Oh, Steve Fielding, you wacky dipshit. Malcolm Turnbull and his party of members and Senators elected by primary vote percentages in double figures have thwarted your cunning plan.
The Liberal party’s cave in on the alcopops tax shows that under pressure Turnbull will fold every time, Family First Leader, Senator Steve Fielding said today.
[...]
“The Coalition’s capitulation will be seen by the Government as a green light to ram bad policy through the Senate because it knows the opposition will do anything it can to avoid an early election.”
Unfortunately for Fielding, his continued intention to block the alcopops tax is clearly seen by everyone else as an attempt to force an early election, given that the reduced Senate quota of 7.7% is the bottle-suited one’s only hope (slim as it may be) of re-election.
“Family First has always opposed the alcopops tax because it turns a $15.3 billion binge drinking epidemic into a tax issue and fails to grasp the seriousness of the problem.”
Bullshit.
The folks at GetUp have launched a new website called Project Democracy which aims to close the gap between Australians and their elected representatives. Phase One focuses on the Senate, with future additions to the site — such as a House of Reps section — planned for the near future. Besides from information about politicians and the Parliament there are tools designed to help you track exactly what your state’s Senators are getting up to on a day-to-day basis.
Oh, and there’s a blog section where you will find a piece that I wrote for the site’s launch. You’ll never guess who it’s about.
UPDATE: Regular GrodsThinker Keri wroted a piece too.
The Editor, John Surname, Ant Rogenous, Jeremy Sear and J,The discuss:
* Alexander Downer’s retirement
* The new Senate (Greens, Xenophon, Fucking Steve Fucking Fielding)
* World Yoof Day controversy
* Ask A Barman
* Funniest things on the intertubes
** Because The Editor still doesn’t have the internet at home despite living in a first world country, use only the “Play in popup” link or the “Download” link. **
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Episode 40: In which Lachlan reflects on the election result and cuts a deal with the documentary’s producers.
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Watch Lachlan’s Big Brother audition.
The Editor’s note: As this is the final episode of Lachlan Connor, Independent I’d like to say a hearty thankyou to those who took part in its production (you know who you are) and everyone who took the time to watch an episode or two. Even though Lachlan was a chore a lot of the time — what with us trying to do proper jobs, our complete lack of acting talent, and (in the end) a complete lack of scripts — I do know that we had a bunch of fun.
Stewart Glass, independent for the Senate in South Australia, uses visual metaphors to hammer home his points about government and liberty.
Episode 39: In which Lachlan, on the eve of the poll, reflects on the final weeks of his campaign for election to the Senate.
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GrodsCorp speaks to Margarita Windisch, lead Senate candidate for the Socialist Alliance in Victoria.
Episode 38: In which Billy mourns the loss of Jacob.
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A few weeks ago we introduced you to NSW Senate aspirant James Purser. James’ Lachlan Connor-esque campaign looked to be in full swing but it appears that the wheels have come off.
Back in July 2007 I had had enough. After watching yet another exchange between the Government and the Opposition on who’s half baked broadband plan is going to best serve the nation, I decided that instead of yelling at the television I would actually try and do something about it. So I announced that I was going to run for the Senate as an independent.
Unfortunately I missed one vital area in my campaign, raising funds, and so I was unable to raise the $1000.00 deposit and hence missed the boat.
So What Now?
Now I start planning for the next election. I still don’t have any confidence that either side of the political spectrum is going to do what is necessary to bring this country to the point where it can compete with the top nations. There isn’t the vision that is required to do things like aim for Fibre To The Home instead of Fibre To The Node, or create a national network of renewable energy production plants.
So I’m going to be on the outside shouting in. I’m going to be prodding which ever party forms the next government to try and ensure that we get the vision that we deserve.
Better start printing up those James10 t-shirts.
Episode 37: In which Lachlan learns of Jacob’s whereabouts and has a latte with Heather.
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Episode 36: In which Jacob runs into trouble with the law and disappears.
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Episode 35: In which Lachlan reflects on the challenges of grassroots campaigning.
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The Editor spent the first years of his life in Dapto, south of Wollongong, and it is from here that James Purser is campaigning for a NSW Senate seat. James’ YouTube videos are up there with Lachlan Connor’s personal broadcasts for production quality and that special personal touch. Here’s his first:
If you’re still not convinced about the Purser-Connor synergy just check out this quote from James Purser…
Do you want a representative that has a vision beyond “follow the leader”? Do you want someone who can deal with both sides of politics to ensure that this country regains it’s place as one of the leaders? Do you want someone who views the coming challenges as an opportunity to grow rather than a political tool?
I can be that representative. I can be that someone.
…and compare it to this quote from Lachlan Connor.
If I’m elected to serve as a Senator for the Victorian people I will follow what can truly be called a centrist path. None of this dog-whistle politics, or politics of fear and insularity. None of this me-too popularism. I’m sick of politicians who are anti-intellectual, who are afraid to think outside the square. I think politicians should be people we can look up to; people we can trust.
I can be that people.
Spooky.
With income tax the big issue of the campaign so far, Lachlan Connor has released his own tax policy.
Episode 34: In which Lachlan holds a meeting to revise his policies and update his website.
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