It seems pretty clear that I’ve underestimated both the Albanese governments chances for a second term and the prospects for getting the Voice referendum passed.
Dutton is clearly Albanese's not-so-secret weapon and will probably ensure Labor at least a second term. Even a defeated referendum doesn't help Dutton bc it consolidates the "teal" seats against him. So, Dutton also keeps the independents and Greens in place, I suspect. If a few National's seats take the next step to independence/independents--highly possible--and the odd seat like Macnamara goes Green, the post-two-party trend--whether the crossbench has balance of power or not--continues, and Labor can't consolidate in the way Hawke/Keating did. My point being Albanese's challenge is more do with operating with a crossbench than an official opposition in the "traditional" sense. Not a bad position to be in.
Does their have to be an “official opposition”? AFAIK the Constitution is silent about this sort of detail. If the Greens and Teals/independents one day outnumber Libs & Nats then who what counts as the opposition?
Couldn't agree more, Dave - except to state it more vociferously, of course.
I'd be devastated, especially since most of the finer things in being alive are already gone or at least seem much less inviting to me than they once did.
But, if the pundits are right about the younger members of our population, we should both be OK (written awkwardly because of my crossed fingers and toes). :-)
The picture I see is that Albanese has been given a very detailed list of instructions, and he is sticking to them come hail or whatever.
He still approves coal, oil and gas, not budging an inch.
He refuses to increase the rate of developing solar or wind power beyond his original statements.
He doesn't seem to recognise that his opposition is collapsing in front of him, and he can, possibly, save civilisation if he gets things moving quickly, i.e. RightNow!
If he doesn't promise to do more of what we all want in the lead-up to the next election, then I'll give up on him too! But, having seen two great Labor Government's lose office because of the too ambitious policies of their respective leaders (Gough and PJK), I'm sticking with Albo until then ...
Don’t underestimate the capacity for self harm of the Dutton lead LNP coalition - with the help of the likes of Sussan Ley and Jacinta Price they are fast becoming a laughing stock.
Dutton is clearly Albanese's not-so-secret weapon and will probably ensure Labor at least a second term. Even a defeated referendum doesn't help Dutton bc it consolidates the "teal" seats against him. So, Dutton also keeps the independents and Greens in place, I suspect. If a few National's seats take the next step to independence/independents--highly possible--and the odd seat like Macnamara goes Green, the post-two-party trend--whether the crossbench has balance of power or not--continues, and Labor can't consolidate in the way Hawke/Keating did. My point being Albanese's challenge is more do with operating with a crossbench than an official opposition in the "traditional" sense. Not a bad position to be in.
It should actually give him a lot more freedom of movement than having to deal with the political arm of News Corp would.
Does their have to be an “official opposition”? AFAIK the Constitution is silent about this sort of detail. If the Greens and Teals/independents one day outnumber Libs & Nats then who what counts as the opposition?
The Constitution doesn't even mention the Prime Minister
I'll be pretty disappointed if I live long enough to see the next Liberal government.
Couldn't agree more, Dave - except to state it more vociferously, of course.
I'd be devastated, especially since most of the finer things in being alive are already gone or at least seem much less inviting to me than they once did.
But, if the pundits are right about the younger members of our population, we should both be OK (written awkwardly because of my crossed fingers and toes). :-)
Yeah, the kids are alright, to quote one of my teenage heroes.
I have been getting more and more worried.
The picture I see is that Albanese has been given a very detailed list of instructions, and he is sticking to them come hail or whatever.
He still approves coal, oil and gas, not budging an inch.
He refuses to increase the rate of developing solar or wind power beyond his original statements.
He doesn't seem to recognise that his opposition is collapsing in front of him, and he can, possibly, save civilisation if he gets things moving quickly, i.e. RightNow!
Bah!
Don't give up on him yet, Peter ...
If he doesn't promise to do more of what we all want in the lead-up to the next election, then I'll give up on him too! But, having seen two great Labor Government's lose office because of the too ambitious policies of their respective leaders (Gough and PJK), I'm sticking with Albo until then ...
Don’t underestimate the capacity for self harm of the Dutton lead LNP coalition - with the help of the likes of Sussan Ley and Jacinta Price they are fast becoming a laughing stock.