A Nonymous Lefty isn’t impressed that Labor has started letterboxing anti-Abbott leaflets that obscure their ALP origins.
Yes, it’s dodgy, but I’m not sure I can find the energy to get too outraged about it. Regardless, it’s interesting to see the accompanying website, Abbott Facts. It may only grudgingly admit that it’s ALP handiwork, but I’ll bet a considerable sum of money that its key theme forms a major part of Labor’s election campaign.
In one sentence: “Mr Abbott supports bringing back the worst elements of WorkChoices.”
I’d expect to hear variations on this theme, accompanied by unflattering black and white photos of Abbott, at least 20 times a day during the campaign.
Will it shift votes? The conventional wisdom is that negative advertising “works” a whole lot better than positive advertising. A bit of reading suggests that the evidence for this proposition, as a hard and fast rule, is equivocal. But negative advertising, when it’s got material to work with, can be very effective.
In any case, Labor has been mostly keeping its powder dry on Abbott. That is hardly likely to be the case during the campaign, and the dynamics are likely to be completely different becaus of it.
If the ALP goes negative I will be highly tempted not to vote for them.
The Libs as always in my eyes are free to do whatever it takes. After all, me being unimpressed with them won’t gain them my vote ever.
If the ALP goes negative I will be highly tempted not to vote for them.
The Libs as always in my eyes are free to do whatever it takes. After all, me being unimpressed with them won’t gain them my vote ever.
So you don’t think Labor are entitled to point out that Abbott, and indeed the vast majority of the conservatives, would bring back the substantive parts of workchoices if given a chance?
It may be negative, but it’s entirely fair in my book.
So you don’t think Labor are entitled to point out that Abbott, and indeed the vast majority of the conservatives, would bring back the substantive parts of workchoices if given a chance?
It may be negative, but it’s entirely fair in my book.
Robert, tssk et al: I know that nothing short of grisly murders and AFL ever makes its way from SA into Eastern States news, so most LP readers have probably never heard of this, but Labor had already gone negative here; there was a huge furore in Adelaide after the state election in March when it was discovered that Labor had used a particularly disgusting tactic at a number of booths, dressing their how-to-vote-card people (in the marginals) in T shirts designed to look exactly like the Family First logo.
I know Richo says ‘whatever it takes’ and I know some people would make the argument that if FF voters are that dumb they deserve to be fooled and anyway FF is itself a disgrace (no argument from me there), but I don’t think that’s the point, any more than your argument that Labor are entitled to point out that Abbott will bring back Workchoices (of course they are) makes it okay to do it the way they’ve done it.
Personally the SA discovery about the t-shirts was what finally made me Turn, especially when I saw who was behind it — some smirking know-nothing young bloke, barely out of nappies and entirely unrepentant. And from what I can see, people of that description now seem to be running the entire Labor show, up to and including the Prime Minister. I will probably never vote Labor again.
Robert, tssk et al: I know that nothing short of grisly murders and AFL ever makes its way from SA into Eastern States news, so most LP readers have probably never heard of this, but Labor had already gone negative here; there was a huge furore in Adelaide after the state election in March when it was discovered that Labor had used a particularly disgusting tactic at a number of booths, dressing their how-to-vote-card people (in the marginals) in T shirts designed to look exactly like the Family First logo.
I know Richo says ‘whatever it takes’ and I know some people would make the argument that if FF voters are that dumb they deserve to be fooled and anyway FF is itself a disgrace (no argument from me there), but I don’t think that’s the point, any more than your argument that Labor are entitled to point out that Abbott will bring back Workchoices (of course they are) makes it okay to do it the way they’ve done it.
Personally the SA discovery about the t-shirts was what finally made me Turn, especially when I saw who was behind it — some smirking know-nothing young bloke, barely out of nappies and entirely unrepentant. And from what I can see, people of that description now seem to be running the entire Labor show, up to and including the Prime Minister. I will probably never vote Labor again.
The idea that politicians should subscribe to high ethical standards was killed stone dead in the Howard era. That’s where the blame lies. I guess now, as much as we dislike it, we just have to live with it as part of our political landscape.
The idea that politicians should subscribe to high ethical standards was killed stone dead in the Howard era. That’s where the blame lies. I guess now, as much as we dislike it, we just have to live with it as part of our political landscape.
PC – Given that Labor got away with it with no consequences at the last election I imagine that both Labor and Liberal parties will be trying similar stunts at the federal election in marginal seats. I don’t think the Libs are any more virtuous than the Labor party.
I’d prefer just to see the banning of how to vote cards within a 100m radius of a polling booth like is done in ACT elections. People can still receive HTV cards in the post and it makes for a much more pleasant voting experience being able to just walk in and vote without getting harassed. And also avoids some of the last minute dodgy stuff which is hard to fix post election.
PC – Given that Labor got away with it with no consequences at the last election I imagine that both Labor and Liberal parties will be trying similar stunts at the federal election in marginal seats. I don’t think the Libs are any more virtuous than the Labor party.
I’d prefer just to see the banning of how to vote cards within a 100m radius of a polling booth like is done in ACT elections. People can still receive HTV cards in the post and it makes for a much more pleasant voting experience being able to just walk in and vote without getting harassed. And also avoids some of the last minute dodgy stuff which is hard to fix post election.
No, of course they’re not. Goddess forbid I should have implied any such thing!
No, of course they’re not. Goddess forbid I should have implied any such thing!
PC – Sorry I misunderstood – essentially you have to preference either Labor or Liberal in the end and as dodgy as Labor’s tactics were I wouldn’t exclude them for that. For me at the next election it will be down to the internet filter. If the Libs promise to block it in the senate I’ll preference them, if they don’t I’ll preference Labor.
PC – Sorry I misunderstood – essentially you have to preference either Labor or Liberal in the end and as dodgy as Labor’s tactics were I wouldn’t exclude them for that. For me at the next election it will be down to the internet filter. If the Libs promise to block it in the senate I’ll preference them, if they don’t I’ll preference Labor.
I’ve just written a new post related to a chainmail that has been making its way into Australian’s Inboxes:
Sewer Politics: The Assassination Of Our PM’s Reputation
http://cafewhispers.wordpress.com/2010/06/17/sewer-politicsthe-assassination-of-our-pms-reputation/
N’
I’ve just written a new post related to a chainmail that has been making its way into Australian’s Inboxes:
Sewer Politics: The Assassination Of Our PM’s Reputation
http://cafewhispers.wordpress.com/2010/06/17/sewer-politicsthe-assassination-of-our-pms-reputation/
N’
Rorting and bending the rules has been a commonplace event in Australian elections for as long as anyone can remember. In ’75 I campaigned for the ALP (as a non-member) in an Upper Hunter electorate. Way out in the bush. I watched the same person enter the electoral hall no fewer than three times to vote and most likely for a deceased person. Going by the RM Williams country squire clothing I’d say that the Country Party got the vote.
Similarly, I was also present once at a branch meeting where a memorial statement was made about a recently deceased old Labor man, his achievements and loyalty. After his virtues had been extolled the comment was made that “…fortunately his recent demise did not prevent him from voting last Saturday…” to general mirth.
I’ll also confess to assisting an elderly person to whom I was a carer vote in the ’83 election of Hawke. she was a very lovely person with whom I got on well. She asked me to wheel her to the booth, which I did. I left her at the booth to vote in private. She said “Oh no dear, you’ll have to mark the card for me”. Reluctantly I agreed asking her for whom she preferred to vote to which she said “I’ll vote for that nice Mr Fraser”. Hmm. For the first and only time in her life she voted communist.
Rorting and bending the rules has been a commonplace event in Australian elections for as long as anyone can remember. In ’75 I campaigned for the ALP (as a non-member) in an Upper Hunter electorate. Way out in the bush. I watched the same person enter the electoral hall no fewer than three times to vote and most likely for a deceased person. Going by the RM Williams country squire clothing I’d say that the Country Party got the vote.
Similarly, I was also present once at a branch meeting where a memorial statement was made about a recently deceased old Labor man, his achievements and loyalty. After his virtues had been extolled the comment was made that “…fortunately his recent demise did not prevent him from voting last Saturday…” to general mirth.
I’ll also confess to assisting an elderly person to whom I was a carer vote in the ’83 election of Hawke. she was a very lovely person with whom I got on well. She asked me to wheel her to the booth, which I did. I left her at the booth to vote in private. She said “Oh no dear, you’ll have to mark the card for me”. Reluctantly I agreed asking her for whom she preferred to vote to which she said “I’ll vote for that nice Mr Fraser”. Hmm. For the first and only time in her life she voted communist.
Re the appalling stuff in SA, with ALP supporters dressing up as FF supporters, folks might remember that it happened in Melbourne Ports in 2004, with Liberals in green shirts handing out information with a “vote for the forests” spiel. The obvious aim was to divert Greens preferences away from the Greens HTV to the Liberals.
Re the appalling stuff in SA, with ALP supporters dressing up as FF supporters, folks might remember that it happened in Melbourne Ports in 2004, with Liberals in green shirts handing out information with a “vote for the forests” spiel. The obvious aim was to divert Greens preferences away from the Greens HTV to the Liberals.
It’s worth remembering that ‘going negative’ and using deceptive or underhanded methods are two different things. The latter is potentially illegal.
The next election will see a combination of negative and positive campaigning, as always.
It’s worth remembering that ‘going negative’ and using deceptive or underhanded methods are two different things. The latter is potentially illegal.
The next election will see a combination of negative and positive campaigning, as always.
Robert, our politics certainly needs cleaning up….but unfortunately I think that the American influence has now infected it…and the tactics will only get dirtier, going by the grotesque & dirty sewer type stuff we’ve seen used there, particularly by Republicans & their supporters to try and influence voters.
And remember this from the final stages of the Rudd vs Howard 07 election?:
and:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/11/22/2098121.htm
(Candidate’s husband faces expulsion over flyer scandal, Thu Nov 22, 2007)
I don’t think this latest Labor leaflet compares to that…or the chainmail that’s been making the rounds that I mention above.
N’
Robert, our politics certainly needs cleaning up….but unfortunately I think that the American influence has now infected it…and the tactics will only get dirtier, going by the grotesque & dirty sewer type stuff we’ve seen used there, particularly by Republicans & their supporters to try and influence voters.
And remember this from the final stages of the Rudd vs Howard 07 election?:
and:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/11/22/2098121.htm
(Candidate’s husband faces expulsion over flyer scandal, Thu Nov 22, 2007)
I don’t think this latest Labor leaflet compares to that…or the chainmail that’s been making the rounds that I mention above.
N’
I’m sorry, why are the website and/or leaflet at all dodgy?
The website is clearly authorised “Karl Bitar, ALP”, and the leaflet’s authorised by the State Secretary of the Party. Does the leaflet contain any information that’s incorrect or misleading? Exactly how much more accountable are negative leaflets supposed to be?
The stooges in t-shirts in SA (which I certainly heard about here in Sydney) was different entirely. It was a reprehensible stunt designed to cheat another Party’s voters.
Conflating negative campaigning and dishonest campaigning is disingenuous.
I’m sorry, why are the website and/or leaflet at all dodgy?
The website is clearly authorised “Karl Bitar, ALP”, and the leaflet’s authorised by the State Secretary of the Party. Does the leaflet contain any information that’s incorrect or misleading? Exactly how much more accountable are negative leaflets supposed to be?
The stooges in t-shirts in SA (which I certainly heard about here in Sydney) was different entirely. It was a reprehensible stunt designed to cheat another Party’s voters.
Conflating negative campaigning and dishonest campaigning is disingenuous.
Nasking – no way.
Dodginess in politics exists on a continuum, and this is at the “very slightly dodgy” end. In my view this is pretty much the equivalent of “Australians for Fairer Tax”. Remember them?
Nasking – no way.
Dodginess in politics exists on a continuum, and this is at the “very slightly dodgy” end. In my view this is pretty much the equivalent of “Australians for Fairer Tax”. Remember them?
Liam, for what it’s worth I think it should have had “Australian Labor Party” on it, but like I said I’m not particularly bothered. It certainly doesn’t compare to the SA stunt.
Personally, I’m more interested to discuss what effect reminding voters that Abbott hearts Workchoices will have.
Liam, for what it’s worth I think it should have had “Australian Labor Party” on it, but like I said I’m not particularly bothered. It certainly doesn’t compare to the SA stunt.
Personally, I’m more interested to discuss what effect reminding voters that Abbott hearts Workchoices will have.
“In my view this is pretty much the equivalent of “Australians for Fairer Tax”. Remember them?”
Dya have a link Robert?
I agree, the Labor leaflet is as you aptly say: “at the very slightly dodgy end” of that continuum.
N’
“In my view this is pretty much the equivalent of “Australians for Fairer Tax”. Remember them?”
Dya have a link Robert?
I agree, the Labor leaflet is as you aptly say: “at the very slightly dodgy end” of that continuum.
N’
Certainly would be if one were doing it on purpose. In my case, I think I was doing it out of carelessness, responding more to Lefty’s dislike of the lack of identification of source on the original offending material than to the negativity thereof, but not making that clear enough.
I began to worry a bit yesterday about possible negative approaches for the Tories when I finally got my hands on a copy of David Marr’s Quarterly Essay, in which he makes quite a lot of Rudd’s health problems as a child. I could just see the Tories glomming onto that and contrasting it with glamour shots of the young Budgie beating the bejesus out of fellow-students in the boxing ring.
Certainly would be if one were doing it on purpose. In my case, I think I was doing it out of carelessness, responding more to Lefty’s dislike of the lack of identification of source on the original offending material than to the negativity thereof, but not making that clear enough.
I began to worry a bit yesterday about possible negative approaches for the Tories when I finally got my hands on a copy of David Marr’s Quarterly Essay, in which he makes quite a lot of Rudd’s health problems as a child. I could just see the Tories glomming onto that and contrasting it with glamour shots of the young Budgie beating the bejesus out of fellow-students in the boxing ring.
I heard about the SA stunt last year. And my opinion is that it should have led to every ALP vote and preference being shredded.
I heard about the SA stunt last year. And my opinion is that it should have led to every ALP vote and preference being shredded.
What Tim and Liam said.
On whether going negative works, it’s like the phrase “sex sells”. It does and it doesn’t.
Convincing arguments are convincing.
What Tim and Liam said.
On whether going negative works, it’s like the phrase “sex sells”. It does and it doesn’t.
Convincing arguments are convincing.
And how proud of yourself you must have been..diddle her pension as well did we
And how proud of yourself you must have been..diddle her pension as well did we
Oigal: after the sacking I gave as much of a shit about the rules as the Libs, OK? That’s what happens.
Oigal: after the sacking I gave as much of a shit about the rules as the Libs, OK? That’s what happens.
I don’t think a workchoices campaign will work so well the second time around. Firstly more people have suffered employment related pain post ’07 than in the term before. Whether that has anything to do with policy won’t much matter. It blunts the message that the workchoices years were bad years. Secondly the Liberals have real world examples of where reduced flexibility has hurt individuals. Thirdly the Liberals have said they won’t go back to workchoices as opposed to last time when they were rolling it out and promoting it. Finally the Liberals won’t control the senate so even if they wanted to bring back workchoices they won’t be able to. All up I think these factors will mean that a workchoices campaign will have less going for it this time around. However I still think it will be one of the sticks that the ALP hit the Liberals with.
In terms of the T-shirt style tricks these are old. The ALP did similar things last election and the one before and no doubt prior to that also.
I think the Liberal campaigns should include footage of Rudd talking, and talking and talking. The key negative against Rudd is that he is all talk no action and a bumbling manager besides.
The coming election will be a very negative campaign on both sides. Much more negative and nasty than we have seen for a long time I suspect. It’s going to get very tribal.
I don’t think a workchoices campaign will work so well the second time around. Firstly more people have suffered employment related pain post ’07 than in the term before. Whether that has anything to do with policy won’t much matter. It blunts the message that the workchoices years were bad years. Secondly the Liberals have real world examples of where reduced flexibility has hurt individuals. Thirdly the Liberals have said they won’t go back to workchoices as opposed to last time when they were rolling it out and promoting it. Finally the Liberals won’t control the senate so even if they wanted to bring back workchoices they won’t be able to. All up I think these factors will mean that a workchoices campaign will have less going for it this time around. However I still think it will be one of the sticks that the ALP hit the Liberals with.
In terms of the T-shirt style tricks these are old. The ALP did similar things last election and the one before and no doubt prior to that also.
I think the Liberal campaigns should include footage of Rudd talking, and talking and talking. The key negative against Rudd is that he is all talk no action and a bumbling manager besides.
The coming election will be a very negative campaign on both sides. Much more negative and nasty than we have seen for a long time I suspect. It’s going to get very tribal.
Anthony Nolan @ 9 R.M.Williams was a Labor voter and would often back up his beliefs with spirited defense of working people.
Anthony Nolan @ 9 R.M.Williams was a Labor voter and would often back up his beliefs with spirited defense of working people.
Nope, it will be about as negative as most elections in recent years.
Nope, it will be about as negative as most elections in recent years.
Nope it will be worse.
Nope it will be worse.
PC @ 3, I was handing out HTVs (for the Greens) at the last SA election, and saw one of those young blokes handing out the fake Family Fist cards. I didn’t twig for quite a while that they were, in fact, fake – I was just rather envious that FF had the resources to man a polling station so thoroughly.
I agree it was despicable – but then, I haven’t given the ALP my 1st preference since Hawke’s first term.
Chris @ 5, gotta agree about banning HTVs. At the last election, I made the observation that voters arriving at the polling station must’ve felt a lot like a lone chip surrounded by beady-eyed seagulls.
PC @ 3, I was handing out HTVs (for the Greens) at the last SA election, and saw one of those young blokes handing out the fake Family Fist cards. I didn’t twig for quite a while that they were, in fact, fake – I was just rather envious that FF had the resources to man a polling station so thoroughly.
I agree it was despicable – but then, I haven’t given the ALP my 1st preference since Hawke’s first term.
Chris @ 5, gotta agree about banning HTVs. At the last election, I made the observation that voters arriving at the polling station must’ve felt a lot like a lone chip surrounded by beady-eyed seagulls.
Terje, the problem with your theory is twofold:
a) for every example the liberal party can scrabble up from the moneyed classes, the unions will have literally dozens more
B) WorkChoices was wildly unpopular. Wildly.
and more importantly, c) scare campaigns works against oppositions, but rarely against incumbents in Australia. Our incumbents are too conservative and boring, they are not scary enough. Oppositions are the unknown and Australians tend to shy away from that. Tony Abbott is the epitome of taking a gamble if he’s anything, he will never be PM of Australia.
Terje, the problem with your theory is twofold:
a) for every example the liberal party can scrabble up from the moneyed classes, the unions will have literally dozens more
B) WorkChoices was wildly unpopular. Wildly.
and more importantly, c) scare campaigns works against oppositions, but rarely against incumbents in Australia. Our incumbents are too conservative and boring, they are not scary enough. Oppositions are the unknown and Australians tend to shy away from that. Tony Abbott is the epitome of taking a gamble if he’s anything, he will never be PM of Australia.
Specifically, what do you think will occur that will make this election “worse” than, say, the 2004 or 2007 federal elections, the 2008 WA election or the 2009 SA election?
Specifically, what do you think will occur that will make this election “worse” than, say, the 2004 or 2007 federal elections, the 2008 WA election or the 2009 SA election?
Sorry, the 2010 SA election. My bad.
Sorry, the 2010 SA election. My bad.
Zorronsky: well, blow me down. We always used to use the measure that the size of the hat brim was the measure of the size of the property. The general equation was: small hat brim = large property = staff who worked outdoors; large hat brim = small property and owner/manager who did outdoor work. Remember the blue drill, double pocket button down shirt with red tie and small brim squatters hat? It was Country Party uniform in the upper hunter.
Zorronsky: well, blow me down. We always used to use the measure that the size of the hat brim was the measure of the size of the property. The general equation was: small hat brim = large property = staff who worked outdoors; large hat brim = small property and owner/manager who did outdoor work. Remember the blue drill, double pocket button down shirt with red tie and small brim squatters hat? It was Country Party uniform in the upper hunter.
And of course, the more they suppose that there is a chance of being made redundant or put onto short hours, the more relevant the return of Workchoices would be.
When Workchoices was first proposed, the employment market was fairly strong and there was at least some thought that in practice, people could avoid being forced to accept cuts in income. Had it applied when people expected dire consequences, then it would have been even less popular.
So if people think that we are headed for a double dip recession driven by sovereign debt issues and their jobs could be at risk, then the last thing they would want would be the return of Workchoices.
And of course, the more they suppose that there is a chance of being made redundant or put onto short hours, the more relevant the return of Workchoices would be.
When Workchoices was first proposed, the employment market was fairly strong and there was at least some thought that in practice, people could avoid being forced to accept cuts in income. Had it applied when people expected dire consequences, then it would have been even less popular.
So if people think that we are headed for a double dip recession driven by sovereign debt issues and their jobs could be at risk, then the last thing they would want would be the return of Workchoices.
Interestingly, in light of the fake FF how to votes, I just had the first election leaflet of the year in my mailbox – from Family First. The whole theme was that other parties would be dishonestly campaigning – and there was a photo of the Young Labor dude from Queensland caught handing out how to votes in SA. But the leaflet didn’t mention Labor. The thrust was an appeal to supporters to hand out genuine how to votes.
On Chris’ point @5 – I’d also like to see a ban on how to votes at booths. Preference recommendations could be registered with and collated by the AEC and handed to voters by election workers, if people feel that’s necessary. While it can be kinda fun to staff a booth, I’m not sure it’s the most optimal use of activists’ time, and it does tend to disadvantage parties and independents without legions of supporters (or who can’t afford to pay international students and backpackers to hand out HTVs, as with the Libs last time around). I also doubt the effectiveness of corflutes and bunting around booths.
Interestingly, in light of the fake FF how to votes, I just had the first election leaflet of the year in my mailbox – from Family First. The whole theme was that other parties would be dishonestly campaigning – and there was a photo of the Young Labor dude from Queensland caught handing out how to votes in SA. But the leaflet didn’t mention Labor. The thrust was an appeal to supporters to hand out genuine how to votes.
On Chris’ point @5 – I’d also like to see a ban on how to votes at booths. Preference recommendations could be registered with and collated by the AEC and handed to voters by election workers, if people feel that’s necessary. While it can be kinda fun to staff a booth, I’m not sure it’s the most optimal use of activists’ time, and it does tend to disadvantage parties and independents without legions of supporters (or who can’t afford to pay international students and backpackers to hand out HTVs, as with the Libs last time around). I also doubt the effectiveness of corflutes and bunting around booths.
I’d also add that the Libs do the fake HTV thing too.
I don’t think it’s acceptable campaigning practice either, no matter by whom. But I have no problem, particularly, with the sorts of leaflets Rob talks about in the post.
I’d also add that the Libs do the fake HTV thing too.
I don’t think it’s acceptable campaigning practice either, no matter by whom. But I have no problem, particularly, with the sorts of leaflets Rob talks about in the post.
I do think lamingtons and sausage sizzles at polling booths should be encouraged, though!
I do think lamingtons and sausage sizzles at polling booths should be encouraged, though!
Agree about the wonderfulness of lamingtons and sausage sizzles. And car boot sales and raffle tickets for the local primary school.
I got my first election bumpf today from my local member, Michael Danby. It included a screed about how he was against graffiti. This is an important election issue?
Agree about the wonderfulness of lamingtons and sausage sizzles. And car boot sales and raffle tickets for the local primary school.
I got my first election bumpf today from my local member, Michael Danby. It included a screed about how he was against graffiti. This is an important election issue?
@35 – No!
Interesting that the campaign literature’s been popping up in mailboxes around the country, though.
The election can’t be far off.
@35 – No!
Interesting that the campaign literature’s been popping up in mailboxes around the country, though.
The election can’t be far off.
Abbott is just too big a target for Labor to ignore, so feint hearts who dislike negative campaigning better prepare themselves for what’s coming.
The low info voters need to be told that not only does he endorse the Howard/Costello legacy 100% (it’s the other one who was willing to move away from that, remember?) but he also takes the culture wars way, way more seriously than even either of those two did. I’m very happy for the low infos to be told that Abbott is basically Australia’s Enoch Powell, only minus the racism. It can’t hurt them to know the Monk thinks they’re living in a country that’s been lost to the forces of darkness, and we all have our backs to the wall…
I don’t know, I have a vague recollection of Williams flirting with the Hansonites from a Country member perspective in 1998.
Though the man did live for a very long time, so he could have been a rusted on ALP supporter for a half century before, say, the end of the White Australia policy. Or the Split. Queensland and all.
Abbott is just too big a target for Labor to ignore, so feint hearts who dislike negative campaigning better prepare themselves for what’s coming.
The low info voters need to be told that not only does he endorse the Howard/Costello legacy 100% (it’s the other one who was willing to move away from that, remember?) but he also takes the culture wars way, way more seriously than even either of those two did. I’m very happy for the low infos to be told that Abbott is basically Australia’s Enoch Powell, only minus the racism. It can’t hurt them to know the Monk thinks they’re living in a country that’s been lost to the forces of darkness, and we all have our backs to the wall…
I don’t know, I have a vague recollection of Williams flirting with the Hansonites from a Country member perspective in 1998.
Though the man did live for a very long time, so he could have been a rusted on ALP supporter for a half century before, say, the end of the White Australia policy. Or the Split. Queensland and all.
Terje, I take my back my comment @24. It looks like you’re right. The campaign proper hasn’t even begun yet and the Queensland LNP has already sunk to depths below anything either party descended to during the Howard era.
Terje, I take my back my comment @24. It looks like you’re right. The campaign proper hasn’t even begun yet and the Queensland LNP has already sunk to depths below anything either party descended to during the Howard era.
Re #19, I wonder if you are responding to the stuff in the SMH today about crass advertising, exemplified by that woman’s sock add with blonde, that’s a bit in onlooker’s faces.
God, tell me when they call the election, so I can depart for Heard Island for a few months, btw..
Re #19, I wonder if you are responding to the stuff in the SMH today about crass advertising, exemplified by that woman’s sock add with blonde, that’s a bit in onlooker’s faces.
God, tell me when they call the election, so I can depart for Heard Island for a few months, btw..