Seven weeks out from the state election, The Advertiser has published a poll of state voting intention, conducted on Wednesday to make hay out of the paper’s win on the blog comments issue. It finds Labor still leading at 52-48, compared with 56.8-43.2 at the 2006 election and 57-43 at the previous Advertiser poll in December. After distribution of the undecided and otherwise non-responsive, the primary vote figures are 38 per cent Labor, 39 per cent Liberal and 9 per cent Greens. Consistent with all other polling, Isobel Redmond has remarkably good personal ratings, and was deemed by 51 per cent of respondents to be more trustworthy than Mike Rann. The sample as usual is on the low side: 538 respondents, for a margin of error of over 4 per cent. Full tables here.
I reckon it’s more to do with Laborax being incredibly insecure at the fact there is a serious electoral challenge not from the right but from the left. Leave the grounds for too long and someone else is bound to take it up. That’s the cost of centrism/centre-rightism.
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/in-depth/state-ombudsman-to-investigate-charles-sturt-councils-links-to-labor/story-fn2sdwup-1225828918846
“Rann’s short election campaign”
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/in-depth/ranns-short-election-campaign/story-fn2sdwup-1225828920249
Some of the pearlers coming out of News Ltd as the election approaches are sure to turn heads…
Sort if campaigning, to me that sort of reads like, well we cannot go into election mode yet, because that will stop us from using tax payer funds to tell you how good a job we are doing running the state
“There are many, many routine business and administrative matters that have to be attended to by government.”
Mr Foley admitted the Government was “sort of campaigning” at the moment. “I just think people would go really barmy, around the bend, if we were whacking each other for a full six-week period,” he said. “This is like a phony war.”
Michael Atkinson, as first law officer of SA must be an embarrassment to the judiciary and legal profession of SA.
Mr Atkinson said he welcomed the investigation.
“It is the most unpleasant part of political life that one is sometimes stalked by criminal defamers,” he said.
By such statement, Atkinson demonstrates an appalling misunderstanding of what “criminal defamation” is. Further, by imputation, he defames those good citizens of SA that have called for an investigation.
In my opinion Atkinson acts like a gutter brawler, not like a dignified A-G.
The sooner Premier Rann gives a guarantee that Atkinson will not be the A-G in the next government the better. Unless that guarantee is given by Rann, people should consider putting Labor last on their ballot papers..
That’s almost as silly as Howard saying if he wins he won’t serve a full term… politically stupid.
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/business/south-australia-leads-jobless-rate-fall-at-44pc/story-e6frede3-1225829149031
Yes, there’s certainly all the hallmarks of a doomed Labor government, huh…?
bob1234 – #256
Might be politically stupid in the sense of never say or do anything which might lead to a net loss of votes, irrespective of whether to do so you need to lie, mislead or leave open an assumption in the community which is false “.
However, I disagree that politics should simply be about “winning”. Far ore important to be honest – in the long run.
Now – unless Rann is actually asked about the make-up of his cabinet and the allocation of portfolios by the media – I think the electorate are entitled to assume Atkinson will remain A-G.
If nothing is said by Rann about who will be the A-G in the next government, then I am advocating that voters put Labor last on the ballot papers.
IMHO, Atkinson is an embarrassment and most unsuited to hold the position of A-G. If Rann intends re-appointing him A-G (which people are entitled to assume unless Rann comes out with a statement to the contrary), as Rann is not prepared to do the right thing – voters should take the decision out of Rann’s hands and ensure Atkinson is not A-G – by putting Labor last on their ballot papers.
If you got your way and the Libs took power, you’d be crying out for Labor to take government for the next 4 years.
The Libs will *always* be worse than Labor. Well, maybe NSW is debateable…
bob1234 – #259
It’s Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Dum, the only difference between Labor and Liberal is the letterhead.
Why won’t Rann do the right thing and declare Atkinson will not be A-G?
If he did make such a declaration, I would withdraw from advocating that electors put Labor last.
Preserved for posterity. I’ll whip this out if/when we’re all complaining about the Libs. You’ve just gone too long without a state Lib government methinks.
‘It’s Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Dum, the only difference between Labor and Liberal is the letterhead.’
I agree.
And further, I will have no problem whatsoever in being critical of a Liberal Government. I fail to see the connection.
Bob it seems like the majority of the posts in this comments thread are you saying that however bad Labor is, the Liberal Party would be worse – because they are “always worse than Labor”. It’s really boring.
If you haven’t got anything new to say, perhaps it’s best to assume that we’ve heard your argument before and move on.
I’d be interested to know what the “insiders” on this thread think of the chances of a Labor-independent type candidate in one of the western suburbs seats, given the controversies surrounding recent planning decisions. Any thoughts?
Elan said:
Busted.
………………….boy! this is hard going.
Did-you-think-that-that-would-stop-me-going-for-them-if-I-felt-the-need??
You’re young aren’t you Bobby?
Yawn.
No more Elan vs Bob, please.
Winderlich is the embarrassment. He ratted on the Democrats, who put him into parliament, and now has to stir any dead old possum to try to get a headline.
Thank-you William Bowe.
Peter Young: Now I see.
________________
Toorak Toff: I couldn’t agree more.
I approached David W at the end of a rally at the week-end. There was an article about him here on Crikey last week. He made mention (in part) about concerns over the impartiality of the PCA.
I approached him on that basis.
’tis agreed that ‘if he gets back in’ we will be discussing matters of mutual concern.
Unfortunately, I believe that he has misrepresented certain aspects of that rally in the press and on radio. I have emailed both the ABC and 5AA, ( where I heard certain assertions that were frankly misleading). I sent a copy to him also.
The kindest thing I can say is that David had ‘beaten up’ issues that arose there, for his own benefit. That was unfair to the recipient of those assertions, one Jennifer Rankine.
It was unfair; it was …..spin!
Again today there is a piece on Indaily-same thing. Do I write to Hendrik Gout?
I’ve said all along that I’m a pragmatist. DW and I may still have our chat, …or perhaps not.
I also haven’t forgotten his ‘thanks’ to the group that got him into Parliament.
Did anyone watch Rann on the ABC tonight regarding unemployment and praise from Peter Vaughan of business SA? The Libs were so embarrassed, they declined an interview but released a statement welcoming the news.
HA!
Yeah I saw that – Rann was trying hard to hide the smile after having a massive free kick from those unemployment figures.
Vaughan is a cunning operator. More than most he is responsible for the right shift of Rann government. They just can’t help lapping up praise from rightwingers.
How about we raise the level of discussion a bit. Why not get an understanding of the people’s issues rather than just responding to mainstream media. Young Peter – if Rann made Atkinson Minister for Housing do you think that would reduce his influence?
Vaughan is one of the more centrist chamber of commerce leaders (as far as these chambers go). He was head of the Victorian Seconday Teachers association after all … Counts Simon Crean as a good friend as well.
#272
I don’t know, probably not. However, it would sure as hell put him in a position where he did not have his hands on “law making”.
1. It would thus stop him from misleading the parliament as to what the intention of legislation was – and what it dealt with.
2. Or alternatively, it would prevent him from sloppily drafting laws to meet a stated intention (hopefully the new A-G would pay more care and attention to the wording of legislation placed before the parliament).
I can’t believe there is no-one in SA Labor with qualities superior to Atkinson, who would be far more admirably suited to the portfolio.
IMHO – Atkinson is a biggar gooooser
Sykesie – people change. Vaughan reminds me of Tim Markus Clark – people in SA are too conservative, just get out of the way of development, stop feeling nostalgic about heritage, bang up the population as fast as possible, get on the gravy train.
Compare that to Carol Vincent who is CE of Farmers Federation – none of the same hype.
Money, money, money packs a punch in SA too.
Don’t these politicians realise they make fools of themselves as they ingratiate themselves with corporations for the big bucks. It’s time to ban corporate corporate political donations, to prevent the political system falling into further disrepute.
The Advertiser keeps donations centre stage with three articles on the one day:-
Fundraising’s high price of dining with a politician
State politicians build war chests
Rann says no to MP event ban
BTW – who is the woman in the red jacket dining from green plates with Rann in the first article.
PY
That’s Jane Lomax-Smith eating a pie floater with Rann. She actually taught me pathology (she was a really good pathologist before she went into politics).
It’s Lomax Smith and Rann subliminally promoting the Greens 🙂
Its just like your avatar bob – are you trying to brainwash us ? 🙂
No, thank William and fate for that 😀
Diogenes: I had heard that JLS was an excellent pathologist. I know that she was a very good Councillor/a decent Lord Mayor-(though her Mayoral portrait is like something from the cover of a Mills and Boon!)/….and yes, well…
So the StRAH petition goes into Parliament,-to the relevant Minister, and he traces addresses ( where have I heard that before…?), and mails the petitioners to see the error of their ways!
Of course this is a ‘beat-up’. It must be a mistake.
I was reading a tiser article and was looking at the comments section…
I didn’t realise Aldridge was an incumbent!!!
(he does know what an MLC is, doesn’t he?)
😀
The ALP has announced its candidate for Flinders – Mr Tauto Sansbury. Still Davenport, Goyder, Hammond, Heysen, MacKillop and Mount Gambier to go.
Davenport: James Wangmann
Goyder: Chris Hansford
Hammond: Johannah MacLeod
Heysen: Stephanie Gheller
MacKillop: Simone McDonnell
Mount Gambier: Viv Maher
Was the SA anti-bikie law drafted and written under the supervision of A-G Michael Atkinson?
If so, one can only assume when the legal challenge against the declaration of it’s invalidity comes on for hearing before the High Court, it is highly likely the High Court judges will burst into laughter, unable to control themselves.
IMHO Michael Atkinson is a total loser as A-G.
Peter Young may I take this opportunity to say how much I always enjoy your contribution here on Poll Bludger. I find you very engaging and humorous with your well placed dog references and YouTube links. Don’t let the jealous and the haters bring you down. 😀
And yes, Michael Atkinson was responsible for the anti-bikie law. Before they were elected Rann and Atkinson kept saying they were going to literally bulldoze all the bikie headquarters, but in the end they never bulldozed anything but introduced their nasty little piece of legislation instead.
I agree about Atkinson being a total loser as A-G. I always wonder what the late Don Dunstan would think of him. Dunstan was Attorney General himself and had a great respect for the law. He’d be spinning in his grave I think.
Most of what this government does would probably have him spinning in his grave actually.
Some articles to kickstart some good discussion on this lovely Saturday:
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/in-depth/trust-will-decide-who-wins-south-australian-election-in-march/story-fn2sdwup-1225829897210
http://www.independentweekly.com.au/blogs/state-politics/grapeshot-in-all-directions/1749496.aspx
http://www.independentweekly.com.au/news/local/news/general/adelaide-queen-of-the-electorates/1749478.aspx (I love the title of this one :D)
One small part of the anti-bikie law was overturned in a 2-1 decision by the appeal court. That the High Court has agreed to hear the government’s appeal against that decision means that the issue is far from settled. Your bete noire Atkinson may yet have the last laugh.
I’m sure they’ll love being able to tell the electorate during the election campaign that they’re going to the High Court over bikies… it is definitely a vote winner amongst swinging voters.
What is gratifying to see is that the push by Rann/Wright/Akkers to control the biker world is NOT being applauded by the majority.
It surprises that this IS the case. Perhaps because there is a perception of ‘first the bikers…..’.
I doubt the concern stems from biker support!
So, I don’t think that this will influence votes at all, to the benefit of this Government.
It seems to be perceived as more evidence of this Government wanting complete control.
Certainly the forced closing of the Macclesfield pub, during the biker run last year, created a groundswell of criticism.
(Stupid really. They made the run again on the 26/1,-and the Macca was open. Nae fuss; nae bother!).
If they are returned, it will be because of the failing of the Liberals. NOT a ringing endorsement of the Rann Regime.
It’s a deilcate balance really between ethereal human rights and the chance of being shot up in Gouger St one night as the drug-dealing bikies wage their gang wars.
Sorry, delicate balance. And maybe your chances of being shot are higher in Hindley Street these days.
Who are you kidding? Even Advertiser polls, notorious for having a Liberal bias, were 60/40 in favour of Rann’s stance on bikies.
Perhaps we have discovered where you’re from… keep your illegal activities away from me!
I don’t remember the last time there was a ringing endorsement of any government. People inherently hate politicians. Perhaps you’d have to go back to Dunstan to find a government with a ringing endorsement.
The Labor Gov failure with the Bikie legislation is, that like water, all they have done is talk about it and not delivered anything. people get sick of talk and more talk.
How many fortresses have been bulldozed =0
Has the State gov fixed our water crisis NO
Will rann and MA fix our water / bikie crisis – NO
Now Bobby you love polling , whats the polling say about the people wanting an ICAC, pretty high. But since your a labor man you DONT want a ICAC………… Buckland park?
Now below I will write BobMA1234 responce.
Wawawaw , the Liberals would be no better , I’m a green , and their polling wawawaa and labor is great liberal bad wawaawa blah blah only been in gov for 12 years blahblah
no need for ICAC wawawa , we I mean labor is not corrupt…
Please bob wait for 5 comments before posting your rant
your getting borish….. yawn..
The regional push for the balance of power is now shaping as a possible outcome.
The Nats are a fair chance to win Flinders, but Chaffey is at risk. Mount Gambier will probably go to independent Don Pegler.
MG – why would you think Nats might win Flinders. They’ve been talking but not performing there for years since Blacker.
You and the others who say this have no idea what you’re talking about. All it would do is take safe Liberal seats away and give it to independents. The swinging seats are in metro.
Sigh.
The Libs want it because it’s a populist position. I shudder to think how drowned out with work the ICAC would have been under John Olsen…
South Australia will *always* be better off under a Labor government.
🙂
bob1234: The reason why it’s now shaping as a possible outcome is the Libs are looking a better chance to win some metro seats. However, I doubt they will win enough to form government in their own right. There is a strong possibility the Nats will win two seats and independents will win Frome and Mount Gambier.
Wakefield: Liz Penfold has retired. The Lib candidate for Flinders lost his licence for speeding and has to be driven everywhere. The Nat candidate is a well-known local identity with good networks and the Nat vote was strong in 2006.