnbull is the Liberal Party's Rudd and Bishop is the Liberal's Gillard (minus becoming leader but who knows whether that will change). Abbott doesn't have a Labor counterpart.

juliar wrote on Feb 5^th, 2018 at 9:46am:

It is good to see matty apologizes before he blunders on. And LW is barracking for the Libs to win in Taswegia.

juliar, I don't want a Labor government either (although I don't want this current one either) but the Libs need to stop with the emperor's new clothes mentality.

matty wrote on Feb 5^th, 2018 at 7:57pm:

RightSaidFred wrote on Feb 5th, 2018 at 6:00am: matty wrote on Feb 4th, 2018 at 9:55pm: Dnarever wrote on Feb 4th, 2018 at 7:49pm: Family First were always just like a Liberal sub branch. Not a real surprise but disappointing anyway to see one more on the nasty low life side of politics. 'The low life side of politics' is redundant because it applies to both Labor and Liberal. Don't even try to tell me that one is worse or better than the other. Labor is full of useless Union hacks and Liberals useless former staffers, never done a real day's work in their life. Of course you have exceptions lik Mike Kelly (Labor) and Jim Molan (Liberal) but unfortunately they're the exception, not the rule. Yes many of them are career politicians. There are often a lot of lawyers on both sides and as with Gillard they often have bad form for something. Unfortunately the only real qualification for politics is a campaign budget via a party the bigger the party the bigger the budget. In a marginal seat it can easily cost hundreds of thousands to win just to run you need a big deposit which you only get back after enough votes (to stop everybody running). Good post, spot on. And with those in Labor who are lawyers, they're mostly Union lawyers.

No probs I have views in life and some align with some parties some align with none of them and I usually look for the path of least destruction in elections. Many here are ideological turdbags in one direction or the other.

In business and politics money talks and bs walks .... look after the economy and everything else does not matter. The last time the ALP were in power they did everything but look after the economy. For the ALP everything after that looked like a mistake or incompetence !

stunspore wrote on Feb 4^th, 2018 at 8:52am:

she probably won't get re-elected.

Correct ... she's in the 3-year group for South Australia:

Anne Ruston (Lib)
David Fawcett (Lib)
Lucy Gichuhi (Lib)

Alex Gallacher (Lab)

Skye Kakoschke-Moore (NXT)

Sarah Hanson-Young (Greens)

She would most likely be third on the Liberals' Senate ticket, which would be an unwinnable seat. The Liberals got 32.58% of the primary vote at the last election. That would give 2.28 quotas with six members up for election. That is unlikely to give three seats.

On the other hand, Labor are likely to gain a seat because they would be defending only one seat and they got 27.32% of the vote, or 1.91 quotas. Two seats would be likely, possibly at the expense of Hanson-Young.

If the 2016 election results were repeated, the likely Senate result in South Australia would be: Liberal 2, Labor 2, NXT 2. Gichuhi would lose her seat (as would Hanson-Young). Labor and NXT would gain a seat each.

If there's a swing to Labor, Labor would get two quotas and would have a surplus to distribute to the Greens. If that happened, Hanson Young (Greens) could take the final SA seat if she outpolls the second NXT candidate. If that happened, the results would then be: Liberal 2, Labor 2, NXT 1, Greens 1.

The only other minor party that would have a chance in SA would be Bernardi's Australian Conservatives, but I don't see them getting enough support to take a seat unless they outpolled the Greens and NXT's second candidate.

RightSaidFred wrote on Feb 5^th, 2018 at 6:00am:

matty wrote on Feb 4th, 2018 at 9:55pm: Dnarever wrote on Feb 4th, 2018 at 7:49pm: Family First were always just like a Liberal sub branch. Not a real surprise but disappointing anyway to see one more on the nasty low life side of politics. 'The low life side of politics' is redundant because it applies to both Labor and Liberal. Don't even try to tell me that one is worse or better than the other. Labor is full of useless Union hacks and Liberals useless former staffers, never done a real day's work in their life. Of course you have exceptions lik Mike Kelly (Labor) and Jim Molan (Liberal) but unfortunately they're the exception, not the rule. Yes many of them are career politicians. There are often a lot of lawyers on both sides and as with Gillard they often have bad form for something. Unfortunately the only real qualification for politics is a campaign budget via a party the bigger the party the bigger the budget. In a marginal seat it can easily cost hundreds of thousands to win just to run you need a big deposit which you only get back after enough votes (to stop everybody running).

It's not just the lawyers. Many of the politicians from both major parties are ex-staffers. They have hardly any real-world experience between them.

We have seen a breakout from the duopoly recently and that is good to see. We have had several independents elected in the past 25 years. A good local independent can break the duopoly. We need more of them.

Page flip ...

RightSaidFred wrote on Feb 5^th, 2018 at 8:14pm:

matty wrote on Feb 5th, 2018 at 7:57pm: RightSaidFred wrote on Feb 5th, 2018 at 6:00am: matty wrote on Feb 4th, 2018 at 9:55pm: Dnarever wrote on Feb 4th, 2018 at 7:49pm: Family First were always just like a Liberal sub branch. Not a real surprise but disappointing anyway to see one more on the nasty low life side of politics. 'The low life side of politics' is redundant because it applies to both Labor and Liberal. Don't even try to tell me that one is worse or better than the other. Labor is full of useless Union hacks and Liberals useless former staffers, never done a real day's work in their life. Of course you have exceptions lik Mike Kelly (Labor) and Jim Molan (Liberal) but unfortunately they're the exception, not the rule. Yes many of them are career politicians. There are often a lot of lawyers on both sides and as with Gillard they often have bad form for something. Unfortunately the only real qualification for politics is a campaign budget via a party the bigger the party the bigger the budget. In a marginal seat it can easily cost hundreds of thousands to win just to run you need a big deposit which you only get back after enough votes (to stop everybody running). Good post, spot on. And with those in Labor who are lawyers, they're mostly Union lawyers. No probs I have views in life and some align with some parties some align with none of them and I usually look for the path of least destruction in elections. Many here are ideological turdbags in one direction or the other. In business and politics money talks and bs walks .... look after the economy and everything else does not matter. The last time the ALP were in power they did everything but look after the economy. For the ALP everything after that looked like a mistake or incompetence !

Same, I will just never understand those who blindly follow one party, regardless of what they do and how far they stray from their origin. I used to be a signed-up member of the Liberal party, but I left after they knifed Abbott and I realised what a bunch of hypocritcal self-serving scum they were. It would be a loooong time before I ever voted for either major again. Last election I put both dead last on my senate paper before the greens.

Bam wrote on Feb 5^th, 2018 at 8:18pm:

stunspore wrote on Feb 4th, 2018 at 8:52am: she probably won't get re-elected. Correct ... she's in the 3-year group for South Australia: Anne Ruston (Lib) David Fawcett (Lib) Lucy Gichuhi (Lib) Alex Gallacher (Lab) Skye Kakoschke-Moore (NXT) Sarah Hanson-Young (Greens) She would most likely be third on the Liberals' Senate ticket, which would be an unwinnable seat. The Liberals got 32.58% of the primary vote at the last election. That would give 2.28 quotas with six members up for election. That is unlikely to give three seats. On the other hand, Labor are likely to gain a seat because they would be defending only one seat and they got 27.32% of the vote, or 1.91 quotas. Two seats would be likely, possibly at the expense of Hanson-Young. If the 2016 election results were repeated, the likely Senate result in South Australia would be: Liberal 2, Labor 2, NXT 2. Gichuhi would lose her seat (as would Hanson-Young). Labor and NXT would gain a seat each. If there's a swing to Labor, Labor would get two quotas and would have a surplus to distribute to the Greens. If that happened, Hanson Young (Greens) could take the final SA seat if she outpolls the second NXT candidate. If that happened, the results would then be: Liberal 2, Labor 2, NXT 1, Greens 1. The only other minor party that would have a chance in SA would be Bernardi's Australian Conservatives, but I don't see them getting enough support to take a seat unless they outpolled the Greens and NXT's second candidate.

I think that Cory will almost certainly be re-elected, but not sure whether he has a six or three year term. He was elected a Liberal on a six-year term but not sure how that works since he defected, whether it remains six or becomes three.

I agree that Lucy would be unlikely to be re-elected as I can't see the Libs getting three senators at a half-election. On a different matter I think that it is a bit unfair people having a go at her for becoming a Liberal. I don't like the Libs one bit at the moment but that is besides the point here. Yes I am one of those people who rightly think that it's wrong for someone to be elected under one banner and then join another once elected, and yes that applies to Cory as much as I like him. However with her it is a completely different because she was elected (or rather put in as second place on the ticket) to a party that no longer exists. It is defunct as it merged with the Australian Conervatives. She couldn't be a member of a party that no longer exists so she had to be something.

Bam wrote on Feb 5^th, 2018 at 8:26pm:

RightSaidFred wrote on Feb 5th, 2018 at 6:00am: matty wrote on Feb 4th, 2018 at 9:55pm: Dnarever wrote on Feb 4th, 2018 at 7:49pm: Family First were always just like a Liberal sub branch. Not a real surprise but disappointing anyway to see one more on the nasty low life side of politics. 'The low life side of politics' is redundant because it applies to both Labor and Liberal. Don't even try to tell me that one is worse or better than the other. Labor is full of useless Union hacks and Liberals useless former staffers, never done a real day's work in their life. Of course you have exceptions lik Mike Kelly (Labor) and Jim Molan (Liberal) but unfortunately they're the exception, not the rule. Yes many of them are career politicians. There are often a lot of lawyers on both sides and as with Gillard they often have bad form for something. Unfortunately the only real qualification for politics is a campaign budget via a party the bigger the party the bigger the budget. In a marginal seat it can easily cost hundreds of thousands to win just to run you need a big deposit which you only get back after enough votes (to stop everybody running). It's not just the lawyers. Many of the politicians from both major parties are ex-staffers. They have hardly any real-world experience between them. We have seen a breakout from the duopoly recently and that is good to see. We have had several independents elected in the past 25 years. A good local independent can break the duopoly. We need more of them.

That is what I said and I think that is what Fred meant too, just also that a lot are lawyers.

Both majors take us for mugs and just pre-selecting the same old same old - ex-staffers and in Labor's case Union hacks.

That is the thing, we need more independents but independents who genuinely are independent and don't lean towards one side or another. Love himor hate him Derryn Hinch is probably the only one who is completely unaligned to either major, he looks at each issue on its merit and voted according to his principles and party platform. I wouldn't say that Lambie is a Labor lovey by any stretch but she seems to have it in for the Libs.

matty wrote on Feb 5^th, 2018 at 9:29pm:

I think that Cory will almost certainly be re-elected, but not sure whether he has a six or three year term. He was elected a Liberal on a six-year term but not sure how that works since he defected, whether it remains six or becomes three.

Bernardi has a six-year term because he was placed high on the Liberal ticket. He was in the first six by both the order-elected method and the recount method.

The only way he would have a three-year term would be if the Senate voted to redivide itself. That's highly unlikely and constitutionally dubious.