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Is the PM a bit over it all?

Tory Maguire

by Tory Maguire

27 Aug 01:41pm

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Filed under: Election 2010, Hung Parliament, Julia Gillard, Politics

90 comments

Julia Gillard’s office has just released some letters she sent to Tony Abbott regarding caretaker conventions and one of the most interesting things about them was the signature. Here’s her signature from the letter dated August 25.

And here’s what she wrote two days later on August 27.

I have to admit the unsightly scrawl I call my signature changes almost every time I write it. But I wonder what the hand writing experts would tell us about this.

Most commented

90 comments

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    • Macca says:

      01:51pm | 27/08/10

      Maybe it was just a really shit pen?

      Reply

    • chad says:

      04:10pm | 27/08/10

      Hahahah Macca…the old shit pen strikes again

    • All says:

      04:28pm | 27/08/10

      Depends on which office lackey that she has delegated signature writing duties to for the day. After all a body guard was her delegate for national security meetings so how far beneath her is letter writing and signing.

    • Phil says:

      04:38pm | 27/08/10

      Simple Macca, one was written by the ROOL JOOLYA and the other one probably by someone who works for her or as mentioned below maybe she had a hangover after drowning her sorrows on getting less seats than the Libs

    • antman says:

      05:24pm | 28/08/10

      Sorry Phil, Labor got almost 30 more seats than the Libs and the same as the Coalition (when Tony Crooke is correctly counted as an independent).

    • Steve says:

      05:05pm | 29/08/10

      maybe Tory is just on the same pay role as Tony!!!

    • Joolz says:

      01:54pm | 27/08/10

      This is completely off the topic of her signature, but I was struck when I saw Gillard presenting the black binders to the three independents of how out of her depth she was.

      In fact, I was reminded of the widowed hen, Miss Prissy, who was chasing after Foghorn Leghorn in the Warner Brothers cartoon. “Here, have some more scones, more tea, more fruitcake…”

      Reply

    • The Badger says:

      02:55pm | 27/08/10

      Yes, handing the three independents binders that contained how Labor policy affected their electorate was brilliant.

      Bet the Liberals wish they had thought of that.
      Or perhaps they did and realized that their policies looked very weak by comparison.

      An eye for an eye leaves everyone blind.
      Gandhi

    • luke09 says:

      03:06pm | 27/08/10

      Also off topic, I saw a photo at the conclusion of this meeting at news.com.au, it looked as though the treasurer Wayne Swan was bowing his head to Bob Katter. I thought Bob Katter was the kingmaker, not King.

    • heath says:

      03:56pm | 27/08/10

      Oh yes, the horrid Swan looked like he was genuflecting. Was Bob Katter wearing his papal ring?

    • Nicole says:

      04:54pm | 27/08/10

      No Joolz, it’s ‘a cupa toyee’. And no more fruitcake, she had enough!

    • Gregg says:

      02:44am | 28/08/10

      Don’t you worry about that Badger for the Libs had an even bigger white folder for them, Katman having his well displayed in one photo shoot on the way to somewhere.

    • P. Darvio says:

      02:39pm | 28/08/10

      They were just blank white pages within the folders…....!!! ???

    • MarK says:

      01:55pm | 27/08/10

      73 - 72 seats to the Libs.

      Enough said. Lets get this done and return from dreamland.

      Oh to be on topic yes Julias is over it. She is gone. Now we need the sacrificial lamb to take over while Sorten and Combet get their ammo all sorted out.

      Hmmmm….who will be the fall guy?

      Reply

    • jeffb says:

      04:23pm | 27/08/10

      Thats a slightly ridiculous thing to say, considering the only party that can gain support of all the independents and have some measure of confidence regarding the senate is… Labor.

      Also you’re completely ignoring the fact Tony Crook has asked to be removed from the Coalition’s seat count and will not sit with them.

      Ignoring those two issues theres still quite a few things that need to be considered. I think thats lost on alot of people and the media who seems to have no idea how a Westminster system works.

    • Johnno says:

      05:10pm | 27/08/10

      Forget the 72s and 73s. The only number that matters is 76. It really is about time that coalition lackeys stop peddling coalition spin and make some serious inquiries themselves about the system that Tony defends so vigorously.

    • MarK says:

      05:12pm | 27/08/10

      No prob jeffb - lets all overlook the fact the coalition won the majority of seats.

      Groovy.

      It would please Gillard to know you have negotiated full support of the 4 independents for Labor as well. Your powers are truly amazing. When did you do this? How did you do this? I was under the impression negotiations continued but since you have them in the bag good on ya.

      The WA Nat is playing games. He wants to be a big boy like Uncle Rob, Tony and Bob. Please remember that Crook will not side with anyone proposing a mining tax. Can you remind me which side has the tax? It slips my memory I will have to check some notes but for arguments sake lets say Labor is proposing a great big new mining tax. That would sort of make it hard for Crook to side with them.

      So jeefb I think you have some quite ridiculous things to say in response to my excellent, succinct and well thought out op.

      I further believe I heard all 3 independents say who won the majority of the seats to be in the box seat. But let us not take any notice of that now eh?

    • Matthew says:

      07:06pm | 27/08/10

      The Coalition did not get a majority of seats. Glad I could clear that up for you.

    • jeffb says:

      08:26pm | 27/08/10

      MarK, If your read my reply you’ll see that nowhere did I try to claim that Labor had support of all 4 independents as well as the Green MP. I said they are the only party that can gain all their support. A small but important difference. In the same paragraph I made reference to the Greens holding the balance of power n the senate which means any LNP government would face significant problems in passing anything.

      You still seem to be confused, unless either side has a majority in their own right having more seats means exactly nothing. Thats the way the Westminster system works. I think you would also find it interesting that the incumbent government in these situation is always given first chance to form a government. Not only that but the number can easily be adjusted both ways, if you’re going to count Crook why not count Bandt for Labor? Hes already signaled he will only back them, more than Crook has said about the LNP.

      Its the same as Labor claiming victory based on a higher 2PP or the LNP claiming based on first preferences.

      I think I can recall one of the independents saying however finished with the most seats would be better placed to form a government on Sunday? Thats exactly what you would expect anyone to say while the votes are still being counted. The end result though after counting has finished is for all intents and purposes is even.

      I’m not taking sides here at all, its just the way our system works. Theres no point trying to blame me for a system thats hundreds of years old.

    • Front Row says:

      08:32pm | 27/08/10

      MarK -
      Now, now, old boy.  I’m on your side, but you can’t do hubris on a 73.

    • Shane From Melbourne says:

      11:51pm | 27/08/10

      Let’s just wait until all the recounts and high court challenges are settled. Or at least one of the party leaders concedes defeat. Neither has happened, so get back in your box please.

    • MarK says:

      05:48pm | 28/08/10

      It is official I blame jeffb for this foul up.

      It is all his fault.

    • Paul says:

      01:57pm | 27/08/10

      I’m no Gillard fan, so am reluctant to offer any reason for this besides “she’s losing her mind” - but maybe she signed the second one in the car as C1 was making some sharp turns. Swanny in the back playing corners with her = scrawly penmanship.

      Reply

    • joolz says:

      02:12pm | 27/08/10

      Ick. The vision of Swannie playing corners with Gillard. Unnatural.

    • Tracey says:

      07:31pm | 29/08/10

      Apart from the signature, I was blown away by the fact that a letter from the PMs office to the Opposition Leader could have a very obvious typo go unspotted.

    • Luke says:

      01:59pm | 27/08/10

      I like the question one of the Journo’s asked her at the press conference. “Did you give Mr Wilkie a black folder too when you met with him this morning?”
      Re the signature’s, It looks like she probably signed the last one on the footpath.

      Reply

    • Monique says:

      02:04pm | 27/08/10

      too much coffee, jules

      Reply

    • Craig says:

      02:07pm | 27/08/10

      Simple reason for the change: One of those signatures wasn’t written by Gillard. Yes, small changes are usual from one signing to the next, but the addition of four extra letters is NOT normal!
      The question you should be asking is: “Who is trying to forge Gillard’s signature?”
      Alternatively, I’d go with Paul’s reasoning (1.57pm). That Swannie’s a real joker!

      Reply

    • Inspector Rex says:

      02:17pm | 27/08/10

      No Craig, I prefer your conspiracy theory, it sounds much more probable.  Could have been Aliens…

      Woof!

    • Tony of Poorakistan says:

      02:09pm | 27/08/10

      That second one screams hangover

      Reply

    • Nicole says:

      04:51pm | 27/08/10

      Unfortunately, that’s what I’m gunna have in the morning.

    • erbert says:

      02:13pm | 27/08/10

      I think it’s a forgery!

      Reply

    • Macca says:

      02:14pm | 27/08/10

      Was the second one written by the ‘real’ Julia?

      Reply

    • kp says:

      03:38pm | 27/08/10

      I reckon that the second one was written by the third Julia - the one who is bowing in a very embarrassing way to the independents !!

    • Shaun says:

      02:19pm | 27/08/10

      Left handed, right handed….... which one am I really?

      Reply

    • Ray says:

      02:26pm | 27/08/10

      Running out of things to grill Gillard over already?

      Reply

    • Andrew says:

      02:33pm | 27/08/10

      The second one she might have been moving forward.

      Reply

    • Farmer says:

      02:35pm | 27/08/10

      Looks like either Bill or Tony have been signing her homework…. which is mightier?

      The pen or the sword?

      Reply

    • jb says:

      02:50pm | 27/08/10

      Lots of people have their signatures signed in absence just like lots of Prime Ministers send their body guards to defense briefings…
      It’s the Labor way!

      Reply

    • Gregg says:

      02:52pm | 27/08/10

      It’s all very simple really and anyone who starts using their first name is attempting to get on chummy terms and our girl Julia is hoping to be like another Julia was in a red dress.
      Well simple for starters but an exceedingly complex objective sought.
      She knows her time is about up and rather than face the faceless she is perhaps in desperation which the second signing also shows, looking at some sort of a dallying with her former sparring partner.
      Could she become the speaker of the house!

      I’m reminded of that best cartoon of the campaign with the tandem sword victims! and Kevins smile will disappear if she becomes speaker.

      Reply

    • Nicole says:

      07:43pm | 27/08/10

      Go and wash your mouth out Gregg! The very thought of Jooolya, continuously saying ‘oda, Oda, ODa ODA’ is already making my ears ring. *Shudder Shudder Shudder*.

    • Bazza says:

      03:13pm | 27/08/10

      Definately trying to look “stable”, but not quite achieving it on the 2nd go. Listening to Gillard, all of the Independents and the Green now parroting exactly the same mantra “stable and efffective” you would think they are all from the same party. So much for Independents, it’s starting to sound like another election campaign.

      Reply

    • Rosie says:

      03:35pm | 27/08/10

      All I can say is that for one to change their signature so dramatically in a couple of days is a sign of uncertainty. It is someone who is not comfortable in their own skin at the time and therefore doesn’t have her feet on the ground. Someone who has lost confidence in her/him self.

      After saying that and everything I have said about Julia Gillard I must now give credit to where it is due.

      Julia Gillard would have made an excellent leader but sadly her rise to high office has to be seen as her downfall. Ms Gillard was foolish to be lead by the faceless men because for someone so passionate about her politics she could have easily achieved her PM status through the right channels and the right people behind her who believed in her. I do feel Julia Gillard was used as I cannot see anyone else in the Labor party as good or better than her.

      As our first female I would have certainly been proud of her and would have accepted her atheism and living in a defacto relationship in the Lodge. Unforturnately, she has been tainted because she has allowed herself to be lead by a bunch of faceless men. I do hope she does the right thing now and work with Tony Abbott so a Govt is formed.

      PS OK Labor supporters we are in another phase of this election thing so sense and sensibility is required so attack the message instead of the messenger.

      Reply

    • Farmer says:

      03:40pm | 27/08/10

      @ Rosie
      You are trying ever so hard to be kind and just and fair-minded. Sadly, for you, the subject of your discourse just doesn’t lend itself to similar traits.

      As ye sow, so shall ye reap, Joolya.

    • Rosie says:

      04:07pm | 27/08/10

      Farmer - correct what you sow is what you reap! I can also be forgiving if I need be. I still believe that Julia Gillard would have made a good leader if she had the backing of good people. The faceless men have ruined it for her and she cannot blame anyone else but herself for agreeing to knifing her leader and taking over.

      It is time for her and Tony Abbott to work as a team and not allow the Independents and Greens to dictate to them. Without the faceless men I am certain Julia Gillard is capable of working with Tony Abbott so a Govt is formed as soon as possible. The two of them must show leadership now and take it into Parliament.

    • Tedd says:

      04:09pm | 27/08/10

      I agree, Rosie.  Perhaps mR.abbitt will appoint her deputy PM in his Govt??!!

    • Farmer says:

      04:14pm | 27/08/10

      @ Rosie - I find it hard to believe she didn’t know what she was doing with the knife. Remember, she was one of “the four”. All four sets of fingerprints are on that knife.

      Give as good as you get, Joolya.

    • kp says:

      04:29pm | 27/08/10

      Rosie, I agree with you up until you mentioned Julia would be a good PM !!!  She has proven to me in the last 3 years that she wouldn’t and could never be.  She made to many bad decisions and as a result, we are all going to suffer. But I am a fair person and I respect your opinion !!  Everyone is entitled to one and this is a democracy !!!!!

    • Rosie says:

      08:37pm | 27/08/10

      kp & Farmer

      Have just finished listening to Gillard and after thinking she would make a good leader if she had good people backing her I have to change my mind. I kinda thought because of the political situation that we are in she may have put the nation before herself and work accordingly with Tony Abbott in a diplomatic and pragmatic way without the nastiness.

      I now believe it is her desperation to be the elected PM that she will do and say anything to retain it.

      Usually I am a good judgement of people but she has fooled me.

    • Louisa says:

      03:45pm | 27/08/10

      Miss Gillard is inconsistant - always has been and always will be

      Reply

    • Alex says:

      03:52pm | 27/08/10

      Does anyone else think it looks like Abbott’s signature on his 27 August reply was a copy and paste job? I mean, it just looks a little off..

      Reply

    • Alexandrina says:

      03:53pm | 27/08/10

      The twosignatures are very informative in many ways. Here are a couple.

      1. Definite signs of extreme stress as indicated by resting dot stops at ll and G in 2nd signature= Gillard

      2. Severe stress indicated by wobbly lines in all letters sign 2 as opposed to distinctly defined letters in 1st signature.

      3. Diminished public stature and confidence is pronounced in signature 2 via signature size; (much diminished) , and observer above is correct in stating the use of Julia as opposed to just J. supports the view that the PM is attempting to appear open and honest in her dealings regarding this document.

      4. Loss of authority and confidence is evident in the diminished size and length of the underline under last portion of surname in 2nd signature.

      Overall= Extremely stressed Julia Gillard arguably not sleeping well, overly anxious regarding her loss of the confidence of the Australian public, and ramifications pertaining to the contents of the document bearing the second signature.

      Actually, she needs to see a Doctor pronto.

      Alex

      Reply

    • Non-Joolya Fan says:

      04:09pm | 27/08/10

      Probably missing out in more ways than these….

    • Alexandrina says:

      06:10pm | 27/08/10

      This is hypothetical of course. Although:

      ( In the medical field, it ‘graphology’ can be used to refer to the study of handwriting as an aid in diagnosis and tracking of diseases of the brain and nervous system.)

      Very controversial field of study although Alfred Binet referred to graphology as the Science of the Future. Seems that there is some validity regarding the above and the opposite regarding analysis of personality traits etc.

    • Philip Milward says:

      10:45am | 28/08/10

      If Ms Gillard’s shaky signature been on a will,there would be questions of testamentary capacity raised by those affected.

    • jeffb says:

      04:11pm | 27/08/10

      So the Australian media has moved from discussing whether Gillard is a real woman to her earlobes and now onto how neat her signature is…

      Where are the real journalists in Australia?

      Reply

    • MarK says:

      05:14pm | 27/08/10

      At 5pm on Friday they are all half cut down the pub.

    • Charlie says:

      04:24pm | 27/08/10

      Wow her signature, how interesting…
      Abbott can return a bigger surplus, vote for him Australia. Lets get that surplus to 10 billion! WOOOOO! Yeah.

      Reply

    • Sue says:

      05:20pm | 27/08/10

      WOOOOO! Yeah is right…considering it was the previous surplus that helped see us through the GFC!!!!!!!!!!  Her differing signatures are irrelevant when it comes down to a choice of priorities…a housewife does not go and buy a mink coat when she has to put food on the kitchen table for the family!!

    • Drew(Darlinghurst) says:

      04:37pm | 27/08/10

      The question we have to ask our self is ......can the crazy catholic Abbott even write????

      The possibility of Abbott as PM is a very scary site indeed…much worse than a Gillard Signature.

      Be afraid Australia, be very afraid !!

      Reply

    • Jimbo Jones says:

      06:23pm | 27/08/10

      A Rhodes scholar usually can regardless of his./her religious persuasion.  What are we meant to be afraid of exactly?

    • Gregg says:

      02:52am | 28/08/10

      I think Drew that in places other than Darlinghurst where people can write and that would include Tony Abbott, soon to be PM, it would be sight you may have meant rather than site and perhaps in your mind abetter word may have even been thought if that is within your thinking scope.

    • Mayday says:

      09:41am | 28/08/10

      @ Drew (Darlinghurst)

      Drew my dear Mr Abbott is a double Rhodes Scholar, your ignorance is showing Comments like these make me very, very afraid!!!

    • Philip Milward says:

      10:30am | 28/08/10

      Drool of somewhere, how 18th century you are ! This is,in case you don’t know,is the 21st century and most of us are enlightened.Next you will be saying that Mr Abbot will be controlled by the Pope. What a pathetic nothing you are !

    • stephen says:

      07:52pm | 28/08/10

      In Darlinghurst they wear warwick capper shorts, where no-one has need to write.

    • Billy B says:

      09:31am | 29/08/10

      Drew (Darlinghurst) Why, oh, why do you have to bring religion into it?  Grasping at straws once again.  Rhodes Scholars can usually write even if they do write with their left hand.

    • Geoff Penn says:

      04:37pm | 27/08/10

      Julia writes like a lawyer in a hurry. Unrecognizable scribble which basically suits her unrelenting drivel.

      Reply

    • jag says:

      04:49pm | 27/08/10

      bring in mr lightman!

      Reply

    • Grr says:

      04:49pm | 27/08/10

      Crappy pen?

      Reply

    • Paul T says:

      06:18pm | 27/08/10

      Maybe it was the bodyguard…?  Or is this one the real Joolya?

      Reply

    • terreality says:

      07:32am | 28/08/10

      real or fake julia?

    • nosthow says:

      06:46pm | 27/08/10

      Looks the signature of a winner to me Tors ! Ms gillard will may an excellent PM and will have years to sign plenty of documents. On the other hand the poor old Mad Monk wont have to worry signing much - lets face it “MM” is easy to sign isnt it ? What country in the world would want to have a PM known as the Mad Monk ? And Julie Bishop as Foreign Minister and the living fossil Warren Truss and Deputy PM ? hahahhhha - No Ms Gillard will set us all right !

      Reply

    • jag says:

      06:52pm | 27/08/10

      she is still nego-see-ating

      Reply

    • Against the Man says:

      07:23pm | 27/08/10

      Gillard is not going to go down well in our political history….............neat writing or not.

      Reply

    • ASIF says:

      07:53pm | 27/08/10

      Lets JOB share the PM position

      Reply

    • Front Row says:

      08:25pm | 27/08/10

      I can’t believe how many people have missed what’s going on here.
      This is a hidden plea to Tony.
      They are so much the same, she knows he’s the only one who could possibly understand. Yet there’s nothing he can do. There they are, both locked in their own castles.
      They’ll actually never be together, but there they are.

      Reply

    • Mal says:

      11:58pm | 27/08/10

      It was Barry Hall.  Jools is off to play full forward for the bulldogs.

      Reply

    • Gregg says:

      02:55am | 28/08/10

      Signatures aside, what would be really interesting is what she would pen about the three amigos and others.

      Reply

    • Ashley says:

      03:13am | 28/08/10

      It still will not give Gillard any mandate or more seats than the Coalition, so even as a dead heat the only next fair way forward with the Independents to determine who got the most Primary Votes, that falls convincingly to the Coalition by more than 400,000…Give it up Labor..you know the Boys from the Bush will NEVER give you Government.

      Reply

    • Carlo says:

      08:55am | 28/08/10

      She is clearly shaking with nerves!

      Reply

    • Robin says:

      11:00am | 28/08/10

      Overdose of coffee?

      Reply

    • Julia will never fool ya says:

      12:34pm | 28/08/10

      Nothing happen you stupid cow,all happen you had too much to drink and started your hallucinations.

      Reply

    • Jay says:

      02:19pm | 28/08/10

      I will try a change of signature at the bank and see how I go.
      But it does prove one thing,  Julia 1 &  Julia 2

      Reply

    • Wally says:

      03:08pm | 28/08/10

      This is an important issue that Australians need to know about, discuss and debate.  The issue of Julia Gillard’s signature is much more important to concerned, enlightened, thinking Australian than any of her policies could or will ever be.

      This is investigative journalism at its best.  It is stories and issues like this that make Australia the robust democracy it is today.

      Reply

    • Julie Coker-Godson says:

      03:54pm | 28/08/10

      The second signature of later date looks a bit wobbly as if the author of it was uncertain of signing.  But that’s my HO only of course.

      Reply

    • Gerard says:

      04:21pm | 28/08/10

      At least we know now that she hasn’t just given someone in her office a stamp with her signature, a la Fishnets Downer.

      Reply

    • cam says:

      06:06am | 29/08/10

      Staffer signed it for her…the same bloke who went to the security briefings

      Reply

    • Ben G says:

      01:49pm | 29/08/10

      “Handwriting experts” would tell us something about it.
      Then they’d laugh to themselves and say “I can’t believe people still believe there’s such thing as a handwriting expert!”.

      Reply

    • Amber says:

      10:58am | 30/08/10

      Maybe she got someone else to sign it for her…kinda like the national security meetings, where one sometimes just gets too darn busy to go onself…oh just noticed that Cam already said that.

      Reply
 
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