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I'm intrigued by this circular 'we'll only do an ETS after all our major trading partners have' argument. It's simply illogical. Either an ETS is a good idea, in which case we put one in, or it's not, in which case we don't. If every country said 'an ETS is a good idea, but we'll only put one in when everybody else has' then patently no country would implement one.
It's a nonsense argument put forward by those determined to do nothing (or Direct Action, which is a handy though more expensive synonym).
Don't let the 35 weave and dive,
The sooner you write them a letter the better,
Don't allow our children's future to go to the dogs,
A carbon tax means lots of new jobs,
So give your senator a piece of your mind,
Don't allow a farrago of lies be of like mind.
Milne said that Abbott promised one thing in a meeting then turned the tables on her....seems he has done it to PUP. Can't trust him as far as you could throw him.....what a disgusting slimebag.
"Follow the money "- a betting man once said. What's Big Clive Worth?
Another day another failure another nasty post from EiE.
Read Tony Wright's article folks! A good read.
No surprise în any of this. Abbott was not trusted by previous independents to form minority government. He has no respect for alternative views or ideas and cannot negotiate or compromise. He has already said he will keep pushing his agenda through the Senate. Palmer enjoying being the centre of attention and News Limited has him in their sights.
The best week in politics for quite a while. Yes the Carbon Tax repeal may go through next week but the process has been so humiliating for the gov't in dismantling such a visionary piece of legislation. The price in loss of face they have had to pay they never expected and the gain will be minimal rather than the windfall they predicted.
Gee the Greens are getting miffed. PUP has stolen their thunder by claiming the moral high ground to scream 'it's doomsday unless we save you from it'. Hilarious that the luvvies don't see that in the very near future they'll be lucky to get mentioned in the Gardening section of the newspapers. There's only enough attention span in the electorate for one minor party and it will soon be PUP.
5:16pm. Jacqui Lambie on 3AW. It's almost too much. It's just getting more uproarious by the minute!
My eyes aren't the best and everytime I see Cormann's name in print I first read it as Conman. Given the nature of the FOFA amendments perhaps that's appropriate.
An absolutely shameful day for Australia at the hands of this govt today.....lest we forget.
At this rate the Senate score card will look like Germany V Brazil - with the Govt in Brazilian colours
""You saw chaos and dysfunction".
Pity Mr. Penny Wrong didn't see all that during the 6 years for.
Senate Score Card - Gov 0 - Others 2
Considering the dissapointing yet unsurprising revelations of the behavior of CommBank in recent months can anyone explain why the Gov't is trying to put through these terribly anti-consumer FOFA regulatory changes?
Given the disgraceful behaviour of cubs and thereupon super funds why is there no outcry from Fairfax or the ABC? The CBA things happened 5 years ago and have been investigated and compensation paid but the union controlled super funds have never been held accountable. I suppose they give too much money to labor to be held to account.
Yes - because the Top End of Town want it
Err, GREED.
You have to wonder about the payback from the financial sector. Ripe ground here for Labor to hold a RC into possible corruption. Even being as charitable as I can I can't really think of any other reason.
Large donations?
Abetz: Tone, what'll we do the electorate will want a D.D..
Abbot: "Really, Ekker's, who gives a rat's about the electorate?
Abetz: "Err, I tried warning you, Tone about telling too many porkies. The public can smell blood and it's not Malcolm's.
Abbott: "We stopped the boats didn't we? Anyway, Morrison's due back from his Ark giving expedition, I'll have him say something, that'll divert the unwashed.
Abetz: "I don't know, Tones this carbon tax could see the end of us. Why don't we keep it. Call it Action Direct and stop telling porkies."
Abbott: "You mean renege on, "A great, big new tax," a "Wrecking ball through the economy", "Wipe Whyalla off the map, the price of electricity will go up and up and up and "If the sun doesn't shine and the wind doesn't blow, the power doesn't flow." Have you any idea how hard it was to get 12 million voters to believe that crap?
Abetz: The trouble is Tones they now know it was crap, what are going to do? Palmer has been seen trying your seat in the Green Room, word has it he's asking for an upgrade to throne size.
Abbott: "I'll have a word with Hunt to have him put some climate change on Palmer's coal license that'll give him something to sit on."
Abetz: "We could get Rupert to do a piece on PUP?
Abbott: "I've already seen to it, Uncle Rupert is sending one of his top misinformationists over to orchestrate it. Apparently it's the same guy who sunk Rudd with the headlines, "Kick This Mob Out" and "Australia Deserves Tony".
Abetz: "But, Tone what about the lies?
Abbott: "Don't worry, Betzy we'll simply make up a few more."
absolute Gold....
Thigh slapper Pen. Haven't you got some natural catastrophe to blame on global warming, sorry I forgot. Since it stopped warming the warmers call it climate change. Hey pen it was pretty cold this morning, no doubt a result of climate change.
Surprise rejection or a tactical Abbott blunder? What is beyond me is the masterly but inept tactical blunder by Abbott's government and no doubt with the aid of his expert and well-paid legal advisers to ensure not only that C Palmer did not have the relevant circular for him to make an informed decision at reasonable time but short on technical accuracy as well and of course at the end of the day, the taxpayers have to cop the cost for all Abbott's blunders by having the bills re-introduced again on Monday with all the agreed amendments and a carbon tax repealed but completely overhauled by Mr C Palmer.
Plus any other amendments that Clive introduces in the meantime with a gov't so desperate to get their key bill through that they would agree to anything.
I love this, Abbott and the Libs look like incompetent klutzes with the intent of trying to fool people.
Look like? Nope, succeeded with flying colours!
Yes, they tried the idea that YOU CAN fool the people all the time, and look at 'em now.
Jacqui Lambie owns more than one scarf?
4.08 'Don't mention the war, ummmm whales'.
Hi Gal
Submarine purchase and flying lemons t remind me of that episode of Fawlty Towers, when Basil did his stride. All one can do is laugh at the absurdity.
Someone should advise Tones that any submarine purchased from any other party including Japan is a complete waste of tax payer funds. They would end up like Japanese and German U Boats: on the sea bed with very large holes in them should any future war breakout.
To spend billions of dollars on such antiquated technology as submarines which can be despatched to the sea bed from distance for the cost of $5 million is ludicrous. Indeed any naval vessel would not last five minutes when targeted including aircraft carriers. Conventional warfare has been thoroughly made obsolete by it's complete lack of cost effectiveness.
'Ve now hav the Vonder Veapons', pity you can never answer any questions about your claims Pen.
Like how many subs has your 'flying torpedo' sunk.
Pen, I'd take the 7 aircraft carriers the USA has over your $5m missile any day. What is your modern warfare preferred device, a suicide vest? Fashionable maybe in the deserts of the Middle East but not much use against much else.
You tell me of a military asset and I will tell you what can destroy it at a fraction of the cost of the asset. If you read the tech data on the flying torpedo you will ascertain how it destroys submarines from 30,000 feet.
Palmer has literally stitched up everyone. A bit of payback to the Libs and false hope for the ALP/Greens. Palmer was the man behind the Joh for PM campaign, we remember how that went and the following Royal Commissions. Stay tuned. Palmer has said he wants to be PM, that will be his downfall as well. In the meantime he will keep messing with the heads of the luvvies who think one moment he's with them but then it dawns on them that they have been stitched up better than a Greens or ALP national conference agenda. It's hilarious watching the luvvies run around like chooks without heads. At the end of this Palmer will side more with the Liberals and the luvvies will be left licking their wounds and crying foul to their confused and defeated followers. It's the Shakespearian Theatre with the cheapest tickets in town. Roll up, roll up Clive wants 20% of the National vote and he will get it easily.
The day you say something nice (about anyoe) EiE - I think I'll be shocked :-0
I think the mad right are in for a bigger shock that the luvvies.
E=E, I haven't seen strutting like yours since a couple of pigeons were trying to get it on at the local park this morning. Um, you do realise it's your guys that took PUP and the other new Senators for granted and that's why they're having such a shambles of a day today?
The LNP's bad policy probably will get shoved through next week but no matter how many times you say 'luvvie' it will not change what happened today my squaddie friend.
As usual a concise idiocy by EIE.
Jump, that was a short lived holiday. Pity.
Jofek, repeat after me, 'follow the money' 'follow the money' 'follow the money' - now do you get it?
Another day another failure another nasty post from EiE.
EIE, Do you really think anyone on the left somehow thinks Clive had done a complete spot-changing exercise?
Anyone who is fooled by Clive is, indeed, a fool. At this stage, though, the only fools are the Prime Minister and his high paid help who took Clive and the other cross benchers for granted.
Clive is worrying. But so far he has mostly helped to wind back the savage attack by Abbott and Cormann on the poorest and most vulnerable Australians.
It may well be PUPulous politics - but that does not make it wrong.
Very true, eie. And who's to say that Palmer won't provide for some more last minute theatre next week.
It was interesting watching the initial excitement of the opposition parties today - there were Labor hugs and fist pumps in the Senate - then make way for a harsher reality - they'd been played.
@EiE - Is that you trying to be nice? Shucks.
Sad and tragic, your life must be filled with so much joy. Snort.
I think "appalling" says it all - Tony Truthless has an appalling record as Opposition Leader and an even worse one as PM
I think that at this at this stage Tony Abbott should be worried about what the Australian people have to say about him.
But he's had this feedback all along - through the polls. They DON'T like him (and 'prefer' Shorten - who has done absolutely nothing so far). What sort of message does REALLY that send him?
All those pictures Judith is kindly showing of Coalition members enjoying the passage of the carbon tax repeal bills through the lower house reminds us of the same photos of Gillard getting a kiss from Rudd when the CT was passed.
Weren't there also similar scenes after Swan declared the budget had returned to surplus ?
That is all you have Hacka, looking back!
...... try again Hacka....
Sounds like something straight out of the Media Manual.
Please don't encourage Hacka, his/her ego for recycling idiocies is more than enough to cope with.
Well i did notice some Labor hugging and fist-pumping going on after the Senate voted against the repeal today.
Wonder if we'll see those pictures once the CT has gone ....
The tragedy of Abbott's government is he acts more like a politician than a Prime Minister and when called upon to govern like a Prime Minister, he governs like an opposition leader then when he begins to see the carbon tax not as a left agenda but a PUP deal to make, he ended up double-crossing and renegating on a deal yet still retain his moral ground of accusing those in desperate need as perpetrating a moral blackmail.
Stats-Hellooooo we do have a preferential system of voting-so the Coalition had a majority over the rabble that is currently thwarting its efforts to Govern. Some Senators have scraped in with a fraction of 1% of the primary vote and they are part of the problem. The Labor Government, when last in power lied for all the wrong reasons. If indeed the Coalition has lied it is for good reason-that is to fix up Labors mess. Yes I repeat we should have a Double Dissolution to put an end to this motley Circus that we know as Parliament.
Bart. Rudd was a half trick Pony and Gillard was so bad that a desperate Labor brought the half trick pony back-to no avail. Tony Abbott is still here fighting but Rudd and Gillard have engaged in dummy spitting and have packed it in. Tony Abbott has already shown that he is willing to sacrifice political popularity for the good of the Nation-this is why 'no policies' Bill Shorten is able to take fear mongering pot shots at him.
Stats-Hellooooo we do have a preferential system of voting-so the Coalition had a majority over the rabble that is currently thwarting its efforts to Govern. Some Senators have scraped in with a fraction of 1% of the primary vote and they are part of the problem. The Labor Government, when last in power lied for all the wrong reasons. If indeed the Coalition has lied it is for good reason-that is to fix up Labors mess. Yes I repeat we should have a Double Dissolution to put an end to this motley Circus that we know as Parliament.
Bart. Rudd was a half trick Pony and Gillard was so bad that a desperate Labor brought the half trick pony back-to no avail. Tony Abbott is still here fighting but Rudd and Gillard have engaged in dummy spitting and have packed it in. Tony Abbott has already shown that he is willing to sacrifice political popularity for the good of the Nation-this is why 'no policies' Bill Shorten is able to take fear mongering pot shots at him.
3.38pm: Its Christmas! We got a new senate! Its still wrapped! Its a bicycle! A bicycle! A.........bloody lawnmower.
The government is being caught "on the hop" all over the place. They really are spooked.
3.38pm: last week - *high fives, hugs, back slaps*; today- *nose dives, shrugs, back stabs*. oh, to be a fly on the wall at the strategy postmortem!
Miss Credlin will be so cross. Bet they're all made to stand in the corner and recite slogans.
If only more people could have as much sympathy for the boat people as they have for beached whales.
Yet we proudly call our selves a Christian society.
Just build some facilities in Australia and give Australians jobs helping out.
Yes asylum seekers should be processed on Australian soil. Spend the money locally. However it should be carried out on the basis that they will not be resettled in Aust. If found to be be genuine refugees they will be assisted to find another country to take them. We, in turn, will take genuine refugees from elsewhere for permanent settlement, perhaps on a swap basis. That removes the inhumanity of offshore processing, creates local jobs, and removes Australia as a place of destination.
The new Senate was only installed 10 days ago and already the parliament has descended into chaos. It seems likely that before very much longer that the Rudd/ Gillard years are going to look mild by comparison. However this development is not likely to be recognized any time soon in the Murdoch media so the reality of it might take some time to dawn on the less astute on political right who take their cues from News Limited.
No doubt the Rudd/Gillard (especially the Rudd years) left much to be desired but they will seem to be good years when compared with this secretive Abbott free-market semi-fascist regime.
Clive deserves a well-earned rest after his stint of running the country while Tony has been off with the Japanese Prime Minister looking a really big trucks in WA.
This is what happens when you hand the reigns to the B Team - even the playground kids whould have scored some runs by now. Seems all the Blue Tie Boys are capable of is sprouting a few slogans and answering every question with "Blame Labor". A talentless lot indeed
What a bunch of Wally's on June 26 - how is July 10 looking boyos ??? Crawl back under your rocks
3.07 "Peace"? Bet Errriiccc was busting to turn his hand around.
Mr Abbott seems to have lost none of his negotiating skills in the last 4 years. He couldn't persuade Oakeshot and Windsor and now, 4 years later, when he couldn't persuade the independents to agree with him he just went ahead and ignored/watered down their request. At least h's consistent. Oakeshot and Windsor saw that he was untrustworthy and now Clive's learned the same lesson albeit more spectacularly.
3:38pm, Loving the happy snaps of a jubilant egg before the chicken LNP. Those were the days hey!! All seems so long ago, how many times was this repeal supposed to happen. 10 months in and no slogan has worked yet!
Pride goeth before a fall.
It will be gone next week. Clive is only embarrassing Abbott and prolonging your pain.
10 months in! Gosh, it's almost time to start preparing for the next election.
Let's talk next week and see how smug you're feeling then.
And no LNP pollie seems to have done much work either - they are taking their pay under false pretenses
You really think Daddy Coalbucks isn't eventually going to sign on the dotted line?
You must lead a very sheltered life Pieron
You are right, SteveH. He will eventually sign on the dotted line. But now, all and sundry know that this 'process' (the notion of 'democratic' is a long way off here) - is simply a matter of "deals hastily cobbled together in the corridors".
A rather sad recognition of how our Parliament runs, don't you think?
SteveH, I know it will be gone next week as Clive doesn't want to pay his tax bill (governing for the people our Clive). But I am taking a perverse pleasure in watching the squaddies squirm and how they squirm. Also watching the Abbott government kowtow to Mr Inappropriate is pretty sweet, all in all a good week!
Clive has no intention of being the man who saved the carbon tax. It will be gone next week.
Lazarus is dreaming if he thinks that will happen. Prices always, or should that be ALWAYS, go up. Don't let them fool you.
For goodness sake, now we are getting science lessons from Liberal Senator Ian MacDonald!!! "Once upon a time, the world was covered in ice. Once upon a time, in the centre of Australia, there was a rainforest ... " Yes Ian, we know all that. And what is more, we know WHY these things happened.
Now all you have to do is tell us WHY the planet is warming TODAY!! Seriously!! Any explanation that the world's scientific community has missed??
cee bee ... we have had nearly 17 years of NO rise in global temps.... un and nasa has confirmed this.....
CeeBee, He is mad and throws out the book on Science when it comes to Climate Change.
Science: to misquote your hero...*your science is crap*
SINS - wronnnngggggg...
Climate is changeing, the world is getting warmer, and the Luddites are always with us. NASA _ GISS project, whose data often quoted by denialists/ingnorants, in January 2014:
"NASA scientists say 2013 tied with 2009 and 2006 for the seventh warmest year since 1880, continuing a long-term trend of rising global temperatures.
With the exception of 1998, the 10 warmest years in the 134-year record all have occurred since 2000, with 2010 and 2005 ranking as the warmest years on record.
NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) in New York, which analyzes global surface temperatures on an ongoing basis, released an updated report Tuesday on temperatures around the globe in 2013. The comparison shows how Earth continues to experience temperatures warmer than those measured several decades ago.
The average temperature in 2013 was 58.3 degrees Fahrenheit (14.6 degrees Celsius), which is 1.1 °F (0.6 °C) warmer than the mid-20th century baseline. The average global temperature has risen about 1.4 °F (0.8 °C) since 1880, according to the new analysis. Exact rankings for individual years are sensitive to data inputs and analysis methods.
"Long-term trends in surface temperatures are unusual and 2013 adds to the evidence for ongoing climate change," GISS climatologist Gavin Schmidt said."
Check out the 100 years of temperatures on the ABC site today. Very interesting
2science is not etc. 17 years eh? Gee, that makes the previous centuries of warming all go away. You must be dreamin'
17 years no rise in global temps. Where have Australia's year after year record heatwaves in frequency, duration and temperature been coming from. Don't take what people tell you as fact. Learn to discover the facts for yourself. We now have a tool called the I N T E R N E T and Google. All the facts are available for free.
Really now explain why 70% of the world is suffering increase temperatures and so much sea and land ice is melting. oh that is right it isn't, right?
There's always someone who trots out the Monkton "17 years" garbage as though that proves there's no warming. Sorry to prick your bubble, but NASA also concludes that 90% of the warming effect happens in the oceans (a far greater reservoir for heat), and where even modest changes can have catastrophic effects on the food chain, not to mention sea levels through lower-depth ice melt. If the sea dies, so do we. But keep peddling your vast knowledge - it's akin to Barnaby saying Global Warming was proven wrong because Canberra had a frost.
That's a slowdown in the rate of global warming. It didn't say it stopped or went backwards.
From the NASA article: "Long-Term Warming Likely to Be Significant Despite Recent Slowdown"
A new NASA study shows Earth's climate likely will continue to warm during this century on track with previous estimates, despite the recent slowdown in the rate of global warming.
This research hinges on a new and more detailed calculation of the sensitivity of Earth's climate to the factors that cause it to change, such as greenhouse gas emissions. Drew Shindell, a climatologist at NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies in New York, found Earth is likely to experience roughly 20 percent more warming than estimates that were largely based on surface temperature observations during the past 150 years.
2:58pm: Eric reading from Abbott's play book, get asked a question you cannot answer
A) Blame Labor
B) But Labor did it
C) Blame Labor.
At least you have to give to them for consistency!
tell me which bit were they wrong?
Labour did it
Labour was running it
Labour introduced it
Labour bought it.
They were consistent about it simply because it was the truth.
Selling your soul 101:
You would think the adults could come up up with answers rather than childish blame. Do you think they have realised they are in government now?
Every single question that Labor "answered" during their time in power was along the lines of "but Tony Abbott" or "but the Coalition". In fact, Gillard mentioned Abbott about 20 or so times in her 2013 election speech.
Labor have no right to complain.
Selling your soul 101, pity the question had nothing to with anything Labor had done, if I remember correctly it was about an LNP broken promise! Honestly it must be in the blood.
Which labour force? Certainly not the Labor Party. That's pure spin which even the rusted on right are doubting.
Adrian, the adults are in now didn't you get Tony's memo, we are talking about the LNP. Do stop deflecting, I know it is part of the LNP DNA but please man up and take responsibility.
And then there is the LNP response "Well Labor did it as well" or words to that effect (eg blame Labor for reducing the number of public servants but don't blame us if we continue with the same, or similar, theme)..
JohnB, Stop the boats has failed! Move on.
JohnB, Stop the boats has failed! Move on.
Well - that went swimmingly didn't it
Seems like many of our progressive friends, fresh from the glory of a PUP-led defeat of the luddite Abbott government, have awoken from the celebrations to learn that perhaps they were a little in haste.
Next week - on Monday - the amended bills will be presented to the HoR and passed, followed by presentation to the Senate.
Labor and the Greens will kick and scream every step of the way, suggesting filabusters, motions, gag orders, guillotines, debates, committees and any trick in the book they can muster.
But by the end of next week there's a very good chance, that the crazy tax will be gone. Wonder what opposition MP's will tweet then.
that's what you said last week ..
Hmm - perhaps they will remind you that while A Bill was passed it was not THE Bill that Tony Truthless wanted - BTW Hacks - how is the projected Budget bottom line looking at the moment - not quite what you'd hoped for. But then that piece of prose was nver going to come to fruition
probably *damn Abbott and the anti climate change cults* ..... but their spelling is terrible
Not sure what a filabuster is, Hacka. Perhaps something to do with lady's sportswear. Or did you mean filobuster (exploding pastry)? (I may be the least qualified to deride others over typos, but that doesn't stop me.)
In answer to your own rhetorical question, Opposition tweets will probably focus on the chaotic process, questioning why it took so long, and highlighting the dearth of political skill in the upper house government ranks. That terrific photo of Greg's triumphal group hug after it passed the Reps last week may also get a run.
@Hacka, is this a copy and paste from last week, you do appear a bit frayed around the edges lately. Especially as Abbott and Co lurch from one disaster to another. Things seemed so rosy 2 weeks go with high fives and backslapping all around. Another sleepless weekend I dare say for the spin doctors?
what questions will hakka ask? will they lead us to fallacious conclusions? willl they deflect to kites flying if voting doesn't pan the way the PMO predicts? probably ..
Hacka, pleased to see you finally acknowledge the Luddites are indeed that.
As for getting over excited, no. But thanks to PUP we will retain proactive orgs such as ARENA, CEFC et al. Consumers will also have an assurance that they will indeed collect those minimal savings and imposts from the Price on Carbon. Well I guess your Dept is busy in overdrive organising a few dinners and engagements over the weekend. I think you'd have to be blind to think the PoC is saved, but at least there is some saving grace. On the other hand we have just witnessed another trigger.
Bring it on. That Budget is falling short and it's hardly hit the Senate. Any wonder Joe has disappeared from sight.
What's crazy is repealing the tax, keeping the compensation and then paying the polluters to please stop all while screaming about debt and deficit.
That's crazy.
I have no doubt that the carbon price will be eventually voted out, given Palmer's undertakings and the stated views of the cross-benchers in the Senate. But all of us who despaired at the appalling immorality of Abbott in opposition are delighted with the bloody nose that Clive has delivered him.
And, to be fair, Clive has saved the machinery for progressing renewable energy and some of the incentives to go there - which is critically important for the future of this country.
Well Hacka, looks like some of our leftie friends need to remember that old saying, "He who laughs last, laughs longest".
GOWIB - the PUP amendments are legislating what the government wanted anyway - clear consumer benefits - so they haven't really negotiated anything away.
Gigondas - why it will have taken so long is easy - Labor went to the last election claiming to support the repeal of the carbon tax. Terminated, they claimed. As it turns out, they lied.
Hopefully you cleared this with the spin doctor team Hacker. You know how egg has a tendency to stick to faces just ask Tony when you catch up with him.
Hacka - They had to have it repealed to day to do them any good. As it is businesses have to factor in the carbon tax for the next 12 months as required by the Clean Energy Legislation and the associated regulations. As the repeal of the Carbon tax can not be done retrospectively suffice to say that the carbon tax horse has bolted.
I guess it depends how shifty the Liberals are with the legislation. If they continue to put dodgy stuff in there, or try to reneg on agreed amendments, they'll get voted down again.
Re: "In jobs news, Australia's unemployment rate for June has held steady in trend terms at 5.9 per cent."
That is not what the Morgan figures show (see below). One day someone may have the integrity to state the real job figures instead of shuffling number to suit the required outcome. For what possible reason does the Morgan stats need to be misleading, there is no reason, therefore they are not misleading.
Mais51 - odd comment - could you explain the difference to business if it takes a week longer ?
Most businesses will be happy just to be rid of the crazy thing. They've waited ten months now, a few extra days won't hurt.
adrian - too true.
Your are treating the truth as carlessly as Tony. If this was the legislation the Govt wanted then the PUP ammendments would already have been there. And the ALP were abolishing the Carbon Tax too - in favour of a ETS - the LNP are not - hence the NO vote - but again - don't let the truth get in the way of your stories. And you Budget bottom line looks worse every week - well under control - I think not
Hacka - re your reply to Mais51 asking why one week makes a difference.
Can I refer you to the endless verbal hot all this week from your bosses as to why this legislation must be considered and passed as a matter of urgency? It doesn't make a big difference technically, I agree, but the hypocrisy is clear.
And those of us who have had little to smile at for some time can enjoy the huge coating off egg that Abbott will wear on his face until it eventually is passed.
When is Labor going to silence the Abbott government once and for all on the 'fixing the economic mess that Labor left' lie? Like a broken record every single Coalition member trots this phrase out every time they open their mouth and nothing Labor has come up with has successfully counteracted it. Where are their media advisers? what the hell are they being paid for? it's such a nasty, all pervasive lie because it doesn't matter what the question is about, the Coalition always manage to weave those words into their answers. I think Shorten et al think being reasonable will get them somewhere but guess what, bullies only understand bullying, it's the only thing they'll respond to. Better start getting tougher, or be prepared to lose more votes to independents at the next election.
Well - you cant blame Tony Truthless for anything - because that is exactly what he has achieved - nothing
Abbott's achievements:
* Carbon Tax repeal - Fail
* Stop the boats - Fail
* Heinous budget passed through senate - Fail
*Release 200 fully funded policies - Fail.
* Open honest government - Fail
* Keep promises - Fail
I think you can make your own minds up on this governments effectiveness.
This government's effectiveness wasnt helped by the political mess dealt by the minor Parties
Senate we all helped to vote in: Fail
(thanks to the crazy flip-flop now-you-see-it-no-you-dont of the few who is now taking the whole Australia hostage)
Selling your soul 101, the senate is doing exactly what it was voted in to do and that is to stop the Abbott governments stupidity and bad budgets.
Overall gold star - Pass
If no boats in six months, one tragic death in custody and one boat held up due to an injunction is considered a fail, what is thousands of boat people and drownings under Labor considered?
@ selling your soul. Julia Gillard managed to pass her legislation in much more difficult circumstances. I guess its a cad of the professional versus the blundering amateurs.
['The Senate is pure amateur hour...']
So amateur that the electorate voted to impede the rampant extremism of the Tories.
I regret to say I agree with you on this.
On the other hand, it is going to be the best political comedy show since "Yes Minister". And we don't even need to see the "behind the scenes" bit since all the funny parts are out there to show.
Re: "Can the Senator explain why the federal government continues to support the importation of overseas nurses and midwives on 457 working visas" (Glen Lazarus).
Of far more pertinence is the question of why do we have population growth of 1 million every 2.59 years when, " In June 2014 an estimated 1.326 million Australians (10.6% of the workforce) were unemployed. June unemployment is up 0.9% from last month and compared to the same time last year unemployment is also up 0.9%. Analysing long-term trends shows Australian unemployment has risen in June in each of the last four years, and also in five out of the last six years.
The Australian workforce* was 12,508,000 comprising 7,469,000 full-time workers; 3,713,000 part-time workers; and 1,326,000 looking for work.
Among those who were employed 1,188,000 Australians (9.5% of the workforce* - the highest ever recorded) were under-employed, i.e. working part-time and looking for more work. This is up 1.4% from a month ago and up 0.3% compared to the same time a year ago.
In June in total an estimated 2.514 million Australians (20.1% of the workforce) were unemployed or under-employed. This is up 2.3% from May and up 1.2% higher than in June 2013" (Roy Morgan).
ross garnaut said it. we are well and truly in the dog days of the mining boom. david marr also said it. Howard and Rudd pissed all of the wealth from that boom up against a wall.
@ Pen:
Is there any chance that you might limit your verbosity(?).
Perhaps we should invite tens of thousands of refugees here to further dilute the workforce and / or pay them welfare....that should help the unemployment figures.
@ Sick of the left:
Straight out of the Tories hynm-sheet.
You'd do better by at least attempting to camouflage your inherent interests.
Do you mean that you don't like it the way it is? Or is 300 words too taxing for your attention span?
Sick of the Left
Ease up! This is Pen's private blog site.
2.35pm: Lazarus.....nah, can*t say it! Good point on which to start, though, as a Queenslander there to represent the interests of his state.His first score on this field (he also scored the first ever points in Origin)
Ms Nash - I think you have enough of your own mess to clean up - All Budget measures now law - NO, Carbon Tax repealed = NO, any legislation passed = NO
Is it just me or has Joe Hockey been exceptionally quiet of late???
@ Charlie:
['Is it just me or has Joe Hockey been exceptionally quiet of late???']
No, it's just not you.
Hockey's cognisant of the fact that with his budget he's made an almost fatal political mistake, untowardly affecting any chance of leading the Tories, once Abbott has been relegated to history's dustbin.
Christian Porter is the likely replacement, with Turnbull a mere imitation of his former persona - likeable but now a has been.
Yes where is M Budget Emergency hiding??
Might fancy himself for the big chair shortly as tony chokes on (a) own foot (b) bowl of lies (c) broken promise sandwich (d) international ridicule (e) etc etc. C'mon here boy have a cigar you know you're gonna go far.
Could Bronwyn Bishop spend some time in the Senate this week so she can learn a few lessons about how to perform her role as Speaker professionally, fairly and impartially? Stephen Parry, the President of the Senate, runs rings around her!
Thank you PUPs, Labor and Greens - at least you have Australia and the world's best interests at heart. Not happy with Xenophon. Hubris, arrogance and deception brought the Coalition undone.
Oh dear, someone has wiped the smirk from Hunt's face.
Never! Ever! Ever! say Smirk Hunt quickly.
or even Greg Hunt
Where is Hacka !
He has to post to earn his LNP salary!!!
hakka's posting notes in QT - H's 2-3 pm job
They've all been called back to Party HQ for a briefing on how to respond to today's drubbing.
...been replaced by someone cheaper on a 457 visa....
hendo's sloganeering isn't going to well today, so I think he's chucked a wobbly, packed his bat and ball and pulled up stumps for the day
She might be in the Pilbara with Tony
How is your Agenda looking Tony ?? Maybe it is time to ditch the slogan writers and employ a few policy advisors. Your current staff don't seem to be able to get you over the line. Adults in charge - not really.
Oh my God! I have just had a brain teaser: what if all this was cooked up by Palmer and Turnbull with chopsticks in hands?
Naaah! Palmer may be willing but Turnbull have to be sick in the mind to do a deal with Palmer.
Although.... Turnbull claimed he was suffering from a very bad flu which is why he left Parliament early that day!
Turnbull gave Palmer the flu, and today was Palmer's revenge.
"it is a "bit rich" for the Greens to claim they are concerned about consumer costs when they support the tax."
Hah! This is going to be a classic Abetz!
Econorat "Ah.... no, you can't infer that johnB, nor did I say that."
Econorat, what about the Sinhalese asylum seekers who complained about being returned and said they wanted to get work in Australia, settle and bring their families over?
Not persecuted for being Tamil, are they ?
Econorat "Ah.... no, you can't infer that johnB, nor did I say that."
Econorat, what about the Sinhalese asylum seekers who complained about being returned and said they wanted to get work in Australia, settle and bring their families over?
Not persecuted for being Tamil, are they ?
It has become obvious that
being born with the "Divine right to rule",
doesn't exempt you from being made a fool.
1.23pm: beautiful pic - DCI Ekka and PC Smirk...
Re: "Once upon a time, the world was covered in ice.
"Once upon a time, in the centre of Australia, there was a rainforest ... I am the first to agree that the climate does change" (Senator Ian MacDonald)
The world has never been covered in ice, only an ignoramus would state this is so. In fact CO2 concentrations were far from being sufficient to bring about the end of a glacial episode of this magnitude. However, 20 years ago the vast Antarctic Ice Shelfs were stable and not sliding into the sea, because of ocean warming. Atmospheric Co2 in 1955 was 315 ppm, as of July 5 2014 it is 399.91 ppm. For tens of thousands of years atmospheric Co2 remained stable and then in space of 59 years it increases by 26.98%. In terms of energy the 86 ppm increase equates to 60% of one watt per square metre across the earth's surface, equal to the energy of 20,000 atomic bombs exploding every day every year and increasing. By the way Senator once upon time in the early Cretaceous Period, Australia was divided it into three landmasses as sea spread over the land due to geographical reasons and not sea rise. Now we have sea rise?
um pen... the Snowball Earth hypothesis >660Ma?
Yes, it's probable that 660 million years ago there was ice at the equator. But that doesn't make the Senator's comment any less asinine. It's like saying that the building you're standing in burned down 150 years ago, so don't worry that the room is now filling with smoke.
Rod and JLD
The snowball was never proven and has since been proven to be myth.
Normally when a pup makes a big mess you rub his nose in it to discourage such things happening again. This time the pup has turned the tables.
['Abetz and Hunt leave the Blue Room as reporters continue to fire questions at them.']
Fairfax should be ashamed of itself, depicting the loveable duo of Abetz & Hunt
in such poor light.
Surely they could air brush these pics.
Then again, I guess you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.
I expect a barrage of anti-Palmer articles allegding all kinds of shady deals in the Murdoch press over the next few days. Repeat of what Abbott did to Hanson.
Yes me too - their typical modus operandi.
That would suit Clive. He could fund his next election campaign from the proceeds of his defamation suits.
did you use the words *Murdoch* and *press* together? Wash your mouth!
News Ltd seems to view Tony Truthless the same way as 54% of the voting population."Chaos as Clive Bullies Abbott". Love the photos of Tony and Japanese PM in RM Williams Boots - what a fool Tony is to be parading around the Pilbara like that.
The Convention on Refugees was never designed to allow people to change countries so they can find work. It is not illegal to be poor or unemployed.
The Convention on Refugees was never designed to allow people to change countries so they can find work. It is not illegal to be poor or unemployed.
Porkies and pirates, "pig iron Tones" aka Robert Menzies "pig iron Bob" with an escaping whale.
Biting pups and a drive through with motor enthusiast not even a Hollywood script could dream this up.
Next week's episode with Clive to be even more thrilling; who need Foxtel.
If The Abbott continues to run around in a tizz wondering if the Tooth Fairy is coming, perhaps he ought to be considering if the loser gets anything.
Albo is misquoting Tony. He didn't say that he'd "refuse to talk or negotiate with any cross bench MPs or Senators", he actually said that he'd "refuse to talk sense or negotiate effectively with any cross bench MPs or Senators".
Another election promise fulfilled.
Well done Clive. If they want to scrap the tax then make sure that every red cent is paid back to the people. Not like the ex Australian airline Qantas.
Alex Ellinghausen captures the truth in his pictures, absolutely brilliant !
@ zac - I thought you all worked in the same Department. No wonder you can reach over and take his beer. Enjoy!
@ zac - I thought you all worked in the same Department. No wonder you can reach over and take his beer. Enjoy!
I think there is a better than even chance that Clive Palmer will be Prime Minister by the end of 2016. If he is not invited back into the Coalition to lead it before then, he and the PUP could well get enough seats from the votes of people totally disaffected by the current government but still believing their ant-Labor propaganda to be invited to lead a coalition after the 2016 election.
Think about it. Read all the nice comments from people who usually oppose the Coalition with a vengeance.
This man is accruing political capital faster than Apple accrued profits from the iPhone.
And no - I don't welcome the prospect. The only consolation is that he is better than Abbott.
Agreed 100%. I think this is a reason also that our SuperhumanNewman has his snout out of joint, I think he may have a similar ambition.
"Therefore, every unemployable, uneducated person, in every country of the world, is entitled to come to Australia for "economic asylum" ??"
Ah.... no, you can't infer that johnB, nor did I say that.
"Therefore, every unemployable, uneducated person, in every country of the world, is entitled to come to Australia for "economic asylum" ??"
Ah.... no, you can't infer that johnB, nor did I say that.
@ Mr Adam Bandt
"Tony Abbott, welcome to hung parliament. Julia Gillard & the Greens could manage it, but you clearly can't."
Well, Ms Gilard had to sell her soul to the Greens to stay in Parliament.
Look where it got her. Look where it got you.
@ Mr Palmer
I thought we got rid of Oakeshott and Winsor in the last election, but clearly you and your senator is going to make Parliament interesting again.
I am not so sure we needed that kind of daytime drama with more twists than "Days of Our Lives". I don't think many of us appreciate that kind of excitement.
Sure sounds like some sour grapes to me
Not sure the Senate can take the blame for the LNP's incompetence.
I think you would actually find that there are plenty of people who are enjoying this immensely.
Spot on re: Adam Bandt, good at sniping, bad at looking back and realising why his great governing empire was uncerimoniously turfed. What a tin ear. Now his party's attention is focusing on risking more deaths at sea in a desperate grab to recruit Greens voters.
Scary the number of imbeciles in this forum praising Palmer and Muir. Just embarrassing. The Senate is pure amateur hour and disrupting the nation yet the Left wing fringedwellers predictably cheer.
We all voted for what we've got. Stop sooking.
today, squaddies, "fringe-dwellers" occupy the majority and centre stage - deal with it
you know Gegsy that some of us want the ETS to stay, and don't need to call people who don't agree with us puerile names
Gegsy, I'm cheering the possibility of the double dissolution we were promised so the people can vote again now that they know the real agenda of this appalling dishonest Government.
PUP should realise that the Coalition, or even more specifically the Liberal party can not be trusted. If they are serious about having an ETS in place when our trading partners do then they should require it to be passed at the same time that the carbon tax is repealed. It would only need the proposed ETS to be passed with a token carbon price.
....don't be silly. It's easier if I just take yours. Have you got any beer in the fridge. Pass the remote will ya.
....don't be silly. It's easier if I just take yours. Have you got any beer in the fridge. Pass the remote will ya.
Seriously 35 senators voting to repeal the carbon tax with no prospect at all of having an ETS? So while there is still time I urge everyone to write to their local senator and demand they vote against any future repeal of the carbon price. Today we have been given official notice:
"The federal government has tried to blame rising electricity prices on the RET. But while electricity prices have doubled in the last six years, the RET has played very little part in this – previous reviews and modelling have shown only a three to four and a half per cent rise in electricity prices attributable to the RET.
In fact, a growing number of studies are showing that the RET is likely to put downward pressure on wholesale electricity prices and that this will flow through to retail prices, eventually providing relief to consumers. Among these studies are the preliminary results from the government's own modelling for the RET review. By 2020, the RET is likely to be decreasing electricity prices not increasing them" (The Australian Institute, July 10, 2014).
So why vote to uphold a farrago of lies and undermine democracy? We know in our hearts that we must do everything in our power to fight climate change. It's more important than spending tens of billions on defense; warfare has been rendered obsolete by technology providing mutual asset destruction. Far more productive to spend not on fossil fuel production that requires low employment sources, but on design, manufacture and construction of CSP stations to create thousands of new jobs, traineeships and apprenticeships in many industries, sciences and engineering in which the USA employs over 155,000. It solves motor vehicle industry job losses, advances employment opportunities in regional Australia and in indigenous communities.
So you discovered the word 'farrago'. At least some positives for the day.
1.30pm: there is a very good reason the Grabbalition are hesitant to pass anything that savages Energy Suppliers; no ammo. George of Toad Hall has cornered all the baseball bats to use on the unions, and Conmann the Bankarian is using all the feathers to beat up financial advisors
Yes...yes it would. But it would also involve dealing with the source of the problems around the world...but the same UN that chastises us for trying to maintain our sovereignty is unable to adequately deal with the problems. The Greens...wow...encourage people to come here, wash their hands of any wrong doing when people die trying and then encourage others to take legal action against the Australian taxpayers...while we pay the Greens' salaries. Awesome isnt it?
Yes...yes it would. But it would also involve dealing with the source of the problems around the world...but the same UN that chastises us for trying to maintain our sovereignty is unable to adequately deal with the problems. The Greens...wow...encourage people to come here, wash their hands of any wrong doing when people die trying and then encourage others to take legal action against the Australian taxpayers...while we pay the Greens' salaries. Awesome isnt it?
This is what happens when idiots are elected to parliament.
And you can be sure that Palmer will hold out until he gets a deal that benefits him, not Australia.
That's a bit harsh describing Abetz, Hunt, Hockey and Abbott like that. But it is refreshing to see some honest comments from the tories.
The sleeping giant is awake, Palmer thrives bravely into the Senate lion's den. Democracy is truly at work and it is beautiful although a little less testosterone and more of X chromosomes wouldn't go astray!
What an amateurish attempt to divert Econorat's argument. The specifics was its persecution if you are not allowed to work based on Tamil heritage. So nice of you to just disregard that key point and posit some ridiculous argument instead, that every unemployed person can come here to work. That is not a point anybody is making, and your manipulation of facts and arguments is why the general tone of dialogue around this topic is off-course.
What an amateurish attempt to divert Econorat's argument. The specifics was its persecution if you are not allowed to work based on Tamil heritage. So nice of you to just disregard that key point and posit some ridiculous argument instead, that every unemployed person can come here to work. That is not a point anybody is making, and your manipulation of facts and arguments is why the general tone of dialogue around this topic is off-course.
It is starting to look like Australians will live to appreciate the PUP and the Ricky Muir for tempering the excesses of the Abbot Government. Although most people think the Carbon Tax must go, the government has been trying hard to throw the baby out with the bath water.
The one thing the smaller parties bring is more common sense and less idealism (from the left or the right).
To Hacka and Econocrat.
"Econorat - so are you saying that we should have an ETS alone, without any other measures ?
Meaning no attempts at carbon capture, no improved efficiencies, no renewable target because the economists say so ?"
The economists have already said too much. As the current Luddites do not heed science we are getting ineffective proposals like Direct Action.
ETS needs to go hand in hand with improved efficiencies in manufacturing and power generation by increasing renewable energy targets and developing new technologies. Carbon capture is a poor way to control carbon emissions. The best way is to reduce carbon emissions. Sun and wind do that.
Get your Luddites to come into the 21st century Hacka.
ASK - you guys ramble on about direct action and scientists, yet nowhere do we see you arguing against direct action based on any science or outcomes.
Have you got any evidence or facts to bring to the table, or just slogans ?
Hacks - your side owns the slogans
Hacka, my how times change, last year you were chanting slogans and no facts and still continue unabated. Now you want facts and science on a policy that was formulated without any, you are in a funny mood today.
I think you'll find that if the government sets up a cap on emissions and sets up a trading scheme (international & national is best), then the individual emitters will make their own decisions if they wish to decrease emissions or buy permits from those that can do it cheaper (or a combination of both).
The government simply sets and forgets (and monitors).
You shouldn't need anything else
Hack, that makes no sense at all, but then ...
@ rod steiger:
['fjs enuffity']
That's cruel.
Apparently it's unconstitutional to include an amendment for the Liberal members having to drop to their knees whenever a PUP member walks past.
I just saw bumper sticker on 2 vehicles in Sydney - mone at Watsons Bay, one at Paddo -stating "Turnbull Leads or Labor Governs". Anyone know where to get them?
Just keep a lookout for Lord Copperwire of Vaucluse walking around in a great big overcoat....psst..
Looks like Tony "The Bodgie" Abbott will have some internal competition to cope with instead of his failings with the Senate. Get used to it, Labor has had to deal with a lack of majority in the Senate for decades and has had to deal with the cross benches. Can the LNP handle this or are they only good enough when they have the Senate majority.
Labor will give you as many as you want.
Has our choice really fallen that low?
"The decision is a major setback for Prime Minister Tony Abbott who had expected that the scrapping of the carbon tax would be the first order of business of the new Senate ..."
Abbott will be just about at the wall punching stage by now.
Suffer in yer jocks, Tone
What's going on with all these politions from all sides? Each and everyone of them is 'about me' They are ruling this country like a 'circus' and treating the voters like monkeys.
I would hate to think that the technical issue as regards to the Constitutionality of the tax emanating from the Senate is Abbott's tactic of bastardising the Senate process as I would have thought that his Legal Advisers would have already dissected the legalities and constitutionality of Abbott's proposals with Clive.
The circus known as Australian politics has returned, as if the last Labor Government was not bad enough, now we have another lot holding the government to ransom. Guess what the Australian public are well and truly over it. Don't think your are clever, we all remember what happened at the last election to the independents.
Don't be too sure of yourself - on current figures, your dear LNP are the ones facing a wipeout at the next election.
ummm... those that stood got voted in at the last election.. Tony W and Rob O didn't stand.. but nice threat
Our two best retired and Cathy McGowan kicked out Mirrabella.
come on Clive let's get rid of this dodgiest of all taxes ASAP. It does nothing for the environment whatsoever.
Watch out for that global cooling.
Your man Tony is a one trick pony - Why would you elect a leader who is clearly incapable of dealing with the cross-bench? As for a double dissolution we can only hope but I don't think Tony is prepared to put the good of the nation ahead of continuing his hold on power.
Your man Tony is a one trick pony - Why would you elect a leader who is clearly incapable of dealing with the cross-bench? As for a double dissolution we can only hope but I don't think Tony is prepared to put the good of the nation ahead of continuing his hold on power.
Prediction. Having experienced a magnificent taste of the power that he can wield over the gov't, Palmer will move more amendments in the Senate next week to the carbon tax repeal bills to suit his new found environmental & consumer consciousness. This is just the beginning.
It looks likely that the carbon tax will go next week but if I was a flat Earther I would not be confident of it - this govt seems attracted to snatching defeat from the jaws of victory through arrogance and general iicompetance.
@noitall "A Government that was elected with a considerable majority less than a year ago cannot Govern"
45.6% of votes is not a considerable majority. Less than half the voters in the country voted this neocon mob in, and that was based on lies.
Go for a DD now if you're so convinced people want Abbott. He's the reason they can't govern.
@noitall "A Government that was elected with a considerable majority less than a year ago cannot Govern"
45.6% of votes is not a considerable majority. Less than half the voters in the country voted this neocon mob in, and that was based on lies.
Go for a DD now if you're so convinced people want Abbott. He's the reason they can't govern.
This is the "Spanish bull running government" no not the people, but the bulls ... running with no purpose ..
Keep up Sharron.
Clive Palmer is not in the Senate. He is the member for Fairfax in the House of Representatives.
There's the proof that Clive Palmer is too erratic for parliament.
Great day for democracy. Our country is being run by a self centred businessman and a pack of illiterate dopes in the senate. No wonder the UK, NZ and Canada don't have elected senates.
The Senators you disparage are a good match for our dysfunctional government.
That's right - the UK have the Peerage in their upper house. What a well-qualified, representative bunch that is. Clutch at another straw.
There is a grave personal concern that I might find Mr C Palmer rather violently irresistibly charming and as for Abbott's double-crossing tactic, he once again underestimated Palmer and overestimated his mandate.
Greens, Labor, PUP, Entire World 1 - Abbott, Hunt and Liberal Party - 0
Let's hope they can keep shutting down these idiotic bills and ensure he doesn't break all of his election promises!
A win for the the planet!
I hope they don*t let Mumbles loose with a geologists pick over there in the West.....
Who Ian Pilmer, he's probably lunching with him.
Oh, you said pick, I thought there was an extra letter in there.
ACG: 10 points...no 11!
Just couldn't resist David. He's gone to ground heh.
Losing your mind too Tony?
Go Clive and the PUPs, show them you are not to be pushed around or duped.
Also remember Tony NO to everything that Labour put up in there last term , so what is good for the goose is now very good for the gander PM.
Oh really? No to everything. Get real, 90% of all bills passed in the last senate. Stop using jingo's and actually pay attention!!
@Andy - They were passed thanks to the Green and the independents holding the balance of power and also thank to the negotiation skill of the the then Prime Minister Gillard. And certainty NO thank to the LNP lead by the Dr No Tony Abbott. So don't claim credit for the works of others.
['How's that pledge that you would refuse to talk or negotiate with any cross bench MPs or Senators working out for you, Tony?']
The Tories were hoping for a win today but
Clive's denied them.
What's more, even when it's repealed, the consequential savings on utilities will be negatived, with the price, for instance, of tariff 11 electricity in Queensland being increased by 13 percent from July, 1.
Abbott has overstated his case by more than a country mile.
Bring on DD!
There is no need for DD, it looks like Clive Palmer is running this country, opps the Senate.
Hiding behind their pseudonyms, those who think that a lack of human compassion makes them tough guys have reminded us yet again how the dog-whistle politics of an amoral Coalition secured their vote by appealing to the lowest (or at least simplest) common denominator. Now poor old Tony can't even get major aspect of his budget through.
Remember your double dissolution threat, Tony? How's that going for you, now that bullying and bullshit haven't worked?
"calmly, methodically???? GregHunt - Really ????? I refer you to the sweaty scrum in the corridor outside the Senate not coming to an agreement to "axe the tax" - more like comically, maniacally
Yes Rod, calmly and methodically, and this time next week you and others from the Labor/Green cheer squad will be spitting chips when we finally dispose of the fraudulent carbon tax that the Australian people voted to have done in September last year. Then we move on to Swanny's mining tax. You know, the tax that doesn't raise any money but the money was spent anyway.
A point to ponder. Records held {over the four year period from March 2010 to March 2014 inclusive} prove the kwh rate of my Ergon Electricity Account increased by 73c a day. A fact totally dismissing Abbott's hysterical claim the Carbon Levy {adds $300 annually} to the power bills of the average Australian Household.
A lie once told has to be maintained so the perpetrator can save face. Step forward to receive your award Tony Abbott.
What does 73 cents X 365 days = $266.45......You're absolutely correct. He was out by $33.55.
Nice try but not quite. You are quoting your own bill where as TA does discuss "average household".
However the question remains is that if the CT repeal is successful, will electricity bills go down by an average of $300pa and stay down for a reasonable period
Once again, the double-crossing Abbott needs to learn about the art of double-crossing Palmer: "you can double-crossed all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot double-crossed all the people all the time".
It just goes to prove that Palmer was right to insist on changing the legislation to penalise those who don't pass the tax on. We have seen already that the likes of Woolworths and Coles plus the airlines did not intend to reduce their prices to reflect the abolition of the tax.
It would appear that Clive is showing more due diligence than our incompetent PM!
Clive for PM!!!!
Yes the closer the repeal got the more the businesses started to tell us they were not going to change their pricing.
What a shock !
We have been told over and over again that once the carbon tax goes there will be some kind of economic honeymoon.
If they want really want an economic boom they should bring in a fairer tax system.
I hope so Stephen Parry.
In the spirit of Scrooge, can I insert a note of caution? Remember there is no Santa Claus, and even though Clive fits the physical parameters, I can't but help feel uneasy about his sudden conversion to all things green. What lies behind it? It is almost certainly something that will benefit Clive in the end.
I suspect there will be more twists to the story, and not all of them will benefit the environment.
Perhaps Hacka doesn't need to return his '96 Dom Perignon to the cellar (next to the '59 Grange?). He might just put it back in the fridge for a few days.
I fear he's about to build the world's largest solar panel in the shape of a dinosaur - then he can make a quid out of it.
Yes the champagne remains on ice Gigondas.
What we've just seen is the condemned man still heading for the gallows, but the paper work wasn't done properly so the hangman has been told to wait for a week or so.
A few moral crusaders are claiming a victory, but it appears it will be very short lived.
Don't forget, Hacka - your mob actually got rid of Medibank(Care), but the thinking politicians brought it back. Bask in your temporary glory, because as sure as the sun shines there WILL be an ETS in this country after the Tea Party are routed at the next election.
It's not a condemned man, Hacka. It's a condemned planet, a condemned future for today's younger generations and for their children for millennia to come.
Ponder that while you sip your champagne.
Well BC, if an ETS is done in conjunction with all our major trading partners, then perhaps it's worth considering.
But when can we expect Shorten to start campaigning for another unilateral ETS that he's going to the next election with ?
Arrogant and in denial to the end, hey, Hacka?
The Government was wrong from the beginning and then when they had the opportunity to do the right thing they chose to follow the same narrow, failed policy. Then they took the crossbenchers too lightly and got smacked down. And now they're just as arrogant in defeat as they are in victory- very unappealing look.
It is the measure of a person to acknowledge that he/she might have been wrong about something. I don't expect any such acknowledgement from the Government- it's like they're the Black Knight from Monty Python and the Holy Grail who proclaims "it's just a flesh wound" when all his limbs are hacked (hacka'd) off. In other words, their policies are running counter to world trends and they are undermining Australia's reputation as a friendly nation through their own ideological incompetence.
We're waiting to see if you're evolved enough, Hacka but I expect you're too far gone. Selfish. selfish, selfish.....
sydneybob1 - well i'm glad you've at least realised this is only a temporary reprieve for the carbon tax.
Many of your friends seem to think it's the end of the line for the repeal.
I'm intrigued by this circular 'we'll only do an ETS after all our major trading partners have' argument. It's simply illogical. Either an ETS is a good idea, in which case we put one in, or it's not, in which case we don't. If every country said 'an ETS is a good idea, but we'll only put one in when everybody else has' then patently no country would implement one.
It's a nonsense argument put forward by those determined to do nothing (or Direct Action, which is a handy though more expensive synonym).
Gigondas - a unilateral ETS means jobs go offshore and export markets are negatively impacted.
Gigondas, I would expect a multilateral ETS to develop by all sides inching towards a common position in increments so as to ensure no one party gets to far ahead of the others or left behind. And, yes, that will take time to eventuate.
Thanks Hacka and Lewis. A reasoned answer! I think I'll have it stuffed.
I so see what you're saying. But at the same time we hear that other countries are moving, or have moved, towards carbon pricing. So the time seems right to do the same ourselves, following Lewis' 'no party getting ahead or behind' argument is satisfied. Fix a price comparable with the others and no-one suffers, but humanity benefits.
Gigondas - at $25.40, our carbon tax imposes punitive damages way beyond the circa $5 European price. Other schemes are also much cheaper.
We didn't just go unilateral on the tax, we priced it such that it really hurt.
And did precious little for the environment anyway.
As an Informal Party voter I'm just loving this! Just underlines the futility of choosing one side or the other. No matter what you still end up with 150 muppets and 76 wood ducks sitting in federal parliament.
Blimey! Paul Howes has found his way onto the KPMG board! Isn't it just amazing how Queenslanders always land on their feet!
Go Ricky! Go Clive! Loving the new Senate so far.
Keep gloating Albo and Bandt, it's only a matter of time.
Yes, how dare they gloat alone - they should have formed a circle with their colleagues and done a happy dance like the Libs did in the Lower House when they thought their rancid repeal bill was a wave through. For the left it's "arrogance" but for the right it's justified, eh? Must be fun living in the squaddie reality.
BC, most of us remember Labor dancing around like children and high giving each other when the carbon tax we didn't want was passed. Rudd even gave Gillard the kiss of death. Strange you forgot to mention that.
right, axe the tax gone belly up, economic figures going south agin -
It's worked before !! Let's sing another refrain of "Stop the Boats" while we still can!!
right, axe the tax gone belly up, economic figures going south agin -
It's worked before !! Let's sing another refrain of "Stop the Boats" while we still can!!
People seem to forget Palmer has been playing politics for decades so he is no stranger to the workings of power and how Abbott ticks.Keep up the good work mate.
Palmer rhymes with karma, and that's no accident.
This is the exact reason why we need to reform the way senate voting is conducted. This would be avoided if senators were elected in the same proportions as the house of reps...or better still, get rid of the senate. There's no need for "state" representation any more
Econorat admonishes EiE, "Have you ever considered that persecution by economic means (no jobs or work if your a Tamil) is in the same league as persecution by other means?
therefore, being an economic refugee still means you're being persecuted."
Therefore, every unemployable, uneducated person, in every country of the world, is entitled to come to Australia for "economic asylum" ??
Pray tell, who funds all this ?
Would it not be better if their home countries were improved to provide opportunity and education and a sustainable social security safety net for them ?
right, axe the tax gone belly up, economic figures going south agin -
It's worked before !! Let's sing another refrain of "Stop the Boats" while we still can!!
What an amateurish attempt to divert Econorat's argument. The specifics was its persecution if you are not allowed to work based on Tamil heritage. So nice of you to just disregard that key point and posit some ridiculous argument instead, that every unemployed person can come here to work. That is not a point anybody is making, and your manipulation of facts and arguments is why the general tone of dialogue around this topic is off-course.
Yes...yes it would. But it would also involve dealing with the source of the problems around the world...but the same UN that chastises us for trying to maintain our sovereignty is unable to adequately deal with the problems. The Greens...wow...encourage people to come here, wash their hands of any wrong doing when people die trying and then encourage others to take legal action against the Australian taxpayers...while we pay the Greens' salaries. Awesome isnt it?
....don't be silly. It's easier if I just take yours. Have you got any beer in the fridge. Pass the remote will ya.
"Therefore, every unemployable, uneducated person, in every country of the world, is entitled to come to Australia for "economic asylum" ??"
Ah.... no, you can't infer that johnB, nor did I say that.
@ zac - I thought you all worked in the same Department. No wonder you can reach over and take his beer. Enjoy!
The Convention on Refugees was never designed to allow people to change countries so they can find work. It is not illegal to be poor or unemployed.
Econorat "Ah.... no, you can't infer that johnB, nor did I say that."
Econorat, what about the Sinhalese asylum seekers who complained about being returned and said they wanted to get work in Australia, settle and bring their families over?
Not persecuted for being Tamil, are they ?
JohnB, Stop the boats has failed! Move on.
Great news. It is noticeable that PUP MPs and senators are not beholden to lobby groups or party lines and can thus be straightforward and honest and do what they feel is right.
We need much more of this in politics in general, one feels that most of the politicians can't speak or vote as they would like.
No they can't. The Puppies do what Clive Palmer tells them to do.
Rick the Suit can vote how he likes
So Qantas is removing the carbon levy but not passing on savings to customers.....this is why Clive is fighting for this. I do not see any energy companies passing on new savings to consumers either unless we are protected by law.
Qantas announced that the Carbon Tax really didn't have an impact so therefore no price change - more Blue Tie Lies just to get elected.
Oh Jimbo Tony lied to you, Whyalla is still there and a roast still doesn't cost $100.
Of course they won't and Clive and Tony know it.
I was never sure that I would be congratulating Clive and Ricky, but here I go: Well done to all those who voted down the 'wrecking ball' legislation.
Give it a week.
Oh...wait until next week though. By then Ricky will help pass it after securing concessions for his 0.5% constituency...it will get repealed next week...it'll just cost us all a bit more.
What's the go with all of these politicians gloating on twitter? Do they not have any sense of decency or respect for the parliament? Our country is going down the gurgler, and it's started with our "leaders"
I think you'll note they are not disparaging the democratic institutions which make our nation great, they are castigating the dullard who disgraces the most senior position in a once great Liberal Party
Presumably, you felt the same way about Tony 'Dr No' Abbott when he was in opposition?
Do a quick survey of Tony Abbott's behaviour over the last few years, Mr er... Pies, and then we'll talk respect for parliament. What goes around comes around.
Your mob has NEVER had respect for the parliament, and they're even worse now they're in government - look at the behaviour of Dolores for a start. But then you're one of the prime squaddies, so you're only content to slag the others.
@ I hate pies:
['Do they not have any sense of decency or respect for the parliament?']
It's just a case of more of the same, the adversarial nature of politics demanding same.
There's no alternative, except possibly a less divisive polity; but that's not in Abbott's bag of tricks - he having penchant for polarisation, which will prove his ultimate downfall.
No it started September 2013 when Abbott the incompetent lied his way to PM
So, in summary, your team did it so it's ok for my team to do it, is that it? For one, I didn't say anything about the team I barrack for, and you shouldn't make assumptions. And for two, my children behave like that, and adults behaving like that just perpetuates the problem.
To be clear, I don't like that behaviour from any politician. It is not in our nations interest, and by doing that they are failing in their duty to represent their constituents.
Good one Facepalm, so are you going to pay my electricity bills and other "carbon" expenses now?
Use the compensation that you get from the gov't by way of tax cuts &/or increased pension &/or benefit payments. How soon we forget.
You need to wave your dodgy bills around in the air like a rabid Grabbalition pollie first...
look at the finger if you don't like a facepalm...
They will still be just as high, tip for you Tony lied.
and you obviously believe in the Fairy Godmother.What carbon expenses are you paying? If you think that the electricity providers will drop prices post CT you probably believe in the Tooth Fairy and Hacka.
Great news - we still have a price on carbon and we still have the RET & ARENA.
Not a great day for the ostriches.
Abbott needs to pick up the phone to Julia Gillard and get some coaching on how to negotiate with independents and cross-benchers. What we're seeing now is the consequence of dishonesty: first with the electorate, now with PUP et al. You reap as you sow in this world.
Maybe Abbott should start screaming "misandry" to get some sympathy.
So you want us to continue to pay this evil tax ay? Got money to burn?
"Evil"? "money to burn"? No, nor a planet.
crawl back under your rock, shill!
Decent people are happy to pay a tax to ensure the future of the planet.
Low income earners are duly compensated - only the middle income and high income earners are hit with the carbon price, it is not a tax - you don't pay if you don't use - and even if you pay the government is the winner here - so why do they want to repeal it - the real reason is to save their mates from the tax, not you and me - 10 dollars a week - if that - is not going to get me poorer.
your bill has already risen... but don't let a good spray get in your way
@ are you mad, Do you really believe our power bills will drop because of the carbon tax, all I see is larger profit margins for power company's. The magic $500 per household saved is just a myth. Gas has gone up 17% not as a result of the carbon tax but to make us pay the same as OS so where are your savings now?
Ridiculous as it may seem, is Clive Palmer positioning the Coalition and himself to have him and PUP invited back into the party - with him as Prime Minister replacing the hapless leader we now have?
Palmer's policies are surprisingly close to the Liberal Party of 2007 in many respects.
Looks like the cross bench senators don't want to talk to Tony . . . . even though he has gone back on his pledge about not doing any deals with them. Ten months in nd what has this lot achieved ??
Noticing those tweets from Albo and the Greens, it's going to make it even more enjoyable to see their reaction next week when the carbon tax cops the chop.
They're also thumbing their noses at the wishes of the Australian public.
But patience comes to those who wait, doesn't it ?
Hacka;They are not about carbon pricing - more about the price Mumbles has put on his arse...
Sure does - 2 years and 2 months - unless Tony Truthless has the guts to call a DD
Only 46% of the Australian public voted for the Blue Tie Lies Team . . .
Hacka, they're only thumbing their nose at the public if they got in with zero (0) votes, however that is not the case. Both are representing their electorates, and despite not being in power, they are expected to make their voices heard for the people that DID vote for them.
Losing the election does not negate support for the 'losers'.
By your assessment, should the Independents all sit there and shut up as well?
I kinda thought that gloating on social media was stupid.
No different to the games played by the LNP incessantly when they were in Oppositions. Given they have completely destroyed any vestige of fair play and replacement it with chaos its hardly surprising when others adopt the same tactics. What goes around comes around. Oh and by the way Hacka this parliamentary structure was voted for by Australians who clearly did not want the LNP or any other party to have unfettered control. I would say its working well. Pity you didn't play nice when the ball was in your court. What goes around comes around.
What goes around come around - Tony in receipt of the same medicine he dished out. Albo and Bandt are correct - he can't negotiate and he now has to deal with a majority that don't agree with him. Yes A Repeal Bill will get passed but it is not THE Bill that he wants. So who will be smiling ???
trying again? 5th time lucky? Constable Polod - Stop!, or I'll say Stop! again
Keep hoping, Hacka- keep hoping......
You were on the wrong side of history before you are now and you will be again.
All the Government had to do was accept the conversion to an ETS of zero (to allow the major industrialised nations to come to the party as they inevitably will). They could then announce that they had fulfilled a key election promise while not looking like complete environmental troglodytes. But NOOOOOOOOOOOOO! So they have nothing to show.
That's what ideological nonsense and rank stupidity will get you. They should have allowed the tax to transition naturally to an ETS (all the while with consumers being compensated for higher prices). But the LNP just couldn't accept that another party might have done the right thing. So fight to toss the whole thing out.
The LNP (and their flacks such as yourself) look like a bunch of selfish losers because they won't make sacrifices to give their kids a greener planet or at least one that is no worse then today, all in the name of total opposition which carries over from their time on the left hand side of the chamber.
In contrast to this mob, the previous Government looks like a bunch of Rhodes Scholars (I know that TA is supposed to be one but he likely qualified on an athletic basis, not a scholarly one).
You're on the wrong side of history, Hacka- that's why the Government is the subject of satire round the world. Stubborn, ideological, lacking subtlety or even compassion- it makes all of us look bad to the outside world. So you and the Government should raise your collective game.
Just as enjoyable to see the same Libs who were high fiving last week in Parliament whinging now...
They are not about carbon pricing per se, Hacka. They are about the price of an Abbott (or part thereof)
Agree Hacka, those tweets from Albo et al were in poor taste. The labor party could do with level headed advisor and wise tweeter. What's Mark Textor up to these days?
"when the carbon tax cops the chop"
only to be replaced by an ETS... get your hand off it hendo...
Hacker, were you whistling 'Always look on the bright side of life' while typing this?
Those who wait usually already have patience otherwise they wouldn't be waiting!! Honestly....
This is a great result, but it seems that the only reason the repeal got knocked down again is because the Libs, in moving these bills foward, cut off any time they would have needed to make the amendments PuP wants.
This may have bought us some time, but it's not safe yet.
I would, however, love to be a fly on the wall of the PM's office today. Just shows he can't prempt the new Senate.
Serious question. Do the tellers for the aye's and no's count their own side or the other side? (Perhaps one of our professional Pulse colleagues, i.e. those being paid to pretend they're just interested citizens but who are actually players in the process, can answer this.)
I presumed that that the Clerks dept.
So Erica is about to blub about how unfair the kids in the playground are. He invited them to play and they turned away.
Tony's slogans for bogans
Stop the boats - Fail
Repay the debt - Fail it's increasing
Axe the tax - Just failed.
Time to see the GG call a DD so Australia can elect a government that works.
how's the weekend looking hakky?
"And means the carbon tax repeal bills will have to go back to the House of Reps"
Come on Tony keeps your word and call a double dissolution - if ever a time you keep your word this is the time.
The Nation should not be kept in Limbo. A Government that was elected with a considerable majority less than a year ago cannot Govern. A double dissolution must be called NOW! If the Government loses then Labor and the Greens can resume their debt ridden policies. If the Government wins than they can get on with rescuing the Nation from the mess created by Labor and the Greens.
This is the exact reason why we need to reform the way senate voting is conducted. This would be avoided if senators were elected in the same proportions as the house of reps...or better still, get rid of the senate. There's no need for "state" representation any more
hello?... Jules?... yer.... it*s Mumbles....can we talk? ..um...it*s about how you managed to get all that legislation through...Jules?...hello....hello...
Palmer for Prime Minister. You can see how he is laying out his cards. He like the Kevin Rudd side show. Only going to get one shot at this before people cotton onto him.
Who said the Senate was boring!! This is the best comedy/drama I've witnessed in years!!
The carbon tax repeal legislation has now been voted down four times - 3 were enough to give the government a DD trigger and prior to the election and even up to the budget being handed down, Abbott was threatening a DD at every opportunity. Suddenly, when he has the trigger to do it, Abbott seems to have gone strangely silent on this. Wonder why?
Now, would make the day more interesting if Tony called a DD. That would blindside a lot of people. Probably send the share market into a bit of a spin too.
yes SOG,do anything! colour, movement,distraction from humiliating stuff up - these people couldn't negotiate themselves into Luna Park
Well, well apparently there is a semblance of ethics after all, even though only with a majority of two.
Hacka is on the losing side yet again, how sweet are the buds of integrity.
Ah, a good day for Australia! Karma is a b... Mr Abbott. At the end of the day not too surprising as the Carbon Tax repeal is one of Abbott's election promises. It would have been the first promise he kept.
Enough cockysh*t....By what percentage will 'my' electricity bills be reduced by, and will the Australian people be protected from the grubby, international, oligopolistic thugs who got out of the heroin business and started dealing energy instead, thinking they were all going to get rich of the backs of the public......That is the question!
It would be reduced by around 9%. not a lot is it?
About 2-3 lattes a week in savings
Thank you Clive and Ricky! (and that is something I never thought I'd say) But is this outcome a long-term considered position on their part or just their position for now?
Clive will change his mind and position and stand in 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, seconds unless he gets and invite to Lunch/Dinner when he will change it in 1 second. The man is a bumbling buffoon!
I bet Abetz (theyrrrre racing) is wishing he placed betta betz.....
I think his name is really Erica Betz :)
No to the carbon tax repeal.
Everyone clapping and cheering around me. Australians really do care.
Lets keep the pressure up. Personally I feel its time for a large peaceful march supporting a carbon price, ETS, renewables, increased RET, climate change science. The whole kaboodle.
Absolutely marvellous.
Don't punch to hard it is not over yet.
Dream on. It will happen, Clive wants it gone but on his terms. Nobody clapping and cheering around me. It is a tax that increases costs of living but does nothing for environment.
12.20 Yah! When no means yes. This Senate is interesting. Those on the other side will be appearing decidedly bald from tearing their hair out.
Democracy, and with no rubber stamp.
Enjoy your few days grace ACG. About this time next week i dare say your mood will be different.
:-) Hacka may not have the champagne out but I will
Oh there you are Hackie, thought you may have taken a long lunch. Yep, a few days grace but given PUP and Muir anything can happen.
Where there's light there's hope. I was all but resigned to having zilch until the Gore moment.
Surely as even being the most rusted on, there's no denying this is interesting and entertaining.
A reason we all follow politics.
ACG - yes where there is light there is hope, which Milne has been banging on about too.
PUP are proving quite slippery, although to be fair in this case it's more about paperwork and review times than anything else.
So it looks like as of 12:25Pm the carbon tax is staying...
Abbot: "Jesus Christ, Ekker's what are you playing at, I thought you had the senate under control?
Abetz: "Tone, someone's been telling porkies.
Abbott: "We know that, what I want to know is what went wrong."
Abetz: "It seems Palmer woke up about the porkies."
Abbott: "You mean he is no longer septic."
Abetz: Do you mean he's no longer a sceptic?
Abbott: "Whatever."
Abetz: "It is hard to tell what colour he is; the bugger won't wear a tie, he dresses like one of those Beverly Hill's Hillbilly mob. He thinks he has found political oil."
Abbott: "You mean coal, we gave him a license to mine coal?"
Abetz: "I don't know what he thinks, Tone. Oh Christ, is that Muir walking towards us?
Abbott: "What if we offer him Turnbull's job?"
Abetz: "Who, Muir?
Abbott: " No you damned fool, Palmer!"
Mind if I post that on facebook ??
Its a cracker !! well done
Brilliant, very wiity and funny. Probably close to the truth. lol
Be my guest, I am pleased you enjoyed it.
Once again Abbott and his band of misfits look likely to fail in getting their slogan through the senate. Honestly has there been an more inept government in this country. John Clarke and Bryan Dawe will have enough material for the next 3 years, well until they get shutdown!
I will be glued to the ABC tonight. Tony and his cronies have got their just deserts - lets see how they enjoy the next 2 years and 2 months . . . I bet Julia is smiling . .
12.11pm: I can just see poor Mumbles - sitting on a desolate outcrop in the Pilbara - strumming a mournful tune on his three string guitar - *...my pup has gorn and left me lonesome...*
Oh well, looks like the carbon tax will survive another weekend.
It's been with us for 739 days now, another three days won't hurt. Unless there's any high drama's this afternoon.
So why the mad panicked rush then?
Good luck with that timeline . . unless of course the Bill is ammended. Can't wait to see Clarke & Dawe tonight
Qantas has removed the Carbon Tax surcharge from its fares but prices aren't falling because it apparently had no impact in the first place . . . . . good luck with your predictions of lower prices
3 days hacks? That would mean a vote on Sunday. Guess goes to show your lot cannot count.
@ Hacka, forever the head-in-the-sand 'optimist'.
How sad the environment gets another three day reprieve.
I know Tony and Peta (sorry I meant Hacka) wanted to see the destruction of the environment get under way as soon as possible under their watch but those pesky senators won't as yet play ball.
By the way Hacka did you hear that major companies have announced they are not going to reduce their costs regardless of the tax being repealed, if this happen.
Another great win for the corporates over the balance of Australia and the environment.
I appreciate Tony has to repay those that bank rolled his election and that's all that matters to him and his goons.
Stop whining
fitzy - you'll be pleased to know that those Palmer amendments will ensure that cost reductions turn into lower consumer prices.
God, Its now totally clear that the Senate is a complete joke. Deals out in the coridors and wings while the whole thing descends totally. Pathetic!
Looks like the PUP is the new Liberal party!
Palmer is doing what the Liberal psycho's should have been doing before they inflicted our country with the crazy Abbott as their puppet figurehead.
Anyone feel like the adults are in-charge??
That's getting old now Sam.
I think Tone has brought a goose to a pup fight
Clive Palmer says Hewson was one of the greatest Liberal leaders!
Just proves Clive has no clue....
The live broadcast presents as just a black screen on my tablet. Nothing could be any more representative to the repealing of the Price on Carbon.
Dark days indeed as we head back to The Dark Ages.
At least . fortunately, there are still LIGHT" and "Hope" to our Australia future generations !
Don't let Eric know you've got a tablet, acg. He might think it's a pain-killer and swallow it.
Maybe it's time for the little white men in their pearly white coats to enter the Senate!
PUP amendments withdrawn - bye bye Carbon Tax Repeal!
Regardless of the final result of these Senate machinations, it's clear the Government is not in for an easy ride in the Senate. Nothing will be cut and dried. They will need to negotiate on things they thought were gimmes (and quite possibly things they thought were sticking points will sail through). This is due to what could be termed the 'unsophisticated' nature of some of the new Senators, who will be more easily swayed by influence peddlers than the tightly whipped members of the larger parties. Add the clear vested interest of Clive, and the woefully inadequate LNP leadership in the Senate (yes, Colonel Klink, I'm looking at you), and it all adds up to an interesting three years.
This is Insanity , it's driving me mad .
Clive Palmer should be thrown out of the Senate. This is only about Clive doing deals to put more money into his own pocket.
Except Clive isn't in the Senate. He's a member of the House of Reps.
I'm pretty sure Clive Palmer's not a senator... so he couldn't be tossed out!.... and anyway good luck physically throwing him out of anywhere!
No, Sharon it has more to do with a twist on Machiavellianism.
umm, you do realise he is not a senator?
Clive Palmer isn't a Senator.
Umm Sharon, Palmer is a member of the house of reps. His party however does have some Senators but clearly Palmer isn't one of them. So how can he be thrown out of the Senate?
Besides his party was double crossed what would you expect them to do? Roll over and take being screwed by Abbott and the nastiest most incompetent and lying government the country has ever seen? Get real.
Keep up Sharron.
Clive Palmer is not in the Senate.
Seems there is more stress in the government than what there is on Clive's shirt buttons
Now that's saying some... lol.
I was just thinking that Clive should buy some bigger shirts. Those buttons in one of the photos look like they about to pop or lay off the party pies.
I suspect the government wish Clive would just zip it for once.
['Palmer is telling the government what it got wrong...']
The more I see and hear of Palmer the more I'm impressed.
He refuses to play the conventional games, disruptive of the status quo, and in consequence incurring the wrath of Erica, et al.
Keep it up Clive, the nation has not seen your likes before - the established parties witless in countering your unpredictability.
I think the reason for Clive uniqueness is due to his lack of ideology. the ALP and LNP both have a guiding ideal to achieve, the means by which they get there is flexible. with Clive its all about the populism and opportunism,. its actually a good model for start up parties to gain a support base (although he did have millions of dollars in funding to help).
Jason, True. Its entertainment value is great....
Keep it up Clive- you have your heart in the right place so with the rest of the senators- Blessings will follow.
Keep it up Clive- you have your heart in the right place so with the rest of the senators- Blessings will follow.
Many people now realise they made a terrible mistake in electing the Abbott government. If the Abbott government believes it still has the will of the people and a mandate they have the trigger to test this. A double dissolution election and then we will see. I doubt this would be in Abbots mind given his parties popularity after the budget.
The more I see and hear from Palmer just re-enforces what he portrays. A stumbling idiot with more money than sense. If this is how he does politics, how does anyone do business with him?
Well Hacka - no celebrations for you this weekend it seems . . .hmm . . . . Tony Truthless needs to enrol in extra Negotiation 101 classes. So far his grade is D-
I see I missed all the 'nail-biting' tension.
Nothing should have been rushed through this week, so the world is properly spinning on its axis again. Good news.
I agree with Christine Milne. The Senate is being held in contempt by Clive Palmer.
This is such a hoot poor old Eric will spin around in circles and hopefully disappear up his own you know what.
My old friend, in his 90's and an ex WW11 soldier who fought in PNG & was a POW of Japan, is absolutely outraged at the amazing statement by Abbott yesterday praising Japan's fighting skills. http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/2014/07/09/18/28/pm-cops-it-for-praising-japan-wwii-skills You know the same skills that resulted in thousands of Australian soldiers being slaughtered in cold blood as POWs during WWII. There must be thousands of old soldiers staggered that an Australian PM could so betray their sacrifice. Goodbye to their votes and the votes of their families. China, who was a victim of Japan during the 30's & 40's, and our major trading partner is far from amused. How much in trade will that speech from an inept PM cost us.
kEVIN RUDD was right, one of the final comments he made was this government would have difficulty dealing in foreign affairs matters. He's now upsetting internal affairs no end.
Mitch this neatly sums up one problem with Abbot. He says what the person he is currently talking to wants to hear.........
The problem is others are listening.......
The whole country has been "sold a pup" with this Govt - broken promises and dirty dealings
11.46am: First one to make a
*Lazarus rising* joke is out!
If and when the CT is repealed , will we see more of the backslapping and group hugs from the "adults" we currently have in supposed charge?
Or will it be smug gloats and smirks and perhaps a bit of a wink.
High drama - it's almost 11:50 now - is there going to be a vote ?
Christine is not happy, moaning about back room deals. Hmm. A disastrous day for the planet apparently.
Must be galling for you, Hacka - after the fine job you've tried of spinning the awful performance of your bunch of "adults", for them to have their bill sent back is a sad day in the LNP bunker.
Maybe you can convince your boss to use that DD he loved to threaten about when he thought he could win?
i think Christine will be ok, thanks Hakky
Wonder what the Japanese PM thinks about this inept lot of Blue Tie Boys . . .
Anyone else embarassed by the current Govt? They should be voing for what they believe, not what their party says (or another party offers them)!
Your right Paul but isn't it a dam good laugh. The sad thin is we voted them in a pay their wages. Clives outed them a bumbling fools.
I think the problem is that those who swung to LNP in the last election did believe (in their spin) . Now they beleive they were hoodwinked.
I don't own them, I didn't vote for the clowns- so no I don't wear any of the embarrassment.
I'm highly ashamed though that they are deliberately not governing for the long term interest of Australians and every other living thing on the planet.
No I am only embarrassed by the current bunch of clowns lead by little Billy. What a bunch of inepts they are with blank memories of the debt, deficit and border protection disaster they inflicted on Australia and with limited vocabularly which does not go past No,NO, No NO NO
@ Paul:
['Anyone else embarassed by the current Govt?']
Yes, me and my immediate circle.
Andie reflects his hero's infantile mentality with childish name calling,constantly yelling 'No' and mindless repetition. And will now claim to be 'grown up'.
I bet Abetz is on the phone to Ms Peta seeking instructions . . .
Of course. It's the Puppet Party.
Must've had an old timers moment and forgotten his ear piece.
11.30am: Ekka; *and with twin exhausts...* ...Simon; * how about a new tailor?*.....Ekka; * anybody want this welding mask?...John?* ...(horse trading with horse thieves)
How long it is before Clive is accused of sheer PUPulism?
Well, it's clear the Government have fallen out of PUPpy love.
If the LNP is interested in "what's good for the economy" why aren't they putting effort into getting eveyone to pay the tax they owe ? Get rid of negative gearing, family trusts. FBT rorts, tax breaks for miners etc etc
What's wrong with negative gearing?
Attack the wealthy. You haven't been watching have you. Why would the puppet attack the puppet masters.
callum pickering, Business Spectator:
"It is difficult to find a government policy that has been less successful at meeting its objectives than negative gearing on residential property. But unfortunately that is the nature of housing policy in Australia, where sound policies are ignored in favour of policies that encourage speculation, reduce home ownership and redistribute wealth towards the already affluent.
Of all the short-sighted housing policies plaguing Australia, negative gearing receives the greatest criticism. Its original purpose was to boost the housing supply by encouraging greater investment into housing construction. By that metric, it has been an unmitigated disaster.
Based on the latest data, new construction accounted for just 7.1 per cent of the total value of investor loan approvals. The trend has ticked up modestly recently but the long-term trend could not be clearer: Australian investors have little interest in newly constructed properties."
Don't count on change tomorrow ...
the LNP are all about the trickle down economics. 'what's good for the economy' actually means 'what's good for those who are already well off'. this is in the hope that the rich will somehow pass on such wealth by providing income for us average citizens. as if we must pander to these people and beg for them to provide work, because clearly they are our betters and deserve special treatment.
Go Clive ! You'll do 'til ICAC returns. Never thought you would provide so much entertainment, little wonder ruperts boys are giving it to ya, go you good thing !
Yes it looks like the Murdoch press is certainly trying to do a "Hanson" on Palmer.
You are of very limited knowledge is you see anything positive in what Palmer isdoing.
His idealogy is nothing then making Clive the centre of everyone's attention by reeking chaos as revenge on Abbott and Newman.
Palmer worked with Joh and learnt the art of "feeding the chooks" and I see there are a lot of "chooks" in the media and commenting on these pages.
Palmer is taking you all for fools and you are lapping it up.
Hopefully the Chinese government takes him to court and the the AEC can step in and suspend the election of all the PUPs.
@Andie 12:29pm Quote
"Palmer is taking you all for fools and you are lapping it up" great Said as the "You" also included Tony Abott, Hocky, and Hunt!
Re: "We made a promise to get rid of the carbon tax, because that is good for the economy ..." (Mathias Cormann).
Regarding the economy, either this man is a liar, complicit in a farrago of lies or he is gullible and ignorant, why?
"The federal government has tried to blame rising electricity prices on the RET. But while electricity prices have doubled in the last six years, the RET has played very little part in this – previous reviews and modelling have shown only a three to four and a half per cent rise in electricity prices attributable to the RET.
In fact, a growing number of studies are showing that the RET is likely to put downward pressure on wholesale electricity prices and that this will flow through to retail prices, eventually providing relief to consumers. Among these studies are the preliminary results from the government's own modelling for the RET review. By 2020, the RET is likely to be decreasing electricity prices not increasing them" (The Australian Institute, July 10, 2014).
So at some point Abbott will eventually get the CT removed and replaced with an ETS, maybe 6 months before its slated removal and move to an ETS scheduled by Labor a year or so ago, on the structure of the design from when CT was implemented 2+ years ago. But let's all just pretend that it's some kind of achievement and delivery of an election promise when Abbott broke three quarters of the election promises he made.
Yep, might as well have kept the previous Government and had the same result without all the BS
"It certainly takes a special blend of arrogance and incompetence to both guillotine and filibuster a debate," she says.
You have to love Penny. Utterly perceptive of the mess this Government has become!
Just who is in control?
PUP are exposing the Govt's 3 word slogans to be empty promises.
The Govt have only 1 thing going for them, and if the High Court torpedo the latest part of that policy Fed politics will become very interesting.
Not having a RC into CBA / ASIC, FoFA changes and the ROW moving to an ETS will have a big impact the Govt.
Abbott will be severely tested. Ranting about a mandate will have even less sway with the electorate which voted for a Senate to be a house of review not a rubber stamp.
Must say I'm more impressed by PUP/Clive day by day.
and on a fun note while we're waiting for the meetings to finish in the secret gardens - fairfax has just bought allhomes.com!
Not surprised Abbotts mob have misled the new senators and Palmer.
Their modus operandi is to bulldoze, crash & crash on through regardless of the damage particularly those who threaten their power base.
One of the brightest stars - the exceptional Julia Gillard left the room after one of the lowest moments in our political history thanks to Abbotts mendacity and thuggery.
Abbotts cupboard is full of skeletons and ruined people - Pauline Hanson, David Eteridge, Craig Thomson, Peter Slipper others can add to the list.
Right now Palmer is on top of Abbotts hit list.
11.30am: Power wow.....did the cost of a power wow increase because of carbon pricing? er...
So, what was Clive's media conference with his pal Hewson all about if he isn't even going to support an ETS?
The megablizzards must be freezing the pollies brains!
This parliamentary Punch & Judy show is such a good comedy I'll be laughing all weekend Hacka. Cline is the puppeteer just look at the smile on his face. He is exposing the posers for what they are.
so where is bill? haven't heard or seen much of him at all.... I wonder if it is due to the royal commission into union corruption..... if you only read left wing press you may be surprised to find that this is happening
um... ever thought it might be because the house is not sitting?
Too busy shredding old docs.
Umm... the House is sitting this week, just the Senate. And since Bill isn't a Senator.
But well done on drawing an incredibly long (if irrelevant) bow.
I thought the same about the LNP - but they said anything to get elected and then went and did the opposite
Clive the stooge of the Abbott government.
No! Clive is just an erratic stooge! Even the Greens can't follow him.
@ Sharron:
['The megablizzards must be freezing the pollies brains!']
A täuschen comment, Sharron.
Palmer has outwitted his adversaries to such an extent that the major parties are spooked.
Politics has never been so interesting since the dismissal crisis.
The Abbott Government isn't used to negotiating to achieve a consensus. It believes "mandate" means "consensus". See what happens when bullies are stood up to......... they just don't like it.
Great photo of Ricky Muir. Great to have high quality representation in the halls of government. If you vote for him you might also consider voting for Abbott
Why would PUP vote to gag debate and bring on a vote of the repeal bills (implying support) if they intend to vote against the bills? Are they just playing with Eric's head?
Quite possibly; Afghani Polo style, perhaps?
Hockey 1 Hockey 2 ! Play [insert your spherical object of choice HERE]
With Clive there's always a self-interest purpose to his brinkmanship. My guess is he hasn't totally given up on making the repeal retrospective.