Return from Break – Quick comment on World Youth Day 21 July, 2008
Posted by Gianni in Politics.Tags: nsw, state government, state politics
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Hi all.
Well since I last posted I have been rather occupied, and unfortunately have neglected this blog. I think given the current state of things in politics, I’d like to pick up from where I left off.
Another of Moir's entertaining cartoons, sourced from The Sydney Morning Herald
I guess this sums the current state of the ALP in NSW. I will be the first to say, that although the opposition has been so woeful in the last few years, I was more than surprised the Government was relected in March 2007. But I believe it will be their last term. No matter how bad the opposition may be, they will get in in March 2011.
After over a decade in power, the ALP is fast coming undone. So many scandals have rocked the Goverment and with all the leadership speculation, the Goverment has now lost whatever credibilty it had.
There is little that can be done to save it. A desperately needed financial injection into the public transport infrastructure comes far too late, and there are not many other carrots left to dangle in front of the voters.
World Youth Day 2008 has been a welcome distraction for the Goverment, but it’s back to business this week.
On the new Governor General 14 April, 2008
Posted by Gianni in Politics.add a comment
Over at Green Icebergs, my collegue Abstrakt Biblos has posted an interesting article on the appointment of Australia’s new Governor General.
You can view this post here.
Brendan, are you listening? 14 April, 2008
Posted by Gianni in Politics.Tags: brendan nelson, factions, Liberal Party, Politics, right-wing
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This excellent cartoon is by Alan Moir of the SMH. View his gallery here…
It is always tough to be the first opposition leader after years of government. Historically it has always been a hospital pass, a sacrificial role. History will likely repeat itself.
The Federal Liberal party is in tatters after their loss in November 2007. Lost without a clear policy platform, and hurting from a lack of talent. Over the next few months there are surely to be some exits; Peter Costello, Alexander Downer, Mark Vaile to name a few. Due for retirement should be Phillip Ruddock. However, it is seems the right are using jackboot tactics to implant their own, and it seems he is holding out till the next election to prevent his seat leaving moderate hands at this time. The right have done as much in other seats such as Mitchell and Cook.
The right faction of the Liberal Party seem to have an agenda to control the party across all levels to implement their own right-wing ideology. It does not seem to be the Liberal party that came in to being decades ago. It has changed, morphing into something not unlike the right-wing politics that dominates the U.S.
Brendan Nelson’s performance to date has been lacking, and he does not seem to be in touch with the people, nor in control of the party. He doesn’t seem to stand for any particular policy, other than to “spread the word of liberalism”. With the machinations of the right, it seems unlikely that there will be any “small L” liberalism to be had.
It is doubtful that Dr. Nelson will be leading the opposition at the next election, but they will probably have to hold on to him for a lot longer yet. They cannot afford to waste Malcolm Turnbull this early in the game.
The Government is performing well so far, and the Prime Minister has made a stellar entrance to the world stage on behalf of Australia on his first world trip. It remains to be seen how long this will last. It is only early days.
As for Dr. Nelson, if he is to show his leadership credentials, he needs to have a solid policy platform and stand behind it. The current policy suite is flapping about limply about in the breeze like a wet shirt on a washing-line.
So Brendan, if you are listening, take a stand for something and stick with it!
