Top5 stories this morning...

Game's ugliest feud ends in the gym
Super backflip breaks dam for Abbott
Bitter Seals tell of killing 'Bert' Laden
Opposition anger at leader's consultation
PM seals carbon tax

Perhaps they see a leadership change in the Opposition as more likely then one in Labor now.

GoddyofOz wrote on Nov 9^th, 2011 at 8:31am:

Perhaps they see a leadership change in the Opposition as more likely then one in Labor now.

Yer - and, given the context of adverse polling trends, this might explain the recent scuttlebutt distraction over the Lab leadership...

Actually, has anyone else noticed how many times Abbott has projected about the disunity in the Labor ranks and policy difficulties of late - every time he says something about Lab factions and policies it seems to me as though he is parroting something that someone else has warned him about internally...

Here's the first article referenced in the OP by Dr J...complete with cartoon...

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/opinion/super-backflip-breaks-dam-for-dr-no/story-e6frg74x-1226189350537

http://resources0.news.com.au/images/2011/11/08/1226189/289728-111109-nicholson-cartoon.jpg


Quote:

Super backflip breaks dam for Abbott by: Paul Kelly, Editor-At-Large November 09, 2011 12:00AM THE Tony Abbott-led Coalition's buckling before Labor's increase in the superannuation guarantee from 9 per cent to 12 per cent is a great victory for the Gillard government and signals the Coalition's admission that its political strategy is off the rails and needs correction. With the superannuation guarantee tied into Labor's mining tax package, the next question for the Coalition is obvious: will it recommend a replacement tax for the mining tax that Abbott is pledged to repeal? Once Labor's mining tax is legislated, Abbott's repeal policy becomes unsustainable. How can he campaign to have no mining tax whatsoever when the big three miners accept the principle of such a tax anyway? At that point his policy becomes absurd. Assuming the latest Newspoll is correct and not a rogue poll, Labor is trailing only 53-47 per cent in the two-party-preferred vote with Abbott's dissatisfaction rating at a record 57 per cent. Labor can win from here. Many politicians and much of the media have badly missed the trend of the past three months. Abbott has been busy entrenching his negativity and offering no message of hope or coherence while the gradual recovery that Julia Gillard has long predicted has begun. It may not endure. However, the idea that Labor's primary vote would stick below 30 per cent was always remote. The Coalition has assisted Gillard's mini-recovery by its own blunders, notably Abbott repeating his technique of "rejection and repeal" on issue after issue beyond the point of public tolerance. Gillard's further triumph yesterday of winning passage of the Labor-Green carbon pricing scheme only makes Abbott's rethink imperative. His real policy goal is repeal of the carbon package. For Abbott, this is the repeal that matters, not the mining tax. The campaign against the carbon tax is the absolute key to Abbott's political future. Can Abbott sustain his anti-carbon tax campaign? Yes, he can. Indeed, he has many pluses: power prices for homes are guaranteed to rise significantly; our domestic carbon price is very high by world standards; the economic tribulations in Europe and America will last for years, keeping global climate change action on the backburner; and Gillard's carbon policy is a core breach of trust with the public. Why is Abbott vulnerable? He is vulnerable because he has become Dr No, rejecting policies on populist grounds regardless of principle and past Coalition belief. By opposing virtually everything, he cheapens his case and credibility for opposing what matters. The retreat to accept Labor's superannuation policy is deeply illuminating. This constitutes one of the Coalition's greatest policy reversals since it lost the 2007 election. Superannuation is highly sanctified ALP-ACTU territory. The policy's origins lie with Paul Keating and Bill Kelty and it is a near-unique Australian model of mandated contributions to private superannuation funds. For Labor, this edifice is one of its glories. In his July 1991 speech campaigning for leadership, Keating said the objective should be a 12 per cent contribution rate by the year 2000. His 1996 pre-election strategy was to lift super savings to 15 per cent from the legislated 9 per cent, and after his defeat Keating lamented that he did not legislate this figure. The incoming government led by John Howard and Peter Costello, wary of such Labor-loving compulsion, kept the contribution rate at 9 per cent and never increased it over 11 years. But the dam wall has broken under Abbott in strange circumstances. With the Henry tax review opposed to this action, Labor defied Treasury advice and in May last year linked its new mining tax to an increase in the SG rate to 12 per cent to be reached in stages by 2019-20. The Coalition, unsurprisingly, opposed this policy -- until late last week when faced with its passage through parliament. This means if Abbott wins the 2013 poll, at which point the SG rate will be a modest 9.25 per cent, he will preside over its steady increase towards 12 per cent. (The schedule for the entire lift to 12 per cent is included in the bill now before parliament.) Why did the Coalition change? There are several explanations but the most convincing is politics. It was fighting on too many fronts. It was pledged to abolish too many Labor policies. It was locked into perceptions that were too negative. It faced the prospect of unpicking enterprise agreements that included super contributions as a trade-off. So, it quit the battle. This meant abandonment of Liberal thinking that super contributions should reflect individual choice and the embrace of Labor boosting national savings via compulsion. Many senior Liberals are angry, not just opposition finance spokesman Andrew Robb. Much more will be said about this. The point, however, is the belated recognition that Abbott has gone too negative for too long on too many fronts. He should have spent...

/contd.


Quote:

The point, however, is the belated recognition that Abbott has gone too negative for too long on too many fronts. He should have spent the final third of this year offering a message of hope, but he didn't. When the correction came it was sudden and revealing. At what point did things start to go wrong? That's easy. It was when Abbott rejected Gillard's bill to save offshore processing and anchor this power in the executive where it belongs. Labor's mining tax is strictly a third-best option. It is compromise piled upon compromise. The original tax destroyed Kevin Rudd's leadership and this tax originates in the fix Gillard negotiated with the big three miners to save her political neck. This tax has a big hole. It does not replace state royalties (as Henry advocated) and Labor is pledged to credit any state royalty increases, with NSW and Western Australia having already announced such increases. While Treasury estimates it will raise $11.1 billion over the forward estimates, it concedes these estimates are highly volatile and the opposition scoffs at this figure being raised. There is scepticism throughout industry about how much the big miners will pay. Abbott is on firm ground on abolishing the tax. He is on weak ground, however, saying Australia doesn't need such a tax. The opposition should argue not against the mining tax but for a better mining tax. Abbott has taken the first step along this path by pledging to keep the SG 12 per cent policy. His future political problem is obvious: Labor is using the mining revenue to cut corporate tax, assist small business and help 3.6 million low-income earners with super concessions. What does Abbott say to these people when he has no such revenue from the mining tax? In short, the politics of the mining tax change once it is legislated. With the big miners accepting the tax, the Coalition needing the revenue and Abbott wanting to make carbon pricing the absolute focus of his negative "repeal strategy", the logic is for the Coalition's rethink to take another big step.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/opposition-anger-at-tony-abbotts-policy-consultation/story-fn59niix-1226189467424


Quote:

Opposition anger at Tony Abbott's policy consultation    by: Matthew Franklin, Chief political correspondent    From: The Australian    November 09, 2011 12:00AM TONY Abbott faces criticism from within his own party for not seeking frontbench approval for a new anti-dumping policy attacked by Labor as out of step with World Trade Organisation rules. And Labor has derided the Opposition Leader as an economic xenophobe in a strong attack designed to consolidate its campaign to portray him as a political opportunist stuck in a cycle of constant negativity. The pressure came yesterday after the The Australian published a Newspoll showing public dissatisfaction with Mr Abbott's performance had reached a high of 57 per cent. Although the survey found Labor's primary vote support had risen three percentage points in the past fortnight to 32 per cent, the Coalition retained a clear election-winning lead of 53 per cent to 47 per cent on two-party-preferred terms. The increase in voter dissatisfaction with Mr Abbott followed a concerted Labor attempt to paint him as too negative in light of his strident opposition to the carbon tax, a planned new mining tax and Labor's bid to legislate to reinstate the offshore processing of asylum-seekers. Liberal sources yesterday strongly backed their leader, but some questioned whether the Newspoll might mark the need for a shift in tactics. Several MPs said they were concerned Mr Abbott was not consulting colleagues closely enough in policy formulation and had become too close to the Nationals. They said an anti-dumping policy released on Monday, which reversed the onus of proof of dumping from Australian companies to their overseas competitors, had not been approved by the opposition front bench. Their complaint came just a day after The Australian revealed that a Coalition decision to back Labor plans to boost superannuation savings of low-income earners came without any reference to the Coalition's finance spokesman Andrew Robb -- the man responsible for ensuring a Coalition government would be able to fund its election promises. "I thought we elected Tony because (former leader) Malcolm Turnbull was not observing proper process," one MP told The Australian. "I think Tony has done a great job but I think he gets most of his advice from people like Christopher Pyne, George Brandis and Barnaby Joyce, who are all focused more on politics than policy." Another Liberal MP said: "The problem is that it's harder to defend policies if we haven't taken them through the full process and this anti-dumping policy is a good example." Mr Abbott was unable to respond to the criticism yesterday because he was travelling to Britain. But sources said the opposition front bench had considered about 80 per cent of the anti-dumping policy about two months ago, while the leadership group, including Mr Abbott and frontbenchers Joe Hockey, Julie Bishop, Eric Abetz, Senator Joyce, Warren Truss and Nigel Scullion, had given the policy full backing last week. Other sources confirmed Mr Robb had confronted Mr Abbott in recent days about being sidelined from decisions with big financial implications and had been assured he was not being frozen out. Last night, Trade Minister Craig Emerson seized on recent Coalition announcements to accuse the Opposition Leader of adopting an anti-trade policy to snare political support. Dr Emerson cited the anti-dumping policy, the Coalition's call for Australia not to contribute money to the International Monetary Fund to help fund a plan to stabilise the European economy and its advocacy of barriers to New Zealand apple imports. He insisted the anti-dumping proposal was at odds with WTO rules. "As protectionist sentiment rises in Australia, the Coalition parties have calculated there are political dividends for them in embracing xenophobia," he said. In a radio interview, apparently recorded during a stopover en route to London, Mr Abbott said he had not been negative but was advocating a better future.

LOL...if anyone ever doubted Abbott's sanity, that last bit should provide sufficient confirmation...

Oh, and nobody is painting Abbott as negative - he earned the nickname 'Dr No' all by painting the pictures himself!

Equitist wrote on Nov 9^th, 2011 at 8:56am:

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/opposition-anger-at-tony-abbotts-policy-consultation/story-fn59niix-1226189467424 Quote: Opposition anger at Tony Abbott's policy consultation    by: Matthew Franklin, Chief political correspondent    From: The Australian    November 09, 2011 12:00AM TONY Abbott faces criticism from within his own party for not seeking frontbench approval for a new anti-dumping policy attacked by Labor as out of step with World Trade Organisation rules. And Labor has derided the Opposition Leader as an economic xenophobe in a strong attack designed to consolidate its campaign to portray him as a political opportunist stuck in a cycle of constant negativity. The pressure came yesterday after the The Australian published a Newspoll showing public dissatisfaction with Mr Abbott's performance had reached a high of 57 per cent. Although the survey found Labor's primary vote support had risen three percentage points in the past fortnight to 32 per cent, the Coalition retained a clear election-winning lead of 53 per cent to 47 per cent on two-party-preferred terms. The increase in voter dissatisfaction with Mr Abbott followed a concerted Labor attempt to paint him as too negative in light of his strident opposition to the carbon tax, a planned new mining tax and Labor's bid to legislate to reinstate the offshore processing of asylum-seekers. Liberal sources yesterday strongly backed their leader, but some questioned whether the Newspoll might mark the need for a shift in tactics. Several MPs said they were concerned Mr Abbott was not consulting colleagues closely enough in policy formulation and had become too close to the Nationals. They said an anti-dumping policy released on Monday, which reversed the onus of proof of dumping from Australian companies to their overseas competitors, had not been approved by the opposition front bench. Their complaint came just a day after The Australian revealed that a Coalition decision to back Labor plans to boost superannuation savings of low-income earners came without any reference to the Coalition's finance spokesman Andrew Robb -- the man responsible for ensuring a Coalition government would be able to fund its election promises. "I thought we elected Tony because (former leader) Malcolm Turnbull was not observing proper process," one MP told The Australian. "I think Tony has done a great job but I think he gets most of his advice from people like Christopher Pyne, George Brandis and Barnaby Joyce, who are all focused more on politics than policy." Another Liberal MP said: "The problem is that it's harder to defend policies if we haven't taken them through the full process and this anti-dumping policy is a good example." Mr Abbott was unable to respond to the criticism yesterday because he was travelling to Britain. But sources said the opposition front bench had considered about 80 per cent of the anti-dumping policy about two months ago, while the leadership group, including Mr Abbott and frontbenchers Joe Hockey, Julie Bishop, Eric Abetz, Senator Joyce, Warren Truss and Nigel Scullion, had given the policy full backing last week. Other sources confirmed Mr Robb had confronted Mr Abbott in recent days about being sidelined from decisions with big financial implications and had been assured he was not being frozen out. Last night, Trade Minister Craig Emerson seized on recent Coalition announcements to accuse the Opposition Leader of adopting an anti-trade policy to snare political support. Dr Emerson cited the anti-dumping policy, the Coalition's call for Australia not to contribute money to the International Monetary Fund to help fund a plan to stabilise the European economy and its advocacy of barriers to New Zealand apple imports. He insisted the anti-dumping proposal was at odds with WTO rules. "As protectionist sentiment rises in Australia, the Coalition parties have calculated there are political dividends for them in embracing xenophobia," he said. In a radio interview, apparently recorded during a stopover en route to London, Mr Abbott said he had not been negative but was advocating a better future. LOL...if anyone ever doubted Abbott's sanity, that last bit should provide sufficient confirmation... Oh, and nobody is painting Abbott as negative - he earned the nickname 'Dr No' all by painting the pictures himself!

That last part is, as you said, quite extraordinary.

I think the Australian may be sick of looking like fools for backing Abbott. When Abbott himself continues to come out looking foolish.

The lastest bungle From  marathon man Abbott who wouldnt even sleep when there was important issues.  The man who said that the ETS vote was the most crucial vote ever  which required all MP's to be present, and that therefore he would refuse pairs for it, was at the time flying to the International Conservatives Conference in London.

Where he could have left, flown out  AFTER the vote and still get to his talkfeast a day or two BEFORE it started. Is a slap in the face to all those backing this tough fighter of a man.

And his party of 'fools' are looking just that for continuing to make excuses for  him and themselves.

wrote on Nov 9^th, 2011 at 9:29am:

I think the Australian may be sick of looking like fools for backing Abbott. When Abbott himself continues to come out looking foolish. The lastest bungle From  marathon man Abbott who wouldnt even sleep when there was important issues.  The man who said that the ETS vote was the most crucial vote ever  which required all MP's to be present, and that therefore he would refuse pairs for it, was at the time flying to the International Conservatives Conference in London. Where he could have left, flown out  AFTER the vote and still get to his talkfeast a day or two BEFORE it started. Is a slap in the face to all those backing this tough fighter of a man. And his party of 'fools' are looking just that for continuing to make excuses for  him and themselves.

Your a f####### idiot the vote was in the senate not the house of reps  ;D ;D

FRED. wrote on Nov 9^th, 2011 at 9:37am:

wrote on Nov 9th, 2011 at 9:29am: I think the Australian may be sick of looking like fools for backing Abbott. When Abbott himself continues to come out looking foolish. The lastest bungle From  marathon man Abbott who wouldnt even sleep when there was important issues.  The man who said that the ETS vote was the most crucial vote ever  which required all MP's to be present, and that therefore he would refuse pairs for it, was at the time flying to the International Conservatives Conference in London. Where he could have left, flown out  AFTER the vote and still get to his talkfeast a day or two BEFORE it started. Is a slap in the face to all those backing this tough fighter of a man. And his party of 'fools' are looking just that for continuing to make excuses for  him and themselves. Your a f####### idiot the vote was in the senate not the house of reps  ;D ;D

LOL me thinks old Freddy is not a happy chappy. You might need some of that ecstacy or LSD that's getting passed around.

Ex Dame Pansi wrote on Nov 9^th, 2011 at 9:42am:

FRED. wrote on Nov 9th, 2011 at 9:37am: wrote on Nov 9th, 2011 at 9:29am: I think the Australian may be sick of looking like fools for backing Abbott. When Abbott himself continues to come out looking foolish. The lastest bungle From  marathon man Abbott who wouldnt even sleep when there was important issues.  The man who said that the ETS vote was the most crucial vote ever  which required all MP's to be present, and that therefore he would refuse pairs for it, was at the time flying to the International Conservatives Conference in London. Where he could have left, flown out  AFTER the vote and still get to his talkfeast a day or two BEFORE it started. Is a slap in the face to all those backing this tough fighter of a man. And his party of 'fools' are looking just that for continuing to make excuses for  him and themselves. Your a f####### idiot the vote was in the senate not the house of reps  ;D ;D LOL me thinks old Freddy is not a happy chappy. You might need some of that ecstacy or LSD that's getting passed around.

I'm quite happy You take enough drugs for everyone So leave me out thanks    ;) ;)

FRED. wrote on Nov 9^th, 2011 at 9:37am:

wrote on Nov 9th, 2011 at 9:29am: I think the Australian may be sick of looking like fools for backing Abbott. When Abbott himself continues to come out looking foolish. The lastest bungle From  marathon man Abbott who wouldnt even sleep when there was important issues.  The man who said that the ETS vote was the most crucial vote ever  which required all MP's to be present, and that therefore he would refuse pairs for it, was at the time flying to the International Conservatives Conference in London. Where he could have left, flown out  AFTER the vote and still get to his talkfeast a day or two BEFORE it started. Is a slap in the face to all those backing this tough fighter of a man. And his party of 'fools' are looking just that for continuing to make excuses for  him and themselves. Your a f####### idiot the vote was in the senate not the house of reps  ;D ;D

Yes -and the not sleeping wasnt in his bed, senate, house of reps or for stopping the price on carbon.
Its about his principals and convictions .

As bushfire Bill a commentor that is a favourite to quote from crikey and who I see is usally right on the money with his insight;

Kelly, Shanahan, Franklin, Albrechtsen, McCrann, Savva and the rest of the crew have been being highly paid for getting most things wrong, for too long, in the Holt St. sheltered workshop. Kelly, van Onselen and Shanahan have been pleading with Abbott to leave off with the thought bubbles and the naysaying for a while now. Not because it makes Abbott look bad, but because it makes them look like the lazy fools they are.

wrote on Nov 9^th, 2011 at 10:08am:

As bushfire Bill a commentor that is a favourite to quote from crikey and who I see is usally right on the money with his insight; Kelly, Shanahan, Franklin, Albrechtsen, McCrann, Savva and the rest of the crew have been being highly paid for getting most things wrong, for too long, in the Holt St. sheltered workshop. Kelly, van Onselen and Shanahan have been pleading with Abbott to leave off with the thought bubbles and the naysaying for a while now. Not because it makes Abbott look bad, but because it makes them look like the lazy fools they are.

MORE SHYTE FROM CRIKEY  SUCK bugger* ;D ;D ;D ;D

Abbott is proving himself the ponce we all knew he really was.

Run away Terry TuffC.

What a douche.

Janet Albrechtsen's douche, eww.

Pleasing Australians is obviously not his strong suit.

What, with his fake macho swagger and faux bully boy style, he wouldn't know a real fight if it punched him in the nose. Imagine that.

Tony is probably a closet plunger as well, him and Pyney would be the perfect couple.

Tony would be wifey of course, with all his bitching and moaning and C.P. the disciplinarian would have him well in hand. ooh la la. Well you never know.

And Tony rushing off to hold hands with the other grammar school boys in London is not a good look for a fearless fearmongerer.

He should be out on the hustings, rallying his support and continuing his decimation of the labor party. Oh that's right, polls(oh no) indicate that his is a limp fish.

Bye Bye Phony Tony. Good Riddance!

Talking about Run a way Tony-


”such political future as I have got rests entirely on beating this tax, so that’s the whole purpose of what’s left of my political life” – Tony Abbott


Well someone should tell Mr Abbott he must now do what he promised. But lets be serious. Abbott has never been one to live up to promises that he has made.


“Rock-solid, iron-clad, commitment” – 2004 Abbott three word slogan with more than three words.

That was the failed promise by Tony Abbott to not raise the medicare safety net threshold. He campaigned as Health Minister in 2004 and vowed to the nation he would keep it. As soon as the election was finished, he trashed that vow almost immediately. What a lying piece of work.

Prior to the last election, Abbott told Australia about what he considers truth. Apparently if it is not written down, then he is a lying bastard. This is the same lying bastard that declared to all Australians that he has written an oath in blood to rescind the carbon price. Only problem is, no one has seen that oath written down any where. That means Abbott is being a lying bastard again.

And now, all of a sudden, Abbott flies out of the country the day the senate passes legislation that he himself declared his political death. Further, he plans to meet with heads of states that he basically ridiculed re CHOGM and the G20. Will David Cameron even recognise him this time?

http://ashghebranious.wordpress.com/2011/11/09/tony-abbott-run-run-away/

How terribly embarrassing for Pwincess Tony, running from his failures, all at sea over his political future, into the bosom of the motherland.

Like Bob Menzies, this unfortunate wee curmudgeon wasn't born to a peerage and it has cut him ever since(birth).

I don't blame him, all those boys at oxford must've teased him ever so harshly.

Well Diddums to the trades assistant.

I say bring on Barnaby Joyce.

He will be even more hilariously entertaining.

;D :D ;D :D ;D :D >:(

GoddyofOz wrote on Nov 9^th, 2011 at 8:31am:

Perhaps they see a leadership change in the Opposition as more likely then one in Labor now.

perhaps they just report it as they see it, hence their premier reputation ?

Equitist wrote on Nov 9^th, 2011 at 8:56am:

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/opposition-anger-at-tony-abbotts-policy-consultation/story-fn59niix-1226189467424 Quote: Opposition anger at Tony Abbott's policy consultation    by: Matthew Franklin, Chief political correspondent    From: The Australian    November 09, 2011 12:00AM TONY Abbott faces criticism from within his own party for not seeking frontbench approval for a new anti-dumping policy attacked by Labor as out of step with World Trade Organisation rules. And Labor has derided the Opposition Leader as an economic xenophobe in a strong attack designed to consolidate its campaign to portray him as a political opportunist stuck in a cycle of constant negativity. The pressure came yesterday after the The Australian published a Newspoll showing public dissatisfaction with Mr Abbott's performance had reached a high of 57 per cent. Although the survey found Labor's primary vote support had risen three percentage points in the past fortnight to 32 per cent, the Coalition retained a clear election-winning lead of 53 per cent to 47 per cent on two-party-preferred terms. The increase in voter dissatisfaction with Mr Abbott followed a concerted Labor attempt to paint him as too negative in light of his strident opposition to the carbon tax, a planned new mining tax and Labor's bid to legislate to reinstate the offshore processing of asylum-seekers. Liberal sources yesterday strongly backed their leader, but some questioned whether the Newspoll might mark the need for a shift in tactics. Several MPs said they were concerned Mr Abbott was not consulting colleagues closely enough in policy formulation and had become too close to the Nationals. They said an anti-dumping policy released on Monday, which reversed the onus of proof of dumping from Australian companies to their overseas competitors, had not been approved by the opposition front bench. Their complaint came just a day after The Australian revealed that a Coalition decision to back Labor plans to boost superannuation savings of low-income earners came without any reference to the Coalition's finance spokesman Andrew Robb -- the man responsible for ensuring a Coalition government would be able to fund its election promises. "I thought we elected Tony because (former leader) Malcolm Turnbull was not observing proper process," one MP told The Australian. "I think Tony has done a great job but I think he gets most of his advice from people like Christopher Pyne, George Brandis and Barnaby Joyce, who are all focused more on politics than policy." Another Liberal MP said: "The problem is that it's harder to defend policies if we haven't taken them through the full process and this anti-dumping policy is a good example." Mr Abbott was unable to respond to the criticism yesterday because he was travelling to Britain. But sources said the opposition front bench had considered about 80 per cent of the anti-dumping policy about two months ago, while the leadership group, including Mr Abbott and frontbenchers Joe Hockey, Julie Bishop, Eric Abetz, Senator Joyce, Warren Truss and Nigel Scullion, had given the policy full backing last week. Other sources confirmed Mr Robb had confronted Mr Abbott in recent days about being sidelined from decisions with big financial implications and had been assured he was not being frozen out. Last night, Trade Minister Craig Emerson seized on recent Coalition announcements to accuse the Opposition Leader of adopting an anti-trade policy to snare political support. Dr Emerson cited the anti-dumping policy, the Coalition's call for Australia not to contribute money to the International Monetary Fund to help fund a plan to stabilise the European economy and its advocacy of barriers to New Zealand apple imports. He insisted the anti-dumping proposal was at odds with WTO rules. "As protectionist sentiment rises in Australia, the Coalition parties have calculated there are political dividends for them in embracing xenophobia," he said. In a radio interview, apparently recorded during a stopover en route to London, Mr Abbott said he had not been negative but was advocating a better future. LOL...if anyone ever doubted Abbott's sanity, that last bit should provide sufficient confirmation... Oh, and nobody is painting Abbott as negative - he earned the nickname 'Dr No' all by painting the pictures himself!

His new name is TONY 'GENERAL DISARRAY' ABBOTT!
Um, I think this is why I was banned as Longy new it would hurt the Libs if it got around!

I DID SPRAY IT IN EVERY DIRECTION I REMEMBER WELL!!  ;D

Good for you DRAH.

Spray away, I love new names for "him that we dare not utter his real name for fear of opening the seventh portal to hades"

AAAAAAAARRRRRRGGGGGGHHHHHHHH

Oops sorry, I fell in briefly.

I coined the Walking Bathmat earlier, has a nice ring to it.

wrote on Nov 9^th, 2011 at 10:49am:

Talking about Run a way Tony- ”[i]such political future as I have got rests entirely on beating this tax, so that’s the whole purpose of what’s left of my political life” – Tony Abbott Well someone should tell Mr Abbott he must now do what he promised. But lets be serious. Abbott has never been one to live up to promises that he has made. “Rock-solid, iron-clad, commitment” – 2004 Abbott three word slogan with more than three words. That was the failed promise by Tony Abbott to not raise the medicare safety net threshold. He campaigned as Health Minister in 2004 and vowed to the nation he would keep it. As soon as the election was finished, he trashed that vow almost immediately. What a lying piece of work. Prior to the last election, Abbott told Australia about what he considers truth. Apparently if it is not written down, then he is a lying bastard. This is the same lying bastard that declared to all Australians that he has written an oath in blood to rescind the carbon price. Only problem is, no one has seen that oath written down any where. That means Abbott is being a lying bastard again. And now, all of a sudden, Abbott flies out of the country the day the senate passes legislation that he himself declared his political death. Further, he plans to meet with heads of states that he basically ridiculed re CHOGM and the G20. Will David Cameron even recognise him this time? [/i] http://ashghebranious.wordpress.com/2011/11/09/tony-abbott-run-run-away/

Well said.

He needs to resign as his promised mission to save his political future has failed.
He also needs to resign to bring some dignity and relevance to the Coalition.
He also needs to resign because he's a bloody fundamentalist idiot.

Dr Brown wrote on Nov 9^th, 2011 at 7:54pm:

Good for you DRAH. Spray away, I love new names for "him that we dare not utter his real name for fear of opening the seventh portal to hades" AAAAAAAARRRRRRGGGGGGHHHHHHHH Oops sorry, I fell in briefly. I coined the Walking Bathmat earlier, has a nice ring to it.

How about Tony 'TOWLIE' Abbott, ...

http://www.caloriesperhour.com/forums/attachment.php?id=1126

Here is yet ANOTHER reason The Australian newspaper has possibly dropped Abbott. He is contradicting himself yet Again, and must make them look like fools.


Clarke_MelissaMelissa Clarke
Abbott tells #abcnews in London re: extra IMF funding: "I never said Aust should fail in its duties in international citizenship..."


Oh YES you did . The proof is in the PAPERS.

wrote on Nov 11^th, 2011 at 8:58am:

Here is yet ANOTHER reason The Australian newspaper has possibly dropped Abbott. He is contradicting himself yet Again, and must make them look like fools. Clarke_MelissaMelissa Clarke Abbott tells #abcnews in London re: extra IMF funding: "I never said Aust should fail in its duties in international citizenship..." Oh YES you did . The proof is in the PAPERS.

Ah, but you see he just has to find a confessional and then all is forgiven!

He can lie, deceive and betray until the cows come - it doesn't matter because it will always be made right.

Actually, the way he's been going I'm surprised there isn't a little confessional booth being towed behind him. That we he can always nick inside for a quick "Forgive me Father..." and then pop back out pure as driven snow.

Well if the trend sees the Libs start to enunciate what their policies will be, in at least some positive detail, then it will be to all our benefit.
I do not like Abbott, or the more conservative elements of the Libs that have been running amok like a teen on his first binge at schoolies, with the unfettered support from the media their intoxicant.
Perhaps a little reflection may ensue, if they are also held to account by the media from time to time, and a more mature, and balanced dialogue may begin, to show us just what sort of government the Libs will form, because they most likely will be the next government.
Cutting Abbott loose, so they are not tied down by his ridiculous promises to repeal everything Labor has done, may be an essential step on the road to winning, and forming, a responsible government, and I believe most Aussies can appreciate that fact, whether they like Abbott or not.

Well said.

Good thread. It does look like News Ltd are having a little mischief.

Ultimately, their support is right behind Abbott and the coalition. Why? Murdoch doesn't support a price on carbon.

Mind you, they know that Abbott won't be able to repeal the tax, so does it really matter to News Ltd if Turnbull gets in?

Albreichtson & Ackerman et al still think Turnbull is too soft for them. If Turnbull can make a few concessions, who knows?

Turnbull's problem is his own small L liberal seat of Wentworth. While they would never vote Labor, Turnbull loves appealing to the Jewish, gay, environmentalist, multicultural demographic there. It's an ego thing, and he's superb at it. It's in Malcolm and Lucy's bones. They're old money Liberal wets.

Abbott's a DLP-turned-Liberal headkicker. He only knows how to fight. Many in the establishment are wondering how he would govern, and his anti-freemarket/trade-protectionist stance is bothering many.

News Ltd run a very tight ship. If they do switch to Turnbull, it will have to be gradually, through stealth. They will not have the support of talkback radio: Howard and Abbott's choice of media. Alan Jones will stick with Abbott.

News could also split: The Telegraph with Abbott, and the Australian with Turnbull. Discretely, of course. Readership wise, this would make sense.

Quote:

Abbott's a DLP-turned-Liberal headkicker.

-Karnal


I think you hit the nail on the head perfectly there.
For those too young to remember the DLP, they were a primarily "Catholic" party, with some pretty weird members. I went to school with their leaders kids, and played with them, at their home and in the streets and parks of our area, so I knew them quite well, but the old man was always very , very strange, and Abbott reminds me of him in many ways.
He was like a small bundle of anger, ire and frustration, wrapped in a gooey facade of false piety and humility, where true feelings and emotions were never displayed, and much like I see Abbott, many good and decent qualities, but always restricted by an aura of being not quite "right".
I would prefer we had a PM we need not share such concerns about.

mozzaok wrote on Nov 11^th, 2011 at 12:54pm:

Quote: Abbott's a DLP-turned-Liberal headkicker. -Karnal I think you hit the nail on the head perfectly there. For those too young to remember the DLP, they were a primarily "Catholic" party, with some pretty weird members. I went to school with their leaders kids, and played with them, at their home and in the streets and parks of our area, so I knew them quite well, but the old man was always very , very strange, and Abbott reminds me of him in many ways.

Santamaria? Abbott is still full of praise for his old mentor.

Dr Brown wrote on Nov 9^th, 2011 at 10:44am:

Abbott is proving himself the ponce we all knew he really was. Run away Terry TuffC. What a douche. Janet Albrechtsen's douche, eww. Pleasing Australians is obviously not his strong suit. What, with his fake macho swagger and faux bully boy style, he wouldn't know a real fight if it punched him in the nose. Imagine that. Tony is probably a closet plunger as well, him and Pyney would be the perfect couple. Tony would be wifey of course, with all his bitching and moaning and C.P. the disciplinarian would have him well in hand. ooh la la. Well you never know. And Tony rushing off to hold hands with the other grammar school boys in London is not a good look for a fearless fearmongerer. He should be out on the hustings, rallying his support and continuing his decimation of the labor party. Oh that's right, polls(oh no) indicate that his is a limp fish. Bye Bye Phony Tony. Good Riddance!

----

If Tony is so useless, why is there so much time devoted to telling us that he is disliked and useless?

Why don't you funny commos concentrate on your little treasure, Gillard, the one who in charge of this country and as yet, hasn't got anything right?

Also on Bob.

Won't he look homely in a veil when he makes his vows at his nuptials!

Will Wayne Swan be his bridesman?

Hope there'll be a big photo spread in the Woman's Weekly of  Bob preferably, in suggestive poses.

Quote:

If Tony is so useless, why is there so much time devoted to telling us that he is disliked and useless?

Replace Tony with Juila
Can you smell the irony?

olde.sault wrote on Nov 11^th, 2011 at 1:03pm:

Dr Brown wrote on Nov 9th, 2011 at 10:44am: Abbott is proving himself the ponce we all knew he really was. Run away Terry TuffC. What a douche. Janet Albrechtsen's douche, eww. Pleasing Australians is obviously not his strong suit. What, with his fake macho swagger and faux bully boy style, he wouldn't know a real fight if it punched him in the nose. Imagine that. Tony is probably a closet plunger as well, him and Pyney would be the perfect couple. Tony would be wifey of course, with all his bitching and moaning and C.P. the disciplinarian would have him well in hand. ooh la la. Well you never know. And Tony rushing off to hold hands with the other grammar school boys in London is not a good look for a fearless fearmongerer. He should be out on the hustings, rallying his support and continuing his decimation of the labor party. Oh that's right, polls(oh no) indicate that his is a limp fish. Bye Bye Phony Tony. Good Riddance! ---- If Tony is so useless, why is there so much time devoted to telling us that he is disliked and useless?

Because its so funny watching you guys trying to defend him.

I bet if you knew abbott personally, you'd be less enthusiastic.

One Trick Tony has been caught out again changing his message for  each audience and I hope his current slimey exhibition in England has been enough to turn every Aussie against this deceptive dimwit.

adelcrow wrote on Nov 11^th, 2011 at 2:18pm:

One Trick Tony has been caught out again changing his message for  each audience and I hope his current slimey exhibition in England has been enough to turn every Aussie against this deceptive dimwit.

----

Yet again - if Tony is so useless why do you devote so much time to attacking him? After all, he is just the opposition leader - can't do anything!

Getting desperate, leftards?

olde.sault wrote on Nov 11^th, 2011 at 3:54pm:

---- Yet again - if Tony is so useless why do you devote so much time to attacking him?

Because he's a sh1t dribbler. And he won't stop dribbling.

olde.sault wrote on Nov 11^th, 2011 at 3:54pm:

adelcrow wrote on Nov 11th, 2011 at 2:18pm: One Trick Tony has been caught out again changing his message for  each audience and I hope his current slimey exhibition in England has been enough to turn every Aussie against this deceptive dimwit. ---- Yet again - if Tony is so useless why do you devote so much time to attacking him? After all, he is just the opposition leader - can't do anything! Getting desperate, leftards?

Can't do anything? I thought he'd single-handedly deposed one prime minister and was about to knobble a second? I'm sure that's what you guys said...

I think you're right though, ass.sault. He's as useful as tits on a bull.

olde.sault wrote on Nov 11^th, 2011 at 1:03pm:

Hope there'll be a big photo spread in the Woman's Weekly of  Bob preferably, in suggestive poses.

Old Sod is really an Old Sod! :D

;D

Karnal wrote on Nov 11^th, 2011 at 12:58pm:

mozzaok wrote on Nov 11th, 2011 at 12:54pm: Quote: Abbott's a DLP-turned-Liberal headkicker. -Karnal I think you hit the nail on the head perfectly there. For those too young to remember the DLP, they were a primarily "Catholic" party, with some pretty weird members. I went to school with their leaders kids, and played with them, at their home and in the streets and parks of our area, so I knew them quite well, but the old man was always very , very strange, and Abbott reminds me of him in many ways. Santamaria? Abbott is still full of praise for his old mentor.

Yes, that's right Karnal, and the fact that I knew what people like that really cared about, when they felt free to fully express themselves in the privacy of the company of like minded people, explains to a degree, my reservations about Abbott.
His type know they need to talk a reasonable brand of tolerance, publicly, whilst privately they are actually consumed with trying to connive ways to impose their personal moral beliefs upon the majority, irrespective of whether they wish it or not.

Hmnnn.....interesting.....



BatteriesNotIncluded wrote on Nov 11^th, 2011 at 9:39pm:

Defiant Malcolm Turnbull taking a gamble over Tony Abbott's gaming policy by: Simon Benson and Patrick Lion From: The Daily Telegraph November 11, 2011 12:00AM MALCOLM Turnbull is openly defying Opposition Leader Tony Abbott over his new direction on gaming policy. In a video tribute from anti-gambling advocate Tim Costello posted on Mr Turnbull's website, Mr Costello praises Mr Turnbull for his "leadership" in backing tough reforms on problem gambling. Only a week after Mr Abbott indicated a Coalition policy would rely heavily on a voluntary pre-commitment scheme, Mr Costello said the measure would not work. "Problem gamblers just will not do it. Voluntary pre-commitment is a contradiction in terms," Mr Costello said. Mr Abbott's discussion paper had outlined plans to seek written advice about the feasibility of a national voluntary pre-commitment program. It followed Mr Turnbull's refusal last month to back his leader's vow to roll back Labor's proposed mandatory pre-commitment technology if the Coalition won government. Liberal sources said Mr Turnbull's ambition for leadership had not waned, and he was becoming "active" again. source: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/national/defiant-malcolm-turnbull-taking-a-gamble-over-tony-abbotts-gaming-policy/story-e6freuzr-1226191935423

Equitist wrote on Nov 11^th, 2011 at 9:48pm:

Hmnnn.....interesting..... BatteriesNotIncluded wrote on Nov 11th, 2011 at 9:39pm: Defiant Malcolm Turnbull taking a gamble over Tony Abbott's gaming policy by: Simon Benson and Patrick Lion From: The Daily Telegraph November 11, 2011 12:00AM MALCOLM Turnbull is openly defying Opposition Leader Tony Abbott over his new direction on gaming policy. In a video tribute from anti-gambling advocate Tim Costello posted on Mr Turnbull's website, Mr Costello praises Mr Turnbull for his "leadership" in backing tough reforms on problem gambling. Only a week after Mr Abbott indicated a Coalition policy would rely heavily on a voluntary pre-commitment scheme, Mr Costello said the measure would not work. "Problem gamblers just will not do it. Voluntary pre-commitment is a contradiction in terms," Mr Costello said. Mr Abbott's discussion paper had outlined plans to seek written advice about the feasibility of a national voluntary pre-commitment program. It followed Mr Turnbull's refusal last month to back his leader's vow to roll back Labor's proposed mandatory pre-commitment technology if the Coalition won government. Liberal sources said Mr Turnbull's ambition for leadership had not waned, and he was becoming "active" again. source: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/national/defiant-malcolm-turnbull-taking-a-gamble-over-tony-abbotts-gaming-policy/story-e6freuzr-1226191935423

Abbott is fingered: "...KNOCK KNOCK! "  ::) ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D :D

Sprintcyclist wrote on Nov 9^th, 2011 at 11:09am:

GoddyofOz wrote on Nov 9th, 2011 at 8:31am: Perhaps they see a leadership change in the Opposition as more likely then one in Labor now. perhaps they just report it as they see it, hence their premier reputation ?

Perhaps they "see it" as they want to see it - Tony unseated?

mozzaok wrote on Nov 11^th, 2011 at 9:39pm:

Karnal wrote on Nov 11th, 2011 at 12:58pm: mozzaok wrote on Nov 11th, 2011 at 12:54pm: Quote: Abbott's a DLP-turned-Liberal headkicker. -Karnal I think you hit the nail on the head perfectly there. For those too young to remember the DLP, they were a primarily "Catholic" party, with some pretty weird members. I went to school with their leaders kids, and played with them, at their home and in the streets and parks of our area, so I knew them quite well, but the old man was always very , very strange, and Abbott reminds me of him in many ways. Santamaria? Abbott is still full of praise for his old mentor. Yes, that's right Karnal, and the fact that I knew what people like that really cared about, when they felt free to fully express themselves in the privacy of the company of like minded people, explains to a degree, my reservations about Abbott. His type know they need to talk a reasonable brand of tolerance, publicly, whilst privately they are actually consumed with trying to connive ways to impose their personal moral beliefs upon the majority, irrespective of whether they wish it or not.

AAAHHH  THAT SOUNDS LIKE THE GREENS  ;) ;) ;)

Not exactly, Fred. The Greens are up front with what they stand for. I've never understood the talkback watermelon fears. The Greens are happy to tell you what they believe.

Abbott is too, but the Lib's strategy is to keep it from you. It's known as the old small target strategy. Personally, I think Abbott would love to play the big target but he's learnt to keep mum.  Abbott has a huge sense of rightousness.

And this, as the Liberal Party knows, is his achilles heel.

Abbott is fingered: "...KNOCK KNOCK! "  :D