http://www.thepunch.com.au/tags/senate/ Politics, political opinion, world news, sports news and the latest news and views updated live, daily on The Punch - Australia's best conversation. en Copyright 2012 The Punch penberthyd@newsltd.com.au penberthyd@newsltd.com.au Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:45:28 +0000 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:45:28 +0000 Politics, opinion, world news, sports news, latest news, views, Barack Obama, Kevin Rudd, Julia Gillard, Nathan Rees, Malcolm Turnbull, Peter Garrett, Barnaby Joyce, Australian, federal politics, opinion polls, election, The Punch, thepunch, punch ExpressionEngine 1.6.7 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 15 http://www.thepunch.com.au/images/punch-logo-rss.png http://www.thepunch.com.au/ 144 70 Politics, political opinion, world news, sports news and the latest news and views updated live, daily on The Punch - Australia's best conversation. Search The Punch keywords http://www.thepunch.com.au/search/ http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/The-carbon-tax-is-a-done-deal-now-stop-your-whingeing/ You’ve put a price on carbon and stumped up $13 billion dollars for renewable energy. It doesn’t sound very hard when you say it quickly. Actually, it has been excruciatingly hard. Is there anyone who isn’t completely sick and tired of the whole debate? From the moment Tony Abbott got the leadership, he and his dogged faction of supporters in the media have been biting and snarling at anyone associated with climate action. As Laurie Oakes wrote of Mr Abbott recently, “His style is pure attack dog, as feral as you’d get.” feedback@thepunch.com.au (Tory Shepherd) Article http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/The-carbon-tax-is-a-done-deal-now-stop-your-whingeing/#comments http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/The-carbon-tax-is-a-done-deal-now-stop-your-whingeing/#item7101 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:45:28 +0000 It is customary for new Members and Senators to use part of their first speech to give some account of their careers before their election. Despite my entreaties that new Greens Senator Lee Rhiannon address her past, she used the usual dodge of whinging that critics were reviving a ‘new McCarthyism’. Prior to her speech, there has been a battle going on at Wikipedia about her political history. Ever since April a number of people have been trying to write a full, honest and properly referenced account of Senator Rhiannon’s political career prior to 1990 when she joined the Greens. All those efforts have been thwarted by a person called Chris Maltby, who has systematically deleted her political history prior to 1990, by suppressing any version of the Wikipedia article which might be embarrassing to Senator Rhiannon. So what are the facts about Senator Rhiannon’s past that the NSW Greens and Mr Maltby are so keen to stop you reading? http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/whether-she-likes-it-or-nyet-lee-rhiannon-was-a-stalinist/ It is customary for new Members and Senators to use part of their first speech to give some account of their careers before their election. Despite my entreaties that new Greens Senator Lee Rhiannon address her past, she used the usual dodge of whinging that critics were reviving a ‘new McCarthyism’. Prior to her speech, there has been a battle going on at Wikipedia about her political history. Ever since April a number of people have been trying to write a full, honest and properly referenced account of Senator Rhiannon’s political career prior to 1990 when she joined the Greens. All those efforts have been thwarted by a person called Chris Maltby, who has systematically deleted her political history prior to 1990, by suppressing any version of the Wikipedia article which might be embarrassing to Senator Rhiannon. So what are the facts about Senator Rhiannon’s past that the NSW Greens and Mr Maltby are so keen to stop you reading? feedback@thepunch.com.au (Tory Shepherd) Article http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/whether-she-likes-it-or-nyet-lee-rhiannon-was-a-stalinist/#comments http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/whether-she-likes-it-or-nyet-lee-rhiannon-was-a-stalinist/#item6581 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:45:28 +0000 It is customary for new Members and Senators to use part of their first speech to give some account of their careers before their election. Despite my entreaties that new Greens Senator Lee Rhiannon address her past, she used the usual dodge of whinging that critics were reviving a ‘new McCarthyism’. Prior to her speech, there has been a battle going on at Wikipedia about her political history. Ever since April a number of people have been trying to write a full, honest and properly referenced account of Senator Rhiannon’s political career prior to 1990 when she joined the Greens. All those efforts have been thwarted by a person called Chris Maltby, who has systematically deleted her political history prior to 1990, by suppressing any version of the Wikipedia article which might be embarrassing to Senator Rhiannon. So what are the facts about Senator Rhiannon’s past that the NSW Greens and Mr Maltby are so keen to stop you reading? http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/Bomb-legislation-is-a-complete-cluster-f-k/ It’s hard to wipe your bum if you have no hands. It’s hard to win at marbles when you only have one eye. And it’s pretty hard to work as a farmer when you have no legs. Seems pretty wacky, but this is the reality of living in a country beset with bombs dropped by our coalition partners over thirty years ago. I’ve just returned from working in Laos with UNICEF and was shocked to learn of the ongoing problems Australia has played a part in creating. I was even more shocked to think that Australia wants to continue to be involved in such a brutal manner of war. feedback@thepunch.com.au (Tory Shepherd) Article http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/Bomb-legislation-is-a-complete-cluster-f-k/#comments http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/Bomb-legislation-is-a-complete-cluster-f-k/#item6202 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:45:28 +0000 It is customary for new Members and Senators to use part of their first speech to give some account of their careers before their election. Despite my entreaties that new Greens Senator Lee Rhiannon address her past, she used the usual dodge of whinging that critics were reviving a ‘new McCarthyism’. Prior to her speech, there has been a battle going on at Wikipedia about her political history. Ever since April a number of people have been trying to write a full, honest and properly referenced account of Senator Rhiannon’s political career prior to 1990 when she joined the Greens. All those efforts have been thwarted by a person called Chris Maltby, who has systematically deleted her political history prior to 1990, by suppressing any version of the Wikipedia article which might be embarrassing to Senator Rhiannon. So what are the facts about Senator Rhiannon’s past that the NSW Greens and Mr Maltby are so keen to stop you reading? http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/the-end-of-the-parliamentary-world-as-we-know-it/ Next Wednesday night Nick Xenophon will host a party where, as per Greek tradition, guests will be invited to drink, eat and smash lots of plates. This will symbolise Xenophon’s shattered hold on the Senate balance of power, and mark what he says is his increased irrelevance. Former balance of power co-holder Steve Fielding has left the Upper House, and the Greens will have arrived in record numbers, ready to do Green business. feedback@thepunch.com.au (Tory Shepherd) Article http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/the-end-of-the-parliamentary-world-as-we-know-it/#comments http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/the-end-of-the-parliamentary-world-as-we-know-it/#item6192 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:45:28 +0000 It is customary for new Members and Senators to use part of their first speech to give some account of their careers before their election. Despite my entreaties that new Greens Senator Lee Rhiannon address her past, she used the usual dodge of whinging that critics were reviving a ‘new McCarthyism’. Prior to her speech, there has been a battle going on at Wikipedia about her political history. Ever since April a number of people have been trying to write a full, honest and properly referenced account of Senator Rhiannon’s political career prior to 1990 when she joined the Greens. All those efforts have been thwarted by a person called Chris Maltby, who has systematically deleted her political history prior to 1990, by suppressing any version of the Wikipedia article which might be embarrassing to Senator Rhiannon. So what are the facts about Senator Rhiannon’s past that the NSW Greens and Mr Maltby are so keen to stop you reading? http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/bob-brown-is-feeling-lucky/ Greens leader Bob Brown has just delivered one of the sledges of the campaign during his address to the National Press Club - saying “I do have a vision for Australia and I won’t be consulting the phone book to refine it.” That vision turned out to be a long grab-bag style list of issues Brown says the Greens will push if they get the balance of power in the Senate. Of obtaining that balance of power he seemed very confident. Brown started his speech recounting some of the many messages of support he says he’s received, quoting people who’ve never voted Green before pledging to do so this time. feedback@thepunch.com.au (Tory Shepherd) Article http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/bob-brown-is-feeling-lucky/#comments http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/bob-brown-is-feeling-lucky/#item3835 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:45:28 +0000 It is customary for new Members and Senators to use part of their first speech to give some account of their careers before their election. Despite my entreaties that new Greens Senator Lee Rhiannon address her past, she used the usual dodge of whinging that critics were reviving a ‘new McCarthyism’. Prior to her speech, there has been a battle going on at Wikipedia about her political history. Ever since April a number of people have been trying to write a full, honest and properly referenced account of Senator Rhiannon’s political career prior to 1990 when she joined the Greens. All those efforts have been thwarted by a person called Chris Maltby, who has systematically deleted her political history prior to 1990, by suppressing any version of the Wikipedia article which might be embarrassing to Senator Rhiannon. So what are the facts about Senator Rhiannon’s past that the NSW Greens and Mr Maltby are so keen to stop you reading? http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/backward-and-destructive-greens-discriminates/ In an attempt to claim respectability and to convince voters that they are no longer a haven for aged hippies, eco-terrorists, pot smokers and socialists the Greens are keen to present themselves as politically mainstream and moderate. Candidates are groomed and well dressed, Bob Brown plays the role of the elder statesman above the sordid business of doing preference deals with the ALP and politically risky polices related to gay marriage, legalising drugs and abortion on demand are downplayed in favour of saving whales, preserving old growth forests and ending junk food ads. feedback@thepunch.com.au (Tory Shepherd) Article http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/backward-and-destructive-greens-discriminates/#comments http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/backward-and-destructive-greens-discriminates/#item3795 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:45:28 +0000 It is customary for new Members and Senators to use part of their first speech to give some account of their careers before their election. Despite my entreaties that new Greens Senator Lee Rhiannon address her past, she used the usual dodge of whinging that critics were reviving a ‘new McCarthyism’. Prior to her speech, there has been a battle going on at Wikipedia about her political history. Ever since April a number of people have been trying to write a full, honest and properly referenced account of Senator Rhiannon’s political career prior to 1990 when she joined the Greens. All those efforts have been thwarted by a person called Chris Maltby, who has systematically deleted her political history prior to 1990, by suppressing any version of the Wikipedia article which might be embarrassing to Senator Rhiannon. So what are the facts about Senator Rhiannon’s past that the NSW Greens and Mr Maltby are so keen to stop you reading? http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/senators-campaign-just-a-cover-for-a-new-tax/ Last week’s Senate inquiry into the private member’s bill, the Tax Laws Amendment (Public Benefit Test) Bill 2010, was only allowed to run with the credence and terms of reference of a broad ranging review of the tax exempt status for all charities and religions in Australia. A very different story became apparent when questioning began. It was heavily slanted with witnesses against one religion under the guise of a tax inquiry. Senator Doug Cameron notably kept his questions on track and asked intelligent, direct and reasoned questions. But despite repeated reassurances by Liberal Senator Alan Eggleston as the inquiry Chair that “the behaviour of specific individuals and organisations is not within the terms of reference of this committee”, five former Scientologists were invited by Senator Xenophon to appear before the committee where they, to put it colloquially, dumped a bucket on the Church. feedback@thepunch.com.au (Tory Shepherd) Article http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/senators-campaign-just-a-cover-for-a-new-tax/#comments http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/senators-campaign-just-a-cover-for-a-new-tax/#item3504 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:45:28 +0000 It is customary for new Members and Senators to use part of their first speech to give some account of their careers before their election. Despite my entreaties that new Greens Senator Lee Rhiannon address her past, she used the usual dodge of whinging that critics were reviving a ‘new McCarthyism’. Prior to her speech, there has been a battle going on at Wikipedia about her political history. Ever since April a number of people have been trying to write a full, honest and properly referenced account of Senator Rhiannon’s political career prior to 1990 when she joined the Greens. All those efforts have been thwarted by a person called Chris Maltby, who has systematically deleted her political history prior to 1990, by suppressing any version of the Wikipedia article which might be embarrassing to Senator Rhiannon. So what are the facts about Senator Rhiannon’s past that the NSW Greens and Mr Maltby are so keen to stop you reading? http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/australian-senators-sites-facebook-and-twitter-pages/ Listed below are links to personal web pages for members of the Australian Senate, along with their Facebook profiles, pages and groups, as well as their Twitter accounts. The list is in alphabetical order. Some of the Facebook groups and pages have been set up by people not connected with the Senators but include official fan pages. Websites marked (APH) denote Senators who had no significant web presence retrievable other than their contact page on the Parliament website. The legend is: feedback@thepunch.com.au (Tory Shepherd) Article http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/australian-senators-sites-facebook-and-twitter-pages/#comments http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/australian-senators-sites-facebook-and-twitter-pages/#item3308 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:45:28 +0000 It is customary for new Members and Senators to use part of their first speech to give some account of their careers before their election. Despite my entreaties that new Greens Senator Lee Rhiannon address her past, she used the usual dodge of whinging that critics were reviving a ‘new McCarthyism’. Prior to her speech, there has been a battle going on at Wikipedia about her political history. Ever since April a number of people have been trying to write a full, honest and properly referenced account of Senator Rhiannon’s political career prior to 1990 when she joined the Greens. All those efforts have been thwarted by a person called Chris Maltby, who has systematically deleted her political history prior to 1990, by suppressing any version of the Wikipedia article which might be embarrassing to Senator Rhiannon. So what are the facts about Senator Rhiannon’s past that the NSW Greens and Mr Maltby are so keen to stop you reading? http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/the-senate-protects-us-from-bad-government/ Governments of either persuasion don’t like it when they don’t get their own way in the Senate.  However, in recent days the Rudd government has taken the levels of whingeing, moaning and sulking about so called ‘Senate obstruction’ to new levels. No doubt this is all part of a deliberate pre-election strategy, seeking to justify the government’s failings and perhaps even the need for a double dissolution election. No less than five senior Ministers fronted a press conference last week accusing the Senate of the worst obstruction in 30 years, while the Prime Minister shouted ‘get out of our way’. feedback@thepunch.com.au (Tory Shepherd) Article http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/the-senate-protects-us-from-bad-government/#comments http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/the-senate-protects-us-from-bad-government/#item2644 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:45:28 +0000 It is customary for new Members and Senators to use part of their first speech to give some account of their careers before their election. Despite my entreaties that new Greens Senator Lee Rhiannon address her past, she used the usual dodge of whinging that critics were reviving a ‘new McCarthyism’. Prior to her speech, there has been a battle going on at Wikipedia about her political history. Ever since April a number of people have been trying to write a full, honest and properly referenced account of Senator Rhiannon’s political career prior to 1990 when she joined the Greens. All those efforts have been thwarted by a person called Chris Maltby, who has systematically deleted her political history prior to 1990, by suppressing any version of the Wikipedia article which might be embarrassing to Senator Rhiannon. So what are the facts about Senator Rhiannon’s past that the NSW Greens and Mr Maltby are so keen to stop you reading? http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/making-the-swill-less-unrepresentative/ Some years ago the BBC produced a brilliant documentary series about the House of Lords which chronicled the strange existence of those hereditary peers who by dint of their birth had wound up being underemployed for life in this absurd parliamentary chamber. There was one chap aged only in his 30s who was not only completely loaded, he was also completely smashed, living in the rundown country estate his late father had left to him where the only functioning room appeared to be the cellar. Every morning he would wake up, put on his tweed trousers and a silly cravat, and start working his way through bottle after bottle of 1950s French burgundy. His face was dotted with burst capillaries and he sat in his comfy chair like that Uncle Monty from Withnail and I, rabbitting about how one felt a sense of duty in maintaining one’s family traditions by serving as a Lord. It now seems that even the Brits have realised their Upper House is an elitist anachronism and a waste of money. feedback@thepunch.com.au (Tory Shepherd) Article http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/making-the-swill-less-unrepresentative/#comments http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/making-the-swill-less-unrepresentative/#item2631 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:45:28 +0000 It is customary for new Members and Senators to use part of their first speech to give some account of their careers before their election. Despite my entreaties that new Greens Senator Lee Rhiannon address her past, she used the usual dodge of whinging that critics were reviving a ‘new McCarthyism’. Prior to her speech, there has been a battle going on at Wikipedia about her political history. Ever since April a number of people have been trying to write a full, honest and properly referenced account of Senator Rhiannon’s political career prior to 1990 when she joined the Greens. All those efforts have been thwarted by a person called Chris Maltby, who has systematically deleted her political history prior to 1990, by suppressing any version of the Wikipedia article which might be embarrassing to Senator Rhiannon. So what are the facts about Senator Rhiannon’s past that the NSW Greens and Mr Maltby are so keen to stop you reading?