The NEXT coming Oz election thread!

Was it Kevin Rudd? Not certain, but I think someone suggested his name, over the last couple of days. Shows how impressed I was ... can't even remember!
Possibly it was because here's the latest:

Rudd renews pledge of loyalty
December 3, 2004 - 10:04AM/the Age

Opposition foreign affairs spokesman Kevin Rudd reiterated his support for Labor leader Mark Latham - but indicated his support extended only to the end of this term.

His comments came after Queensland Premier Peter Beattie took a swipe at his federal Labor colleagues, calling on the caucus to decisively sack or back Mr Latham who won the leadership one year ago.

Mr Rudd said his federal colleagues' response to Mr Beattie's comments was "pretty simple - we back him".

"We've said before that he's been in the job, as of yesterday, 12 months, and that's a core reason we back him," Mr Rudd told Seven Network's Sunrise program.

"Twelve months is not long enough for anyone in this job."

But, when asked if he'd take the leadership if it was offered to him in one year, Mr Rudd said "my backing for Mark Latham was for this term".

"A term lasts for three years."

Mr Beattie warned the party had to sort out the leadership crisis by either supporting Mr Latham absolutely or removing him from the leadership.

"The reality is we either support him, we make that decision before Christmas. If we are going to support him we support him to the election," Mr Beattie told ABC TV.

Mr Latham was also criticised by from former Labor national secretary Bob Hogg, Tasmanian Federal backbencher Dick Adams and former finance minister Peter Walsh.

Last Update: Friday, December 3, 2004. 7:43am (AEDT)
ACTU outraged as Government seeks wage case delay

Australia's peak union body has slammed a plan by the Federal Government to attempt to delay next year's national wage case until after the May Budget.

The ACTU is seeking a pay rise of nearly $27 a week for the country's lowest paid workers.

But the Government will argue before the Australian Industrial Relations Commission today, that the case should be put on hold to allow current and future economic conditions to be taken into account.

ACTU Secretary Greg Combet says a delay in the hearing of the case could cost low paid workers more than $600 in lost wages.

"I think it's outrageous really because the Government is trying to delay a pay increase for the lowest paid people in the community on the grounds the economy has suddenly turned sour," he said.

"We've just gone through an election campaign when the Prime Minister and the Treasurer have said the economy has never been better."

I wonder how the mortgage belt voters who voted for Howard will take this? You mean, the claims of sperior economic management by the Libs & the media were not quite so accurate?

It suprises me that people still yearn for the good old labour days of Hawke and Keating with 18% interest rates and 12% unemployment. Still, as most of the left wing thinkers are on the dole and rent, I don't suppose it affects them.

I think the definition of what constitutes "employment" has changed drastically since those days. Which "left wing thinkers" did you have in mind?

People forget the massive amount of people who lost their homes under the labour government, because of the economic disaster. My point is, that while it is politically correct and trendy amongst the intellectuals to vote labour, i would not want to ever live under a labour government again. Mind you, I did vote labour when the libs were bringing in the GST. My luck, the one time I want them to get in, they lose.

I'm a tad offended, australia, that you would take the name of my country. Your selective memory also peeves me. If it wasn't for the restructuring of the financial sector undertaken under hawke/keating we'd still be in the glory days of Fraser/Howard in the early 80s woo-hoo 45% youth unemployment where I grew up.

Then again I'm impressed that finally we have right wing australian on A2K - I was beginning to wonder who actually voted for JH, given the preponderance of like minded aussies here (god I love you guys)

You make rather sweeping statements about Labor voters:

".. it is politically correct and trendy amongst the intellectuals to vote labour."

&

"Still, as most of the left wing thinkers are on the dole and rent, I don't suppose it affects them."

And how would you describe Liberal voters as a group, then?

The typical liberal voter: mid 40's, WASP, married, two kids, educated in private schools, holiday once a year to noosa, two cars and large mortgage. They are not my cup of tea. However, fact is the government needs high worth individuals and businesses so they can tax the proverbial out of them to spend on welfare and their superannuation.

I think you don't know what you're talking about.

My advice to you, if you are trying to get labour back in. Pick a leader and stop the infighting. Maybe stick with Latham. Beasley will never win an election. Work hard on your economic policies as that was what cost you badly. The good news for you, is that the economoy is on the slide anyway, so maybe the libs will get voted out. The rule of probability says they have to lose sometime

You make the mistake of thinking we think of political parties as football teams - support them from cradle to grave.

I'm not pro ALP I'm anti Howard myopia.

I support ideals, and vote for whoever has the most chance of delivering on them.

But as is currently shown, your vote doesn't count.

How so?

Because Howard is still running the show. So your vote hasn't counted. If you feel strongly about it, you should go into politics and have more say.

But my local member is a labour MP as is my senator.

By your logic your vote doesn't count either. If you hadn't voted Howard would still have got in. If the libs had got in with 90% of the vote I think they'd be acting a lot differently to the way they are now (even given they have majorities in both houses). So, votes for the losers do count.

I don't think you have a clear handle on the democratic process.

You don't have to go into politics to be politically active or effective. Do you know what a ministerial is? A petition? A protest march? An FOI request? A letter to the editor?

I have no faith in politicians hinghead! Politicians and lawyers are my least trusted professions. I hear what you say about all the forums, but don't have any confidence that they work. However I am in a good mood today so wish you well with your next vote.

You are too kind.

I tend to agree generally, with your pollies/lawyers statement (and aint it funny how many pollies are lawyers) but I still have respect for some of them. I want to have Bob Brown's babies.

I'm impressed that you're in a good mood even though you think you're powerless to affect the political process. You must a glass half full kind of guy!

You, too! :wink:

I have learnt to live the dolce vita life and not worry about things I can't change. But i am impressed with your commitment to the cause!

Lol! Yer out of luck, kiddies!!!!!

Unless he donates....