Did the parliamentary cat forget to order the RATs


You know something is awry when they roll out Simon Birmingham. That is because he is the only remaining member of Morrison's Government who is not openly despised by the vast majority of people in Australia. He took over the role after Matthias Cormann got his big job. It is hard to say who is … Continue reading Did the parliamentary cat forget to order the RATs →

The Morrison Government has just given up


When you live in Australia these days you immediately become aware of the total lack of competent leadership, and the endless self-promotion of the Prime Minister. Talk of his personal photographer, tales of photo-shopping his image to show more hair on that head, and less fat in the face. His staff rolling out red carpets … Continue reading The Morrison Government has just given up →

How they vote says a lot-Barnaby Joyce


Some LNP coalition members want to close down the "They Vote For You" website, because they feel it shines a light on how they vote on individual matters of policy. They appear to misunderstand the very nature of parliamentary democracy, which is no longer conducted in smoke-filled rooms, but in full public view. How they … Continue reading How they vote says a lot-Barnaby Joyce →

The gambler in The Lodge is gambling with our lives


“As a politician, my instincts and passions have always been domestic,” the prime minister said. “Despite my activity of the past year, I am not one who naturally seeks out summits and international platforms. But as prime minister you must always be directed by the national interest. As has been the case for prime ministers … Continue reading The gambler in The Lodge is gambling with our lives →

End of year report on ‘Circus Oz’


So the year has crawled to a dingy close. Remember a few short years ago when Australian democracy was seen as having developed a uniquely Australian flavour. We believed in the fair go, we frowned on favouritism, we all had a sort of grudging respect for our leaders, but we held them to account. We … Continue reading End of year report on ‘Circus Oz’ →

Dutton has been deeply offended


Peter Dutton has had a rough few weeks. Firstly he was "deeply offended" when he was called a rape apologist. He said so in court, where he was suing Shane Bazzi, an unemployed refugee advocate. Mr Bazzi used Twitter to make his comment. I suspect that many Twitter readers agreed with him, but that is … Continue reading Dutton has been deeply offended →

The state of our democracy


In general, there is still overwhelming support for representative democracy but with a focus on making the representative system of government more representative of the people they serve, and accountable and responsive to their constituents underpinned by integrity politics which are “cleaner”, “collaborative” and “evidence-based”. Mark Evans, Director, Democracy 2025 Terrifying, really. If those qualities … Continue reading The state of our democracy →

Would you like voter suppression with that?


Many Australians are still mightily impressed with the state of our nation, especially when we compare it with our rich and powerful ally, the USA. We have managed to somehow avoid the utter chaos and devastation, which they have endured now, for close to two years, during a once in a century pandemic. Our Government(s) … Continue reading Would you like voter suppression with that? →

Scott puts in a Barry Crocker (shocker) in Glasgow


Scott Morrison has somehow imposed himself on the Australian consciousness like an annoying jingle, or even like that awful and embarrassing uncle who continues to turn up at family gatherings. We can now include Rome and Glasgow amongst the places where he has purported to represent us, so that most of the thinking universe now … Continue reading Scott puts in a Barry Crocker (shocker) in Glasgow →

Australia’s lost decade on everything, including climate


Scott Morrison has had a tough few years. First there was The Great Bush-fire Debacle. He went on holiday in Hawaii. Nothing wrong with that, you might say. Except that he tried to hide the fact that he was away. When he was sprung, he made all sorts of excuses, but in his own special … Continue reading Australia’s lost decade on everything, including climate →