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Belinda Neal: a one-woman political phenomenon

Tory Maguire

by Tory Maguire

22 Feb 05:50am

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Filed under: Alp, Belinda Neal, Election 2010, Politics, Robertson

69 comments

The truism goes a politician should wear out a couple of pairs of shoes in the lead up to an election, but for the Labor Member for Robertson Belinda Neal, her best strategy for a last-ditch bid at career salvation would be to stay indoors and put her feet up.

Belinda Neal on the hustings in Robertson. Picture: Ella Pellegrini

You see Neal has a way of alienating people that’s unique for a back bencher in the Federal Parliament, especially one who took her seat by just 184 votes at the last election.

And now the ALP has a big decision to make. Turf out a sitting member married to one of the most powerful men in the NSW division, or stay with a candidate so deeply unpopular senior party figures think she’ll be annihilated come Federal Election time. It’s more complicated than it sounds.

March 6 looms as Neal’s D-day in the party, and The Punch headed to Robertson on the NSW Central Coast for a few days last week and was surprised to find a little hint of benevolence among voters for the woman nicknamed the Member for Iguanas.

We turned up in Gosford the day the Daily Telegraph splashed with a story claiming Neal offered to help an elderly ALP pre-selector move up the surgery waiting list in exchange for her vote.

Neal has denied it, and quite a few people we spoke to had trouble working out why the story was on the front page of Sydney’s biggest newspaper.

In fact Sue Tyrrell, the 3rd generator proprietor of Mannings Sports, said in her view Neal’s scandals were a media obsession, not a local one. Tyrrell described the now famous incident at Iguana Joes down the road as “a bit of a laugh”, and in the case of the most recent allegations, she’d give the local member the benefit of the doubt.

In spite of the Shooters Party poster in the front window of the shop, Tyrrell said she’d voted Labor at the last election, and would probably do so again this time.

The thing is, Tyrrell said she’d never had any dealings of her own with Neal. Those who have tell a different story.

The biggest problem The Punch could detect was in the under 25s – they all know each other, and they all know someone who was working at Iguanas the night Neal and her husband, NSW Minister John Della Bosca, had their run in with staff.

While The Punch was browsing for a new pair of pants in a clothes shop in Terrigal, Mel, 22, took time out from serving customers to explain how her entire social network wouldn’t vote for Neal in a pink fit.

Having served the sitting member herself a number of times she said her reputation for rudeness and arrogance was well-deserved, and pretty much nothing Kevin Rudd could say or do would be enough to convince Mel to put a 1 next to Neal’s name on the ballot paper.

Every other Gen-Y type The Punch spoke to agreed, and all of them seemed to know someone, who knows someone, who was at Iguanas on that night in June 2008. (Neal hasn’t been back since, which must drive her mad. Iguanas is a 7 minute stroll from her electorate office and is a great place to kick back with a beer and gaze out on Brisbane Water.)

Belinda Neal is not the first politician to be called rude and arrogant. But somehow it’s become a national story.

The Greens candidate Peter Freewater told The Punch Neal surviving pre-selection was the best thing that could happen to his chances of making it into the Federal Parliament.

“I suppose I shouldn’t be saying that because I don’t want to encourage the Labor Party to throw her out,” Freewater said. “Belinda Neal is the best thing to ever happen to my political career.”

The Liberal candidate Darren Jameson is quite sensibly keeping his mouth shut. It would certainly appear to be in the Liberal Party’s best interests to keep Neal on the hook.

(Although on the Liberal’s website there’s a piece quoting state director Mark Neeham calling for the ALP to dump Neal.)

The local FM morning crew on Star FM have started referring to the surf-lifesaving cop Jameson as “superman,” and The Punch can envisage the multiple photo opportunities for Jameson and his leader Tony Abbott in their sluggos on Terrigal Beach.

Every Superman needs a Wonderwoman, and many have their hopes pinned on local academic Deb O’Neill.

Deb O'Neill by name but not Neal by nature. Picture: Renee Nowytarger

O’Neill is the only one challenging Neal (yes, the Neil/O’Neill thing is going to get annoying) for the ALP pre-selection. And after this weekend, when a large chunk of Neal’s branch members were ruled ineligible to take part in the ballot, she must be feeling pretty confident.

Neal didn’t have to face pre-selectors when she got the seat, having been parachuted in by the party’s top brass in a bunch that included Maxine McKew in Bennelong.

O’Neill, a 49-year-old mother and academic, is certainly very personally appealing and is selling a strong message of politics being about engagement with people. It’s pretty clear she’s up for to wearing out a few pairs of her own high heels if she wins on March 6.

She went close to wining the state seat of Terrigal away from the Liberal’s Chris Hartcher in 2003 and is under no illusion about what’s required to have such a slim margin go her way.

But predicting the outcome of pre-selections is a mug’s game. This one is up to 170 individuals with who knows what loyalties and allegiances.

Why does any of this matter to anyone outside the electoral boundaries of Robertson?

Herein lays the Belinda Neal phenomenon. She’s bigger than the 170 members of the ALP who’ll choose between her and O’Neill on March 6 to be their candidate at the Federal Election.

She’s bigger than the 95,000 or so people enrolled to vote in Robertson.

Somehow a woman who has no executive role in the Government and whose scandals by comparison to many others are relatively low level, has become a stain on Kevin Rudd’s copybook.

The fall out from the kerfuffle at Iguanas is that Neal is viewed nation-wide as being demonstrative of a certain type of politician who’s in it for power, not public good.

And a Government, which is currently struggling to defend its level of competence and ability to deliver on promises, can’t afford that kind of reputation.

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69 comments

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    • acker says:

      05:27am | 22/02/10

      The somewhat softer prettier campaign photo she has on her posters pretty well sums things up.

      Reply

    • Ken says:

      02:32pm | 22/02/10

      Belinda Neal personifies Labor under Kevin Rudd.

      If she keeps ‘helping’ Labor mates to the front of the queue in the hospital waiting lists she won’t have to worry about her vote margin.

      Then again she might try faxing in votes like she faxed in the Stat Decs to the Igauna Bar for their staff to sign.

      To say “Neal has a way of alienating people..” is like saying Martin Bryant was not a people-person.

      She is all that is good about Labor today.

    • James Shaw says:

      03:39pm | 22/02/10

      I am not sure how extensive your research was because it is generally accepted in the community that Belinda Neal is an embarrassment to the Central Coast. To suggest people now think it is a “bit of a laugh” is ridiculous.

      The allegations of improprietary against Belinda Neal are just astounding. Remember she is alleged to have said that Igauana’s would have their Liquor Licence revoked??

      She is a crazy woman that most people I know can’t wait to see the back of her.

    • Phil says:

      07:07am | 22/02/10

      I actually hope they keep her so she can be shown the door on polling day. As the counrties most marginal seat it would be good to have Kevvy take up a lot of his time on this one distracting him from other seats.

      The ALP will want to keep her due to her husband being a NSW heavy weight.

      Rudd needs the NSW support in the event of any challange to his leadership by Gillard, therefore it is in his interest to keep her. It will be interesting to see.

      The Iguana’s saga was a long time ago and it appears she has not attacked any soccer mums lately either. but many remember what she is like, that and her comments to Sophie Mirrabella were a disgrace.

      I thought the NSW Libs might have asked the manager for Iguanas to run against her, bringing out the CCTV footage of the night in question would make great campaign material for a local add. My money says the only reason for the change in heart from Iguanas is that one of Della’s sponsors is a co owner in the establishment, hence once pressure was exerted a change of heart.

      Reply

    • Dan says:

      02:37pm | 22/02/10

      Ironic that a classic Labor power couple would get into a stoush in the Iguana Bar.

      Wasn’t there a Bush Pig Bar in town?

      Labor’s hypocrisies are world best practice, they will simply brush aside the instances of abusing staff, kicking and abusing opponents in a soccer match, rorting party funds for your own re-election, absuing pregnant political colleagues, etc.

      Rudd the Hollowman shows his true colours by the company he keeps.

    • Phil says:

      07:10am | 22/02/10

      What is it with labor women that they are ashamed to take their husbands names in marriage. Even M/s Rein is too ashamed to be known as Mrs Rudd, likewise M/s Tebbutt does not want to be known as Mrs Albanese, M/s McKew does not want to be known as Mrs Hogg, M/s Neal does not want to be known as Mrs Della Bosca to name but a few.

      Reply

    • KH says:

      07:43am | 22/02/10

      You are a jerk, sir.  ‘Ashamed’???? How about ‘sure of themselves enough to keep their own name’.  Women are NOT property, and should not be obliged to change their names.  Besides being a total pain in the proverbial, it isn’t necessary.

    • AFR says:

      07:48am | 22/02/10

      Phil, what’s your point?

    • Kelly says:

      08:03am | 22/02/10

      Ah, Phil. I can’t you actually posted this comment! You do realise us women also have the vote now.
      Why should they change their names - and more importantly, what business is it of yours?
      I think you should stick to whinging about Labor’s policies.

    • RJB says:

      08:03am | 22/02/10

      Amazingly, Susan Anus did not immediately grab the opportunity to be addressed as Mrs Beazley.

    • francesca says:

      08:29am | 22/02/10

      Phil have you just dropped out of the ark, if not you must have been flying about near Mars. Times have changed Phil. We keep our own names now and have done so for about thirty years and even Lib women not known for being radical, do so as well.
      Nice try but I think Belinda’s surname is not the worst thing about her.

    • acker says:

      08:51am | 22/02/10

      I agree with you Phil, how ironic is it that in most cases these women have their fathers surnames as their surname. Plus how many kids running around with last names like Tommy Alphabet-Alphabet-Alphabet-Alphabet does this world need.

    • Adam Diver says:

      09:59am | 22/02/10

      How about to maintain a family structure. Who wants parents with different names and what name does the child get? I am on Phils side here but I really don’t care either. Keep your stupid last names if you want.

    • Fabian says:

      11:44am | 22/02/10

      I think the issue is more one of a ‘don’t ask don’t tell’ policy to minimise public exposure of the private club that is Labor, complete with its discrete rules of entry and retention (eg Peter Baldwin and Peter Garrett) and elitist belief that they are the chosen ones to spread social enlightenment. A cynic may wonder why Maxine McKew did not shout her loyalties when interviewing her cohorts as a presenter for the national broadcaster.

    • Tony Smith says:

      03:43pm | 22/02/10

      Great observation Phil.

      A women can still be her own person if she takes her husband’s last name. Labor just does not seem to believe in the family unit.

      To the women having a go at Phil, he did not say that women couldn’t vote, merely following a custom of family unity.

    • Todd Paten says:

      03:59pm | 22/02/10

      I don’t trust women who don’t take her husbands last name when they get married. It is a sign that the women hasn’t accepted she is part of a family group and is self absorbed. It seems likely that a woman that takes this course would not put her children before her needs. Looks selfish to me but it is just my observation.

      I agree with Tony S, the custom is to show a family group not to show that the wife belongs to the husband (which it doesn’t show that anyway).

    • iansand says:

      05:09pm | 22/02/10

      I have a cunning plan.  You blokes should take your new wife’s name.  That will maintain the family identity perfectly adequately.

    • Jack Thomas says:

      11:11am | 23/02/10

      I love these hypocritical Latte Lefties.

      We have an elected Labor MP, with form for abusing bar staff, possibly forging Stat Decs, kicking other women in a social game of soccer, pushing a Labor mate up the hospital waiting list queue in return for her vote, possible misuse of party funds (for her advertising campaign), and despite having a margin slimmer than her head is (according to the writer) irrelevant to her constituency.

      You guys attack Phil for his misogyny, in fact KH is outraged. No mention of Belinda Neal.

      Good to see the hypocrisy gland and sense of balance is strong with you guys.

    • Helena D says:

      07:37am | 22/02/10

      I don’t like getting into people’s personal lives, its none of our buisness about her marriage or her name ect . As a resident of New South Wales my intrest is in performance. I can’t say I like the woman BUT I am not in her electorate. I can only vote on my town’s member of Parliment who is doing a good job. That is the problem I feel. I think most of us are sick of the way N.S.W is going but each town voted for the member in their city. The electorate this lady belongs to needs to speak out and speak out loudly, this issue really is in their hands. If they feel she is not representing the area properly they need to speak out with their pens in the next federal election

      Reply

    • james says:

      12:39am | 23/02/10

      Re Todd’s sagacious comments. Hmm. What would you think of a man that refused to take his wife’s name in the interests of accepting that he is part of a family group? Is he self absorbed, is he in danger of putting his own interests before those of his children? Doesn’t follow does it?
      Not take partners name:= self absorbed? where is the logic in that equation? Not a proof is it? It might not have occurred to you Todd in your eagerness to bond with Tony, but the custom was definitely to show that the wife and children belonged to the husband, among other things.

    • formersnag says:

      08:09am | 22/02/10

      Radical, extremist, loony, left, shrieking, feman-nazis like Belinda Neal & Julia Gillard are going to lose the next election for the red/green/labour coalition. The “John Howard Battlers” are mostly males & a growing number of “Real Women” who are rejecting femanism, because of the child abuse, it champions.

      Reply

    • Kelly says:

      08:45am | 22/02/10

      Hahaha - this is gold! Here I was thinking Phil was a bitter ex-husband gone loopey after being dumped - you’ve got nothing on this one, Phil.

      Looks like formersnag is now the poster boy for the raving-right crazies, intent on proving that knuckles being dragged along the ground and an inability to spell or use punctuation is no hinderance to using a keyboard or getting online.

    • Phil says:

      09:33am | 22/02/10

      Kelly.

      I have never been dumped by a woman. My personal desire was that my wife take my surname which she did without query and without my asking. You can call me old fashioned and a dinosaur, and I dont care, its just that is what I believe. I dont impose my opinions on others, but was making a tongue in cheek swipe at many of the labor wives who are as I see it embarrassed by their husbands. As for being a feminist, thats their business not mine. Personally I would not want to be married to any of them I have mentioned.

      By the way I have two daughters and still think as I do, knowing my surname will not be carried on.

    • formersnag says:

      10:35am | 22/02/10

      Kelly @ 9:45am, sorry to disappoint you dear but for the record. Three serious long term relationships, all women, dumped by me, because they were violent control freaks as a direct result of having been abused by their mother’s while growing up. The last one still wants me back, is in her mid 40’s & still IS being used, abused by her crazy mother & two sisters.

      There is nothing feminine about femanism, hence fauxmanism, feman-nazism, etc.

      Politically central, am not a liberal/national coalition supporter, will probably be voting AFP or Family First & directing my preferences against the sitting member in all electorates. Was even an Australian Democrat once.

    • Bryndal says:

      12:39pm | 22/02/10

      “Feminism champions child abuse?” - this bow is so long you will need a box of pencils to draw it!
      Did we have our toys taken away by the big bad woman at some stage. Nothing more opinonated than a ‘former’- Former Smoker - Former Politician - Former SNAG - say no more - plent of chips on the shoulder to go with that beer.

    • Sceptical says:

      12:57pm | 22/02/10

      @formersnag - really? Three serious break-ups and none of them were your fault at all? All the fault of the women involved and their mothers and their sisters?
      I think you need to write to Ask Bossy, not The Punch.

    • formersnag says:

      01:14pm | 22/02/10

      Poor Bryndal, you took the words right out of my mouth, as usual for a woman, especially a femanist, fauxmanism always was the corporatisation of lying.

      But just for the record it is common knowledge that feman-nazi’s working for DOCS in all states & territories have been protecting deadbeat, single mothers who have been neglecting & abusing their children for 30 years at least.

    • Arfa says:

      02:22pm | 24/02/10

      Not sure whether this will get onto Kelly’s page. Kelly is the one chiding others about spelling and punctuation. What about getting your typing fingers around “hinderance” Kelly? Of course, there are other bloopers like “femanism” (new bi-sexual word?) in other contributions. Generally, though, the standard of spelling on this site is atrocious. But maybe I’m flogging a decomposing horse.

    • Daniel says:

      08:16am | 22/02/10

      I hope the people of the central coast turf her out. that will teach della bosca for being totally useless as an MP and taking NSW for granted.

      Reply

    • james says:

      12:18pm | 22/02/10

      Result! Kelly you got @formersnag going didnt ya? “and the last one still wants him back”, I bet? love to hear her side of the story.

    • Gary Cox says:

      08:21am | 22/02/10

      What exactly does an academic do?

      Reply

    • H of SA says:

      11:55am | 22/02/10

      Gary,

      See the nobel prizes for medicine, chemistry and physics for notable examples. (literature is not always won by an academic and peace is political)

      The field medal is the one for maths academics.

    • Gary Cox says:

      03:02pm | 22/02/10

      Oh yeah, fair enough. It’d be good to have a nobel prize winner representing the people of Robertson. Reckon I’ll give her the nod if she rolls Belinda

    • James Shaw says:

      03:50pm | 22/02/10

      H

      WTF??? Who said that Debrah Neil won a Nobel Prize?? She is a teacher at Central Coast Campus for people doing Education / Arts.

      I have no idea where you got your information from however her background smells to me of someone who hasn’t worked in the real world ever.

    • H of SA says:

      04:01pm | 22/02/10

      James, 

      Indeed, who did say Debrah Neil won a nobel prize? It cetainly wasn’t me.

      I wasn’t claiming Debrah Neil won a nobel prize the question was what does an academic do, not what Debrah Neil does.

      I was pointing out the more recognisable high profile contributions of academics, which are of course the high profile tip of the iceberg of the multitude contributions they make.

    • Glen says:

      04:58pm | 22/02/10

      Academics write papers.  They do not produce in the traditional sense, something only comes of there writings if it is taken up in the real world.  Most isn’t.  They may do research, many are hardworking , some are not as honourable as we were traditionally tutoured to believe (climategate is a good example).  I did believe that they were solid pillars of society until I worked at a university for 10 years and saw what they are truely like.  They are not saints but are more useful than advertising account executives and telephone cleaners.

    • Cords says:

      08:31am | 22/02/10

      @Phil

      The answer to your question is that there was this little thing called the 20th century. A pity you missed it - perhaps you can rent the DVD and get up to speed.

      Reply

    • franny says:

      08:41am | 22/02/10

      Come to think of it, has Belinda got time to change her name to Della Bosca? It
      could help her to win that preselection.

      Reply

    • Darren says:

      09:25am | 22/02/10

      I hardly think so. We are having trouble getting rid of the hubby as well.

    • E says:

      09:12am | 22/02/10

      I reckon an important question is why do the Australian public put up with unqualified, do nothing, well connected seat warmers crowding the back benches?
      Surely in a country of 20,000,000 people we could find a few hundred who are worth their salt?
      Both parties are guilty of this ‘insider trading’ mates rates candidates, just look at the Victorian Liberals.

      Reply

    • H of SA says:

      11:38am | 22/02/10

      Yup, agree with you E. My biggest worry in politics is the way talentless hack staffers get to be MP’s one day cuz “they done the yards for the pary n’arl”.

      Some of the people who comment on here, lobbying grenades and singing fromt the party song sheet are staffers in the offices of MP’s and are working toward their own pre-selection.

      They might get it. Be afraid.

    • AdamC says:

      09:28am | 22/02/10

      I think Belinda Neal’s main problem is her extraordinary lack of personal warmth or appeal. It doesn’t help that she was parachuted into a seat because of her husband’s influence. Indeed, said husband’s extra-marital behaviour is probably one of the few things keeping her in the game: a sympathy vote for an unsympathetic character.

      Re names, I have always regarded the keep-your-own-name-gals thing as a little old-fashioned. I mean, my mum did it thirty-plus years ago – it’s an establishment practice. Keeping one’s own name is like getting a tattoo, it is more rebellious not to do it!

      Reply

    • james says:

      10:18am | 22/02/10

      Adam, Why would anyone want to officially change their name, the name on their birth certificate, unless they wanted to hide their identity for some reason. When you grow up and get married you can be all rebellious and change your name to your partner’s name until then shut up about it.

    • fran says:

      10:36am | 22/02/10

      ...getting off the subject of Belinda and how cranky she is and how she kicked Albo in the leg when she was at university (a big point in her favour) and whether she deserves to keep her position or not. Folks surely the point about not changing your name if and when you get married,  is not who it belonged to originally, father or mother or whatever. It’s changing the name you’ve had all your life, the one everybody knows you by, the one you use at work, the one that people shorten affectionately, to somebody else’s name just because this is the way they did it for hundreds of years to make sure that everybody knew that this married woman is now the property of this man and the children of this relationship are also his property.

    • Phil says:

      11:16am | 22/02/10

      Fran I didnt know she kicked Albo at Uni. I think I am warming to her all of a sudden. Wouldnt we all like to do the same.

    • Martin G says:

      09:44am | 22/02/10

      Do we know who she is???

      Reply

    • Dick J says:

      10:37am | 22/02/10

      Keep her there until the election. Let the people of Robertson speak.

      I bet the’ don’t you know who I am” & ” I’ll have your license”  lines or similar were used by Ms Neal before Iguana’s.

      She was parachuted into a parliamentary pension when put in the Senate after a death or resignation simply because she is a party hack.

      The Sophie Mirrabella lines and lies did it for me.

      It would be gratifying I’m sure for the people of Robertson to vote with her name on the ticket. They should ask themselves if she is in politics for her constituents or herself!

      Reply

    • Brad Coward says:

      10:39am | 22/02/10

      Have you noticed that those being the most bitchy about the issue of surnames on this blog have either failed to supply theirs or have chosen to bitch under the cover of a nom de plume ?  Very rebellious and edgy !

      Belinda Neal can call herself Minnie Mouse for all I care.  I just don’t believe that she will be re-elected.

      Reply

    • Francis says:

      11:08am | 22/02/10

      Come on!!!!! what wrong with a little bit of i will scratch you back if you vote for me?.......

      or I can get you a cue jump for a new hip if you vote for me….

      I actually like her she a tough customer, who you would never cross, talk about a cold hearted women, ( obviously scorned ) As far a her morals???? eh shes a pollie

      Reply

    • francesca says:

      12:14pm | 22/02/10

      Francis there is something wrong with it, it’s dishonest and very worrying if true. Belinda is probably as tough as most men and women in politics but not tough enough obviously, and as for being cold hearted, I’m not sure there is any evidence of that, she seems a bit too spontaneous for her own good.
      Crass generalisations about politicians, journos, garbage collectors, sex workers and real estate agents are always useful don’t you think?
      Gosh, you could waste a lot of time on this site, who said Baileys Irish Creme was addictive, it’s got nothing on this. Toodleoo, I’m off to my
      Gentle Seniors Weight Lifting class. See ya.

    • james says:

      11:16am | 22/02/10

      brad you are a complete idiot but you are probably accidentally right about belinda’s chances.
      Della is respected amongst people in the Labor party for his competence at work if not for his wisdom about women,
      so quickly calling herself Della might get belinda a few more votes you never know..

      Reply

    • Brad Coward says:

      11:24am | 22/02/10

      As someone once said, politics is a game about getting numbers.  Kiss the right backsides prior to pre-selection and you will get the numbers to ensure your name on the ballot paper.  Or in the case of Labor candidates, have the party leader demand that you be given pre-selection and you’re sweet.  Right, aren’t I, Peter Garrett ?

      Reply

    • John in Alice says:

      11:48am | 22/02/10

      Why any person would even think of casting a vote for this woman OR her infamous husband is beyond my understanding.  I would far rather see an honest Hitler on the ballot than these shameless pretenders although the simple minded voters WILL get what they deserve for leaders.

      Reply

    • Not what we deserve says:

      07:00pm | 22/02/10

      Its got to the point where we don’t actually get the politicians we deserve or the policy we deserve. Politics, especially in NSW and anyone associated with them is all lies and corruption, unions lie about membership numbers to get more delegates at conference. They will typically defeat good ‘people centred’ policy initiatives using the fraudulent numbers. Similarly branch stacking is also an assault on democracy. The wannabe will just bring numbers into a branch to defeat any chance of a popular well supported local from getting preselection. The most obscene form of politicking in the ALP is when the National Executive (all there because they are stackers or union fraudsters) use their numbers to parachute in unwanted candidates to safe seats via the controversial N40 Rule, just ask people in the federal seats of Macquarie, Chifley, Greenway. Yes, it is all about the numbers in politics and the uber ambitious, self absorbed, egomaniacs will do anything, knife anyone to get and keep control of those numbers. We do not in all cases get the politicians we deserve.

    • vic says:

      11:55am | 22/02/10

      Politicians are there to server their contituents. Belinda Neal and John Della Bosca are there to serve their own selfish intrerests. Their constituents don’t even enter into the equation.

      Reply

    • james says:

      12:51am | 23/02/10

      Not what we deserve: Seldom have truer words been said. We don’t deserve these spivs running things, especially in NSW. Governments need to be changed like underwear, regularly.

    • Auds says:

      12:22pm | 22/02/10

      Kelly read your first comment carefully again,not so clever.

      Reply

    • fabian says:

      12:28pm | 22/02/10

      to further develop the debate re the closed club of Labor and how the totally inexplicable can occur in terms of parachuting candidates into safe seats and retaining the indefensible in spite of public opinion, I would refer readers to this link
      http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/lid-lifted-on-the-ugly-80s/2005/11/24/1132703316743.html
      I apologise for using an opposition site, but I believe the public interest is more important in this case. Note the apparatchik that features in this article and reflect on current events and how one could perceive a regime of denial and protection. Protecting and promoting Belinda Neal is a doddle for this crew.

      Reply

    • Phil says:

      12:59pm | 22/02/10

      Interesting readin Fabian. No doubt about it Richo is a political thug, who has never been held to account over his swiss bank accounts with Rene RIvkin, nor his ownership of the Alpha Offset fire.

      He seems above the law and this is typical labor tactics.

    • Marsha Miller says:

      04:09pm | 22/02/10

      If the voters in her electorate don’t like her its simple,don’t vote for her. It seems rather cheap and nasty to worry about her personal relationship or her name for that matter.  It has nothing to do with us, I dislike backstabbing people behind their backs and idle gossip. But if thats the way you like to operate who am I to comment about it? But I am not getting into the sleezy side of any debate. She is not in my electorate, so I have no say in if she goes or stays and I suspect either do many of you

      Reply

    • Norman Hanscombe says:

      08:54pm | 22/02/10

      I probably wouldn’t be considered one of Belinda’s strongest supporters; but I have to say much of the criticism above is both petty and irrelevant. The confidence, for example, with which people assert—quite wrongly—such things as Belinda kicked Albanese, shows a complete disregard for the need to check their facts.

      Even more laughable were the implications by ‘Fabian’ that Peter Baldwin was somehow given his seat by Party heavies. Peter won against the combined efforts of the NSW Right Machine and ‘left’ heavyweight Tom Uren, who were all working to try to get up someone other than Baldwin.  ‘Fabian’ might consider choosing a pseudonym other than that of a cautious general who prepared CAREFULLY before commiting himself?

      Reply

    • francesca says:

      12:15am | 23/02/10

      Dear Norman,
      It was reported in the Herald several months ago by a friend of Belinda Neals
      from Young Labor at Sydney University, that Belinda kicked Anthony
      Albanese when they were both members of Young Labor or the Labor club, or whatever they called it at the time. I believe that the Herald
      still checks their sources and readers are entitled to relate what they read. At the time I read this I briefly considered moving to Robertson to vote for Belinda Neal but decided to stay in the inner west so I could vote against someone else.

      I

    • dave says:

      12:52am | 23/02/10

      Well the way the new politically correct winds are blowing she could always get work as a runway model

      Reply

    • Dominicq says:

      02:40am | 23/02/10

      Was put there for the pension.  Nothing more.

      When both she and her slimy husband finally get tossed out they will live more comfortably than those who have actually worked a day in their lifetimes

      Reply

    • Phil Loveridge says:

      04:24pm | 23/02/10

      The way forward for this beautiful electorate ,Robertson is to vote Independent and do away with the two party politics that have dominated this country. Get behind a local that will voice your opinions in parliament, not their party opinion. The problem with us little people trying to have our say is the big two parties have too much money to waste on advertising their dribble, when you vote read which party the candidate belongs to, then find your independent make them number 1, it wont matter how you preference if we all vote independent, lets show these parties how we the people of Australia are actually in charge.

      Reply

    • Norman Hanscombe says:

      07:44pm | 23/02/10

      Well, Francesca, difficult as it is to doubt the Herald, and much as it may give some pleasure to believe it’s a true story, try as I might I;ve never been able to authenticate the kicking story; and my policy is to always give Belinda the benefit of the doubt—- if, of course, there is doubt.

      As for Phil Loveridge’s panacea for ending political problems, it makes me realise the students I came across in Politics I (despite their difficulties grappling with the subject) possibly weren’t as bad as I thought.

      Reply

    • francesca says:

      04:31pm | 24/02/10

      Dear Norman,
      I thought your problem was that someone had the temerity
      to repeat a story they had no evidence for. I say again that I read the story in the herald and as far as I know it was not challenged or retracted so I felt safe in repeating it.
      I’m not sure that this action, if true, is the worst thing Belinda has done. So I will give her the benefit of the doubt, my congratulations and I’ll continue to believe it.

      Reply

    • Norman Hanscombe says:

      09:43pm | 26/02/10

      What a harsh word temerity is, Francesca. I’d never be so unkind as to use it, and I empathise with your position completely. I suspect, by the way, that if that particular story were true, you mightn’t be the only one regretting not being there to watch it.

 
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