All this American Primary stuff with SuperPACs et al just makes you glad to be an aussie and have and AEC that tracks and publishes political donations:
http://periodicdisclosures.aec.gov.au/SummaryDonor.aspx
Independent MP Rob Oakeshott says new figures released from the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) give voters a reason to be cynical about Australia's democracy.
The data reveals the spending of tobacco companies, the mining industry and clubs as they fought to reverse government policy in the past financial year.
It shows the ALP and the Liberal and National parties raked in more than $200 million in donations.
"Based on these figures of 2011, many, I think, are questioning whether the real contest in Australia is ALP versus LNP or really just what we are seeing is a contest of $90 million versus $113 million," Mr Oakeshott said. .....
Bus company boss gives millions to staff
By Stephanie March
Updated February 01, 2012 19:09:43/ABC news online
The outgoing owner of a Melbourne bus company has rewarded staff with cash gifts totalling tens of millions of dollars.
When Ken Grenda sold his bus company for $400 million, he wanted to thank his almost 2,000 staff members for their hard work.
The amount given to each staff member is based on their length of service.
Some workers received more than $100,000 each.
The owner's son and the company's managing director, Scott Grenda, says his father was sad to sell the business and wanted to express his gratitude to staff.
"You know we've got employees that stretch over 40 years so it is a pretty nice thing to do," he said.
One bus driver, John, says Ken Grenda has been a great man to work for.
"He is a generous person and a true gentleman," he told ABC local radio.
The company has been bought by transport operator Ventura.
560 jobs to go at Westpac
By Sue Lannin and staff?ABC news online
Updated February 02, 2012 17:38:19
The Finance Sector Union (FSU) claims that 560 jobs are set to go at Westpac Bank, with 150 of those roles going offshore.
The union says the departments affected by the job cuts are technical services, administration, legal, retail and business banking and administration.
FSU national secretary Leon Carter says it is a disgrace.
"These are the hardworking bank workers who are behind the scenes making sure that settlements occur and that people can buy and rent houses, and this is an organisation that continues to make a multi-billion-dollar annual profit," he said.
Mr Carter says the bank has an obligation and capacity to retain all the jobs and keep them in Australia.
He says sacked Westpac workers will struggle to find re-employment in the sector.
"Times are tough out there and the only people who aren't doing it tough are big banks like Westpac that are making multi-billion-dollar annual profits," he said.
"Rather than do the right thing by their workforce, their reward is only about making more money for their shareholders at the expense of Australians." ....<cont>
I am therefore wondering how another "newby" thinks he/she knows you so well and jumps on your thread and gives me a headache, trying to read a million "quotes" un-quoted? And, disects you and tells you who you are? How is that?
(As for Geoffry Rush being Australian of the Year this time around ... I actually approve.
He's a brilliant actor & a terrific ambassador for Oz.
Long day
