RubySoho
Winston
Bye Bye Brendan, Bye Bye
September 16th 2008 01:25
The major shakeup in Australian politics continues. Last week the NSW Labor Government replaced Right-faction Premier Morris Iemma with lefty garbage-man-cum-pollitician Nathan Rees.
Now its the Liberals turn. Brendan "seven percent approval rating" Nelson has been ousted as Federal Opposition Leader in favour of Malcolm Turnbull by a vote of 45 to 41. Ouch! So close.
I think this is great news. I'm a mild fan of Mr Turnbull. He comes across as thoughtful and articulate and importantly is a republican and is a former Chairman of the Australian Republican Movement so perhaps he will nudge his staunchly monarchist party toward supporting a push for an Australian Republic in the not too distant future?
He is also firmly against raising the GST rate beyond its current 10% level and is keen to push Rudd's Labor Government on tax reform.
Most importantly, he does not come across as a spoiled little kid like so many Liberals (yes Peter, I'm talking about you).
I will admit my interest in Australian politics waned somewhat after the 2007 election. I was so relieved to see the back of John Howard that I viewed pretty much anything Rudd's new government would do as a major improvement. Turnbull's succession as Opposition Leader is enough to pique my interest again.
I can't believe it. For the first time in my life I am actually fairly excited about a Liberal leader. Not that I think he is all that great, just that he may push Rudd into making some major changes if Rudd wants his government to hold onto power come the 2010 election. After all, that is the purpose of the Opposition right?
Big day in Aussie politics.
-Ruby
Now its the Liberals turn. Brendan "seven percent approval rating" Nelson has been ousted as Federal Opposition Leader in favour of Malcolm Turnbull by a vote of 45 to 41. Ouch! So close.
I think this is great news. I'm a mild fan of Mr Turnbull. He comes across as thoughtful and articulate and importantly is a republican and is a former Chairman of the Australian Republican Movement so perhaps he will nudge his staunchly monarchist party toward supporting a push for an Australian Republic in the not too distant future?
He is also firmly against raising the GST rate beyond its current 10% level and is keen to push Rudd's Labor Government on tax reform.
Most importantly, he does not come across as a spoiled little kid like so many Liberals (yes Peter, I'm talking about you).
I will admit my interest in Australian politics waned somewhat after the 2007 election. I was so relieved to see the back of John Howard that I viewed pretty much anything Rudd's new government would do as a major improvement. Turnbull's succession as Opposition Leader is enough to pique my interest again.
I can't believe it. For the first time in my life I am actually fairly excited about a Liberal leader. Not that I think he is all that great, just that he may push Rudd into making some major changes if Rudd wants his government to hold onto power come the 2010 election. After all, that is the purpose of the Opposition right?
Big day in Aussie politics.
-Ruby
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Comment by Morgan Bell
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Malcolm Turnbull (this might sound like a really dumb reason) but i dont really trust because hes a millionaire - similarly i dont trust Rudd because his wife is a millionaire - and i think the Republican push is often done by people with oodles of money because they want an American type system where you can pay your way to the top . . .
if the Liberal party had an ounce of sense they would choose a leader who was young and had a strong background in supporting civil liberties . . . they could still be economically conservative without being arseholes to minorities
Comment by RubySoho
Music Zone
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I never looked at the Turnbull thing that way. I don't automatically distrust all millionaires and I don't know if I am being naive in hoping that he cares a little more than the average Liberal. But will the demise of the monarchy really have that much of an impact on Australia's economic system?
If that was the case I would have imagined that Howard would have been champing at the bit to get us there?
A Liberal with a background in supporting civil liberties...that'll be the day. haha.
Comment by Jeff Musall
Comment by Morgan Bell
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i dont think being a Republic would change anything economically, i just think that the American system of electing politicians is very corrupt and favours those who have more money and the ability to raise money from their big business friends - this kind of model of government im not very keen on
i think the monarchy is just a figurehead or symbol with no actual power over our government, it is the parliamentary system that i think should be kept in place (if the American system is the proposed alternative)
Comment by RubySoho
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Comment by Morgan Bell
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just a random info update
Comment by Natalie 2
My Life My Muse
Beta Girl Blog
In all seriousness, here's hoping that you get the best results possible with far more dignity than we're experiencing!
Comment by Janet Collins
Acceptable Etiquette
The Social Critic
Janet Collins Blog
I agree that Malcolm Turnbull will keep the Rudd Government on their toes. he is certainly ambitious and ambitious enough to want to be Prime Minister.
A look back at the rise of Malcolm Turnbull reveals this. He entered Parlaiment at a time when it seemed sure that the Liberals were going to be in forever. So he chose the Liberal Party. If Labor had been in and looked liked being so for the long haul, I am sure he would have jointed the Labor Party.
Then, John Howard appointed him Parliamentary Secretary for the Prime Minister and I am sure many would agree with me it was to keep Peter Costello out.
Then, John Howard started getting worried too because a favourite person of his who he appointed to many boards, Geoffrey Cousins, took page ads in the Financial Review at his own expense in the lead up to last year's election to discredit Malcolm Turnbull's reputation as Environment Minister in the Gunn's issue in Tasmania.
Yes, he is someone to watch and fear and I am sure the Rudd team is aware of this.
Janet
Comment by RubySoho
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Thought Zone
Hi Natalie, we don't actually have elections on at the moment, we had one last year but our system is different to your- we don't vote directly for a Prime Minister, we vote for a local representative and the party with the most representatives forms the government. They then choose their own leader. It was the Opposition ie party with the second most amount of reps who just deposed one leader and picked another. The public has no real say and quite frankly I am starting to think we are really lucky on that respect if your current situation is anything to go by.
Hi Janet, I've always thought Turnbull could fit into either major party. But then again Labor has been steadily getting more conservative so that's probably not saying much. Yeah, he's one to watch and I really do think he will force Rudd to lift his game.
Comment by Morgan Bell
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she will probably outlive me . . .
Comment by Mountain Fog
Infognito
Screen Trek
QUOTE ME NO QUOTES!
cheers
fog
P.S. Turnbull, whom I know, has said he will champion gay rights, we will see how it goes after the dust sttles, I'm not holding my breath.
Comment by Morgan Bell
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