Liberals win in Australia

[wellard]

Originally posted by Davros: Or Wellard, it could be that people have gotten sick of an obstructionist senate that never lets the mandated party of the last election enact the legislation that they got voted in on. I think that will be good for a change. Anyway, anything that takes that twathead Senator Brown down a peg or two can't be all that bad.

Being the sad bugger that I am, I often listen to the senate debates live on national radio. (Get a life I know) and over the last few years especially the Meg Lees era, the democrats have really been a lifeboat for common sense. Allowing the main thrust of government legislation through while exposing some of the more sillier points. Unlike the labour side which would block anything out of some childish principle. It’s a shame the Democrats self exploded. Curse that Gareth Evans and his sexual prowess

I think we will have to agree to disagree on Senator Bob(down)Brown.

I really fear for industrial relations in the next four years.

[wellard]

Originally posted by Dave_the_quack: Lets just hope Australia doesnt go up the crapper. Im really worried that the new party "christian democrats" might actually come to power one of these days. They are just as ridiculous as one-nation was, and may be with Pauline Hanson returning to politics.

I share youre fear of the rise of this new political party Dave. Unlike Fred Niles christian democrats who are open about there point of view and I respect the guys honesty if not his viewpoint. The Family First party hide themselves behind a catchy name and keep some of there more extreme views hidden.

[Stratos]

You all make it sound like it's the end of the World.

[Gab]

Since you Aussies have mentioned this a lot, who is Pauline Hanson and this one-nation party?

[ 10-10-2004, 01:12 PM: Message edited by: Gab ]

[Stratos]

Isn't One Nation a far right party?

[Davros]

Originally posted by Gab: Since you Aussies have mentioned this a lot, who is Pauline Hanson and this one-nation party?

Very right wing. She led an "Australia for Australians only" movement that wanted to ban immigration, keep out other ethnic groups, and force such groups to abandon their old traditions for Australian traditions (ie ban Chinese New Year - anything that represents an outside ethnicity).

Like any of these crackpots, they briefy flirt with popularity then fall hard. She timed her brief rise to coincide with a lot of attempts at illegal migration. One herself at one stage about 5 to 8% of the popular vote. The party had a couple of representatives at state level and 2 I think at a national level, but now to many people's relief that seems to be all over.

[Dave_the_quack]

Although, after her release from prison, it appears that she has spoken of her intention to return to politics. Can't wait to see the crap she talks about next time round.

[Aelia Jusa]

I suspect her 'return to politics' was actually a way of making money - she did absolutely no advertising, admitted she had no policies, and only nominated a couple of weeks before the election (on the day nominations closed). And, frankly, why not? There's always going to be enough tragics to give her her 4% (she got 4.4% apparently). I feel a bit sorry for Pauline, really, when you look at how Howard and the gang despised her and put her last on their preferences and all, and yet are embracing Family First - who seem to me to be just as whacko as she ever was.

[Donut]

Originally posted by Mouse: Unfortunately due to our stupid "first past the post" electoral system and the lack of a credible opposition, the Poodle will probably get back in. However, if he does, it will be not be any sort of endorsement of his premiership. The man is the acme of style over substance. If he spun any quicker, he'd be sponsored by Black & Decker.

Once you have learned to fake sincerity the rest comes easy!

[The Hierophant]

Originally posted by wellard: Hey I'll swap frankenstien for the lying rodent any day Hierophant

Heh, true. I voted for 'Aunt Helen' in 2002, I'm glad she was re-elected to office. She's a politician through and through, so therefore I don't fully trust her. But she is academically smart, sensible, strong-willed, and culturally sensitive while not being sentimentally spineless... and therefore I respect her.

Having a strong pseudo-socialist government is great, you Aussies don't know what you're missing