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Question Time
Today’s battle is over who’s responsible for the gridlock in the Senate. Join us here from 2pm for live coverage of the House of Representatives Question Time.
It’s the battle of the baby bonus today as Tony Abbott’s wildly ambitious plan to pay parents bucket loads of money gets put through the wringer. Join us here from 2pm for live coverage of Question Time.
Meanwhile the BBC’s Australia correspondent has written a piece about Kevin Rudd BC and AC - Before Copenhagen and After Copenhagen. Interesting outsider perspective.
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AJ says:
Keith, To make a tongue-in-cheek suggestion, and to highlight the inadequacies of the scheme, you could very well put your wife on the payroll for $150,000 a year for the next month, and get a free $75k from the Government (if the Coalition’s scheme was implemented) Read more »
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preciouspress says:
Clear today that it’s the Opposition Tactics Committee needs ‘pink batts’. Without them their incompetence and lack of consequential thought was again there for all to see. As described by the PM, Abbott’s ‘thought bubble’ on maternity leave, denied his previous conviction on this issue, wasn’t discussed with or costed… Read more »
Kevin Rudd has enlisted his MPs as an insulation scheme army, ordering them to help out by visiting insulation companies to help distribute the Government’s $41 million rescue package. The heat appears to be off Peter Garrett. Join us here from 2pm as we cover Question Time live.
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Kim says:
Have you seen the latest news? Peter Garrett’s just been demoted. He is now the Minister for Environment Protection, Heritage and the Arts. How is that a demotion? Pffffftttt Read more »
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JR says:
That article, and specifically the 85 per year figure before 2009, does not state how the fires were linked to the batts. As I understand it the 93 fires from the scheme were linked specifically to poor installation. How many were linked to the product quality of the batts? Poor… Read more »
Tony Abbott has accused Kevin Rudd of sexing up the language in the counter-terrorism white paper. Very Wag the Dog. Join us here from 2pm for our live coverage of Question Time.
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John A Neve says:
Sherlock, As I have explained before on this site, a Financial Debits Tax, would reduce tax for the majority, possibly all taxpayers. But would catch every one, as a result the government would have a greater tax income. Think outside the box Sherlock, you are all too busy proving that… Read more »
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Sherlock says:
John you said that the “the pool of payers would be larger” I’m just interested where these extra taxpayers are going to come from. Your question? You mean are the rich getting richer? Certainly are as they have been since the beginning of time and will continue to do so.… Read more »
The Opposition is now saying Peter Garrett’s canned insulation scheme is a bigger threat to Australian families than terrorism and Kevin Rudd’s now very upset. There will probably be a lot of shouting this Question Time. Join us here from 2pm as we cover it live.
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Matt says:
The real reason this attack has lost momentum is not because of any specific Liberal error but because of the modern attention span. Seriously, who is still interested (apart from those directly affected)? This is why Rudd so confidently stood by Garrett last week - he knew that it would… Read more »
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Tim says:
What do you mean once again question time was a farce? When has it not been a farce? I don’t think i’ve ever seen a question time (no matter whose in charge) that didn’t suffer from the things you’ve mentioned. Same Same. Read more »
How long can Peter Garrett last? He’s probably rather be at the dentist getting teeth removed with no anaesthetic than go to Question Time today. Join us here from 2pm as we cover it live.
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Jordan says:
Steve, it’s funny… I don’t remember one of the conditions being to cut as many corners as humanly possible and fob off any mistakes back on the government. I must have missed that memo. Read more »
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Steve of Cornubia says:
I know. It’s a shame really. All the gummint did was offer an under-regulated sector a few billion dollars, on the condition that the money was spent very quickly, and then ignored the advice of very expensive consultants who warned of the very same dangers that resulted in four deaths.… Read more »
Can you believe today’s jobs figures? I don’t like the odds of the Government being able to resist another day of Barnaby bashing with that economic indicator under its belt.
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Brad Coward says:
Had a bit of a chuckle when the PM made some remark about the opposition asking questions to try and get the answer that it wants to hear. If only the opposition could get a question answered ! Started to feel a bit sorry for Peter Garrett, for a short… Read more »
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Russ says:
Sorry, Bob H, but there is no manipulation. The figures are collected the same way today as they were under Malcolm Fraser. They are not registered unemployed (which is capable of manipulation). There are many criticisms you can make of the unemployment statistics, but manipulation (at least directly) is not… Read more »
Today’s insult of the day - Wayne Swan called Joe Hockey “Sloppy Joe” over his comments about interest rates and stimulus spending. The election campaign has started and it’s about economic credibility. Join us from 2pm for Question Time.
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The Drover says:
Jesus Christ ! can you say that again. Read more »
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Shane From Melbourne says:
Question Time- kindergarden for adults….... Read more »
Who does the ironing at your house, and other big questions of national significance could be on the agenda for today’s Question Time. Kevin Rudd will be glad to be back on familiar ground after his experience last night in another chamber, with another set of questioners altogether. Join us here from 2pm.
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Alan Cotterell says:
It’s well known throughout industry that non-union labour is involved in many more injuries and deaths in the workplace than unionised labour. Garrett should have legislated ‘No ticket, No start’ for insulation installers! Read more »
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Julie Coker-Godson says:
Absolutely Shane from Melbourne, I no longer have an iron or ironing board. All my clothes are wash and wear and when taking off the line each piece is carefully folded, then put away or hung up. Works every time (sorry to sound so smug but on a hot day… Read more »
Kevin Rudd’s preferred PM rating in this morning’s Nielsen poll (the first since Tony Abbott won the Liberal Leadership) was down 9 points to 58 per cent. Expect the Government to ramp up the attacks on the top three Coalition finance guys, Mr Abbott, Joe Hockey and Barnaby Joyce. Although it will be interesting to see how far Lindsay Tanner can dial up his rhetoric, having already called the shadow finance minister a “freak show”. Who knows fresh terms of abuse he’s got up his rather long sleeve.
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tunneleye says:
Tunneleye wrote. The ETS Debate. Has nobody got the GUTS to speak the truth? When I was 16 the World had 1/3 of its present population. (SIR DAVID ATTENBOROUGH.) By all means in the mean-time cut emissions and plant trees. However, there is only ONE true way to cut Pollution.… Read more »
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Eno says:
Your comment:What I don’t understand is why we get so many Liberal hacks that have not raised their heads above the parapet during QT until it appears they no longer have to shuffle though the files as there’s a motion on.. ‘cause the pre written argument for the day is… Read more »
Our coverage of proceedings - including nominations from Punch readers on which Star Wars characters various politicians would be - is over the jump.
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Ren Vyse says:
Thats from too much white wine at luch….. Read more »
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fluffy says:
that should be @ brian .. grrrr Read more »
Looked like Tony Abbott enjoyed himself yesterday. Join the team and Punch readers here from 2pm to follow and discuss proceedings as they happen.
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Perry White says:
‘unfortunately they are somewhat illogical in their arguments…’ Somewhat illogical? Arguments? But, but they’re the ‘Liberal’ party! They don’t need ‘logic’ or ‘arguements’ they are simply meant to govern us all! They don’t need to be ‘liberal’; they’re neoo-fascists… sorry, neo-conservatives! Despite the fact that the overwhelming mass of Australians… Read more »
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Eno says:
Giggling - i’ve been watching today’s MPI amd it’s amazing.. the Libs keep suggesting that the other lot are the “Shadow minister for” then correcting themselves.. Very much a but ve are born to rule thing.. unfortunately they are somewhat illogical in their arguments.. Read more »
It was the first Question Time of the new year and Tony Abbott’s first as Opposition Leader. Our coverage is over the jump.
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um.. says:
Soultrader.. you have something on your chin… Read more »
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Soultrader says:
So PUNCH. How do you eliminate the silly bloggers that are so obviously party faithfuls, just obeying their bosses and blogging rubbish under different names, to try and influence discussion or opinion. And of course you, PUNCH, are impartial and will treat all these anonymous party hacks equally. I DOUBT… Read more »
It’s the last Question Time of the year, and the end of one of the biggest weeks in Canberra in a long time. You can see the coverage after the jump.
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6c legs says:
The thought of Bishop Abbot as leader of the Liberal Party-therefore alternate PM- well I dunno whether to laugh or cry. laugh, that the Libs will be in opposition until the ’ rapture ‘ cry, that internationally, Australia will have the credibility of NZ Enjoy the break from Canberra, pollies.… Read more »
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eno says:
ROFL! About three I wrote a message “Hmm - Thunder coming - might get the obligatory power outage so I’ll say Happy Christmas & I’ll see you in the new year now even thought I’m still here” ..as I went to hit enter I got a power spike took me… Read more »
Malcolm Turnbull has survived to fight another Question Time. At a Liberal Party meeting this afternoon a motion, moved by Wilson Tuckey, to spill the leadership was defeated in a secret ballot 48-35.
This result denied Kevin Andrews the chance to make his own run at the leadership. It does, however, mean that 35 MPs in the Liberal Party room expressed their wish to be given the chance to dump Mr Turnbull. The Opposition Leaders still faces the herculean task of getting some kind of cohesion in his party on the CPRS.
You can see our blow by blow coverage after the jump.
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Juju says:
michael says:04:04pm | 28/11/09 **If left to it’s own the global market economy currently looks like it will cause a billion people to starve.** Millions of people are starving already, it’s natures way of keeping the population of the planet down along with wars and global pandemics. If we fed… Read more »
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michael says:
If left to it’s own the global market economy currently looks like it will cause a billion people to starve. The funny thing is that if food was distributed efficiently to those who need it nobody need starve. But in order to keep the market functioning we require growth far… Read more »
Sky News is reporting there’s not yet been a decision in the Coalition party room on the CPRS deal offered up by the Government, meaning the Opposition is about to cop an hour-and-a-half pasting in Question Time.
Kevin Rudd already went pretty hard on the Nats, and the Liberal climate change sceptics, in his lunch time press conference - he needs to look strong while at the same time offering the Opposition $7 billion in concessions on the scheme. This should be a corker. We’ll be here from 2pm.
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Peter says:
Let’s take a deep breath after all the back room deals; what we have is a new tax called ETS that combined with GST will achieve nothing in the way of reduced emissions. But we call feel good about the planet ,Australia is doing it’s part. Look on the bright… Read more »
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Liberal Voter says:
If Malcolm Turnbull sells out our country today by sinking the CPRS, his party will sink into oblivion, to be remembered by history only as a dysfunctional, ignorant, foolish rabble that destroyed itself, all by its own hand. Read more »
South Australian Premier Mike Rann has responded to Seven’s bombshell claims he had a long-running affair with a parliament house bar maid.
You can see our coverage of Mr Rann’s press conference, and our live Question Time blog, after the jump.
Continue reading "Mike Rann’s statement and Question Time live 23/11/09" »
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steve says:
Gurney His wife knew of his friendship when they first started dating. The claims MsC. is putting forward were meant to have happened before he asked his wife to marry him. 18 months before he got married. As for her husband, Mr.Phillips. Rann was a friend of his wife not… Read more »
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rofl says:
Yeah sure, Mel. As if you were ever gunna vote Rann. Sure you were. Yawn of the century, this story. So what! Read more »
As is now becoming customary on Thursdays, Question Time finished with the Opposition trying a censure motion against the Prime Minister. See how it unfolded over the jump.
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Steve says:
Do you mean Turnbull, Eno? Or Hockey? Read more »
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Eno says:
I hope you guys kept on with the feed - The Slime-Queen is having a field day! Read more »
Most of the action took places after Question Time yesterday, but the tension between the Government and Opposition continues to grow. You can see our Question Time coverage after the jump.
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With another boat load of asylum seekers intercepted and reports there are at least 10 Coalition MPs vowing to cross the floor on the ETS there’s plenty happening in Federal Parliament. You can see our Question Time coverage after the jump.
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Paul says:
It’s pretty long. What I really want to decode from all the posturing is how the powerful coal companies etc are squeezing Rudd to get more profits out of the ETS? It’s ordinary people that are going to be nailed on this not the corporations right? Can you comment on… Read more »
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U. Nerd says:
I have slipped into uber nerd and have just had a quick read of the open thread after question time. Read more »
Parliament returned today and early proceedings in Question Time were dominated by the apology to the “forgotten Australians” who suffered in state and church care. The Opposition returned to border protection while the Government tried to focus on environmental issues. See how our live coverage unfolded over the jump.
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Border protection and some Life of Brian moments featured during today’s Question Time. There were also two MPs suspended. See our coverage over the jump for a replay of what happened.
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Hopefully today’s Question Time will be more interesting than yesterday’s. You can see our coverage after the jump.
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Border protection was the key issue of the day in the House of Reps. Our coverage of today’s proceedings is over the jump.
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Ian Daniels says:
While the quick comments back and forward on the “issue of the day” provide some short term amusement, it does not improve our society. Is there any attempt in any of the Australian political scene (politicians, media or public service) to look at ways to improve the system? In other… Read more »
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Dan says:
I wonder if Wilson Tuckey will get a full and unconditional apology from Kevin Rudd after the secretary of the Australasian Federation of Tamil Association, Victor Rajakulendran agreed with Wilson that their are probably Tamil Tigers fighters (ie Terrorists) among the asylum seekers. You have to admit, it’s pretty funny….. Read more »
Another boat of suspected asylum seekers has been intercepted near Christmas Island today, while Liberal MP Wilson Tuckey suggested that there were “narrow odds” that terrorists could be aboard some of the boats. Join us for live commentary on Question Time from 2pm.
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Nick says:
Kaz, well aware and as such the tightening in airport security and global targeting and profiling of terrorists has meant that entry into countries via this method is no longer feasible. Agree completely that the majority of asylum seekers are in fact legitimate, but if I were to enter a… Read more »
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Kaz says:
Nick, have a read about the backgrounds of the terrorists responsible for the 9/11 attacks. Pretty certain that most them came into the US on valid visas—Mohamed Atta got his visa in Berlin in May 2001. One of them had visited the US half a dozen times before the attacks.… Read more »
Kevin “Rolling Stone” Rudd is back in the Capital so no more Acting PM Gillard in the chair. You can see the coverage after the jump.
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Kevin Rudd is still in Indonesia so it was Acting PM Gillard in the chair. You can see The Punch coverage after the jump.
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Arthur George Manche' says:
The British PM says we have 50 days to go to save the world. There is no plan B. What are we going to do then ? Will the sky fall in ? Is it armageddon ? What about Plan C ? What is plan C , you may ask… Read more »
The fireworks were a bit of a fizzer today, as the Government maintained a low-key approach to Question Time. You can see our coverage after the jump.
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(Editor’s note: Our regular coverage of Question Time is below. Thomas is a regular participant in The Punch’s live commentary on activity in the House.)
For those of us who subscribe to the daily rigour of The Punch’s live Question Time chat, the issue of spin - or perhaps the spin endemic - is something of which we are keenly aware.
It appears our current government can spin to a level that the Russian Ballet could only hope to mimic, while the Opposition continues to spin out of control. One claiming a revolution, the other simply going in circles.
Day after day our politicians march into the House of Representatives, arsenals of smear in tow, ready to pounce on their political adversaries. Debate swept behind a smoke screen of sound-bytes and echoing phrases long since coined, the aim is straight for the jugular in an all-or-nothing game of political point scoring. And while spin is not a new concept, it is being taken to dizzy new heights.
Continue reading "Question Time live, with a guest post from Mr T" »
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roantytorne says:
Est d’accord, ce message remarquable traitement de l’ejaculation precoce Read more »
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Bengeck says:
@Formersnag, Only turning up is compulsory, once you get your name ticked off, you walk out, i’ve done it many times, normally after saying in a loud voice i won’t trust these guys to run a chook raffle. Read more »
She might be the dux of the year, who’s given additional homework for extra credit, but the Deputy Prime Minister deserves detention this week for disrupting the rest of the class.
By being too smart for her own good, and too big for her own boots, Julia Gillard is the one responsible for Question Time this week descending into what’s been widely regarded as a farce.
And if the Opposition have seemed a little hysterical, it’s because Gillard took the ball and refused to give it back.
Don’t miss Punch TV at 12.30pm today on Sky News. The Punch team will be discussing parliament with Housing Minister Tanya Plibersek.
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Michael says:
Tory Tory Tory, the stiletto may be on the other foot, but just quietly, C Pyne rather looks like he might enjoy a heeling grind to the sternum or points southward by Julia G. As has been noted elsewhere, the Minister for many things actually does attend to the meat… Read more »
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Wayne says:
Hey Kenny B. I hate all party politics full stop. I take no offence about what you say about Hockey or who ever. The only democratic way to run this country is with true independents who represent their constituents and not the party line. We are run by voted in… Read more »
Harry Jenkins is a much more entertaining Speaker of the House of Representatives than his predecessor David Hawker. Perhaps it’s because Jenkins’s dad was Speaker once too, and he’s had over 20 years to think about comedy material to use at various political junctures along the way.
He breaks into occasional jolly camaraderie, breaching Standing Orders last week by referring to the Member for North Sydney as simply “Joe”. And he loses his temper in spectacular style, like a teacher silencing a rabblesome classroom.
But he must be asking himself why he ever wanted to take his father’s place in the chair at the top of the chamber. Question Time has descended into farce, with both sides of politics showing contempt for the voting public.
Continue reading "Roll up for the two o’clock FIGJAM session" »
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fehowarth says:
I am afraid this government has a long way to go before it sinks to the gutter standards of the previous government. Mr Howard at the end of his term did not answer any questions even those, which not harm his government. This government so far has not been capable… Read more »
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watty says:
Can Rudd and Swan REALLY talk under 2 metres of concrete ? Question tTme certainly suggests this. It is no longer Question Time but Ego Hour for Kev and his mates. Read more »
Question Time has got so out of hand (10-minute answers from the PM), there’s restless talk amongst some Opposition types of boycotting. They didn’t. See the mayhem after the jump.
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Madcyril says:
Helena, the speaker doesn’t insist on the question being answered because he is also a member of the Government. Similarly questions from Government backbenchers are worded in such a way as to allow the Government minister to run off on a tangent to bash the Opposition, while still being in… Read more »
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Helena says:
I become so frustrated when the Opposition ask a question and the Government (especially Rudd) go off on a rant for 10 mins and don’t answer the question! Aren’t the opposition there to hold the Government of the day to account on behalf of the tax payer? Why doesn’t the… Read more »
Malcolm Turnbull’s feeling a little chuffed today after a successful NSW Liberal Party council meeting on the weekend. Will Julia Gillard recover her parliamentary mojo in time for today’s Question Time? You can see our coverage after the jump.
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pc says:
And God prepared a great fish to swallow up Malcolm…. Just recently Malcolm Turnbull declared his faith in the god of Israel. Inside and outside parliament, more and more Malcolm reminds me of Melville’s, Captain Ahab, I know many of you will protest, he more resembles a pirate from Penzance.… Read more »
“we (sic) will not be silenced!” tweeted (sic) Joe Hockey yesterday, in response to suggestions he should stop jibbering on Twitter during Question Time and pay attention to Parliament instead.
At least his jibbering allowed him to make a political point for the Opposition in a week that showcased what a sham Question Time can be. Better-than-expected GDP and unemployment figures were a gift to the Government, and ministers lined up to use the data against Opposition questioners like clubs on baby seals.
Questions from the Opposition about the billions of dollars being sprayed to every corner of the country by the Rudd Government were batted away as ministers took the opportunity to portray reasonable queries about the schools spending as economic idiocy on the part of the Coalition.
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Lexi says:
Thank God you can’t order Dominos via Twitter yet… They’d have to install revolving doors into the House of Reps. Read more »
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Keith says:
If you had to sit and listen to Rudd and his Robots praising themselves and cheering each other on wouldn’t you find something better to do? like tweeting. Read more »
Pink Floyd made an appearance into today’s Question Time coverage. See the coverage after the jump.
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Wayne Swan is warning that cutting stimulus spending could slam the brakes on the economy. Expect this Question Time to be all about interest rates, spending on schools and who’s talking our prospects up and down.
You can see our coverage after the jump.
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Daniel says:
Rogerm, i agree with you there. it sounds like it has been a dismal failure but both sides of politics have failed for generations however. Read more »
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rogerm52 says:
I hope Abbot keeps after Macklin re the housing debacle in the N.T.not good enough for her to just cover her rear end,we need answers Read more »
MALCOLM Turnbull is wasting his breath, and opportunities to land some punches in question time, by attacking the Rudd Government’s commitment to maintaining its economic stimulus spending.
Put simply, there’s no political gain to be had by taking Turnbull’s advice - or being seen to be taking his advice - and turning off the stimulus tap.
The point is not about whether maintaining the current proposed level of spending is the right thing to do.
(Join The Punch team here at 2pm for live coverage of Question Time).
Continue reading "No political gain for Turnbull in attacking stimulus" »
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Clover says:
Are you sure you aren’t already? Read more »
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Teddy Sea says:
Moan, moan, whinge ... complain, contradict, bellyache ... in the gap in between find a word or phrase that can be misinterpreted and pretend to be upset about it ... make a fuss, obfuscate, disagree ... and pretend it’s all for the taxpayer and the good of the country. Everyday… Read more »
Drifiting off during Question Time yesterday it was tempting to wonder what Evesham State School looked like and what its one student might do with a $250,000 library all to herself.
What if the one student at this school is some kind of genius who needs to read 35 books each afternoon Good Will Hunting style?
Well, after contacting Evesham State School in remote central Queensland it turns out it hasn’t received a cent of the fabled $250,000 and, according to its principal and teacher, it won’t receive any of it.
Continue reading "The one-pupil school isn’t getting any money after all" »
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he has a good point says:
Will you be angry if i don’t agree? Read more »
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urbananarchist says:
Sadly, we seem to be enduring the longest running election campaign in history. Based on my scan of recent media, this school story seems to be the small tip of a very large iceberg of Ruddard campaign stunts that we have endured since the 2007 election. The Ruddards are still… Read more »
Yesterday saw a pretty poor parliamentary performance from the person widely regarded as the best performer in the Government.
Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard was tickled up by the opposition on a range of Government pressure points - importantly the question of misdirected stimulus spending, whether the signage at schools benefiting from the plan amounts to advertising and its promise that nobody would be worse off under new IR awards.
Of course the star performer isn’t just deputy Prime Minister, she’s Education Minister, Minister for Employment Workplace Relations minister and Social Inclusion Minister. And this is the point: Education and IR and the two portfolios that are right at the pointy end of policy and politics and the moment and it’s fair to ask whether the pressure of this super-portfolio is starting to get to Gillard.
Continue reading "Is Gillard starting to buckle under the pressure?" »
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Alex says:
Shelley, my daughters school has 350 students and the last time I heard, the one student school the Prince Of Mince mentioned countless times yesterday, was not actually receiving that money. Yet another concocted story by the Libs… are they just going to make up stories for everything in Question… Read more »
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vented spleen says:
In defence of Julia let me say that her ‘Speaking English’ lessons are coming along just fine. Read more »
Golden girl and deputy prime minister Julia Gillard has been under pressure in the last few weeks from people who say she’s spread too thin and mucked up the Government’s stimulus spending on schools.
How will one of parliament’s best performers go today? You can see our coverage after the jump.
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keith says:
An in-depth opinion; I haven’t touched the replay above. Read more »
We’ll be here from 2pm. You can see the coverage after the jump.
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Portia says:
Matt, give it up please. Persist in distorting the “promises” referred to and you will be trapped in the same negative phantom fault finding that could crucify the Liberal/National coalition at the next election, since they seem to have nothing else to offer. Should coalition’s election campaign rely on an… Read more »
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Matt says:
Hi Les, that “on-going Tax Review” is Rudd speak for taking more money from you to pay for the $900 cheque that you got (or didn’t) I don’t care if every member of the opposition orders a different “take away” meal order. We didn’t vote them in to Government. We… Read more »
Kevin Rudd has decided the time for modesty is over and he’ll take the credit for us surviving the GFC thank you very much. Prepare for some major gloating during Question Time, while the Opposition attempts to argue we all owe the Coalition our pay cheques. You can see our coverage after the jump.
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Last Question Time of the week. Will Malcolm Turnbull end on a high note or a bomb out? See our coverage after the jump.
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Stuck says:
Tory, how bout a live blog of the highlights for those that can’t watch? Read more »
Question time got off to a somber start today because of the Kokoda plane crash but sped up later into a good discussion of league tables. You can see our live coverage after the jump.
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Shelley says:
An oldie but true Rise of Rudd’s sentinels of spin Greg Callaghan and Drew Warne-Smith | June 06, 2009 http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25593811-5013871,00.html Read more »
Malcolm Turnbull’s presentation on his plan B for an emissions trading scheme got a “gratifying grunt of approval” from his party room this morning - which is really the best he could have hoped for.
In fact he’s lucky the meeting did not get a lot worse than Wilson Tuckey’s outburst, he was angrily railing against any ETS whatsoever according to Coalition sources.
While on the one hand the Coalition has released the Frontier Economics report as plan B to the Government’s ETS legislation it is failing to commit to the plan as part of its own alternative. The Coalition is just setting itself up for a savaging of the kind it received from the Government in question time today.
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Mark M Aldridge Independent says:
The Watch Dog, Hi Michael, I see you enjoy my information, the truth is their are many well researched Ideas to introduce green power initiatives, and latest advancements in Nuclear power is but one of them, as for far right..hmmm depends on the subject and individuals education and point of… Read more »
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The Watchdog says:
Mark M Aldridge is a former South Australian One Nation candidate, who now bills himself as an Independent. His well intentioned, but poorly informed, ‘articles’ are generally an amusing self-caricature of the loony far right. He also always credits himself with his middle initial, and occasionally places “and Thinker” after… Read more »
Malcolm Turnbull has survived the Coalition joint party room meeting and now faces the first Question Time in six weeks.
The Government is reportedly going to leave Utegate alone, going after the struggling Opposition Leader on climate change. Join us here live from 2pm for all the fun and games.
See our Question Time coverage after the jump.
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iansand says:
Kathy@3:45 If you have ever met Mr Turnbull in the flesh, or even dealt with him in any sort of business, you would cease wondering. Read more »
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Craig Rowley says:
If you couldn’t see that a Lib was standing and asking ‘em, you’d have thunk some of the Lib’s questions were actually Lab dorothy-dixers. The Coalition (a misnomer yet?) must’ve been so focused this morning on opposing each other that they’ve missed their opportunity today to act like an effective… Read more »
Explanations of the mechanics of politics can be an exercise in making people feel stupid.
Politicians, their advisors and political journalists will obfuscate around questions regarding what is actually going on with the passage of a certain bill, the likelihood of it passing or what the hell amendment #22/3 actually means.
The key to understanding the secret to this indecipherable code is that much of the time those speaking have no idea what is going on either. But given that they’re in control of the country (or in journos’ cases tasked with explaining it) they rarely give the honest answer of: “yeah, I’m lost at the moment”.
Continue reading "Dummies guide to the next fortnight of Parliament" »
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Shel says:
<i>For the Coalition it’s just too many battles on too many fronts and distracts from a more focussed attack on the ETS. <i> How hard is it to fight for everything that matters? I want a coalitition who stands up on every issue, not just the one grabbing all the… Read more »
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Pricey says:
The Greens don’t want an increase in the Medicare surcharge because it will cost their voters money. Oh no! That’s right you have to be a tax payer as well for it to cost you anything extra… They’ll be safe. Read more »
The Age is reporting John Grant, the car dealer at the centre of the Utegate affair, was involved in raising $32,000 to cover legal fees for Kevin Rudd. Expect the Opposition to have something to say about it during Question Time.
Today is the last QT for six weeks and both sides will be hoping to land a killer blow, or at least have the final say. Join us here from 2pm.
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Terry, Perth WA says:
If nothing else the coalition has given John Grant motors a huge boost in publicity this past two weeks. If I ever move to Brisbane I might by a car from the bloke. Read more »
We’re wondering what the odds are that Turnbull rolls over and doesn’t ask one question about utegate today. Find out here and join in the live commentary from 2pm.
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Julie Coker-Godson says:
I have a sneaking suspicion that the AFP is “keeping its powder dry” on how/when/where/why a fake email was not picked up earlier. If there is one mole there could be others. Might I suggest looking in the broom closet on the 2nd floor of the Senate?, (otherwise known as… Read more »
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Chris says:
As for the “sting”. One of the best ways to trap a cat, is use a rat. Works every time. Read more »
It’s sure to be another dinger. Join us here today from 2pm.
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Kevin of southbank says:
About Michael Delaney and the MTAA. 1) no dealer is technically a member of MTAA, rather they are members of state AADA organizations, so technically are not “his” members. 2. Delaney was a private secretary to Gough Whitlam. 3. MTAA ‘federation’ is effectively split down the middle with VACC, TACC… Read more »
Parliamentary question time, at least for politics tragics, used to be the best free entertainment around. The galleries would be packed with the political version of football fans eager to see their favourite players in full flight.
The public started to lose interest not long after the Rudd government came to power. Now even the press gallery is almost deserted half way through question time. On Tuesday, a viewing area that seats over 100 held just 12 journalists at 3pm. The forty or so who’d watched the start of proceedings had mostly drifted away as ministers bored relentlessly through just 12 answers in an hour.
What’s happened since the glory days of Paul Keating and Peter Costello?
Continue reading "Mathematical proof that Rudd is a toxic bore" »
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stephen says:
Yes, 10 out of 10 Tony. Kev and Jules are as interesting as an oil slick. This may affect policy -hell, I hope not - and I just thought of something : ever thought of going for the top job yourself (now that John Hewson’s out of the way)! Read more »
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Allan L says:
I use to think that Kim Beazley was a windbag but Rudd makes him look like a paragon of brevity and succinctness. Rudd windbaggery has certainly made him open to the charge of misleading the Parliament. Rudd’s pride or disdain of parliament has led him to erase emails and in… Read more »
There were hangovers galore in the House of Reps this afternoon, which might have explained a few MPs missing in action. We spiced it up anyway with our live coverage.
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In which readers managed to get Julia Gillard to take a question. See the replay here.
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Julia Gillard just put on her best parliamentary performance in ages. Maybe she’s taking a tilt at Costello’s claim to the Question Time throne. Click through to see how The Punch covered it live.
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Beverley says:
She is good- even Christiopher Pyne finds it hard to interject-thank God!! Read more »
UPDATE: Question Time started with the news Peter Costello would not contest the next election. Click through to see how The Punch’s live coverage.
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Joel Fitzgibbon sacked and is in a world of pain over his brother’s lobbying of the Government, and you can’t expect the Opposition to let that go through to the keeper. The Punch will cover Question Time live right here from 2pm. Join in.
Continue reading "Question Time, starring Joel Fitzgibbon and the economy" »
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Richard says:
Pot calling the kettle black, eh Tom? Read more »
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Tom says:
Richard, your partisan perspective undermines your pertinent point, that politicians are not in it for the money. I regard myself as a political cynic who looks through the abundance of spin that is has infected Canberra, and I think your biased approach will never allow you to see the abilities… Read more »
It’s been an interesting morning in Canberra, what with Kevin Rudd’s spiked essay and some push and shove in the Coalition party room. We’ll be live here from 2pm, jump into our immediate, running Question Time commentary and have your say.
Continue reading "Question Time live - will there be any biff?" »
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Michael says:
My apologies gentlemen my two attempts at expanding on my opinion have not lived up to whatever standard is applied by the moderator. Read more »
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beldemon says:
I don’t honestly care what rich blue blood gets to be head of state, what I want is for our system to evolve and get with the modern age, making 1 decision every few years is not my idea of democracy, and many people my age have little faith in… Read more »
It’s supposed to be order in the House, but last week it was chaos in the House.
Why, because an inarticulate Prime Minister resorted to signs, pictures and placards to try and get his point across.
The Government from Mr Rudd down seems to be rattled, so when not using props both the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister resort to personal abuse rather than just the usual political invective.
Continue reading "Kev the builder’s silly stunts turn chamber into chaos" »
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zebadiah says:
Come on Bronwyn, you of all people should know that these ‘silly stunts’ are perfectly normal, every day behaviour in parliament. It is, quite frankly, embarrassing to watch grown men and women jeering and name calling, sneering and laughing at opponents, ignoring simple questions and instead spouting rhetorical nonsense on… Read more »
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Richard Ure says:
The Opposition pitches its arguments at the innumerate and economically illiterate sections of the electorate. When the standard of debate improves and the Opposition specifies which projects should not have been funded, the debate will move to a higher plane. In the meantime, sadly, there will probably be more stunts… Read more »
The Punch has always been impressed by Bronwyn Bishop’s deep knowledge of the standing orders of the House of Representatives, and sympathises with her point of view. But no one should have to endure another Question Time like yesterday’s.
After last week’s fantastic debate about the role of sticky tape and whether it should be allowed as an adhesive in Joe Hockey’s dispatch box props, we had high hopes for some major Kevin Rudd lever-arch file action this week. Even the valiant efforts of Annabel Crabb, however, couldn’t rescue yesterday’s questions from dire tedium.
Wilson Tuckey reckons voters are upset with Rudd’s obsession with laminated photographs of primary school demountables and road works. But it’s sometimes the props that make QT bearable. Remember the cardboard cut-out Kevin Rudd? It was almost better than the real one.
Continue reading "To decorum in parliament The Punch says “No”" »
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Nodanedouart says:
Hi, I finally got a quick internet access, it’s nice to come with you regards, Nodan , <a >ingenieur</a> Read more »
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ignotly says:
I have tried going into tools, internet options and adjusting every thing there that it tells you to..eg third party cookies etc. I have also read a dozen forums on how to enable cookies and i have done every thing that i can think of but it still wont let… Read more »
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