The week in Australian federal politics was headlined by the triumphant return of ‘Bad’ Malcolm Turnbull.
Australians had become accustomed to the pinkie-extended punctilios of Pleasant Malcolm and it has become clear they don’t much care for them.
So with nothing left to lose, Bad Malcolm got a run and delivered a withering character assessment of the Opposition leader. It was a terrific spray, no doubt, so full of harsh burns Bill Shorten may well still be plastering himself in aloe vera.
Bad Malcolm left his best line to last: “This sycophant, blowing hard in the House of Representatives, sucking hard in the living rooms of Melbourne — what a hypocrite.”
Understandably, lovers of the pugilistic arts weren’t about to get too excited. Should the People’s House ever become the House of Stoush with ‘Truffles’ Turnbull and ‘Wee Billy’ Shorten coming to blows, it would make last week’s Danny Green-Anthony Mundine fight look like the Thriller in Manilla.
Full column here.
Jack The Insider says: February 12, 2017 at 11:54 am
” Australia was a leader in photo-voltaic manufacturing technology as an example. Most of that investment has gone overseas already and with it, future technological advances. Investors are not going to come to create new industries including high end manufacturing (which this country badly needs) without the certainty that comes from fixed policy responses.”……………………………..The failure to create certainty through policy is more about satisfying 30 per cent of the Liberal Party than the national interest. There are consequences to doing next to nothing.”
Fair comment JTI – as is the rest of your comment which I have not copied to here.
Yes, we are losing talent and industry to overseas countries. We do need to become competitive.
It’s not all about energy though. We have to be able to compete with company taxes and labour. And we are stuck in the 20th century with both of those. Let’s face it, the unions at times seem to be actually trying to push companies offshore with unreasonable demands – have a look at the construction industry.
And then we have successive governments that are unable to govern, or pass any legislation to get things moving. And I am not favouring Liberal or Labor. Both of them have stopped the other from governing by simply blocking for the hell of it. We see as one example in this term Labor refusing to pass legislation that it previously had recommended. Hell, even Shorten was once going on about how we needed to reduce company tax to stimulate investment – now he’s opposed to it.
The energy fracas is becoming almost third world in it’s ludicrousness. A frustrating situation that seems to be getting worse and more depressing.
Dismayed, please don’t bother to come in here with insults.
Yvonne, to disagree with the absolute bullshit you wrote is not an insult. You continue to insult people intelligence with your ridiculous anti union, “the unions at times seem to be actually trying to push companies offshore with unreasonable demands ” what a ridiculous think to say. You again prove you don’t actually know what unions do. Lets us test your theory. If the “construction” union you mention push work offshore what happens?? See how ridiculous your comment is. You seem to think getting paid is an unreasonable demand. The Gillard and Rudd government even in minority were able to pass legislation. the Abbott and Turnbull governments have had 80% of their legislation passed. the problem with the rest of the coalitions agenda is ideological and NOT in the National interest and was rightly held up in the Senate. If stating facts and highlighting your ignorance is abuse then so be it.
Jean Baptiste
Feb 12 4.37AM
says: “Just more tedious obfuscation Carl. You just refuse to man up and face the reality of AGW. I used that link because it demonstrates the pathetic efforts of deniers to shift the focus and responsibility from the horrific reality facing our children and grandchildren.”
Hello, …. here we go again, grasping that hoary old chestnut: ‘but-think-about the-future-of-our-kids-and-grandkids’.
Now JB, I wouldn’t even begin to presume to know what vintage you are, me old mate. But it’s a fair bet that you’ve at least lost your milk teeth. So with that in mind, may I now assume that you’d probably be aware that our ancestors were dumber than us? To put it crudely, in simple evolutionary terms, we are smarter than them. There’s no question or doubt about it. They manipulated the world practically, we manipulate the world intellectually.
So, moving forward and in view of your previously observed deep interest in psychology, you would no doubt also be aware that from a fluid and crystallised intelligence perspective the IQ of our offspring is increasing at 3 points per decade. Unbelievable, but true.
The cognitive revolution is unstoppable JB!
So, …. any perceived or real adjustments/actions that may or may not be required to mitigate, alleviate or eliminate any stuff-ups we may or may not have made during our time on this mortal coil (what does that mean btw?), the kids and grandkids are probably up to and across it already JB. So lighten up, it’s time for our vintage to sit back and sniff the roses, or thistles (whatever takes your fancy).
She’ll be right, no worries me old mate.
Back to the bottom line eh? Not my problem, the kids can sort it out.
“in simple evolutionary terms” Carl the generation that persists with using our precious atmosphere as a rubbish dump in spite of the overwhelming evidence that it will reduce the survivability of the species probably to the point of extinction has to be the stupidest generation ever. No contest. Congratulations.
On the balance I think you are merely playing for a response. I say that because I find it hard to believe that anyone who can write a sentence, of sorts, could be as profoundly ignorant as you pretend to be.
https://robertscribbler.com/2015/09/10/new-study-risk-of-significant-methane-release-from-east-siberian-arctic-shelf-still-growing/
So ……., its thistles for you JB, eh.
But I suggest you keep clear of the ‘nodding’ variety; they’ve been declared a noxious weed me old mate.
Gosh, who would have thought! The Royal Adelaide Hospital – Australia’s most expensive building and the third most expensive in the world – close to completion after huge legal disputes over contracts, defects etc That’s incredible – it’s hard to believe.
Just hope they can keep the lights on. Maybe it needs it’s own $20 million generator built – quickly – just in case – you know, like the submarines
By the way, the building is $640million over budget. Yep, 640 million.
Unbelievable – wonder how the construction went?
I’m seriously fascinated now. Food and equipment are to he delivered by robots.
Um. Will the robot understand me if I tell it I’m not feeling very well?
I see from your previous comments you would rather see the construction go offshore? wonder how that would go??? PFFFT.
You don’t read comments other than your’s, do you, Dismayed Some here think you don’t read your cut and pastes either.
I live in Australia. Of course one doesn’t want to chase companies offshore.
What I actually said, and I’ll try to use small words that you can understand, is that the difficulty in coping with union demands, expensive labour and higher company taxes is forcing them offshore
Yvonne these are Your words “Let’s face it, the unions at times seem to be actually trying to push companies offshore with unreasonable demands – have a look at the construction industry.” “Seems to be actually trying to push companies offshore”
Get some help old girl the wind changes so quick down there you cant remember where you are at.
Grand idea dismal. Think of the money we would save by getting all non urgent medical services and processes done in hospitals to our north. We could halve our taxes in one fell swoop
Wow, didn’t know the costs had blown out that much. Reminds of the new Parliament House in Canberra debacle, Malcolm Fraser had to put a special supply bill through the Houses to get it finished. Although those scallywags in the BLF could have had something to do with the problem in Canberra, nothing like that would happen in a Labor state such as South Australia could it?
I had a look at the building online MtK. It’s pretty impressive. Surprising it’s in Adelaide I guess. Bit OTT maybe. But then again, the cost may have seemed reasonable at the outset. In fact I was involved with one of the architectural firms in the consortium who designed it. (Finance Manager) We specialised in large institutions. There are always cost overruns – maybe a few million on a large job – but this one is staggering. The third most expensive building in the world!!
Considering that $20million is chickenfeed in the grand scheme of this, they probably should chuck in a spare generator while they’re at it.
Who knows why the overruns. Seems to gwave been a lot of legal action and accusations flying around. I chuckled at the comment from someone that they hoped it would be ready to cope with the flu season. Hopefully a bit more than flu to justify it’s existence!
My son-in-law used to live in Perth and was involved in the construction sites – was actually working on sites.
He told me that the cost of large buildings can be doubled through union action alone. I won’t name the construction referred to. Another huge overrun.
Ah well all very interesting….
New Sunshine Coast hospital experiencing exactly the same problems.
Yvonne, the only union action that occurred on the hospital site was when 3 people died. You are an idiot. You live on ridiculous hearsay. My cost over runs come from poor design starting at the architectural stage which produces things that are difficult to engineer. the biggest problem in construction is the terrible planning and management. I was brought onto a big construction project in the Bass Strait a couple of years ago that was running way over time and over budget. The Main contractor could not manage a chook raffle. the union issues all had to do with the adversarial nature of the lead contractors Managers most of whom were just not up to running large teams or planning and were terrible at organising logistically. We turned the project around but the lead contractors Management were the biggest impediment on the project. You have No experience and No idea what you are talking about.
ROLFLMAO……………………..so speaks the expert at everything
You have to understand what goes on in construction. Gouging the client is an industry , an art form, in itself. It’s not about the prime contractor winning the job and setting out to do the best job they can. The method then is to kill the pig, having the client over a barrel to screw every last cent out of them for deviations from the plan and extras. Theres no competition for a variation, and they are inevitable, the contractor can charge whatever they like, and they do.
Trust me, I’ve seen clients ripped off mercilessly.
If ever there should be a Royal Commission …………………
The one in Perth sounds to be in just as bad a shape. People on here from WA might be able to fill in more of the details.
lead asbestos and erected by people who don’t have a clue using cheap products imported from China
tells it all
Jack the Insider 9.23am & 11.54am
“There are consequences to doing next to nothing.”
I’m impressed with both of those posts JTI. Most informative.
Anyone would think you’re a journalist…..oh wait….!
Regards, Bella
More than that:-Jack is a VERY brave man!
Just an addition on the Smith on energy saying, We can argue all we like on what energy serves our purpose best while that makes little difference to population growth ,jammed in migration and refugees in city Sydney only adds further demand of energy that NO polititian wants to talk about. While the crowded Sydney with no housing available , they will not distribute into country regions being affordable and keep the country towns alive , instead jam them in an continue to clog up the city just like a crowded chook farm with the only difference is our Centrelink grows with ”no “city jobs available for our migration plans . Funny man old Dick at times but he makes sense making me grab the pen and jot down his concerns.
Options ere available. Solar helped reduce peak load requirements.
https://theconversation.com/why-did-energy-regulators-deliberately-turn-out-the-lights-in-south-australia-72729
Bring back big beautiful Coal Fired Power Stations ASAP Dismayed. They should never have been closed down. Lets reopen them all I say. Say did you see Scott Morrison bring in that big lump of Coal into Parliament during the week. He passed it to Barnaby Joyce to hold and Joyce just loved holding it. Nothing wrong with Coal Dismayed.
Loved it on Grinsiders today Arthur Sini NO Donors was asked
Why have electricity prices surge under your govt…..NO ANSWER (The question Labor refuses to ask)
When are you going to build a coal fired power station…….NO ANSWER
Jobs in renewables and Growing.
https://www.climatecouncil.org.au/uploads/7b40d7bbefbdd94979ce4de2fad52414.pdf
http://reneweconomy.com.au/solar-industry-provides-far-more-jobs-in-australia-than-coal-69251/
Bullshit!
HAHAHA. razor You got nothing. I see your cons are giving preferences to one nation over the nationals. Now that is bullshit and dangerous to the nation. As usual the cons put ideology and politics ahead of the national interest. Shameful. Oh I see Electricity Prices in Queensland are still more than double that of SA’s. Your renewable outrage is only matched by your refusal to accept facts..
No U are spraying BULLSHIT….The Clean Energy Council released figures showing 22 large renewable energy projects are either being built or will start this year. They are worth $5 billion and will create more than 3000 jobs. When Arthur See No Donors was asked on Sunday when Turnbull was going to build his first coal fired power station he would not answer.
A beautiful article except the forgot to mention how many jobs the actual mining of coal employs. That link is poor even by your standards!
razor Changing the goal posts again. No surprises.
The mining industry employs bugger all people mate. Just over 200,000. Considering the billions we give them in subsidies it is a piss in the ocean compared to tourism and service industries
I’m glad you think 200000 jobs is bugger all. Also mining jobs are ongoing. Jobs in renewables aren’t. Once it’s constructed that’s it!
Razor, the resource industries are going that way wherever they can in any case. Renewables don’t need the same level of employment, it’s true, but the whole world is heading in that direction in multiple industries. Nor will it be a case of only one or two blokes running a wind farm, solar farm, compostorium or whatever. it is. Look at the workforce necessary to keep the Snowy going (I have not looked, but there’s more than a few of them). There will be maintenance, repair, spares etc.
In my game we have worked in countries where the contracts demand the most labour-intensive methods possible because they just want get as many people working as they can, else the natives get restless. It’s a government stipulation. In a way, that may be what the Coalition is up to at the moment. Speaking (well, typing) as someone with over thirty years in the fossil fuel industry, I am pretty sure that there’s some heavy, heavy pressure on them from the coal lobby. I
recognise that we have to change and it is simply inevitable. Mind you, hydrocarbons are not going away. Solar aircraft aren’t going to be much help.
I also believe that it’s possible to discuss such matters sensibly. But not with everybody e.g. [insert names as you like].
PS Sorry for all the typos lately. Sore hands and too little proofreading.
TV,
To be honest I do think that’s what the government is doing. I don’t see an issue with that. Great to have a sensible chat on the subject.
Cheers,
Razor
Penny 12 Feb 12.36am
Thank-you beautiful lady, what a lovely thing to say.
Most Sundays I do a Sea Shepherd market fundraiser & luckily today we had a shady spot under a huge fig tree. Anyway a mum with her bub asked if she could sit with us to breastfeed her baby. Nobody would’ve predicted the tirade of abuse this girl was subjected to by an older woman who should get a life. At least that was part of my response!
What’s wrong with people Penny? They use breasts to sell anything from burgers to cars & no-one batts an eye, but use breasts as nature intended & people lose their minds!!
My best regards, Bella
Bella, I don’t know what’s wrong with people. I love the sight of a woman breast feeding her child, but the last time I mentioned it on this blog was chastised by the people who for some reason get terribly offended by it.
We were talking before about the young people nowadays and note that you are very proud of your son and rightly so, as Razor should be proud of his sons. As it is the young people who will be making the decisions about the country in the future, I can only hope we have all brought up our children to be good people. Let’s face it they learn bigotry and intolerance at home and then take it into the schoolyard.
Despite all the terrible problems politically Malaysia is going through it still amazes me when I see Malay, Chinese, Indian children all playing together at school and in their villages. If they can do it why can’t we?
I too love the sight of young women breastfeeding their babies. It is a great shame that priggish throwbacks to Victorian sensibilities object to it. It would go a long way to further harmonious international relationships if people weren’t so uptight about such a natural and beautiful aspect of humanity.
I am a renaissance man I suppose, I’d go so far as to say that I am tolerant of the sight of breasts even if the babies are not being fed or even present at the time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16cWiWj–8E
The gorgeous Mrs Razor breast fed all three of our larrikan boys until they had enough. Teeth was the cut off point ! (Pun intended). I see nothing sexual in the act of breastfeeding. I often wonder about those that carry on about it if they haven’t got a problem
JB…..well said to the first bit and ha,ha to the second bit
Razor……you are of course right and I do like the way you describe your wife as the gorgeous Mrs Razor.
CotC…..was I supposed to be amused by your saying I was “attracted” to the sight of women breastfeeding? You need to learn to read people’s posts Carl, not just cherry pick the bits that you think will make you sound clever.
Nothing until dad gets in in the act Razor
I’m with you sisters but why do I get vilified by so many when I set up my easel to paint such a wonderful event. It’s not as though I’m taking some sleazy covert photograph
It is becoming clearer the coalition will do preference deals with one nation. the cons continue to wreck the Nation.
Unbelievable isn’t it but when your federal counterparts are so on the nose with Australians, I’m guessing you’d hold hands with the devil to stay in power. The Fibs sure know how to game the voting system in their favour don’t they?
Imagine if they did those deals with the Greens!
razor your coalition just do deals with the greens in the senate
I suck so much, I’m an eleven on the Lovelace scale – that’s one more than Linda. Even when I fill a vacuum it still sucks because I’m there. But, when I enter the living rooms of Melbourne I cannot compete with Bill Shorten.
Some research for the blog
Who first used the term “it sucks” Er just by way of curiosity…what does it suck. It is a crazy saying.
I can recall the actor Montgomery Clift in the 50’s I think talking about Sinartra “He sucks” or something like that.
I first encountered it in Easyriders magazine from the States in…the 70s? I thought it might be a biker term but that doesn’t mean it originated with them.
I am still curioius Bivalve
We know that!