A note was sent to me, which explains that the six leading members of the Labor Government, from Ms Gillard down, have a collective work experience of 181 years, but only 13 years in the private sector.

If you take out of those 13 years the number that were spent as trade union lawyers, 11 years, only two years were spent in the private sector.

So out of those 181 years:

- no years spent running their own business
- no years spent starting their own business
- no years spent as a director of a family business or a company
- no years as a director of a public company
- no years in a senior position in a public company
- no years in a senior position in a private company
- no years working in corporate finance
- no years in corporate or business restructuring
- no years working in or with a bank
- no years of experience in the capital markets
- no years in a stock-broking firm
- no years in negotiating debt facilities with banks
- no years running a small business
- no years at the World Bank or IMF or OECD
- no years in Treasury or Finance.

But these people have plunged Australia into unprecedented debt.

Well, in a way you can’t blame them.

It’s clear the electorate did not do their homework,

because the Government was there by right.

Ah, but they are Labor and people vote for them because Labor is good for the working family – right???

Yeah, right!   ::)

and this my friends...

is why we are in so much debt..

why spending is out of control, one of the worst in the world

and why our manufacturing industry is collapsing...

at the same time... the Abbott government has been warned that they MUST cut spending...

the Party is over folks...

The reason I vote labor is because

THE WORST LABOR GOVERNMENT IS ALWAYS BETTER THEN THE BEST LIBERAL GOVERNMENT FOR ALL AUSTRALIANS AND THE FUTURE OF AUSTRALIA.

and that is a fact.

Now instead of putting up your B/S, tell us what has a liberal government ever done for the good of ALL Australia, and you can go back to Menzie to find something and I bet you can't.

True Blue... wrote on Feb 13^th, 2014 at 6:50am:

and this my friends... is why we are in so much debt.. why spending is out of control, one of the worst in the world and why our manufacturing industry is collapsing... at the same time... the Abbott government has been warned that they MUST cut spending... the Party is over folks...

dont forget they will get NO HELP whatever from the Labor opposition..even though the Libs did their best to stop the squandering of the labor govt....

its now pay back time.. ::) ::).. ho huim anyone surprised.?

it like Toyota....they said it they will leave in 2017 no matter what the govt does..

yet labor would still pour more money into their coffers... makes sense to them..

Why did people vote Liberal?

Did you want to go into recession?

John S wrote on Feb 13^th, 2014 at 7:04am:

The reason I vote labor is because THE WORST LABOR GOVERNMENT IS ALWAYS BETTER THEN THE BEST LIBERAL GOVERNMENT FOR ALL AUSTRALIANS AND THE FUTURE OF AUSTRALIA. and that is a fact. Now instead of putting up your B/S, tell us what has a liberal government ever done for the good of ALL Australia, and you can go back to Menzie to find something and I bet you can't.

Labor builds, Liberals tear down.


Historically, the country has gone ahead under Labor govts, but has
stagnated or gone backwards under the Con-servatives.

And that's fact, not the partisan spin the Right are so fond of.

It is in peoples nature to want, want, want. until they foresee the country going down the toilet. This was the case in the last election.

I still maintain that the Howard government would of won government against Kevin Dud if it had started to spend a little, the country would have been in a lot better shape if they had remained in power than it is today.

 

poll

Quote:

why did people vote labor?

Mental Illness..

Quote:

Why did people vote Labor

Because Tony Abbott was the alternative!!!

;) ;) ;)

De-registered User wrote on Feb 13^th, 2014 at 7:11am:

It is in peoples nature to want, want, want. until they foresee the country going down the toilet. This was the case in the last election. I still maintain that the Howard government would of won government against Kevin Dud if it had started to spend a little, the country would have been in a lot better shape if they had remained in power than it is today.

That's plain ludicrous.

Howard had been on the nose for some time.

Work (no) Choices clinched it, but he'd have been gone anyway by 2010 at the latest, when his attempts to beat the GFC by austerity had failed.

And no, the country would NOT have 'been in better shape', it would have been in a far worse one.

But that's OK, Missed A Rabbitt is getting us there... >:( >:(

John S wrote on Feb 13^th, 2014 at 7:04am:

The reason I vote labor is because THE WORST LABOR GOVERNMENT IS ALWAYS BETTER THEN THE BEST LIBERAL GOVERNMENT FOR ALL AUSTRALIANS AND THE FUTURE OF AUSTRALIA. and that is a fact. Now instead of putting up your B/S, tell us what has a liberal government ever done for the good of ALL Australia, and you can go back to Menzie to find something and I bet you can't.

OF COURSE IT IS..

YOU LIKE POURING GOOD MONEY AFTER BAD..

YOU THINK WASTING MONEY ... IS GOOD..

YOU THINK POOR PROGRAMMING THAT KILLS PEOPLE IS .... ALL GOOD..

YOU THINK. BRINGING IN OVER 50.000 PEOPLE AND PUTTING THEM ON WELFARE ... IS ALL GOOD...


and the LIBS hate all that::) ::)

they prefer..

no debt unless it has something to show for it..

they prefer no waste....aka getting rid of the PM residence that he wont use.. [ unlike labor who pay out rent for empty building especially of they are owned by the ALP.]

or maybe badgery creek airport..

no dodgy programs without safety issues being up front...instead of the unemployment figures.


and of course ..

stopping the boats...

JUST THINK WISEONE.. YOU WONT HAVE TO SUPPORT ANOTHER UNINVITED 50.000 WELFARE RECIPIENTS...

now that should be a plus. ::) ::) ::).. but it wont be will it.

philperth2010 wrote on Feb 13^th, 2014 at 7:18am:

Quote: Why did people vote Labor Because Tony Abbott was the alternative!!! ;) ;) ;)

Thankyou for proving my point, saying Abbott as the reason is a prime example of the mental illness suffered by labor supporters.
You do know there were other parties on the ballot paper.

BlOoDy RiPpEr wrote on Feb 13^th, 2014 at 7:17am:

Quote: why did people vote labor? Mental Illness..

their mentality is shocking if those lefties on here are anything to go by...they are more than rusted on..lolol..

its all good though their vote went south in Griffiths..and I dont think they expected that for one minute...they are so full of themselves...reality doesnt exist for lefties..

How about newman closing clinics to pay for his new office?

SOB

BlOoDy RiPpEr wrote on Feb 13^th, 2014 at 7:25am:

philperth2010 wrote on Feb 13th, 2014 at 7:18am: Quote: Why did people vote Labor Because Tony Abbott was the alternative!!! ;) ;) ;) Thankyou for proving my point, saying Abbott as the reason is a prime example of the mental illness suffered by labor supporters. You do know there were other parties on the ballot paper.

we need a tough PM.. not a wimp who thinks throwing borrowed money at everything is the answer...and turning a blind eye to utter corruption...is the go..

say NO TO LABOR......they are the DEBT and CORRUPTION party.

cods wrote on Feb 13^th, 2014 at 7:23am:

John S wrote on Feb 13th, 2014 at 7:04am: The reason I vote labor is because THE WORST LABOR GOVERNMENT IS ALWAYS BETTER THEN THE BEST LIBERAL GOVERNMENT FOR ALL AUSTRALIANS AND THE FUTURE OF AUSTRALIA. and that is a fact. Now instead of putting up your B/S, tell us what has a liberal government ever done for the good of ALL Australia, and you can go back to Menzie to find something and I bet you can't. OF COURSE IT IS.. YOU LIKE POURING GOOD MONEY AFTER BAD.. YOU THINK WASTING MONEY ... IS GOOD.. YOU THINK POOR PROGRAMMING THAT KILLS PEOPLE IS .... ALL GOOD.. YOU THINK. BRINGING IN OVER 50.000 PEOPLE AND PUTTING THEM ON WELFARE ... IS ALL GOOD... and the LIBS hate all that::) ::) they prefer.. no debt unless it has something to show for it.. they prefer no waste....aka getting rid of the PM residence that he wont use.. [ unlike labor who pay out rent for empty building especially of they are owned by the ALP.] or maybe badgery creek airport.. no dodgy programs without safety issues being up front...instead of the unemployment figures. and of course .. stopping the boats... JUST THINK WISEONE.. YOU WONT HAVE TO SUPPORT ANOTHER UNINVITED 50.000 WELFARE RECIPIENTS... now that should be a plus. ::) ::) ::).. but it wont be will it.

Liberals destroy. Liberals cause stagnation. Liberals cost jobs. Liberals hurt the least well-off.

Liberals are the only ones to ever achieve the Economic Failure Trifecta (double-digit
unemployment, double-digit inflation, double-digit interest-rates).

Liberals are traitorous scum.

And their supporters are fools.

how about gillard stealing from a widows fund????

cods wrote on Feb 13^th, 2014 at 7:26am:

BlOoDy RiPpEr wrote on Feb 13th, 2014 at 7:17am: Quote: why did people vote labor? Mental Illness.. their mentality is shocking if those lefties on here are anything to go by...they are more than rusted on..lolol.. its all good though their vote went south in Griffiths..and I dont think they expected that for one minute...they are so full of themselves...reality doesnt exist for lefties..

Labor won Griffith, so how's that 'going south'?

I think it's the right who has difficulty seeing reality.

You certainly do.

cods wrote on Feb 13^th, 2014 at 7:30am:

how about gillard stealing from a widows fund????

Proof?

Not claims, but proof.

Got any?

Pales into insignificance compared to Abbott's wrecking the country anyway.

Come on cods, you would of been around when Menzie was prime minister now tell us what was the debt to GDP ratio when he was prime minister.

Kat wrote on Feb 13^th, 2014 at 7:11am:

John S wrote on Feb 13th, 2014 at 7:04am: The reason I vote labor is because THE WORST LABOR GOVERNMENT IS ALWAYS BETTER THEN THE BEST LIBERAL GOVERNMENT FOR ALL AUSTRALIANS AND THE FUTURE OF AUSTRALIA. and that is a fact. Now instead of putting up your B/S, tell us what has a liberal government ever done for the good of ALL Australia, and you can go back to Menzie to find something and I bet you can't. Labor builds, Liberals tear down. Historically, the country has gone ahead under Labor govts, but has stagnated or gone backwards under the Con-servatives. And that's fact, not the partisan spin the Right are so fond of.

Oh, you are so wrong it's almost sad! The opposite is actually true. Howard stopped the boats, Rudd restarted them when he immediately dismantled the Pacific Solution, with more than 50,000 arrivals and a budget blowout from <$100m p/a to more than $1.5bn p/a. Costello paid off the Labor debt, Swan racked up a colossal debt of >$300bn. Costello delivered ten surpluses in twelve budgets, Swan delivered the largest deficits in our history and not a single surplus. Howard set up the ABCC, Labor dismantled it and we now face a Royal Commission into union corruption. The general theme in Federal politics is that Labor wrecks and then the Coalition fixes, only to end up being kicked out by gullible, ungrateful and forgetful voters.

I'm guessing the poll will only show the political bias evident on this site.  :D

Armchair_Politician wrote on Feb 13^th, 2014 at 7:38am:

Kat wrote on Feb 13th, 2014 at 7:11am: John S wrote on Feb 13th, 2014 at 7:04am: The reason I vote labor is because THE WORST LABOR GOVERNMENT IS ALWAYS BETTER THEN THE BEST LIBERAL GOVERNMENT FOR ALL AUSTRALIANS AND THE FUTURE OF AUSTRALIA. and that is a fact. Now instead of putting up your B/S, tell us what has a liberal government ever done for the good of ALL Australia, and you can go back to Menzie to find something and I bet you can't. Labor builds, Liberals tear down. Historically, the country has gone ahead under Labor govts, but has stagnated or gone backwards under the Con-servatives. And that's fact, not the partisan spin the Right are so fond of. Oh, you are so wrong it's almost sad! The opposite is actually true. Howard stopped the boats, Rudd restarted them when he immediately dismantled the Pacific Solution, with more than 50,000 arrivals and a budget blowout from <$100m p/a to more than $1.5bn p/a. Costello paid off the Labor debt, Swan racked up a colossal debt of >$300bn. Costello delivered ten surpluses in twelve budgets, Swan delivered the largest deficits in our history and not a single surplus. Howard set up the ABCC, Labor dismantled it and we now face a Royal Commission into union corruption. The general theme in Federal politics is that Labor wrecks and then the Coalition fixes, only to end up being kicked out by gullible, ungrateful and forgetful voters.

I am not wrong at all, my statement is backed by historical fact.

You are notorious for posting the diametric opposite of the facts.

This one is no exception.

cods wrote on Feb 13^th, 2014 at 7:30am:

how about gillard stealing from a widows fund????

Even if that were true she didnt do the damage abbott is doing

SOB

Sir Spot of Borg wrote on Feb 13^th, 2014 at 7:48am:

cods wrote on Feb 13th, 2014 at 7:30am: how about gillard stealing from a widows fund???? Even if that were true she didnt do the damage abbott is doing SOB

After the events of the last few days, I'm surprised the Right even have the hide to show
their faces, never mind stupidly trying to justify this totally inept 'government'.

If I was a Liberal voter, I'd be in hiding...

I reluctantly voted for Labor in the House of Reps, and went Greens for the Senate, not because I have any great confidence in either, but the alternative of having a reactionary right wing bunch of religious zealots running the country was truly worrying.

Labor deserved to lose, because of the mismanagement of their own party, more than any alleged mismanagement of the economy, or the country in general.
Their fear of dealing with internal factional feuds as well as serious corruption issues, especially in NSW, (always the "State Of Corruption", no matter which party is in government) in some type of vain hope of minimising electoral annihilation, was just another indication of the lack of direction and leadership they suffered.

So while I despise the Libs and their extremist christian leadership cabal, I denounce Labor for failing to offer an alternative palatable to the general public.
While Abbott and Co certainly had a dream run of three years media sponsored electoral campaigning, on their behalf, they also won the support of a significant majority of the people

Now we are seeing just what so many of us feared, an ideologically intransigent government, intent on balancing the books, by cutting spending to Health, Education, and Welfare.

As Hockey so boldly announced, the days of entitlement are over, especially for the neediest, while it will be full steam ahead for the greediest.

No surprise that taking from the poorest is their first step, the concept of making the wealthiest individuals and corporations pay higher taxes is not even on their agenda.

Phase two is obviously going to be the creation of a new under class of working poor, as they attempt to destroy all union power, which could have offered some resistance to the implementation of their obvious plans to see lower pay, and reduced conditions the order of the day.

Overseeing the death of local manufacturing, and the resultant surplus of workers, competing for lower paid jobs will do very nicely for Abbott and Co.

Australia is open for business.

What business? Sweatshops maybe.

whoops

True Blue... wrote on Feb 13^th, 2014 at 6:47am:

A note was sent to me, which explains that the six leading members of the Labor Government, from Ms Gillard down, have a collective work experience of 181 years, but only 13 years in the private sector. - no years spent running their own business - no years spent starting their own business - no years spent as a director of a family business or a company - no years as a director of a public company - no years in a senior position in a public company - no years in a senior position in a private company - no years working in corporate finance - no years in corporate or business restructuring - no years working in or with a bank - no years of experience in the capital markets - no years in a stock-broking firm - no years in negotiating debt facilities with banks - no years running a small business - no years at the World Bank or IMF or OECD - no years in Treasury or Finance. But these people have plunged Australia into unprecedented debt.

Abbott - Politics (brief time as journalist)
Truss   - Politics
Pyne    - Politics
Robb    - Politics
Fifield   - Politics
Bishop  - Lawyer
Abetz   -  Lawyer
Brandis  -Lawyer
Hockey   -Lawyer
Andrews - Lawyer
Johnson - Lawyer
Hunt      - Lawyer
Ruddoch - Lawyer
Dutton    - Police Officer
Joyce     - Accountant
McFarlane - Farmer.
Bilson - Council

etc ??????

We have a career politician and a Lawyer running our economy ???

cods wrote on Feb 13^th, 2014 at 7:30am:

how about gillard stealing from a widows fund????

Even you know that is untrue.

She gave advice supporting the proposition of the transfer of funds to the national body.

In my view it was bad advice which I would have ignored.

And the current lot's qualifications are?

I'm not taking sides - I'm just saying that they are all not worth the salt we pay them.  Look at Fat Joe's economic ideas.

You reckon running a corner store is the same as running a country?  The moment these idiots get their hands on the big dollars that are just lying there in the endless pockets of taxpayers waiting to be plucked - it becomes 'anything goes - plenty more where that came from'.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sq1aU6rFcNQ

why did people vote labor?

Because it was by far the best option:

The real question should be how did we make such a huge error in 2013.

Kat wrote on Feb 13^th, 2014 at 7:45am:

Armchair_Politician wrote on Feb 13th, 2014 at 7:38am: Kat wrote on Feb 13th, 2014 at 7:11am: John S wrote on Feb 13th, 2014 at 7:04am: The reason I vote labor is because THE WORST LABOR GOVERNMENT IS ALWAYS BETTER THEN THE BEST LIBERAL GOVERNMENT FOR ALL AUSTRALIANS AND THE FUTURE OF AUSTRALIA. and that is a fact. Now instead of putting up your B/S, tell us what has a liberal government ever done for the good of ALL Australia, and you can go back to Menzie to find something and I bet you can't. Labor builds, Liberals tear down. Historically, the country has gone ahead under Labor govts, but has stagnated or gone backwards under the Con-servatives. And that's fact, not the partisan spin the Right are so fond of. Oh, you are so wrong it's almost sad! The opposite is actually true. Howard stopped the boats, Rudd restarted them when he immediately dismantled the Pacific Solution, with more than 50,000 arrivals and a budget blowout from <$100m p/a to more than $1.5bn p/a. Costello paid off the Labor debt, Swan racked up a colossal debt of >$300bn. Costello delivered ten surpluses in twelve budgets, Swan delivered the largest deficits in our history and not a single surplus. Howard set up the ABCC, Labor dismantled it and we now face a Royal Commission into union corruption. The general theme in Federal politics is that Labor wrecks and then the Coalition fixes, only to end up being kicked out by gullible, ungrateful and forgetful voters. I am not wrong at all, my statement is backed by historical fact. You are notorious for posting the diametric opposite of the facts. This one is no exception.

You are notorious for attempting to change history to suit your skewed view of what you think the world should look like. Not one thing I posted there can be debated - it is fact. Look it up if you don't believe me.

Hold it, Bruvvas an' Sistahs!!

The entire aim of the current destruction of Australia economically and socially is to ensure that NO boat people WANT to come here - it's worse than where they came from!

I mean - why would they leave the safety of mud walls that stop AK rounds well for a life on the ocean wave, followed by poverty and trying to live in the social and economic deserts of Australia these days?  Can't even get a QANTAS flight out!

Nope - no self-respecting refugee would consider coming here!   :o    :o

why did people vote labor

because they want whats best for the future of the country as a whole as opposed to whats best for their own back pockets now.

Dnarever wrote on Feb 13^th, 2014 at 8:50am:

cods wrote on Feb 13th, 2014 at 7:30am: how about gillard stealing from a widows fund???? Even you know that is untrue. BUT IT IS She gave advice supporting the proposition of the transfer of funds to the national body. In my view it was bad advice which I would have ignored.

ahahahahah not so.... she talked the good miners in Kalgoorlie to hand over their fund to wilson...

it was in the local paper that the miners didnt like wilson...but she went there not as his lover but as a lawyer working for G&S



I would like to take you on a little trip to the WA Goldfields... to Kalgoorlie’s twin city, Boulder WA.

Where newspaper archives show Bruce Wilson travelled to Boulder/Kalgoorlie in 1992 to attempt to allay union members' concerns about his (Wilson’s) decision to transfer the management of large sums of union members’ money to a new AWU account in Northbridge, Perth. The money resided at the time in a separate account called, “The Goldfields Fatal Accident and Death Fund”. This money, donated from union members themselves, was to financially assist bereaved families of deceased union members. 

Wilson wanted management the account shifted to the AWU’s head office in Perth. Wilson was the then WA boss of the AWU. He and Ralph Blewitt were to be sole signatories on the account and union members were justifiably apprehensive. They were wary of Wilson’s alleged fraudulent activities and demanded a meeting. It was set down for 8pm in the Boulder Town Hall.

Wilson knew he would never convince members of the legitimacy of the proposed move himself. So he introduced to the stage, a person of high legal authority to assure union members there was no need for concern. The person he introduced was Julia Gillard. Members were unaware Gillard was his lover.

She was presented as an important Industrial Lawyer from Victoria and an official representative of the Labor stalwart law firm, Slater & Gordon.


Gillard addressed union members at length explaining why the money should be moved and that there was nothing to worry about. She insisted the members were in the good hands of Slater & Gordon and their best interests would at all times be protected.


SHE WENT THERE FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF TALKING THEM INTO TRANSFERRING THEIR FUND...


WHAT OTHER REASON WOULD SHE HAVE GONE???????


can you think of one reason she would go there.......other than to benefit wilson????


I am not even sure Slater and Gordon even knew she did go there even though she claimed she was working for them and they would look after the fund.. ::) ::) ::)

In the two party system we have, a change is needed every 2 or 3 terms. 

In general. Liberals sell all the assets, and increase the cost of living.

In general, Labor build all the assets, and run up debt.

Neither is long term viable, so you need to switch around every now and then.

However, Costello was in too long, and sold almost every asset we have. Labor didnt get a chance to finish its main asset (NBN),  and so now poor old Joe Hockey has to have a fire sale of some rather unsellable assets.

How a "fire sale" can be the best outcome for the country is beyond me, but at least he'll achieve his goal of increasing the cost of living.

Just a few facts for a change...
Abbott - Politics (brief time as journalist)
Reality...
    * BEc, LLB (Syd), MA (Oxon).
    * Rhodes Scholar.
    * Journalist.
    * Plant Manager, Pioneer Concrete.
    * Press secretary and political adviser to the Leader of the Opposition, Dr JR Hewson 1990-93.
    * Executive Director, Australians for Constitutional Monarchy 1993-94.
Truss   - Politics
Reality...
    * Farmer.
    * President, Australian Council of Rural Youth 1973-74.
    * Member, Queensland Graingrowers' Association State Council 1979-90.
    * Chair, Sugar Coast Burnett Regional Tourism Board 1985-89.
    * Deputy Chair, Bulk Grains Queensland 1985-90.
    * Solicitor 1991-93.
Robb    - Politics
Reality...
    * BEc (Hons)(La Trobe), Dip AgricSc (Dookie Agricultural College).
    * Animal health officer, Vic. Dept of Agriculture 1972-74.
    * Agricultural economist, Vic. Dept of Agriculture 1974-79.
    * Part-time tutor, La Trobe University 1976-79.
    * Economist, National Farmers' Federation 1980.
    * Executive Director, Cattle Council of Australia 1981-84.
    * Executive Director, National Farmers' Federation 1985-88.
    * Deputy Federal Director, Liberal Party 1988-89.
    * Chief of Staff to the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. AS Peacock 1989-90.
    * Federal Director, Liberal Party 1990-97.
    * Consultant, Ammirati Puritas Lintas 1997.
    * Senior Executive, PBL 1997-99.
    * Board member, Sinclair Knight Merz 1998-2001.
    * Chief Executive Officer, Acxiom Australia 1999-2001.
    * Chairman, Acxiom Australia 2001-04.
    * Business adviser 2001-04.
Bishop  - Lawyer
Reality...
    * LLB (Adel).
    * Advanced Management Program (Senior Managers) (Harvard Business School).
    * Barrister and solicitor 1979-98.
    * Managing partner, Clayton Utz, Perth, WA 1994-98.
    * Chair, Town Planning Appeal Tribunal of WA 1994-98.
    * Senate Member, Murdoch University 1997-98.
    * Director, Special Broadcasting Services Television 1997-98.
    * Director and Fellow, Australian Institute of Management 1997-98.
Hockey   -Lawyer
Reality...
    * BA, LLB (Syd).
    * Director of Policy to the Premier of New South Wales.
    * Banking and finance lawyer, Corrs Chambers Westgarth.
Andrews - Lawyer
Reality...
    * BA, LLB (Melb), LLM (Monash).
    * Research solicitor, Law Institute of Victoria 1980-81.
    * Co-ordinator, Continuing Legal Education, Law Institute of Victoria 1981-83.
    * Associate to the Hon. Sir James Gobbo, Supreme Court of Victoria 1983-85.
    * Barrister-at-law, Victoria 1985-91.
Hunt      - Lawyer
Reality...
    * BA(Hons), LLB(Hons I) (Melb), MA (Yale).
    * University Prize, Final Year Thesis, Melbourne University; Yale Fellowship; Schell Centre for Human Rights Fellowship, Yale Law School.
    * Captain, Australian Universities Debating Team 1990.
    * Articled Clerk, Malleson Stephen Jacques 1991-92.
    * Associate to Chief Justice of the Australian Federal Court 1992.
    * Fulbright Scholar and Teaching Assistant, Yale University 1992-94.
    * Senior Adviser to the Leader of the Opposition, AJG Downer, MP 1994-95.
    * Senior Adviser to the Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, AJG Downer, MP 1995-96.
    * Senior Adviser to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon. AJG Downer, MP 1996-98.
    * Chief, Australian Electoral Observer Mission to Cambodia 1998.
    * Senior Fellow, Centre for Comparative Constitutional Law, University of Melbourne 1998-99.
    * Engagement Manager, McKinsey and Co 1999-2001.
    * Director of Strategy, World Economic Forum, Geneva 2000-01.
Dutton    - Police Officer
Reality...
    * BBus (Queensland University of Technology).
    * Police officer 1990-99.
    * Company director from 1993.
Joyce     - Accountant
Reality...
    * BFA (UNE), CPA, FCPA.
    * Farm worker 1989-91.
    * Accountant 1991-94.
    * Rural banker 1994-98.
    * Self-employed accountant 1998-2005.
    * Royal Queensland Regiment 1995-2003.
McFarlane - Farmer.
Reality...
    * Farmer.
    * President, Queensland Graingrowers Association.
    * President, Grains Council of Australia.
Bilson - Council
Reality...
    * BBus (RMIT).
    * Master of Business Leadership (RMIT).
    * Graduate Diploma of Management (RMIT).
    * Manager, Corporate Development, Shire of Hastings 1993-94.
    * Ministerial Adviser to the State Minister for Natural Resources, the Hon. CG Coleman, MLA (Vic) 1994-96.
    * Policy Adviser to the Federal Shadow Minister for the Environment, Senator CR Kemp 1995.

Doctor Jolly wrote on Feb 13^th, 2014 at 9:41am:

In the two party system we have, a change is needed every 2 or 3 terms.  In general. Liberals sell all the assets, and increase the cost of living. In general, Labor build all the assets, and run up debt. Neither is long term viable, so you need to switch around every now and then. However, Costello was in too long, and sold almost every asset we have. Labor didnt get a chance to finish its main asset (NBN),  and so now poor old Joe Hockey has to have a fire sale of some rather unsellable assets. How a "fire sale" can be the best outcome for the country is beyond me, but at least he'll achieve his goal of increasing the cost of living.

:D ;D :D ;D :D ;D :D ;D :D

I voted for the third option, as bad as each other. I don't know why anybody would vote for Labor, the Coalition or the Greens the way that all the parties are now. Sadly about 80-85% did at the last election.

True Blue... wrote on Feb 13^th, 2014 at 6:47am:

A note was sent to me, which explains that the six leading members of the Labor Government, from Ms Gillard down, have a collective work experience of 181 years, but only 13 years in the private sector. If you take out of those 13 years the number that were spent as trade union lawyers, 11 years, only two years were spent in the private sector. So out of those 181 years: - no years spent running their own business - no years spent starting their own business - no years spent as a director of a family business or a company - no years as a director of a public company - no years in a senior position in a public company - no years in a senior position in a private company - no years working in corporate finance - no years in corporate or business restructuring - no years working in or with a bank - no years of experience in the capital markets - no years in a stock-broking firm - no years in negotiating debt facilities with banks - no years running a small business - no years at the World Bank or IMF or OECD - no years in Treasury or Finance. But these people have plunged Australia into unprecedented debt. Well, in a way you can’t blame them. It’s clear the electorate did not do their homework, because the Government was there by right. Ah, but they are Labor and people vote for them because Labor is good for the working family – right??? Yeah, right!   ::)

yes, I ahve seen that before.
Appalling isn't it ?

[quote author=Blue... link=1392238062/1#1 date=1392238218]and this my friends...

is why we are in so much debt..

why spending is out of control, one of the worst in the world "Quote"

Labor voters who care only about their pockets, not the country. It's a matter of "I'm right, mate and  damn you!"

No matter if union demands means that some will profit others will be retrenched.

olde.sault wrote on Feb 13^th, 2014 at 11:24am:

[quote author=Blue... link=1392238062/1#1 date=1392238218]and this my friends... is why we are in so much debt.. why spending is out of control, one of the worst in the world "Quote" Labor voters who care only about their pockets, not the country. It's a matter of "I'm right, mate and  damn you!" No matter if union demands means that some will profit others will be retrenched.

Isn't Abbott now claiming the debt levels are low????  ;D ;D ;D ;D

Why did people vote Labor?

Sheer masochism........   

Grendel wrote on Feb 13^th, 2014 at 9:54am:

Just a few facts for a change... Abbott - Politics (brief time as journalist) Reality...     * BEc, LLB (Syd), MA (Oxon). education     * Rhodes Scholar.  education     * Journalist.     * Plant Manager, Pioneer Concrete. Between 1987 and 1990 - mostly as a journalist, probably well under 12 months at Pioneer.     * Press secretary and political adviser to the Leader of the Opposition, Dr JR Hewson 1990-93. (political)     * Executive Director, Australians for Constitutional Monarchy 1993-94. (political). .

Abbott was primarily a politician all his working life

Had the Labor politicians been assessed in the same manner as you have here you would have got a similar result.

The only business related post he held was as a plant manager for probably under 12 months - you can only guess why he ran away from that position to be a lowly advisor to a politician.

Dnarever wrote on Feb 13^th, 2014 at 1:15pm:

Grendel wrote on Feb 13th, 2014 at 9:54am: Just a few facts for a change... Abbott - Politics (brief time as journalist) Reality...     * BEc, LLB (Syd), MA (Oxon). education     * Rhodes Scholar.  education     * Journalist.     * Plant Manager, Pioneer Concrete. Between 1987 and 1990 - mostly as a journalist, probably well under 12 months at Pioneer.     * Press secretary and political adviser to the Leader of the Opposition, Dr JR Hewson 1990-93. (political)     * Executive Director, Australians for Constitutional Monarchy 1993-94. (political). . Abbott was primarily a politician all his working life Had the Labor politicians been assessed in the same manner as you have here you would have got a similar result. The only business related post he held was as a plant manager for probably under 12 months - you can only guess why he ran away from that position to be a lowly advisor to a politician.

wasn't he removed from the position because he couldn't cut it?????

i think the more interesting question is why do only about 40 % of the population vote labor.
If , as the leftards on here keep stating, conservatives only care about 'the big end of town" , only govern for the benefit of gina rinehart and rupert murdoch, then the conservative vote should be about 1 %.
why do so many of the urban battlers vote conservative.
how did howard win over suburban australia?
how did labor lose its base?
how did the working poor , come to be so disillusioned with labor that they voted in a supposedly rich mans elite.

labor have some real soul searching to do and i can see nothing that indicates a willingness to "reconnect" with the suburban australian family.

In fact, unbelievably, the attitudes of many of the left leaning commentators and of the leftards on here seems absolutely hostile to the suburban battler.

A flying visit to the rooty hill RSL for a community forum once every 4 years just isnt going to cut it.

Grendel wrote on Feb 13^th, 2014 at 9:54am:

Just a few facts for a change... Hockey   -Lawyer Reality... * BA, LLB (Syd). (Educated as Lawyer)    * Director of Policy to the Premier of New South Wales. (politics) * Banking and finance lawyer, Corrs Chambers Westgarth. Worked as Lawyer .

You basically agree with what I had abbreviated?

Why?

Probably because they knew that Abbott would turn the place to sh1t.

Which he has.

Even more so, and more rapidly than predicted.

You lot backed a bunch of losers, and everyone (including you) will now lose because of it.

Well done, idiots.

lucyluck wrote on Feb 13^th, 2014 at 7:09am:

Why did people vote Liberal? Did you want to go into recession?

Did you want unemployment at 6%???

:D

Grendel wrote on Feb 13^th, 2014 at 9:54am:

Just a few facts for a change... Andrews - Lawyer Reality... * BA, LLB (Melb), LLM (Monash).   (educated as a Lawyer) * Research solicitor, Law Institute of Victoria 1980-81. (worked as a Lawyer) * Co-ordinator, Continuing Legal Education, Law Institute of Victoria 1981-83. (educated others as a Lawyer)    * Associate to the Hon. Sir James Gobbo, Supreme Court of Victoria 1983-85. (worked as a Lawyer) * Barrister-at-law, Victoria 1985-91. (worked as a Lawyer) .

I don't see what you are disagreeing with? The guy was a Lawyer.

Same as all the other contradictions.

aquascoot wrote on Feb 13^th, 2014 at 1:22pm:

i think the more interesting question is why do only about 40 % of the population vote labor. If , as the leftards on here keep stating, conservatives only care about 'the big end of town" , only govern for the benefit of gina rinehart and rupert murdoch, then the conservative vote should be about 1 %. why do so many of the urban battlers vote conservative. how did howard win over suburban australia? how did labor lose its base? how did the working poor , come to be so disillusioned with labor that they voted in a supposedly rich mans elite. labor have some real soul searching to do and i can see nothing that indicates a willingness to "reconnect" with the suburban australian family. In fact, unbelievably, the attitudes of many of the left leaning commentators and of the leftards on here seems absolutely hostile to the suburban battler. A flying visit to the rooty hill RSL for a community forum once every 4 years just isnt going to cut it.

Because they are idiots that believe what they hear in the media (including all the slogans) (murdoch)

SOB

Kat wrote on Feb 13^th, 2014 at 1:30pm:

Why? Probably because they knew that Abbott would turn the place to sh1t. Which he has. Even more so, and more rapidly than predicted. You lot backed a bunch of losers, and everyone (including you) will now lose because of it. Well done, idiots.

oh, and what has abbott done so badly ?

Sir Spot of Borg wrote on Feb 13^th, 2014 at 1:40pm:

aquascoot wrote on Feb 13th, 2014 at 1:22pm: i think the more interesting question is why do only about 40 % of the population vote labor. If , as the leftards on here keep stating, conservatives only care about 'the big end of town" , only govern for the benefit of gina rinehart and rupert murdoch, then the conservative vote should be about 1 %. why do so many of the urban battlers vote conservative. how did howard win over suburban australia? how did labor lose its base? how did the working poor , come to be so disillusioned with labor that they voted in a supposedly rich mans elite. labor have some real soul searching to do and i can see nothing that indicates a willingness to "reconnect" with the suburban australian family. In fact, unbelievably, the attitudes of many of the left leaning commentators and of the leftards on here seems absolutely hostile to the suburban battler. A flying visit to the rooty hill RSL for a community forum once every 4 years just isnt going to cut it. Because they are idiots that believe what they hear in the media (including all the slogans) (murdoch) SOB

Yes , i hear that a lot from leftards.  The calling of this cohort "idiots".  That sort of proves my point about just how the attitude of the left to its former core constituency has become one of revulsion on both sides.The elite think they are idiots. The battlers think the elite are idiots. The conservatives are very wise to pick up this block of voters which, lets face it, have won them 4 of the last 6 general elections

why did people vote labor?

Maybe they thought that Australia should have a car industry and be involved in manufacturing.

Sprintcyclist wrote on Feb 13^th, 2014 at 1:44pm:

Kat wrote on Feb 13th, 2014 at 1:30pm: Why? Probably because they knew that Abbott would turn the place to sh1t. Which he has. Even more so, and more rapidly than predicted. You lot backed a bunch of losers, and everyone (including you) will now lose because of it. Well done, idiots. oh, and what has abbott done so badly ?

Oh.... just about everything he's touched.

With, no doubt, more to follow.

Kat wrote on Feb 13^th, 2014 at 5:18pm:

Sprintcyclist wrote on Feb 13th, 2014 at 1:44pm: Kat wrote on Feb 13th, 2014 at 1:30pm: Why? Probably because they knew that Abbott would turn the place to sh1t. Which he has. Even more so, and more rapidly than predicted. You lot backed a bunch of losers, and everyone (including you) will now lose because of it. Well done, idiots. oh, and what has abbott done so badly ? Oh.... just about everything he's touched.

They should call him "sexy fingers".

De-registered User wrote on Feb 13^th, 2014 at 7:11am:

It is in peoples nature to want, want, want. until they foresee the country going down the toilet. This was the case in the last election. I still maintain that the Howard government would of won government against Kevin Dud if it had started to spend a little, the country would have been in a lot better shape if they had remained in power than it is today.

Actually the problem was, they were spending a lot, but it was giving money to people who really did not need it and the "people" smartened up to this...

greggerypeccary wrote on Feb 13^th, 2014 at 5:29pm:

Kat wrote on Feb 13th, 2014 at 5:18pm: Sprintcyclist wrote on Feb 13th, 2014 at 1:44pm: Kat wrote on Feb 13th, 2014 at 1:30pm: Why? Probably because they knew that Abbott would turn the place to sh1t. Which he has. Even more so, and more rapidly than predicted. You lot backed a bunch of losers, and everyone (including you) will now lose because of it. Well done, idiots. oh, and what has abbott done so badly ? Oh.... just about everything he's touched. They should call him "sexy fingers".

Or 'Errol Flynn'.

He fecked everything he touched, too.

Grendel wrote on Feb 13^th, 2014 at 7:42am:

I'm guessing the poll will only show the political bias evident on this site.  :D

Yep, you probably got that right...

Kat wrote on Feb 13^th, 2014 at 5:36pm:

greggerypeccary wrote on Feb 13th, 2014 at 5:29pm: Kat wrote on Feb 13th, 2014 at 5:18pm: Sprintcyclist wrote on Feb 13th, 2014 at 1:44pm: Kat wrote on Feb 13th, 2014 at 1:30pm: Why? Probably because they knew that Abbott would turn the place to sh1t. Which he has. Even more so, and more rapidly than predicted. You lot backed a bunch of losers, and everyone (including you) will now lose because of it. Well done, idiots. oh, and what has abbott done so badly ? Oh.... just about everything he's touched. They should call him "sexy fingers". Or 'Errol Flynn'. He fecked everything he touched, too.

A good Tassie boy   ;)

Grendel wrote on Feb 13^th, 2014 at 7:42am:

I'm guessing the poll will only show the political bias evident on this site.  :D

No!

You're a regular Einstein.

::)

Phemanderac wrote on Feb 13^th, 2014 at 5:37pm:

Grendel wrote on Feb 13th, 2014 at 7:42am: I'm guessing the poll will only show the political bias evident on this site.  :D Yep, you probably got that right...

I suppose the odds were in his favour: he had to get something right ... eventually.

Funny thing, I can't actually answer the thread title question because I didn't.

I reckon it is mentally deficient to vote for either major party and you lot just don't get it when you break out your pom poms to cheer for your chosen failed political party. In fact, you rusted ons are the biggest problem holding this country back, worse than any of the non representative swill that you fawn over and offer sycophantic one eyed praise for. The one eyed ignorance demonstrated by both sides trying to point score tawdry political points costs the nation. I know you lot are too bloody minded, thick, stubborn, arrogant and ignorant to change your ways though.

Our entire political system is a garbage heap, hence, anyone supporting that is basically rubbish.

When you start talking about real political change (not just the bullshit party politics for those with single figure IQs), then you may, just maybe, consider yourselves to have climbed off the rubbish heap.

A better question might be then, why did people vote?

John S wrote on Feb 13^th, 2014 at 7:04am:

The reason I vote labor is because THE WORST LABOR GOVERNMENT IS ALWAYS BETTER THEN THE BEST LIBERAL GOVERNMENT FOR ALL AUSTRALIANS AND THE FUTURE OF AUSTRALIA. and that is a fact. Now instead of putting up your B/S, tell us what has a liberal government ever done for the good of ALL Australia, and you can go back to Menzie to find something and I bet you can't.

You are either having a lend of us or the stupidest son of a bitch alive...

And/or a liar...  >:(

True Blue... wrote on Feb 13^th, 2014 at 8:01pm:

John S wrote on Feb 13th, 2014 at 7:04am: The reason I vote labor is because THE WORST LABOR GOVERNMENT IS ALWAYS BETTER THEN THE BEST LIBERAL GOVERNMENT FOR ALL AUSTRALIANS AND THE FUTURE OF AUSTRALIA. and that is a fact. Now instead of putting up your B/S, tell us what has a liberal government ever done for the good of ALL Australia, and you can go back to Menzie to find something and I bet you can't. You are either having a lend of us or the stupidest son of a bitch alive... And/or a liar...  >:(

Well tell me why you think that any liberal government is better then any labor government

What has any liberal government ever done for all Australians?

I know you are going to say that the Howard government had 10 budget surplus and he gave you all tax cuts, what did Howard do for the pensioners in the 12 years he was in government? At least Rudd gave them a $30.00 pay raise.

olde.sault wrote on Feb 13^th, 2014 at 11:24am:

[quote author=Blue... link=1392238062/1#1 date=1392238218]and this my friends... is why we are in so much debt.. why spending is out of control, one of the worst in the world "Quote" Labor voters who care only about their pockets, not the country. It's a matter of "I'm right, mate and  damn you!" No matter if union demands means that some will profit others will be retrenched.

Aah, so it is all the fault of the unions.

Simple minded "solution" to a complex problem.

True Blue... wrote on Feb 13^th, 2014 at 8:01pm:

John S wrote on Feb 13th, 2014 at 7:04am: The reason I vote labor is because THE WORST LABOR GOVERNMENT IS ALWAYS BETTER THEN THE BEST LIBERAL GOVERNMENT FOR ALL AUSTRALIANS AND THE FUTURE OF AUSTRALIA. and that is a fact. Now instead of putting up your B/S, tell us what has a liberal government ever done for the good of ALL Australia, and you can go back to Menzie to find something and I bet you can't. You are either having a lend of us or the stupidest son of a bitch alive... And/or a liar...  >:(

Instead of getting abusive, why don't you give us a list of Liberal achievements?

Peter Freedman wrote on Feb 13^th, 2014 at 9:13pm:

True Blue... wrote on Feb 13th, 2014 at 8:01pm: John S wrote on Feb 13th, 2014 at 7:04am: The reason I vote labor is because THE WORST LABOR GOVERNMENT IS ALWAYS BETTER THEN THE BEST LIBERAL GOVERNMENT FOR ALL AUSTRALIANS AND THE FUTURE OF AUSTRALIA. and that is a fact. Now instead of putting up your B/S, tell us what has a liberal government ever done for the good of ALL Australia, and you can go back to Menzie to find something and I bet you can't. You are either having a lend of us or the stupidest son of a bitch alive... And/or a liar...  >:( Instead of getting abusive, why don't you give us a list of Liberal achievements?

None of the libturds can give us a list of libturds party achievements or debate their policies

(The only reason I call them libturds is because labor voters are call labrats on here)

True Blue... wrote on Feb 13^th, 2014 at 8:01pm:

John S wrote on Feb 13th, 2014 at 7:04am: The reason I vote labor is because THE WORST LABOR GOVERNMENT IS ALWAYS BETTER THEN THE BEST LIBERAL GOVERNMENT FOR ALL AUSTRALIANS AND THE FUTURE OF AUSTRALIA. and that is a fact. Now instead of putting up your B/S, tell us what has a liberal government ever done for the good of ALL Australia, and you can go back to Menzie to find something and I bet you can't. You are either having a lend of us or the stupidest son of a bitch alive...

Definitely the latter.....

De-registered User wrote on Feb 13^th, 2014 at 7:11am:

It is in peoples nature to want, want, want. until they foresee the country going down the toilet. This was the case in the last election. I still maintain that the Howard government would of won government against Kevin Dud if it had started to spend a little, the country would have been in a lot better shape if they had remained in power than it is today.

The Howard govt did NOTHING but spend spend spend!

If Howard & Costello had won in 2007 then when the GFC hit:

1. They would have given big tax cuts to the rich which would not have stimulated the economy

2. Would not have guaranteed deposits beyond $25K resulting in people pulling money over $25K out of bank accounts to deposit elsewhere—very good chance this would have started a run—at least the ANZ would have fallen over (Turncoat as LOTO said the guarantee should only be for $25K

3. The govt buys ANZ to keep it going—man, like $400Bn needed to keep it going

4. Govt realises unemployment has hit 8%, panics (which the simian and shambles will do late 2014) and splurge on job creation

5. 2010—Debt $1Trn, one bank fallen over, 10% unemployment (which will take up to 2018 to recover.)

Swagman wrote on Feb 13^th, 2014 at 10:21pm:

True Blue... wrote on Feb 13th, 2014 at 8:01pm: John S wrote on Feb 13th, 2014 at 7:04am: The reason I vote labor is because THE WORST LABOR GOVERNMENT IS ALWAYS BETTER THEN THE BEST LIBERAL GOVERNMENT FOR ALL AUSTRALIANS AND THE FUTURE OF AUSTRALIA. and that is a fact. Now instead of putting up your B/S, tell us what has a liberal government ever done for the good of ALL Australia, and you can go back to Menzie to find something and I bet you can't. You are either having a lend of us or the stupidest son of a bitch alive... Definitely the latter.....

So you can't tell us any of the Liberal achievements in the last 60 odd years then.

greggerypeccary wrote on Feb 13^th, 2014 at 5:42pm:

Phemanderac wrote on Feb 13th, 2014 at 5:37pm: Grendel wrote on Feb 13th, 2014 at 7:42am: I'm guessing the poll will only show the political bias evident on this site.  :D Yep, you probably got that right... I suppose the odds were in his favour: he had to get something right ... eventually.

Now the long wait commences for the next occurrence almost guaranteed to be in the far distant future.

Possibly relating to the price of milkshakes on Jupiter.

John S wrote on Feb 13^th, 2014 at 8:30pm:

Well tell me why you think that any liberal government is better then any labor government What has any liberal government ever done for all Australians? I know you are going to say that the Howard government had 10 budget surplus and he gave you all tax cuts, what did Howard do for the pensioners in the 12 years he was in government? At least Rudd gave them a $30.00 pay raise.

http://i1180.photobucket.com/albums/x404/riverinajack/FORUM%20SMILIES%20and%20IMAGES/Smilies/Smilies%20with%20signs/bump2-1.gif

John S wrote on Feb 14^th, 2014 at 3:21pm:

John S wrote on Feb 13th, 2014 at 8:30pm: Well tell me why you think that any liberal government is better then any labor government What has any liberal government ever done for all Australians? I know you are going to say that the Howard government had 10 budget surplus and he gave you all tax cuts, what did Howard do for the pensioners in the 12 years he was in government? At least Rudd gave them a $30.00 pay raise. http://i1180.photobucket.com/albums/x404/riverinajack/FORUM%20SMILIES%20and%20IMAGES/Smilies/Smilies%20with%20signs/bump2-1.gif

We gave him our taxes to spend on jobs, services and infrastructure.

Instead, he gave tax cuts to the top-end of town, wealthfare to the well-off, and nothing to the poor.

The remainder, he hoarded.

That's not an achievement, that's poor government.