Transcript: Crean's spill announcement 21 March

I think you've seen the frustration I've been expressing in recent times. It seems to me the party, through the government, is in a stalemate position. Something needs to be done to break this deadlock, to resolve the issue once and for all, and to enable us to get on with the job that we're actually elected to do, and that is to campaign on behalf of Australian people through Labor values.


I have talked to the Prime Minister yesterday and today, and as a result of that conversation I informed her that I would think about my position and get back to her before I made this announcement, that I am asking her to call a spill of all leadership positions in the party. I will not be standing for the leader. I will be putting myself forward in the leadership team for the deputy leader.

If the Prime Minister does not agree to it, which I expect she won't, then I urge members of caucus to petition in an appropriate way for the calling of such a meeting. This is an issue that has to be resolved. There is too much at stake. This is a very regretful decision for me.


I think everyone knows the relationship between the Prime Minister and myself goes back some time. This is not personal. This is about the party, its future, and the future of the country. I actually believe we can win the next election. I believe that the agenda that is there but not understood well enough as reflected in many of the comments that come back, we need to settle this, move forward.

As for the position of the positions being declared open, Kevin Rudd, in my view, has no alternative but to stand for the leadership. He can't continue to play the game that says he is reluctant or he has to be drafted. I know the party will not draft him.


I know the party is looking for change and clear air, and they don't see that simply by changing the leader. That's why I'm putting myself forward as part of the leadership group, to demonstrate that we are serious about not just changing leaders, but of actually showing leadership. That's what we're elected to do, that's what I want to be part of, and I think in all my life, public life, I've demonstrated that is the driving force.

For me, the position itself again is that a personal one that I'm taking. I'm doing this in the interests of the Labor Party and, in turn, the nation. I believe that the great things that I was part of in the Hawke-Keating government, that decisions, bold decisions, decisions that went through due process, difficult decisions, the decisions built around consensus, the decisions built around bringing people together, the decisions around growing the economy, as we have demonstrated in government we can do, growing it for a purpose, for fairness, for distribution, for the values that I, like so many others, joined the Labor Party for.


We can't win from the position we are in, in the polls. I don't believe our future and our chances in the polls is just going to be determined by a simple change of leader. People have got to believe we have conviction, that we believe in what we stand for, there is a coherence of message and we are determined to pursue it. What we have to do is to take people with us. That means being prepared to argue the case, and I know this: I know the people do not want an Abbott-led government.


I get so many people in frustration to me saying, "We are not going to allow that man to lead this country, are we?" Now, I agree with that from an obvious point of view, but the truth is there is a mood out there that does not want him; but is fed up with us at the moment. We've got to change it. I hope this circuit-breaker does it and I look forward to the caucus taking a mature decision in the interests of their future and this country's future.


Via: http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/political-news/simon-creans-opening-statement-to-the-media-20130321-2ghlv.html#ixzz2OEuVHNIC

Windsor's shining moment in Question Time

TONY WINDSOR:

There's been a lot of discussion today about history. Two years ago, it's been discussed here today, that the Prime Minister made a certain comment in the run up to an election.

As most of us would be aware, the Prime Minister didn't win the election, she didn't win the election. This is a hung parliament.

[Windsor adds in an aside in direction of LNP front bench--]You might learn something from a little bit of history here. You might be a little bit interested.

As the Leader of the Opposition would know very well, as the Prime Minister would know very well, and the Deputy Prime Minister for that matter would know: The decision to do something about climate change, whether it be through an Emission Trading Scheme or a carbon pricing arrangement, but to put a price on carbon, was a condition of the formation of government.

The Leader of the Opposition knows that very well, because on a number of occasions he actually begged for the job. Begged for the job.

You've never denied it Tony! You've never denied it and you won't!

He begged for the job, and he made the point, not only to me but to others in that negotiating period, that he would do anything to get that job.

[Shot of Abbott. Much yelling]

You would well remember, and your colleagues should be aware, that the only codicil you put on that, was that: 'I will do anything Tony to get this job, the only thing I wouldn't do is sell my arse.'

[Yells. Guffaws. PYNE with a point of order... Asks Windsor talk to the SSO]

WINDSOR:

The Leader of the Opposition is well aware of the discussions that were held. It was a condition of the formation of government. He was prepared to do anything if in fact he'd been called upon, and if he had been asked to put in place an Emission Trading Scheme or a carbon tax for that matter, he would well have done it.

The fact that he wasn't asked is something of very, very good judgement in my view.

In terms of the substantive issue, I support the SSO because I think it's a debate that we should be very proud of. I'm very proud to have supported

[Interjections. Member for Dickson, Peter Dutton, evicted]

I'm very proud to have supported doing something about climate change. And I think history will judge those who have had the guts to stand up and actually try and address what is a difficult issue, in a difficult parliament, that this man,  the Leader of the Opposition, was quite prepared to do that if he'd been given the nod on that particular day. 'I will do anything, anything to get this job.' They were the comments and people know that and they should know it because you are an absolute disgrace in the way in which you're wandering around on this particular issue.

You have exactly the same target as the Emission Trading Scheme pricing arrangements. You have exactly the same target in terms of the 1990 levels by 2020. And you have the audacity to actually say to people that you're going to achieve that target through a much more expensive arrangement than putting a price on carbon. Particularly given the history of that you've had in terms of this particular issue.

John Howard was someone that I had disagreements with, from time to time, but at least he recognised that we have to do something in term of emissions in this world.

The opportunities that exist in regional Australia, in terms of pricing arrangements and the clean energy funds, etc. I would ask that the Leader of the Opposition and other members within the chamber, just look at the meat industry in the next few months. Just look at the way in which they are going to address some of these issues. And it's all very well… Come back in a few months and tell me if I'm wrong; I don't mind that. There are enormous opportunities, enormous opportunities, in terms of renewable energy…

[Speaker announces his time has expired]

[Windsor sits, grins at Abbott, points to phone. *gotcha*]

(pic1 via AAP photog. Alan Porritt) 
(pic3 via @OzEquitist)

My imagined Clarke & Dawe interview of Rudd

(this is merely from my imagination - I hope they're not insulted!) a John Clarke & Bryan Dawe-type version of earlier post re Kev's visit to Japan:











Mr Rudd, thanks for your time. How are you enjoying Japan?

Oh, well, it's quite nice of course. Maybe not as nice as China, but quite nice.

And how did your meeting with the Prime Minister, Yasao Fukuda go?

Oh, pretty well Bryan, pretty well.

We all know that you're fluent in Mandarin Mr Rudd, but do you speak much Japanese?

Yes... a little...

What can you say in Japanese?

I know how to say, "My name is Kevin, I'm from Australia, thank you very much."

Oh yes, and what else?

Well, that's it really.

Oh.

Yes. But I say it every chance I get Bryan. Oh, and Konnichiwa, I know that one.

Yes.

You mean 'hai' Bryan. See. Know that one too!

Hai. Yes. And your meeting went well?

Yes, I mean hai Bryan. I knew the poor guy's ratings were pretty low. You know, they're below 20 per cent, and everyone's giving him a hard time with a censure and all. So I thought I'd tell him a little bit about Brendan Nelson...

And how did that go?

That cheered him up no end Bryan!

Well that's good. So you got along well then? Even after all the tensions about your trip to China? And the whaling...?

Well, yes and no Bryan. I also said to him he can call me Kevin, you know, everyone calls me Kevin.

Yes, we know.

But then I thought I'd cheer the poor bloke up a bit further and say he can call me The Ruddster if he likes.

The Ruddster?

Yes, I mean, hai... You see, we have a little group where we like to call each other... well, you know. There's The Swanster and The Gillster - I sometimes like to call her The Gillmeister - and The Tannster...

I get the picture.

Yes, hai... So I told him he could be part of the group too!

The Fukster...?

Hai.

Oh dear...

Hai, I must say, it went a bit downhill from there Bryan.

I can imagine. So did you talk to him about the whaling?

Well yes Bryan. But, I was very diplomatic about it.

What did you say?

I said we'd better find a way to be diplomatic about it and once we find a way we'll do something about the whaling.

Diplomatically?

Yes. It's only polite Bryan.

And what did he say?

Well, he pointed out that our Defence Department killed 514 kangaroos recently. Our national emblem he said.

And what did you say?

I diplomatically pointed out to him that he was wrong Bryan!

Wrong...?

Yes. Hai! I told him that the kangaroo isn't our official emblem, not officially Bryan. And anyway, that's the Red kangaroo on our Coat of Arms and these were Grey kangaroos... Plus, I rather diplomatically explained to him that whales weren't swarming all over his old military bases and endangering grassland...!

Well no. They're whales.

Exactly Bryan. I think he got my point.

And what about your visit to China?

Oh, it was great Bryan!

No. I mean, how did you smooth things over there with Mr Fukuda?

Well. I told him I'd taken the same length of time, six months, that Howard did to visit. I told him seven Australian ministers have already visited Japan this year. I told him that I couldn't think of any other country, in fact, that had had such high-level ministerial visits! And I said, "How many Japanese government ministers have been able to visit Australia in the same time?" Hey? I don't think any.

So you handled that diplomatically too...

Of course Bryan. We don't want to upset them any further. I was going to add, "So nyahh!" But I think he got my point...

So apart from that, things went well?

Sort of Bryan. I mean. I did feel the need to bring up how some people in Victoria are none too happy about a Japanese company buying that wind farm thing in Tarwin Lower... And that didn't go down too well...

Oh.

You see, he thought it was Taiwan Lower. That he'd gotten one over on the Chinese!

Oh dear.

Hai. Indeed Bryan. He was very disappointed.

Hai... Were there any issues on which you did get along well?

Well, yes Bryan. We talked about the Toyota deal with the hybrid cars, and his plan to cut emissions and create some experimental carbon market thingamee. And we talked about my plan to save the planet with a Nuclear Non-Proliferations and Disarmament Commission, and I said I'd let him co-chair. You know the thing. The one to be headed by Biggles...

Yes, Biggles... Did you warn him about flying ashtrays?

Of course Bryan. Diplomatically...

And was he impressed with your ideas?

Oh, I think so Bryan. In fact. I gave him some advice, you know, to help him with his ratings and all. I told him...

To... deal with things diplomatically...?

Well, no...

To improve your education and health care systems? Get things right at home before you go out saving the world?

No Bryan...

I know! To do things in 'due season'?

No Bryan. But that's a good point. No. I told him that he ought to make a lot of spur of the moment announcements. You know. Get everyone's attention in some positive way. And the bigger the better!

But, only after he's thoroughly organised it and thought it through of course. You know, told the people involved what they'll be doing.

Hai... something like that Bryan. You know. A couple of hours' notice is always a good idea.
*laughs* You don't want people to think you're loopy or something! You know, for example, the hybrid car deal with Toyota. It was organised years ago that they'd be building these cars for us in Australia!

But, the head of Toyota did seem quite surprised about the $70 million dollars you offered. Tax payers' money...

Hai. They're not quite sure what to do with it actually...

So why did you offer it to them? Do you think you overdid it a bit?

No, no. Not at all Bryan! As I said to The Fuku... to Mr Fukuda. Big announcements. That's what you want. Then you'll be right mate!

I'm sure he was most appreciative. And where are you off to next Mr Rudd?

Jakarta. I'll be there this evening.

So, relations with Indonesia will need some of your diplomatic touch too?

I suppose so Bryan... But of course it's really about the big announcement I'll be making.

Oh, another one? What will it be about this time?

It's really a bit soon to be asking Bryan! I've got hours yet!




For the real (and superior!) thing, go here, or here.



Update 13/6: This is what they did last night.

Kevin goes to Japan!

Konnichiwa Prime Minister Fukuda!
*bows*
*says in Japanese* "My name is Kevin, I'm from Australia, thank you very much".




Konnichiwa Mr Rudd san. Ogenki desu ka?
I did not know you spoke Japanese as well as Mandarin!






Uh... "My name is Kevin, I'm from Australia, thank you very much". ...Hai!


Please, have a seat.


Oh, thank you. Hai! You know, you can call me Kevin if you like... Or, 'the Ruddster'. Heh. Even though you're not one of the group... You know, like 'the Swanster' and 'the Gillster', or sometimes I call her 'the Gillmeister.' You can be 'the Fukster'! Uh... hai!


*some sake is poured*


Tell me, have you been well?


Well yes, hai, thank you. But I did have a dodgy dagwood dog or something the other day, I don't know. All I know is the consequences were graphic! Ha!


Ah. But better than a bad blowfish, yes?


Hai! Yes! Ha ha. Speaking of seafood. I wanted to say that this thing with killing whales is really just not on. You know, I just feel I have to tell you this.


Yes. But, Mr Rudd san. I noticed that your Department of Defence killed 514 kangaroos recently... your national emblem I believe.


Well, no... I mean, it's not officially our national emblem, and that's a Red Kangaroo on the Australian Coat of Arms, you know, these were Grey Kangaroos...


Ah.


Hai.



*pause*














*both sip some warm sake*










Mr Fukuda. I hope this won't stop you giving us lots of money for our exports...


And Mr Rudd san, I hope you will continue to provide us with large amounts of coal and iron ore.


And Mr Fukuda san, I hope you will make some hybrid cars for us.


Sono you desu ne. Looks like we (already) will be!


*clink sake cups*


Speaking of saving the planet, did you know I've just announced that Japan will aim to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 60 to 80 per cent by 2050 and we're going to launch an experimental carbon market?


Really. That sounds great! *sips sake*


Yes. I compared the grand scope of the effort to the Industrial Revolution, and then I said "I believe that we need to make an effort to create a low-carbon revolution so that our descendants 200 years from now will look back and be proud of us." Impressive, hai?


Hai. Hai. Did you hear I've just announced that Australia will set up a Nuclear Non-Proliferations and Disarmament Commission?


Indeed? *sips sake*


Oh, and I visited Hiroshima. I wrote, "Let the world resolve afresh from the ashes of this city - to work together for the common mission of peace for this Asia-Pacific century, and for a world where one day nuclear weapons are no more."


Impressive Mr Rudd san.


I thought so. You know, you can be co-chair if you like!


Much appreciation Mr Rudd san. *mutters* Although I suppose you're happy to keep selling uranium to China... And who will be the head of this important commission?


Biggles.


Biggles?


Yeah, bonza bloke Biggles. But I'll warn you, it's a good idea to keep an eye out for flying ashtrays! Ha ha!


I shall make a note.


Yeah, ol' Bluey. He'll love it. Hey, I heard one of your lot is buying that Bald Hills wind farm project at Tarwin Lower in Victoria. You know, some Vics are none too pleased about it.


Victoria! Hontou desu ka? Really? Oh, Tarwin! Not Taiwan Lower! Ah...! Just when we thought we'd gotten one over on the Chinese... *gulps sake*



You know Mr Fukuda. This has been a jolly good chat. I hope you don't feel I've been ignoring you lately.


Mr Rudd san. I do have bigger things to worry about... elections Sunday did not go well for my party. I'm not very popular, rating below 20%, the opposition is bullying me and planning to censure me.... *gulps more sake*


Uh, well hopefully things will be better on my next visit! *shakes hands in a cheery manner*


Most likely I won't be here Mr Rudd san.


Oh. Below 20% you say? Uh, Mr Fukuda. Have you heard of Brendan Nelson?


Would he be like Gordon Brown?




Oh no, even better than Gordon Brown! Here. Let me give you his number...

Notes re my box's action tonight*

* For you fans of double entendres.

No in depth analysis here. Merely some casual points from my notes. Such as: 'Howard kept going over time. Rudd said at one stage: I couldn't get a word in!' And: 'Howard still looking a grumpy old bugger... acting skills still reasonably intact dammit' and 'Ugh'.
Plus 'note: Rudd a gentleman, immediately walked over to Howard at the end and shook his hand, and not in a Latham I'd-rather-punch-you-in-the-throat, I'm-the-man, don't-mess-with-me kind of manner'.

Repetitions

Rudd:

I will act…
I will act…
I will act…

(re Libs) No action… Failing...
No action…
No action…
Failing...
Failing...
Failing...

Where’s the investment…?
Where’s the investment…?
Where’s the investment…?

When you were treasurer…
When you were treasurer…
When you were treasurer…

Howard:

My fellow Australians (scattered throughout and accompanied by soppy and ‘sincere’ expression - *yeesh*)

Pathetic [classy; not grumpy old man at all]

Got the right balance
Got the right balance
Got the right balance [re IR changes]

General

Rudd:

No matter what amount of 'bleating', Howard cannot be trusted.

Where's Howard's nuclear reactors now that we are close to the election? "Out the back door..."


Howard:

We can’t turn backwards [Yup. I agree with that.]

Speaks of his team who were at his side throughout the trials of terrorism... [did I see a tear trickling down his cheek? what an actor! you'd think they had bombs falling all around them!]

When cornered on how he promised before the last election that he wouldn't make changes to IR laws, yet he did (and apparently said 'you beauty' on that occasion... well, so says Rudd) - he is promising not to, again - he starts speaking 'to all Australians' and sucking up.

Also sad face when speaking of climate change. Tragedy for Australia and the world.
Compares Kyoto to cricket. (Not to be beaten Rudd later says 'But I batted first'. Other Aussie lingo of the evening included 'fair dinkum', 'fair go' and 'two bob each way'.)
Later says that his government is the one most likely to be able to change Bush's mind on climate change, more than any other government IN THE WORLD!!! [Did anyone else see him beating his chest then?]

Sucks up to his fellow Australians again when concluding: I'm an optimist because I believe in the Australian people.
...We've been able to support a strong economy with your help.
[Pu-leeez]

Then he blathered on about Australian history for some reason. How the teaching of our story is his 'education revolution'. Gosh. That's it? That was his concluding comment. Yeah right. Massive.


Costello:

Is one shot of him. Knows camera is on him so sits like a wax dummy with a plastic smile fixed stiffly on his face. For all we know it was a wax dummy. Although, when people in the audience are asked not to interrupt it sounds as though the problem may have been Costello, whilst Rudd was speaking. I suppose it's after all that shouting they get to do in Parliament [anyone else see Howard slip up and say "Mr Speaker" when speaking to a Bennelong apple festival the other day? *hee*].

Howard speaks of Costello: ...Costello, who's with me tonight [thinking about handing leadership over his voice breaks]
[Re question about handing over leadership] obvious... Peter Costello... well into my next term [hits mic stand]

Re govt’s minimal spending in education

All getting rather huffy with each other (which was entertaining)
Rudd quotes OECD figures
Howard says they don’t include recent investments and it’s a dishonest debating point
Rudd: 11 years…
Howard: misleading
Rudd: no additional/recent OECD info…
Howard: ‘Pathetic. You are wrong.’ [Ah, that's very informative and helpful]

Both use dramatic language when speaking of terrorism and security

Rudd:

'I believe in a hard line approach.'
'Uncompromising...'


Howard:

'I will never surrender to terrorists...'
'No escaping...'
People 'brutally murdered' recently in Pakistan...
'Fanatical hatred'
...if we're perceived as weak the terrorists are more rigorous...

Howard also dodged the question of whether the threat of terrorism has increased or decreased because of our role in Iraq war. He dodged the question three times. Ah, dodging and weaving. His greatest skill.

Rudd later points out how Howard promised not to increase troops before election but then after elected he doubled them, so why believe what he says now...

Howard says we will find out.... It's unreasonable to embroil what the troops are doing in this...

Rudd points out that he brought it up.

Howard says how it was Rudd who chose to ask about it...
'I was providing information to the Australian people' [woe is me, I was being really nice and caring for My Fellow Australians and you go and pick on me!] '...will interest the Australian public. You can sneer but I think people respect the role of forces... [I loves the Australian public, now don't you be mean to them! Nasty, nasty man.]

Reconciliation

Howard was asked why he wouldn't say sorry.

Howard: Of course I'm sorry but that's different to taking responsibility... or apologising. [And why does that matter? He only asked you about saying sorry!]
...Is offensive to millions of Australians... [Yes... You are.]
Guilt and blame... blah blah blah...
Inspired intervention (re recent action)
I'm proud of great team...
NT a watershed, overthrown 20 years of failure... [Er... and 11.5 years of that he was PM. Hmmm.]


Rudd proves he cares:

Little kids suffering...
Apology... about respect.
Know not personally responsible.
Create a bridge...
We embrace...
Bridge the gap...
Apology... bridge...





You know, I'm sure that Howard talked more than Rudd did. Or, maybe it just felt like it...


Anyway, big whoop. Really the debate's greatest value is as a guide for whose voice you can put up with for the longest. Vote for the one you found the least irritating.

PS. The worm found Rudd the least irritating. But that means nothing of course. Sorry worm. You're cute, and you've got more personality than both candidates put together, but you're actually even less useful.

PPS. They should have more debates as they bring out more policies. But... Ugh... I'm actually happy with the one I think. One and a half hours of solid waffling from those two, with NO AD BREAKS, was more than enough. Just let me vote and get this over with!!!

Look! I'm dancing!

Watching Insiders can be draining sometimes... (Don't they realise I have to rest up for the debate tonight - cause it will really just be so, um, exciting?)

(Excerpt from interview with Australia's Treasurer - for you o/s people - he is to be PM very, very, very late in Howard's next term (if there is one)).

Lib ad:



BARRIE CASSIDY: It's not true to say ... it's not true to say, and surely you know it. It's not true to say that 70 per cent of Labor's front bench are union officials.

PETER COSTELLO: Well, let's go through them one by one.

BARRIE CASSIDY: Wayne Swan. No, no let's start with Wayne Swan.

PETER COSTELLO: We'll start with Ferguson, we'll start Crean, go to Bevis. Let's ... I mean what do you say it is? 60 per cent?

BARRIE CASSIDY: What union did Wayne Swan work for and what was that job?

PETER COSTELLO: Wayne Swan is a member of the AWU (Australian Workers' Union).

BARRIE CASSIDY: He is a member of the union.

PETER COSTELLO: Yeah...

BARRIE CASSIDY: Your ad says that he was a union official.

PETER COSTELLO: Part of the AWU faction, is that right?

BARRIE CASSIDY: What was his job?

PETER COSTELLO: And he was ALP State Secretary, I think.

BARRIE CASSIDY: Yes. You say that he is a union official. What was his job and what union did he work for?

PETER COSTELLO: Well, he was an AWU official ... member.

BARRIE CASSIDY: Member.

PETER COSTELLO: A member was he, yeah ok?

BARRIE CASSIDY: Correct. Craig Emerson?

PETER COSTELLO: I don't know about Craig.

BARRIE CASSIDY: Well, your ad says that he was a union official.

PETER COSTELLO: Well, was he a union member?

BARRIE CASSIDY: No, he wasn't ... he was a union member but not an official.

PETER COSTELLO: I think he worked on Bob Hawke's (inaudible), Barrie.

BARRIE CASSIDY: He did.

PETER COSTELLO: And he was a union official, wasn't he?

BARRIE CASSIDY: No.

PETER COSTELLO: You sure he wasn't a branch official?

BARRIE CASSIDY: Positive.

PETER COSTELLO: Ok. But what do you say it is if it's not 70 per cent? 60 per cent? I saw the Labor Party said it was 60 per cent.

BARRIE CASSIDY: But there must be some value put in truth in advertising, and...

PETER COSTELLO: I will pull out the list for you. Let's ... Ferguson, Crean, George, Shorten, Combet, Bevis, what are we ... am I flagging? ...Kim Carr, am I flagging here?

BARRIE CASSIDY: Let's move on now to...

PETER COSTELLO: Lindsay Tanner. Am I flagging? I mean, are there not enough? The 15 per cent of the private sector work force ... Nick Sherry.

BARRIE CASSIDY: But a couple are not.

PETER COSTELLO: What, a couple of them are not? A couple of them are not? Out of what, 30?

BARRIE CASSIDY: That's all I'm saying. Unemployment...

PETER COSTELLO: Ok, a couple are not out of 30, Barrie, gee, I mean...

BARRIE CASSIDY: It's still important to get the, I think, advertising correct.

PETER COSTELLO: Well ok, OK we can rest assured, because a couple of Rudd's front bench are not former union officials.

BARRIE CASSIDY: No, a couple named by the Liberal Party.

PETER COSTELLO: I will sleep easy tonight.



Well. Anyone would sleep well after all that dancing!


The man really does know how to keep himself entertained.

Dancing with the pollies!

Another fine example of Rudd's stale choreography -
'New Leadership' ... 'Old Moves'.



We could make up the Rudd dance!


*point point*

"Let me just tell you this"













*point point*

"Out the back door"








*thumb over shoulder*

*thumb over shoulder*








REPEAT (again and again and again...)

-----

Well, the choreography was out for Howard's and Rudd's little dance on 7.30 Report last night.



Howard's theme appeared to be arrogance - this leitmotif is also getting a bit stale I must say.



JOHN HOWARD: Well, I'm not going to talk about opinion poll reaction, but...

KERRY O'BRIEN: That's convenient.

JOHN HOWARD: Well, I'm not going to, OK, whether it's convenient or not, that's my position. SO NYAH TO YOU KERRY, YOU BIG WINDBAG! I'M STILL PM, HEAR ME ROAR!

...*grrrr*

...

KERRY: But in truth, these cuts wouldn't be possible without the resources boom and China's insatiable hunger for our minerals. Now it's not something that you can really take credit for, is it, the resources boom and China's minerals needs?

JOHN HOWARD: Well, that's not the only reason why we have bigger surpluses, Kerry. But it's part of the reason...

KERRY O'BRIEN: But it's a very substantial on, isn't it?

JOHN HOWARD: That no doubt - well, it is part of the reason, but another reason is that we have lower unemployment. And when you have lower unemployment you have more people in the workforce paying tax...

KERRY O'BRIEN: But part of the reason you've got the lower unemployment is because of the resources boom taking up more jobs? YOU STUBBORN OLD FART!

JOHN HOWARD: But Kerry, that's only part of the reason. The growth in the service sector of the economy has been much, much greater in, for example, financial services. Much, much greater. In hospitality, recreation and the like has been much, much greater than the resources sector. This is a glib one-liner to say that our wealth is entirely due to the resources boom. It's an insult also to the contribution that many people *wipes the tears from his eyes* *violin solo* in other sectors of the economy have made to our economic growth. So I reject entirely the argument that it's all about China.

ELEANOR BLOOM: [to the tv] Financial services?!! Cause people working in the mining industry are earning so much bloody money! Hospitality?!! Every restaurant and cafe I go to hasa sign begging for employees! They have no one cause THEY'RE ALL IN THE BLOODY MINES CAUSE OF THE RESOURCES BOOM! THAT'S WHY BLOODY UNEMPLOYMENT IS LOW YOU STUPID OLD ARROGANT BUGGER!!!!

*kicks tv*

...

JOHN HOWARD: Well, I don't know what Mr Rudd's going to do, that's a matter for him. He claims to be an economic conservative, I imagine, therefore, he believes in lower tax ... but look, what Mr Rudd does is Mr Rudd's business.

KERRY O'BRIEN: OK. We will come to him in a moment.

JOHN HOWARD: We'll leave him out of it for the moment. THIS IS ABOUT ME! I'M SICK OF HEARING ABOUT THAT BLOODY RUDD! ...AND DON'T MENTION THE POLLS!!

...

JOHN HOWARD: Well, Kerry, if you look at all hospital spending, you look at all health spending, it hasn't declined...

KERRY O'BRIEN: But you do have to acknowledge the decline in the Commonwealth's share of public hospitals?

JOHN HOWARD: Well, the amount that we've put into public hospitals has grown. The States have put more money in over the last few years. Some States have put a lot more in.

ELEANOR BLOOM: Yes! The friggin states! The ones run by Labor! But apparently your argument for us not voting for Labor is because the country will be overrun by Labor.... Who you now say are taking better care of the hospitals than you have been for 11years in parliament. Aargh!

...

KERRY O'BRIEN: Mr Howard, we're out of time, I look forward to the next of these.

JOHN HOWARD: I'm sure.

KERRY: cheeky bugger...


Rudd's theme appeared to be the seasons:

KEVIN RUDD: We'll be assessing what the Government's said but we'll be putting out our own approach to tax in due season.

...It's a very important policy, but we'll put our's out in due season when we're ready.

...Mr Costello today admitted that for months they've been working on this with the full support of the Treasury and out they plonk the official fiscal outlook and a tax policy within 30 seconds of doing so, a cautious and considered approach means we should do this in our own season.

Oh, his other theme is repetition. *yeesh*


But his performance did have one kinda groovy move:

RUDD: ...in those critical areas, let me tell you, we'll have more to say, including on climate change and water. You can't just dream these things up at five minutes to midnight, which is what Mr Howard seems to be doing and plonking things on the table, expecting people to believe that he suddenly stands for acting on climate change and water, that he suddenly stands for reversing the tide on education, where disinvestment in our universities has stood out across the developed economies. Well, some people may fall for that, but you know something? After all these years in office I think people are starting to see through Mr Howard's tactics.


JAZZ HANDS!!!

The wreck is going down...

"I think it's the most spectacular disintegration of a federal government on the threshold of an election we've ever seen..." said Bob Carr.

I haven't needed to blog about the Libs lately. I mean, they've been digging their own hole...




Costello


Labor's latest slogan is "New Leadership", which is probably less effectual now that Libs are attempting to promote a 'new' leader... well, kinda ...well, sorta.


So, should people have faith in Costello as leader? He hasn't acted too ballsy so far; hasn't taken that shovel and belted the PM with it any time in the past few years to nudge him out of the way. Let's see what he and his wife think of his political prowess:



Mr Costello laughed when asked about his own wife's role in matters of policy and state.

"I think her political judgment is better than mine, and she takes a dim view of mine. She's much much more sensible than I am. And much more level-headed."

Hyuk! I'm hoping to be leader of the party but I'm really that crap my own wife could do a better job! Hyuk, hyuk!

And the public! Too easy. They're not even paying attention!

"I think for most weeks of the year people are very disinterested in politics, and for a couple of days a year you grab their attention. Maybe one of those days was this week, but I have a feeling by the weekend they'll settle back into football and their kids' lives which they regard as much more important."

Hyuk! Fools! Fools, all of them!

-----

Committment

And how committed do you think Howard sounds about actually handing over the leadership to Costello (or at all!)?

[7.30 Report] HOWARD: .... Peter is an ambitious man. One day he will lead the Liberal Party. I believe he is my logical successor. Now, that is a matter for the Party to decide, not for me, but that is my belief. Now, I can't say any more than that.


HOWARD: .... [re meetings] look, this is all trivia, frankly. It really is trivia. I don't think your viewers are very interested in it, they're interested in what I've got to offer them in the future, not anything else. Although, quite frankly I've ignored talking about what I have to offer them, I only care about saving my own arse Kerry baby; clinging onto leadership as best my wizened old, sharpened claws can. It's about me! Me, me, me, MEEE!!!


O'BRIEN: ... you've always said that you'll only stay for as long as your Party wants you, you also said in your party room today as I understand it, you added: 'and in the best interests of the Party'. I mean, you don't...


JOHN HOWARD: No, I've used that line and abused that line, but obviously I can't anymore because, quite frankly, as every man and his dog knows, no one in my party wants me as leader! I'm a loser! A lame duck! We all know they're trying to get rid of me but they're weak as piss, a bunch of children, I just speak to them firmly and they fall in line. No worries.
... but look, can I just say something about it. I've given a lot of thought to this, and my position to the next election, and this is what I'll be telling the Australian people is, is very simple. If the Australian people are good enough and kind enough to re-elect me again, there are a lot of things I want to do, *crosses fingers hoping no one actually asks him what these 'things' are or that they notice he's had 11.5 years to accomplish them* and I would want to approach those things with enormous energy.


But I would expect, well into my term, and after those "things" have been implemented and battered down, I would probably, certainly form the view well into my term just repeating that cause, well, I really mean near the end of it..., that it makes sense for me to retire not saying that I actually would retire, and in those circumstances which will never happen, I'll never complete my invisible list of 'things' you know, *heh*, I would expect, although it would be a matter for the Party to determine if Peter would take over. So look, it doesn't matter a fig what I say about it, but it suits me right now to suggest the party actually has some balls, er, power.


... I've thought this through, and what I'm saying to the Australian people is I want to be re-elected, there are a lot of things I want to do for them. But well into my term er, perhaps you missed that the first two times, I would [stay vague..] come to the conclusion [vague...] that it would be [vaaague...] in the best interests of everybody if I retired, - regardless... I'll stay on of course - and in those circumstances, I would expect Peter to take over, but that would be a matter for the Party cause there's no bloody way I'll ever back him as leader, quite frankly I cannot stand the man Now, that is the honest skirting of the truth...


HOWARD: ... I won't find it easy if I am re-elected to retire. I won't find it the least bit easy because I am very committed to this job, and I will not like leaving it. This is why I've left myself a way out by being so damn vague about it. *Heh*

The following was about a possible by-election in Bennelong; he's since said he will serve the term in full - but no one is believing him - although many would love to see him sitting in Parliament as a backbencher raising his hand and asking questions of Costello or whoever, "Er, I have a question for the P-p-pri- *sob* Prime Minster..." *blows nose loudly into hanky*

HOWARD: Well, the position in ... the position in relation to that is ... I mean, I'm very, very upfront. I mean, whether ... depending on when I ... whether there would be a by-election or not is something that I would determine then...

Verrrry convincing...

-----


Convenient

Of course, by featuring Costello so prominently in Lib's election campaign - as finally, Howard cannot ignore that the party is heading for a major defeat - Howard is sneakily avoiding full responsibility for such a loss.


... if Howard recognises that he's on the nose enough that he can't win without having Costello prop him up, how can he continue to argue that staying on is in the best interests of his party?

And there's this: if the Government loses, Howard will have effectively hog-tied Costello to the defeat. He would emerge from the other side of an election loss as damaged goods.

It's a measure of how twisted the politics of Liberal leadership have become that some government MPs were suggesting this week that that might even have been the intent of Howard's strategy.




Yep, keep pushing that TEAM spirit:

Liberal MPs begin airbrushing John Howard out of their local campaigns after the damaging leadership chaos of the past week.
...one frontbencher told The Sunday Mail. "We're not going to want Howard anywhere near our seats during the campaign.

"And don't expect to see many pictures of him around voting booths on polling day either," they said.


-----


Lame, lame duck(s)

"John Howard is making a mockery of the prime ministership," Bob Brown said. "Australian voters see that, and the pity of this is (that) it is a lame duck prime ministership and a lame duck government that's now presenting itself to the election."




It will be interesting to see how the Libs react to the results of the first poll since the PM's announcement. They will know of the poll results Monday night.

Do you think they may still be considering making Costello outright leader? At the moment there's most likely around 8 weeks before the election, but if they brought Costello to the fore now they could easily delay the date to January. When a week is a long time in politics, what's wrong with a few months?

This will test the balls of the party, and of Costello.


Two really very fanciful thoughts:


1. If you were a senior minister of the Coalition, wouldn't you be tempted to see this as an opportunity to throw your hat in the ring (rabbits or no rabbits)?
No one else is standing up, yet the entire cabinet wants a change of leader. Why not stand up, announce a challenge to Howard? Ain't got much to lose.
[Don't think this will happen of course, but why not eh? How interesting would things get then?!]


2. Howard may recognise that he's in a lose/lose situation and could look for a way out, one in which he could save face.
How convenient would it be for him if dear Jeanette suddenly developed a serious illness? One declaration of the line, "At this difficult time *sniff* I think it is best that I spend as much time as I can with my wife and family..." and he's outta there!
And we know Jeanette would do anything to help!

Let's hope Howard stays in though. They'll be much easier for Labor to beat that way.

UPDATE: "a Morgan poll overnight pointed to Mr Howard losing his Sydney seat of Bennelong." *grins*

I am no artist (& no Vivien either *sigh*) NOW with UPDATED Political Commentary!!!

Oops. It appears I accidentally gave you lot the wrong message the other day. My new pic is not some artistic creation of mine. Sorry! Just a photo of me, made to appear comic-like (cause I really prefer being a drawing thank you) by the click of my camera's software 'Cartoon' button. I apologise if I gave anyone the impression that I actually have some artistic talent or any creative skills whatsoever (hey, I clicked on them buttons real fancy like! it's all in the wrist you know.).
Pic of me + Scribbly lines all over = Much better. [EDIT 9Aug: 1.5 photos removed - Told ya!]

PS - I prefer Vivien too (really, who could compete?!). She will return!!!!














PPS - Just had a lovely laugh watching Howard on 7.30 Report again. (Kerry was cackling too.) Oh our PM's an absolute hoot lately: "No, no no... But... but... But Kerry!!" Old and 'rattled'??! Naahh!!!

UPDATE: 7.30 REPORT TRANSCRIPT NOW AVAILABLE - just a snippet:

[Only the comments in CAPS are mine, they do the rest themselves.]

KERRY O'BRIEN: Now to your own problems, Mr Howard? I know that you've tried to reject the leaked findings of your own pollsters this week that you're regarded as dishonest, but if that's how people see you then that's a real problem for you, isn't it?

JOHN HOWARD: Well Kerry, I won't be a commentator [commenter?] on that. I will deal directly with the issue. I'm not dishonest. [blah blah WMDs etc]

KERRY O'BRIEN: Have you asked your pollsters to find out why the public thinks you're dishonest?

JOHN HOWARD: No, but Kerry, I will deal with the facts I will deal with the allegation. I am entitled... I AM ENTITLED!!!!

*pouts*


KERRY O'BRIEN: It's not so much an allegation it's what your pollsters are telling you about the public perception.

JOHN HOWARD: Well, it's used in the question as an allegation. DON'T YOU GET TRICKY WITH ME YOU YOUNG WHIPPER SNAPPER! I'M ONTO YOU... I'm asked to say what do I think of the allegation that I'm dishonest? Well my reply to that is to say I'm not dishonest and I've grabbed hold of one of the examples of where I'm alleged to be dishonest. I mean, you will acknowledge that I have a right to defend myself. I HAVE A RIGHT TO DEFEND MYSELF!!!

KERRY O'BRIEN: But of course.

JOHN HOWARD: In what I regard as a false claim and I think I owe it to the Government supporters who watch your program, BOTH OF THEM, and I owe it to other people who are taking an objective interest in political debate in this country, to deal with those sorts of allegations. I OWE IT TO THE PEOPLE!!!!



KERRY O'BRIEN: But I suppose what I'm asking you is not so much an allegation but a finding by your pollsters that there is a strong perception out there amongst voters who are deserting your party that they think you're dishonest and I was asking you whether you've asked your pollsters to try and pin down the reasons why they think you're dishonest?

JOHN HOWARD: I certainly don't intend to go into what I have and what I haven't asked my pollsters YOUNG MAN. But I would have thought the best way to deal with that question is to address the substance of the alleged perception and that is what I've done. NOT THAT I'M GOING INTO WHAT THAT PERCEPTION ACTUALLY IS CAUSE I WON'T COMMENT ON IT...

KERRY O'BRIEN: You raised one element of what you think might...

JOHN HOWARD: Well, let me go into the other quoted examples. Children overboard [blah blah, bloody advisers *shakes fist*]

KERRY O'BRIEN: Is this what your pollsters are telling you that those are the kinds of reasons why people don't believe you?

JOHN HOWARD: No, I read them all the time in the newspapers.

KERRY O'BRIEN: No, no, I'm talking about what your pollsters have told you.

JOHN HOWARD: No, I'm saying I'm not going into what my pollsters have told me.

KERRY O'BRIEN: Of course if that perception of dishonesty is there, then the more desperate you appear to get with your promises or your interventions, the more that perception of dishonesty is going to haunt you, isn't it?

JOHN HOWARD: Kerry, you say my interventions are desperate but which ones do you...

KERRY O'BRIEN: No, no, I'm saying that the more desperate you appear to get...

JOHN HOWARD: With my interventions?

KERRY O'BRIEN: With your promises and your interventions, yes.

JOHN HOWARD: Can you give me some of the examples that are desperate?

KERRY O'BRIEN: Well, let's take the case of the hospital and I'm talk about perceptions, Mr Howard. Let's take the case of the hospital at Devonport. You said that decision had nothing to do with holding on to a marginal seat.

JOHN HOWARD: No, I didn't say that.

KERRY O'BRIEN: You haven't said that?

JOHN HOWARD: No, no, YOU NINNY, I was asked about isn't it coincidence in a marginal seat. My reply to that is well if it's a good policy, if it also has the impact of BUYING ME VOTES AND being popular what's wrong with that?
*laughter in background*

KERRY O'BRIEN: Well you've now got one of your own Tasmanian Liberal senators, Stephen Parry, telling journalists today that he thinks the hospital is a disaster and it should be closed.

JOHN HOWARD: Well, he's given me some slightly different version than that.

KERRY O'BRIEN: And what's that?

JOHN HOWARD: Well, I'm not going to go into that as a discussion between us. But, can I tell you the Government's policy is to go full steam ahead with the intervention.

KERRY O'BRIEN: Did he tell you he supports your intervention?

JOHN HOWARD: Can I say... well he's put out a statement... *SIGHS* Can I say that the Health Minister, Mr Abbott, went to Tasmania today and had a meeting with the Tasmanian Health Minister and to say the least the Tasmanian Government is being extremely uncooperative, which I think is very poor. *TSK* I would have thought the Tasmanian Government would have welcomed with open arms the fact that we are willing to USE THEM TO BUY VOTES, inject up to another $45 million to $50 million a year into the health system in northern Tasmania and for the Tasmanian Health Minister to say in effect well, we're going to spite the Federal Government because we don't like the idea of the Federal Government BUYING VOTES being involved, shows an arrogant disregard for the interests of MY PARTY the people in Devonport and the people of northern Tasmania.

KERRY O'BRIEN: Mr Howard, the Tasmanian Government, as you well know, is acting on two independent reports in implementing its health decisions and its health profile for Tasmania. There's a lot of sentiment in Burnie next door about the rights an wrongs of your intervening in Devonport, aren't there?

JOHN HOWARD: But Kerry, let's just look at the objective facts, AS THIS IS MUCH MORE CONVENIENT THAN ANALYSING THE BIGGER PICTURE OR MY TRUE INTENTIONS, I mean we are willing to inject $45 million to $50 million into keeping that hospital at full bore as far as public hospital facilities are concerned and instead of sitting down and cooperating with us, the Tasmanian Government so far, and I hope it changes its attitude. There has been agreement for the health officials of the Commonwealth and the State to meet not later than Thursday of this week. They are, you know, playing denial politics, they're playing spite politics. Well, I just ask them to think of the [VOTERS] people, the tens of thousands of [VOTERS and] people who will benefit from this decision [ME AND MY PARTY]. That's the point I'm making.

KERRY: *rolls around on the floor laughing holding his sides in pain as tears roll down his cheeks*

HOWARD: *right eye starts to twitch*



Honestly, should we vote him back in just for entertainment value?