Australia on track to a female PM?

[Fat Bob]

You would hope so.

[baloo]

1 more for a hung parliament, 2 more for minority government

[Tas]

We're nearly there. I doubt anyone was surprised when they found gaping holes in the coalition budget. One thing I don't understand about the media is why no one reminds folk that both budgets were assessed by a common agency with common framework/assumptions, so how can Coalition prattle so much about a matter or opinion (altho I do understand what they are saying, because assumptions are about opinion and interpretation)...maybe it's because I'm reading SMH too much, who I'm convinced are a Liberal paper. Really pleased that the independents pushed hard on the costing part, that's been interesting. Public should put far greater insistence and pressure on parties during elections, like to see a private members bill on this come thru these independent forcing this.

I wasn't that surprised Wilkie went Labor in end. I reckon Tony Windsor might swing towards labour, but can't be sure. The really intersting one to watch is really Bob Katter (as well as the more entertaining ). The 3 said they would decide this week, so hope it's over this weekend!


Doesn't anyone else think it's dodgy for Fortescue Metals, Andrew Forrest to be in the mix???

[Bender]

both budgets were assessed by a common agency with common framework/assumptions, so how can Coalition prattle so much about a matter or opinion

I worked in the Budget/costing field for 7 Budgets (then was totally burnt out). What actually happens is somewhat different to the public's perception.

[Tas]

ok, would be good to understand better. (At the moment I get the impression there's a bit of wet the finger, put it in the air by the pollie, apply a factor of 20%-50% in either direcetion, then force whatever agency to accept it... )
So what happens?

[Bender]

Too long to type, and I'm using a work computer atm, so it'll have to wait.

[Burbage]

I can't see Labor and Katter getting on. In fact none of these independents is likely to back either a carbon tax or a mining tax. So even if they do form a government with Labor its life is going to be very short.

I can't see them lasting with the coalition either. They are all ex nationalists, which would tend to suggest that there isn't much about the coalition they like either.

They appear to be trying to push through some kind of electoral and parliamentary reform, which is unlikely to be passed by either of the two main parties. Because the current system is what gives the main parties their advantages.

Call it quits I reckon, and go back to the polls.

[Joseph27]

So its now 73-74 with 3 undecided... oh and there are calls for a fresh poll which can only happen if the house comes together and a government cannot be formed. Not that either party has the $$$ for a campaign - how would the outcome be any different? I would hazard a guess and say that there were would be far fewer informal votes and the minor parties would probably lose out. Also seeing Gillards performance over the past 2 weeks would highly benefit the ALP and not the Coalition. Abbott really is an ass and is still conducting himself like he is in a campiagn and trying to form govt. Oh well not much can be done in Singapore - but it sure is fascinating to see someone try putting together a coalition of greens and disgruntled ex national party members.

What would it take for a fundamental collapse in the status quo of party politics in Aus... preferrably a new party consisting of parliamentary members sitting in the middle ground and excluding the silent party chiefs. Maybe a new election and the same result could change the equation somewhat

[Burbage]

Almagamate state and federal government.

[baloo]

At 76-74 the ALP (aka New Coalition) will need to select a speaker that is effectively 75-74. You just need one Indie to swing on an issue to cause trouble.

I can't see this term running it's full course.

[Burbage]

Full course? They'll be lucky to last a week.

[baloo]

Looks like we'll be getting soome sort of decision today.

[Tas]

news conf 2pmAUS when last looked @SMH.

[baloo]

The Mad Katter has broken ranks with the other two Indies and called his own presser endorsing Abbott.

Looks like the ALP may have it.

[Tas]

mmm, going to have to wait for the 3pm announce to confirm hey. It was a close call for Katter, but couldn't see him going Labor in end. It's a good strategy though, be able to keep his independence and not take responsibility for Labor installation, presuming other 2 do go for Labor.

[Kooky]

We've got this on http://www.abc.net.au/news/abcnews24/

[baloo]

We've got this on http://www.abc.net.au/news/abcnews24/

yeah, me too. ABC even removed the geo blocking so us poor expats get to see it live.

[Burbage]

Geez... How to entertain an Australian...

Have an election that lasts three weeks.

[baloo]

Here we go......

[baloo]

Windsor confirmed ALP. Can't see Oakeshott doing anything different.

PM Julia Gillard. I wonder if she has a stab proof vest to wear around the party rooms.

Not really excited, just thank christ we don't have PM Abbott. That would have been a disaster.

[Kooky]

I believe there's a big screen and a potential party going on downstairs but I've got my headphones on at my desk - some of us have to work

[Kooky]

Jesus, make him stop.

(Tas - )

[baloo]

Confirmed, finally, ALP to form the government.

that Oakeshott can talk.......

[Kooky]

It worked!

[daffodil]

Confirmed, finally, ALP to form the government.

that Oakeshott can talk.......

ALP just back in business, thankfully. Now the fun / pain really starts.