GhostWhoVotes reports that Newspoll has produced a sobering result for the government, ending a recent trend in their favour by lurching from 53-47 a fortnight ago to 57-43. Labor is down two on the primary vote to 30 per cent with the Coalition up four to 48 per cent, and the Greens down two to 10 per cent. Bizarrely, Julia Gillard has nonetheless surged ahead as preferred prime minister, a distinction no poll has offered her in quite some time. Gillard is up a point to 40 per cent, with Tony Abbott down five to 35 per cent. Gillard and Tony Abbott have recorded identical personal ratings of 34 per cent approval and 55 per cent approval: Gillard is up four and down five respectively, with Abbott steady and down two.
Today’s Essential Research also had a move to the Coalition, albeit within the margin of error. Their two-party lead was up from 54-46 to 55-45, from primary votes of 48 per cent for the Coalition (up one), 34 per cent for Labor (down one) and 10 per cent for the Greens (steady). Supplementary questions found support for the mining tax up five points since September to 51 per cent with opposition down a point to 33 per cent; the number of respondents thinking it likely a Coalition government would “bring back industrial laws similar to WorkChoices” down five points to 51 per cent, with unlikely up three to 27 per cent; and opposition to exporting uranium to India at 45 per cent and support at 30 per cent. However, there was a recovery in support for nuclear power since the immediate aftermath of Fukushima, with support up four to 39 per cent and opposition down eight to 45 per cent. Questions on Afghanistan and the carbon tax show little change on previous findings.
Two other polling details I had neglected to mention previously. The Galaxy poll of Queensland conducted late last week found 36 per cent support and 56 per cent opposition for selling uranium to India, and 64 per cent support and 28 per cent opposition to gay marriage. Last week’s Nielsen poll found support for gay marriage at 62 per cent support (up five on a year ago) with 31 per cent opposed. On the Australian-US relationship, 24 per cent believed it was too close, 71 per cent about right and 3 per cent not close enough.
Puff:
Harry has resigned as Speaker. He will still remain an MP in Parliament.
Neil Mitchell typically saying this could bring down the government. Short of Harry resigning from parliament or the Labor party, I’m wondering how.
My impression is that Slipper would be much tougher than Harry. He has little patience for any nonsense.
Gary, even with the current dire polls I can’t see Scullin falling to the Libs.
[“We live in a country of free speech. You’re allowed to say what you want and so am I,” he told listeners of The Kyle and Jackie O Show.]
As a matter of fact Kyle, you can not. If you make a statement that is defamatory and patently untrue then you can be sued. I’ve got to admin to never listening to morning radio, let alone brain dead programs like the Kyle & Jacky show. I’m at a bit of a loss as to why this guy is paid so much, he seems to be a Paris Hilton (only fat and uglier), famous because he’s famous.
A bit like Jones & Bolt perhaps, a mouth piece but very little else going for him.
[thewetmale Matthew Lee
If this brings more unhinging to 2012 than this year, then this is one epic long troll from Harry. #trollday]
I think Slipper will be much more effective in QT than Harry based on what I’ve seen of him in the Chair.
[Neil Mitchell typically saying this could bring down the government. Short of Harry resigning from parliament or the Labor party, I’m wondering how.]
He didn’t say how, I assume. Harry indicated he wanted to go back on the Government benches. If Slipper succeeds him, that’s the Coalition’s loss and Government’s gain.
HA HA
Abbott, Pyne, the rest of that lot would be even more unhinged if Slipper was presiding over them.
Wasn’t it Slipper who actually had the wonderful Sophie Mirabella frog-marched from the Parliament a couple of weeks back?
http://www.afr.com/p/national/jenkins_resignation_statement_to_yTjgty2HmSM15HQanp3tNL
[Jenkins’ resignation statement to the House of Reps
PUBLISHED: 0 HOUR 0 MINUTE AGO | UPDATE: 0 HOUR 0 MINUTE AGO
Statement by Speaker Harry Jenkins to the House of Representatives on Thursday morning.
Today marks my 1382nd day as Speaker of the House of Representatives. I have at all times tried to uphold the fine traditions of Speaker, and to the best of my ability have attempted to carry out my duties in the most independent and non-partisan manner possible.
As members are aware in this the 43rd Parliament, to further avoid controversial party political matters I have divorced myself from involvement with the Federal Parliamentary Labor Party. In this era of minority government I have progressively become frustrated at this stricture. My desire is to be able to participate in policy and parliamentary debate, and this would be incompatible with continuing in the role of Speaker.
As a consequence, when I vacate the Chair at the end of this short statement I will visit the Governor-General to tender my resignation as Speaker of the House of Representatives.
I thank all members for their co-operation which they have dispensed to varying degrees depending upon the individual.
I thank everyone who works for the Department of House of Representatives under the capable leadership of the Clerk Bernard Wright and the Deputy David Elder; they serve us well. My gratitude goes to the diverse range of officers of the Department of Parliamentary Services: from gardeners to guards, technicians and tradies, researchers to reporters, Hansard; they serve us well. To presidents Hogg and Ferguson with whom I served as co-presiding officer, and the members and officers of the other place with whom I had interaction, I thank them for their forbearance. All these people ensure that the Australian Parliament remains an enduring effective institution.
My staff in the Speaker’s Office have assisted me and kept me well grounded; I believe that members would agree with me that they carry out their duties with integrity and professionalism.
Finally I acknowledge my eternal indebtedness to my “trouble and strife” Michele and the four generations of my family without whose support I would never have been able to achieve the high office I hold.
Late yesterday I ascertained that the Governor-general is available for my call before 9.30 therefore I must depart. I go placidly with my humour intact. I wish you all well.
The Australian Financial Review]
[I think Slipper will be much more effective in QT than Harry based on what I’ve seen of him in the Chair.]
Confessions: for once, you and I agree.
Here’s a theory I’ll float: Rudd on behalf of the ALP has been quietly doing a deal with Slipper for the past few weeks to become the ALP’s nominee for Speaker(why Rudd was in Slipper’s electorate last Friday).
A reaction from a couple of journos…
[vanOnselenP Peter van Onselen
He has already been an embarrassment for years now! RT @mirandadevine: Peter Slipper as speaker would be an embarrassment for the nation
1 minute ago]
[vanOnselenP Peter van Onselen
He has already been an embarrassment for years now! RT @mirandadevine: Peter Slipper as speaker would be an embarrassment for the nation]
Liberals aren’t happy at the prospect of Slipper as Speaker.
TLM – I thought something was up with Rudd & Slipper, assumed it was Slipper stirring up the pro Brough LNP.
[William Bowe
Posted Thursday, November 24, 2011 at 9:21 am | Permalink
My immediate assumption on hearing this was that Labor had done a deal with Slipper. Maybe Jenkins is telling the truth though. We’ll see. ]
The Rudd lunching with Slipper?
It’d be a very interesting turn of events if true. Aside from Slipper making the balance easier, it would also imply Rudd is much more attuned to working with the government than many here had supposed.
[Federal politics is in turmoil this morning after House of Representatives Speaker Harry Jenkins announced his resignation.]
The ABC with its increasingly trademark tabloid hysteria.
[Here’s a theory I’ll float: Rudd on behalf of the ALP has been quietly doing a deal with Slipper for the past few weeks to become the ALP’s nominee for Speaker(why Rudd was in Slipper’s electorate last Friday).]
For once I think you might be onto something.
Harry was the most ineffective speaker since Albert Coates and like Coates he was a liability to a Labor government. Fortunately he resigned and was not pushed like Coates.
[Rudd on behalf of the ALP has been quietly doing a deal with Slipper for the past few weeks to become the ALP’s nominee for Speaker]
If a deal was brokered with Slipper, then that would be a likely precursor.
So, has Rudd put the Slipper into the Libs?
It’s a little strange for a Speaker, whose father was also a Speaker and who seems to regard being the Speaker as a very prestigious and responsible position, to resign because he can’t take part in policy debates. In the UK the Speaker even resigns from his party. For a Speaker, being Speaker is usually considered far more important than being one of scores of government MPs who have little influence on policy.
I thought there was more to it than Rudd simply visiting a school in the Fisher electorate. Slipper’s going to resign from the Liberal Party before he’s pushed out – my prediction.
When does the selection of the new speaker happen?
Harry leaving parliament? What?
[latingle Laura Tingle
Harry Jenkin’s office says he is definitely leaving parliament. 10 am Caucus meeting]
I gather from the near empty Coalition benches there’s a Party meeting going on somewhere. Served ’em right. Make sure an MP knows he’ll be rolled in preselection (in favour of Mal Brough) before Parliament meets for its next term, and you’re asking for payback.
I agree with TLM’s theory:
[Rudd on behalf of the ALP has been quietly doing a deal with Slipper for the past few weeks to become the ALP’s nominee for Speaker(why Rudd was in Slipper’s electorate last Friday).]
adding that Rudd’s visit coincided with Howard’s visit to Q’s Sunshine Coast, and seemed to have been unanimously regarded by the LNP as Slipper’s deliberate snub to Howard.
Fess,
No, just resigned as Speaker. Oh, To be a fly on Lib HQ wall.
I agree with you, TLM. I think you are on the mark.
[latingle Laura Tingle
no no no he is definitely NOT LEAVING parliament
1 minute ago]
[
latingle Laura Tingle
no no no he is definitely NOT LEAVING parliament
1 minute ago
]
Laura Tingle usually doesn’t make mistakes, but how could Harry be involved in policy if he’s out of parliament?
[latingle Laura Tingle
no no no he is definitely NOT LEAVING parliament]
Resigning from parliament would be wholly at odds with his stated intention to get involved in parliamentary party stuff.
Do you think Tingle is onto something, about him resigning form parlt? Is his seat safe?
2123: As soon as the House is informed by the Governor General that the Speakership is vacant, the House will immediately proceed to a speakership election.
[awelder Andrew Elder
@
@lapuntadelfin One of the worst decisions Malcolm Fraser made was to appoint Snedden as Speaker, he paid for it every sitting day]
[latingle Laura Tingle
no no no he is definitely NOT LEAVING parliament
1 minute ago ]
Even the usually unflappable LT is in a tiz
all because the speaker resigns and goes to the backbench
yawn
[sspencer_63 Stephen Spencer
Nails it. Rt “@TommyTudehope: Slipper .. Can play hard ball with Abbott over preselection to stave off threat of becoming .. Speaker]
Thanks James J
[When does the selection of the new speaker happen?]
madcyril, my guess is after Harry meets the GG and makes it official. Electing a Speaker is the first order of business for a new parliament, but maybe it’s not so urgent when there’s an elected Deputy Speaker.
It could be interesting if there’s a division on something important after Harry sees the GG but before a new Speaker is chosen.
I thought Harry was a good Speaker in impossible circumstances. He had a sense of humour and tried to be fair. Unfortunately, he was unable to discipline recalcitrants because he couldn’t rely on the votes of the indies if he named a dishonourable member.
[
latingle Laura Tingle
A done deal on Peter Slipper getting the speaker’s job? Senior govt figures starting to suggest as much
]
ABC headline
[‘Out of the blue’]
That’s to say ‘we didn’t see it coming’.
This has been very well managed by Labor and if Rudd was involved even better.
[One of the worst decisions Malcolm Fraser made was to appoint Snedden as Speaker, he paid for it every sitting day]
Because Snedden was one of the best, if not the best, Speaker the House has ever had?
I bet the Coalition benches are wishing they had been a little less rowdy with Harry, and a lot nicer to Peter Slipper.
Slipper’s supposedly going to get rolled at preselection in 12 months time, and Abbott is the proxy of Howard, so why would Slipper do any sort of deal with Abbott?
[Slipper’s going to resign from the Liberal Party before he’s pushed out – my prediction.]
Mine is that he won’t resign and, if kicked out, will stand as an Indie in 2013, probably with ALP preferences.
Added to the fact that, though the Fed Libs love Brough, he’s on the nose on the North/ Sunshine Coast and in SEQ generally: despite vacancies, he could not be found a seat in SEQ in 2010 – or South of the Border, if I recall media reports before Brough returned to Q and tried for a SEQ seat.
[CUhlmann Chris Uhlmann
BUT… when the vote on Speaker comes expect Labor to support Liberal Peter Slipper for the job. Slipper has been at war with his own party.]
[@awelder Andrew Elder
@CUhlmann Wrong way around: the guy’s an experienced pollie and the dills running LNP + Abbott’s office underestimated him]
Jenkins in particular has been very weak in regards to the endless points of order from Pyne and others.
Thanks triton
Slipper as speaker and Harry to the back bench – does that increase Labor’s vote x 1?
Now if I were a Murdoch journalist I’d put out a story that Rudd is to retire and Harry ‘s decision is to sure up the Labor vote. Ha ha. I wonder if that’s what will be suggested.