A senior adviser to West Australian Premier Colin Barnett has been forced to resign over emails and text messages about Opposition Leader Mark McGowan.

Mr Wyatt has compared the actions of the Liberal party staffer to that of a media adviser involved in the Prime Minister's Australia Day security scare.

The Premier says Mr Larsson acted alone and has paid a high price for his mistake.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-01-30/premier27s-adviser-resigns-over-leaks/3801016

A thread bound to sink away to pg2 as quick as possible ;)
Either that or we are in for some truly entertaining mental gymnastics from the usual crowd ;D

http://btawa.org.au/2012/01/31/awkward-but-understandable-no-helmet/

From the “West Australian” Inside Cover 28-29 Jan 2012

Like a growing number of people, we like to get out on our bicycle.

So we can understand that Transport Minister Troy Buswell and his partner, Fremantle MP Adele Carles, would have enjoyed cruising about in Freo on their bicycles on Australia Day evening.

But we can’t understand why they would have done so without helmets.

A South Fremantle resident told us yesterday that she saw the pair twice during the course of the evening.

She said that on the second occasion she could not help herself, and asked: “Excuse me, Mr Buswell, where’s your bike helmet?”

“He said ‘at home’ and rode off, ” she said.

We checked with police yesterday and were told that Section 222 (2) of the Road Traffic Code referred to wearing helmets on bicycles.

In a nutshell, the law states that an individual must wear an approved protective helmet, securely fastened, when riding on the road or any path.

The penalty for not doing so was $50, we were told.

Naturally we went to the pair for an explanation.

Ms Carles gave us a brief statement: “Yes, I was cycling in Freo without a helmet, as I occasionally do on the cycle path, although I always insist that children wear them.”

Mr Buswell’s bugle sent us a statement confirming he, too, had not worn a helmet.

And from the man himself: “It was unwise not to wear a helmet for the short ride down to watch the fireworks on Australia Day.

“Obviously it’s compulsory to wear a helmet while riding a bike, and there’s no excuse for not doing so.

“In recognition of the fact this offence carries a $50 penalty, I’ll donate $100 to the charity of IC’s choice.

“And I will obviously be more vigilant about wearing a helmet in future.”

::)

Dsmithy70 wrote on Jan 31^st, 2012 at 7:12pm:

A thread bound to sink away to pg2 as quick as possible ;) Either that or we are in for some truly entertaining mental gymnastics from the usual crowd ;D

I don't rate this story to highly on the list of stuff ups Smithy.....It is just ironic with the timing....Troy Buswell however does not impress anyone in the West!!!

Warney would have run Troy the boy over if he had said that to him!!!

;)

philperth2010 wrote on Jan 31^st, 2012 at 7:18pm:

Dsmithy70 wrote on Jan 31st, 2012 at 7:12pm: A thread bound to sink away to pg2 as quick as possible ;) Either that or we are in for some truly entertaining mental gymnastics from the usual crowd ;D I don't rate this story to highly on the list of stuff ups Smithy.....It is just ironic with the timing....Troy Buswell however does not impress anyone in the West!!!

Heard it on PM, WA Labor are trying the same tactics as Fed Libs as far as media advisors.
Just checked, transcript up soon according to website, I'll c&p when available.

Dsmithy70 wrote on Jan 31^st, 2012 at 7:43pm:

philperth2010 wrote on Jan 31st, 2012 at 7:18pm: Dsmithy70 wrote on Jan 31st, 2012 at 7:12pm: A thread bound to sink away to pg2 as quick as possible ;) Either that or we are in for some truly entertaining mental gymnastics from the usual crowd ;D I don't rate this story to highly on the list of stuff ups Smithy.....It is just ironic with the timing....Troy Buswell however does not impress anyone in the West!!! Heard it on PM, WA Labor are trying the same tactics as Fed Libs as far as media advisers. Just checked, transcript up soon according to website, I'll c&p when available.

Excellent!!!

[smiley=beer.gif]

What a drip that Larson is, but I fail to see where the incitement from labor on Australia day, relates to an idiot who sends a picture of someones house to the media.

If you think you need an enquiry, then go for it.

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/breaking/12771955/call-for-inquiry-after-information-leak/

An independent inquiry is the only way to find out if other senior media advisers to Premier Colin Barnett were involved in leaking false information to the media about new Labor Leader Mark McGowan, the State Opposition says.

James Larsson, who was on an estimated salary of more than $100,000 before he resigned yesterday, sent a text message to journalists on January 16, telling them Mr McGowan was at a pub.

Mr McGowan was at home with his three young children at the time and had to put his children on the phone to talk to journalists to prove that he was at home.

Mr Larsson also sent an email to journalists with photographs of Mr McGowan’s $1.4 million Rockingham house, questioning whether Mr McGowan was the working-class family man he portrayed himself to be.

Mr Barnett described Mr Larsson actions as “silly” and a breach of his standards, and told him last Friday he no longer had a place in his office.

Mr Larsson resigned yesterday morning, but shadow treasurer Ben Wyatt said there were still unanswered questions.

He said it was not known who else may have known about Mr Larsson’s actions, including his superiors in the Premier’s office.

[smiley=birthdays.gif]

Barnett asked to explain China deals

Colin Barnett is under pressure to respond to claims the State Government signed a contract with the developers of the Oakajee port project that favoured business for Chinese companies over local businesses.

Julia Gillard wrote to the Premier yesterday asking that he co-operate with an investigation into the allegations to be spearheaded by Industry Minister Greg Combet.

The Prime Minister said Australian workers and manufacturers should get fair access to major infrastructure projects, and reminded Mr Barnett that the Commonwealth had committed $339 million to Oakajee.

"I am particularly concerned about allegations that companies that receive Commonwealth and State government funding support are reportedly being pressed to purchase foreign equipment as a condition of minerals exports contracts," Ms Gillard said in her letter.

"These allegations raise concerns about forgone job opportunities within the supply sector, both in WA and nationally."

>:(

http://www.smh.com.au/wa-news/hey-big-spenderbarnett-hits-back-at-opposition-perks-claims-20120105-1pmo6.html

Hey big spender...Barnett hits back at Opposition perks claims


Premier Colin Barnett has hit back at Opposition claims that the government has spent $16 million a year on needless salaries and perks for new public sector bosses.

Manager of Opposition Business Mark McGowan said the state government had appointed 76 new public sector chiefs since 2008 at a conservative cost of $200,000 each.

He said the director general of the new Training and Workforce Development agency reaped a salary of $336,000 and the chief of the new Mines and Petroleum agency was paid $315,000.


Figures released in Parliament revealed an increase in the ranks of the government's senior executive service from 374 at the end of September 2008 to 450 as of October last year – an increase of 20 per cent.

Mr McGowan said while public sector executives were being promoted, given pay rises and private-plated cars, requests from government agencies for additional front-line staff and resources were being rejected.

"At a time of soaring household costs and caps on the number of front-line public sector staff, the Premier is wasting millions of dollars on additional public sector bosses and consultants," he said.

"The true extent of this splurge is unknown as the Premier refuses to reveal how much he is paying for government boards and committees.

"At the same time the Barnett Government is telling Western Australian families they should tighten their belts."

::)

progressiveslol wrote on Jan 31^st, 2012 at 7:58pm:

What a drip that Larson is, but I fail to see where the incitement from labor on Australia day, relates to an idiot who sends a picture of someones house to the media. If you think you need an enquiry, then go for it.

He told the media McGowan was at the pub.....No doubt to incite the locals to riot!!!

;)

philperth2010 wrote on Jan 31^st, 2012 at 8:05pm:

progressiveslol wrote on Jan 31st, 2012 at 7:58pm: What a drip that Larson is, but I fail to see where the incitement from labor on Australia day, relates to an idiot who sends a picture of someones house to the media. If you think you need an enquiry, then go for it. He told the media McGowan was at the pub.....No doubt to incite the locals to riot!!! ;)

Was there a riot at a local pub somewhere and the WA MP dragged off by police like in Canberra. Do you have an article about it.

its interesting that on this side of this vast continent they are complaining bitterly that the Libs wish to cut back on the public service...

as the fed govt has blown out by 25%

yet over there WA the Labs are complaining its the Libs that are increasing the public service..

wonder if they will ever get it right..

imagine this lot in Roman times..!!!

progressiveslol wrote on Jan 31^st, 2012 at 8:09pm:

philperth2010 wrote on Jan 31st, 2012 at 8:05pm: progressiveslol wrote on Jan 31st, 2012 at 7:58pm: What a drip that Larson is, but I fail to see where the incitement from labor on Australia day, relates to an idiot who sends a picture of someones house to the media. If you think you need an enquiry, then go for it. He told the media McGowan was at the pub.....No doubt to incite the locals to riot!!! ;) Was there a riot at a local pub somewhere and the WA MP dragged off by police like in Canberra. Do you have an article about it.

Ethics dear boy.
Isn't your major gripe with Gillard HONESTY???


Quote:

James Larsson, who was on an estimated salary of more than $100,000 before he resigned yesterday, sent a text message to journalists on January 16, telling them Mr McGowan was at a pub. Mr McGowan was at home with his three young children at the time and had to put his children on the phone to talk to journalists to prove that he was at home.

Or am I misunderstanding, somehow he was telling the truth?

Dsmithy70 wrote on Jan 31^st, 2012 at 8:40pm:

progressiveslol wrote on Jan 31st, 2012 at 8:09pm: philperth2010 wrote on Jan 31st, 2012 at 8:05pm: progressiveslol wrote on Jan 31st, 2012 at 7:58pm: What a drip that Larson is, but I fail to see where the incitement from labor on Australia day, relates to an idiot who sends a picture of someones house to the media. If you think you need an enquiry, then go for it. He told the media McGowan was at the pub.....No doubt to incite the locals to riot!!! ;) Was there a riot at a local pub somewhere and the WA MP dragged off by police like in Canberra. Do you have an article about it. Ethics dear boy. Isn't your major gripe with Gillard HONESTY??? Quote: James Larsson, who was on an estimated salary of more than $100,000 before he resigned yesterday, sent a text message to journalists on January 16, telling them Mr McGowan was at a pub. Mr McGowan was at home with his three young children at the time and had to put his children on the phone to talk to journalists to prove that he was at home. Or am I misunderstanding, somehow he was telling the truth?

Why would anyone have to get their kids to verify they are at home. Why not just say "I am at home you idiot, end of story" or if your home phone is already known, then say "ring me at home tool if my word is not good enough".

BTW Abbott was actually where the inciter in labor told them he would be.

Dsmithy70 wrote on Jan 31^st, 2012 at 8:40pm:

progressiveslol wrote on Jan 31st, 2012 at 8:09pm: philperth2010 wrote on Jan 31st, 2012 at 8:05pm: progressiveslol wrote on Jan 31st, 2012 at 7:58pm: What a drip that Larson is, but I fail to see where the incitement from labor on Australia day, relates to an idiot who sends a picture of someones house to the media. If you think you need an enquiry, then go for it. He told the media McGowan was at the pub.....No doubt to incite the locals to riot!!! ;) Was there a riot at a local pub somewhere and the WA MP dragged off by police like in Canberra. Do you have an article about it. Ethics dear boy. Isn't your major gripe with Gillard HONESTY??? Quote: James Larsson, who was on an estimated salary of more than $100,000 before he resigned yesterday, sent a text message to journalists on January 16, telling them Mr McGowan was at a pub. Mr McGowan was at home with his three young children at the time and had to put his children on the phone to talk to journalists to prove that he was at home. Or am I misunderstanding, somehow he was telling the truth?

Sounds a bit suss to me Smithy.....Maybe he took his kids to the pub with him???

:-?

progressiveslol wrote on Jan 31^st, 2012 at 8:43pm:

Dsmithy70 wrote on Jan 31st, 2012 at 8:40pm: progressiveslol wrote on Jan 31st, 2012 at 8:09pm: philperth2010 wrote on Jan 31st, 2012 at 8:05pm: progressiveslol wrote on Jan 31st, 2012 at 7:58pm: What a drip that Larson is, but I fail to see where the incitement from labor on Australia day, relates to an idiot who sends a picture of someones house to the media. If you think you need an enquiry, then go for it. He told the media McGowan was at the pub.....No doubt to incite the locals to riot!!! ;) Was there a riot at a local pub somewhere and the WA MP dragged off by police like in Canberra. Do you have an article about it. Ethics dear boy. Isn't your major gripe with Gillard HONESTY??? Quote: James Larsson, who was on an estimated salary of more than $100,000 before he resigned yesterday, sent a text message to journalists on January 16, telling them Mr McGowan was at a pub. Mr McGowan was at home with his three young children at the time and had to put his children on the phone to talk to journalists to prove that he was at home. Or am I misunderstanding, somehow he was telling the truth? Why would anyone have to get their kids to verify they are at home. Why not just say "I am at home you idiot, end of story" or if your home phone is already known, then say "ring me at home tool if my word is not good enough". BTW Abbott was actually where the inciter in labor told them he would be.

Your deliberatly missing the point, but bugger it I don't give a toss.
I'm pretty sure other than forming a Gestapo I'll ride out 4 years of Abbott with minimal upheaveal.
Somehow I don't think the vast majority will be so lucky.

And no I don't support Gillard.

Dsmithy70 wrote on Jan 31^st, 2012 at 8:49pm:

progressiveslol wrote on Jan 31st, 2012 at 8:43pm: Dsmithy70 wrote on Jan 31st, 2012 at 8:40pm: progressiveslol wrote on Jan 31st, 2012 at 8:09pm: philperth2010 wrote on Jan 31st, 2012 at 8:05pm: progressiveslol wrote on Jan 31st, 2012 at 7:58pm: What a drip that Larson is, but I fail to see where the incitement from labor on Australia day, relates to an idiot who sends a picture of someones house to the media. If you think you need an enquiry, then go for it. He told the media McGowan was at the pub.....No doubt to incite the locals to riot!!! ;) Was there a riot at a local pub somewhere and the WA MP dragged off by police like in Canberra. Do you have an article about it. Ethics dear boy. Isn't your major gripe with Gillard HONESTY??? Quote: James Larsson, who was on an estimated salary of more than $100,000 before he resigned yesterday, sent a text message to journalists on January 16, telling them Mr McGowan was at a pub. Mr McGowan was at home with his three young children at the time and had to put his children on the phone to talk to journalists to prove that he was at home. Or am I misunderstanding, somehow he was telling the truth? Why would anyone have to get their kids to verify they are at home. Why not just say "I am at home you idiot, end of story" or if your home phone is already known, then say "ring me at home tool if my word is not good enough". BTW Abbott was actually where the inciter in labor told them he would be. Your deliberatly missing the point, but bugger it I don't give a toss. I'm pretty sure other than forming a Gestapo I'll ride out 4 years of Abbott with minimal upheaveal. Somehow I don't think the vast majority will be so lucky. And no I don't support Gillard.

Well don't get your panties in a twist. I did say if you need an enquiry, then you should go for it. Unlike labor, I am fair and honest.

An enquiry over this is as stupid as the one Brandis/Pyne whoever is calling for.
The AFP have said no law was broken, both of these over paid communication grads have been sacked.
End of story as far as I'm concerned, I just found it funny that fed libs and state labor both oppositions are trying to sell the same garbage.
Moral vacumes trying to score points with morality.

progressiveslol wrote on Jan 31^st, 2012 at 8:51pm:

Dsmithy70 wrote on Jan 31st, 2012 at 8:49pm: progressiveslol wrote on Jan 31st, 2012 at 8:43pm: Dsmithy70 wrote on Jan 31st, 2012 at 8:40pm: progressiveslol wrote on Jan 31st, 2012 at 8:09pm: philperth2010 wrote on Jan 31st, 2012 at 8:05pm: progressiveslol wrote on Jan 31st, 2012 at 7:58pm: What a drip that Larson is, but I fail to see where the incitement from labor on Australia day, relates to an idiot who sends a picture of someones house to the media. If you think you need an enquiry, then go for it. He told the media McGowan was at the pub.....No doubt to incite the locals to riot!!! ;) Was there a riot at a local pub somewhere and the WA MP dragged off by police like in Canberra. Do you have an article about it. Ethics dear boy. Isn't your major gripe with Gillard HONESTY??? Quote: James Larsson, who was on an estimated salary of more than $100,000 before he resigned yesterday, sent a text message to journalists on January 16, telling them Mr McGowan was at a pub. Mr McGowan was at home with his three young children at the time and had to put his children on the phone to talk to journalists to prove that he was at home. Or am I misunderstanding, somehow he was telling the truth? Why would anyone have to get their kids to verify they are at home. Why not just say "I am at home you idiot, end of story" or if your home phone is already known, then say "ring me at home tool if my word is not good enough". BTW Abbott was actually where the inciter in labor told them he would be. Your deliberatly missing the point, but bugger it I don't give a toss. I'm pretty sure other than forming a Gestapo I'll ride out 4 years of Abbott with minimal upheaveal. Somehow I don't think the vast majority will be so lucky. And no I don't support Gillard. Well don't get your panties in a twist. I did say if you need an enquiry, then you should go for it. Unlike labor, I am fair and honest.

lOL, progressives reckons his shite don't stink!

I THINK I KNEW A FEW METH-HEADS LIKE THAT NOW i COME TO THINK OF IT!  ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D :D

Dsmithy70 wrote on Jan 31^st, 2012 at 8:57pm:

An enquiry over this is as stupid as the one Brandis/Pyne whoever is calling for. The AFP have said no law was broken, both of these over paid communication grads have been sacked. End of story as far as I'm concerned, I just found it funny that fed libs and state labor both oppositions are trying to sell the same garbage. Moral vacumes trying to score points with morality.

Well both incidences are pretty grubby, but only one had the PM and the opposition leader running for their person safety from a mob of angry people.

BatteriesNotIncluded wrote on Jan 31^st, 2012 at 8:59pm:

progressiveslol wrote on Jan 31st, 2012 at 8:51pm: Dsmithy70 wrote on Jan 31st, 2012 at 8:49pm: progressiveslol wrote on Jan 31st, 2012 at 8:43pm: Dsmithy70 wrote on Jan 31st, 2012 at 8:40pm: progressiveslol wrote on Jan 31st, 2012 at 8:09pm: philperth2010 wrote on Jan 31st, 2012 at 8:05pm: progressiveslol wrote on Jan 31st, 2012 at 7:58pm: What a drip that Larson is, but I fail to see where the incitement from labor on Australia day, relates to an idiot who sends a picture of someones house to the media. If you think you need an enquiry, then go for it. He told the media McGowan was at the pub.....No doubt to incite the locals to riot!!! ;) Was there a riot at a local pub somewhere and the WA MP dragged off by police like in Canberra. Do you have an article about it. Ethics dear boy. Isn't your major gripe with Gillard HONESTY??? Quote: James Larsson, who was on an estimated salary of more than $100,000 before he resigned yesterday, sent a text message to journalists on January 16, telling them Mr McGowan was at a pub. Mr McGowan was at home with his three young children at the time and had to put his children on the phone to talk to journalists to prove that he was at home. Or am I misunderstanding, somehow he was telling the truth? Why would anyone have to get their kids to verify they are at home. Why not just say "I am at home you idiot, end of story" or if your home phone is already known, then say "ring me at home tool if my word is not good enough". BTW Abbott was actually where the inciter in labor told them he would be. Your deliberatly missing the point, but bugger it I don't give a toss. I'm pretty sure other than forming a Gestapo I'll ride out 4 years of Abbott with minimal upheaveal. Somehow I don't think the vast majority will be so lucky. And no I don't support Gillard. Well don't get your panties in a twist. I did say if you need an enquiry, then you should go for it. Unlike labor, I am fair and honest. lOL, progressives reckons his shite don't stink! I THINK I KNEW A FEW METH-HEADS LIKE THAT NOW i COME TO THINK OF IT!  ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D :D

You have got to stop sniffing peoples poo deadhorse, especially meth heads, they are horny buggers.

progressiveslol wrote on Jan 31^st, 2012 at 8:43pm:

Dsmithy70 wrote on Jan 31st, 2012 at 8:40pm: progressiveslol wrote on Jan 31st, 2012 at 8:09pm: philperth2010 wrote on Jan 31st, 2012 at 8:05pm: progressiveslol wrote on Jan 31st, 2012 at 7:58pm: What a drip that Larson is, but I fail to see where the incitement from labor on Australia day, relates to an idiot who sends a picture of someones house to the media. If you think you need an enquiry, then go for it. He told the media McGowan was at the pub.....No doubt to incite the locals to riot!!! ;) Was there a riot at a local pub somewhere and the WA MP dragged off by police like in Canberra. Do you have an article about it. Ethics dear boy. Isn't your major gripe with Gillard HONESTY??? Quote: James Larsson, who was on an estimated salary of more than $100,000 before he resigned yesterday, sent a text message to journalists on January 16, telling them Mr McGowan was at a pub. Mr McGowan was at home with his three young children at the time and had to put his children on the phone to talk to journalists to prove that he was at home. Or am I misunderstanding, somehow he was telling the truth? Why would anyone have to get their kids to verify they are at home. Why not just say "I am at home you idiot, end of story" or if your home phone is already known, then say "ring me at home tool if my word is not good enough". BTW Abbott was actually where the inciter in labor told them he would be.

LOL, PROGRESSIVES IS A BIT OUT OF SORTS NOW!!  :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

progressiveslol wrote on Jan 31^st, 2012 at 7:58pm:

What a drip that Larson is, but I fail to see where the incitement from labor on Australia day, relates to an idiot who sends a picture of someones house to the media. If you think you need an enquiry, then go for it.

It was a  big  security breach was it not?

wrote on Jan 31^st, 2012 at 9:06pm:

progressiveslol wrote on Jan 31st, 2012 at 7:58pm: What a drip that Larson is, but I fail to see where the incitement from labor on Australia day, relates to an idiot who sends a picture of someones house to the media. If you think you need an enquiry, then go for it. It was a  big  security breach was it not?

Well you would have to think so, but there would have to be more for it to be in the tent embassy ball park, would there not?

If you look at the tent embassy, if there was not a riot, then who cares. If there was not footage of the PM and Abbott running for their safety, who would care.

progressiveslol wrote on Jan 31^st, 2012 at 9:00pm:

Dsmithy70 wrote on Jan 31st, 2012 at 8:57pm: An enquiry over this is as stupid as the one Brandis/Pyne whoever is calling for. The AFP have said no law was broken, both of these over paid communication grads have been sacked. End of story as far as I'm concerned, I just found it funny that fed libs and state labor both oppositions are trying to sell the same garbage. Moral vacumes trying to score points with morality. Well both incidences are pretty grubby, but only one had the PM and the opposition leader running for their person safety from a mob of angry people.

Please I don't even think you believe that.
Heated words may have been exchanged, but they are hardly life threating.

Dsmithy70 wrote on Jan 31^st, 2012 at 9:10pm:

progressiveslol wrote on Jan 31st, 2012 at 9:00pm: Dsmithy70 wrote on Jan 31st, 2012 at 8:57pm: An enquiry over this is as stupid as the one Brandis/Pyne whoever is calling for. The AFP have said no law was broken, both of these over paid communication grads have been sacked. End of story as far as I'm concerned, I just found it funny that fed libs and state labor both oppositions are trying to sell the same garbage. Moral vacumes trying to score points with morality. Well both incidences are pretty grubby, but only one had the PM and the opposition leader running for their person safety from a mob of angry people. Please I don't even think you believe that. Heated words may have been exchanged, but they are hardly life threating.

Yes I do but not that I believe they would have been harmed. I only believ they and the police believed there was a chance of it.

Dsmithy70 wrote on Jan 31^st, 2012 at 9:10pm:

progressiveslol wrote on Jan 31st, 2012 at 9:00pm: Dsmithy70 wrote on Jan 31st, 2012 at 8:57pm: An enquiry over this is as stupid as the one Brandis/Pyne whoever is calling for. The AFP have said no law was broken, both of these over paid communication grads have been sacked. End of story as far as I'm concerned, I just found it funny that fed libs and state labor both oppositions are trying to sell the same garbage. Moral vacumes trying to score points with morality. Well both incidences are pretty grubby, but only one had the PM and the opposition leader running for their person safety from a mob of angry people. Please I don't even think you believe that. Heated words may have been exchanged, but they are hardly life threatening.

Either way these calls for enquiries and grubby little advisers running around trying to score cheap political points is pretty pathetic from all involved.....Surely there is more important issues for police to worry about???

::)

philperth2010 wrote on Jan 31^st, 2012 at 9:16pm:

Dsmithy70 wrote on Jan 31st, 2012 at 9:10pm: progressiveslol wrote on Jan 31st, 2012 at 9:00pm: Dsmithy70 wrote on Jan 31st, 2012 at 8:57pm: An enquiry over this is as stupid as the one Brandis/Pyne whoever is calling for. The AFP have said no law was broken, both of these over paid communication grads have been sacked. End of story as far as I'm concerned, I just found it funny that fed libs and state labor both oppositions are trying to sell the same garbage. Moral vacumes trying to score points with morality. Well both incidences are pretty grubby, but only one had the PM and the opposition leader running for their person safety from a mob of angry people. Please I don't even think you believe that. Heated words may have been exchanged, but they are hardly life threatening. Either way these calls for enquiries and grubby little advisers running around trying to score cheap political points is pretty pathetic from all involved.....Surely there is more important issues for police to worry about??? ::)

I am sure they could go buy more dohnuts for the guys investigating Thompson. Maybe buy more DVD's to help the go slow.

progressiveslol wrote on Jan 31^st, 2012 at 9:18pm:

philperth2010 wrote on Jan 31st, 2012 at 9:16pm: Dsmithy70 wrote on Jan 31st, 2012 at 9:10pm: progressiveslol wrote on Jan 31st, 2012 at 9:00pm: Dsmithy70 wrote on Jan 31st, 2012 at 8:57pm: An enquiry over this is as stupid as the one Brandis/Pyne whoever is calling for. The AFP have said no law was broken, both of these over paid communication grads have been sacked. End of story as far as I'm concerned, I just found it funny that fed libs and state labor both oppositions are trying to sell the same garbage. Moral vacumes trying to score points with morality. Well both incidences are pretty grubby, but only one had the PM and the opposition leader running for their person safety from a mob of angry people. Please I don't even think you believe that. Heated words may have been exchanged, but they are hardly life threatening. Either way these calls for enquiries and grubby little advisers running around trying to score cheap political points is pretty pathetic from all involved.....Surely there is more important issues for police to worry about??? ::) I am sure they could go buy more dohnuts for the guys investigating Thompson. Maybe buy more DVD's to help the go slow.

So once again we have the repeated but unsubstantiated claims of political interference in a police investigation.
Put up or find another angle.

Barnett tells battlers to turn air-con off

Colin Barnett has suggested people struggling to pay soaring electricity bills should turn off their air-conditioners, saying they are not necessary in Perth's climate.

The Premier questioned why air-conditioning was now considered a "necessity of life" when a decade ago it was deemed a luxury.

"I certainly recognise that for elderly people, people who are unwell, perhaps are bed-ridden, that air-conditioning can be an essential part of living in a hot climate," he said.

"Yes in the Pilbara, in the Kimberley, in very hot places. But when did it become a necessity of life to have air-conditioning?"

Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show 74 per cent of WA#39;s 800,800 households used air-conditioners in 2006, almost doubling from 40 per cent in 1992.

Mr Barnett was responding in State Parliament to Opposition Leader Eric Ripper, who asked whether the Premier would use next month's mid-year review of the WA Budget to offer any relief to households struggling to pay power bills, who faced a "miserable, hot and poor" Christmas.

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/newshome/8377813/barnett-tells-battlers-to-turn-air-con-off/

Premier gets hot blast on cool million

Opposition Leader Mark McGowan has accused Colin Barnett of hypocrisy over his stand on air-conditioning in Perth homes after a Government document revealed it would cost more than $1 million to keep the Premier's new offices cool.

Together with other costs for the renovation of Hale House - which is to become home of the Department of Premier and Cabinet - air-conditioning is listed at $975,000.

"It is the height of hypocrisy that he lectures ordinary families about air-conditioning and tells them it's not a necessity and implies it is a luxury yet he's spending more than $1 million of taxpayers' money on air-conditioning his own office," Mr McGowan said.

Mr Barnett, who previously said he didn't believe air-conditioners were necessary, returned from his summer holiday yesterday as the mercury approached 41.9C.

He joked with reporters that while his wife, Lyn, would like an air-conditioner he had no plans to install one in his Cottesloe home.

What I simply said at the time, which seems to have created a lot of interest, is that air-conditioning is expensive and the use of air-conditioning, which is now common in most people's homes, is probably the major reason that we've seen household consumption of electricity increase by about 30 per cent over the past 20 years," he said.

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/newshome/12734036/premier-gets-hot-blast-on-cool-million/

Colin Barnett has suggested people struggling to pay soaring electricity bills should turn off their air-conditioners???

However the Government can afford to keep Barnett and his staff cool as they have lots of money???

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Stoush over Premier's new office

The State Government has justified the costs of the Premier Colin Barnett's new office in West Perth, saying it will be the jewel in the crown of the parliamentary precinct.

The Hale House redevelopment was initially expected to cost around $17 million, but it has since been revealed the project will cost upwards of $25 million.

The Finance Minister Simon O'Brien says it is an important public building and a logical addition to the parliamentary precinct.

"If we didn't have the Premier's office, the Cabinet offices, the Cabinet secretariat located here, it would be costing about one and a half million dollars per annum to accommodate them in prime CBD office space," he said.

But the State Opposition disagrees. Labor MP Roger Cook says the Premier should have moved to Dumas House, which accommodates the offices of other ministers.

"The Premier's palace is an extravagance which the people of Western Australia shouldn't have to bear," he said.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-11-12/premier27s-office/3662678

"What do you do with a drunken Sailor"

"What do you do with a drunken Sailor"

"What do you do with a drunken Sailor"

"Early in the morning"

Local,State,Federal
Liberal,Labor,National & yes even Green if they ever gain the power.
They are all the same, the "Ruling Class" mentality I believe they call it >:(

Dsmithy70 wrote on Jan 31^st, 2012 at 9:59pm:

Local,State,Federal Liberal,Labor,National & yes even Green if they ever gain the power. They are all the same, the "Ruling Class" mentality I believe they call it >:(

Yes they all criticize and condemn each other when they are in opposition then when they gain power they show how shallow and worthless they are.....WA was the first State to elect a Coalition Government and look how that has turned out.....At least Labor dumped the Ripper and might have a chance of ripping off the public themselves in the future.....They are all tared with the same brush!!!

McGowan makes inquiry request into leak

West Australian Premier Colin Barnett has admitted his chief of staff was with fallen media adviser James Larsson when he sent a false text message alerting journalists that Labor leader Mark McGowan was at a pub.

But Mr Barnett denied Mr Larsson was told to send the text message or an email about Mr McGowan to journalists.

The admission came as Mr McGowan sent a request to the Public Sector Commission to conduct an independent inquiry to reveal whether other senior media advisers knew about Mr Larsson's actions or if he acted alone, as Mr Barnett has said.

Mr Larsson, who was on an estimated salary of more than $100,000 before he resigned on Monday, sent a text message to journalists on January 16, telling them Mr McGowan was at the Subiaco Hotel.

Mr McGowan was at home with his three young children at the time and had to put his children on the phone to talk to journalists to prove that he was at home.

Mr Larsson also sent an email to journalists with photographs of Mr McGowan's $1.4 million Rockingham house, in Perth's south, questioning whether Mr McGowan was the working-class family man he had portrayed himself to be.

Mr Barnett described Mr Larsson actions as "silly" and a breach of his standards, and told him last Friday he no longer had a place in his office. Mr Larsson resigned on Monday morning.

Mr Barnett told reporters on Thursday that he would not initiate an inquiry for "matters of trivia" which he considered to be a waste of public money.

"I have spoken to senior staff in my office, and they assure me he acted alone and I am accepting that," he said.

Mr Barnett admitted that chief of staff Brian Pontifex was at the Subiaco Hotel with Mr Larsson but denied Mr Pontifex told him to tell the media that Mr McGowan was drinking at the bar.

"No-one directed anyone," he said.

"I am not interested in anything that happens out of hours with a few people down the pub.

"There is only one issue, which I considered serious, and that was breaching the private life, separate from the public life."

Mr McGowan said he had written to the commissioner to ask for an inquiry.

He said Mr Barnett should have been the one to request an inquiry.

"I don't want it to be seen that Mr Larsson, a 28-year-old, was the fall guy for other people's activities inside the premier's office," he said.

Mr McGowan said Mr Barnett's admission that Mr Pontifex was at the pub was the first confirmation he had received.

"That means that the premier's chief of staff was obviously a party for the spreading of untruths about the members of parliament and I think that's a serious issue," he said.

However, Mr Barnett, who appeared visibly agitated at the stream of questions, claimed "the media pulled the trigger" on Mr Larsson's career.

"Sometimes I think World War III could break out and you guys wouldn't notice," he said.

Mr McGowan said Mr Barnett should take responsibility and not blame the media for mistakes in his office.

"He sacked Mr Larsson - no one else," he said

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/8413009/mcgowan-makes-inquiry-request-into-leak

How Ironic.....I expect the Liberal supporters on these boards who want an Inquiry into the Australian day affair with Tony Abbott and Julia Gillard will also want to support this inquiry to determine who knew what....It is inconceivable the advisor acted alone when he was other members of the Premiers staff when he sent the text!!!

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http://www.perthnow.com.au/politicians-shabby-actions-are-below-the-belt/story-fn6mhct1-1226258563639