Located in the Darling Downs region of Queensland, Groom is dominated by the city of Toowoomba about 100 kilometres west of Brisbane, which accounts for slightly less than 80% of its population. Toowoomba is near the electorate’s eastern boundary, from which it extends westwards to Jondaryan and Pittsworth and northwards to Goombungee, along with sparsely populared rural areas further afield. The electorate was created with the expansion of parliament in 1984 as the successor to Darling Downs, which had existed since federation. Neither Darling Downs nor Groom has ever been held by Labor.
 |
| Teal and red numbers respectively indicate size of two-party majorities for the LNP and Labor. Click for larger image. Map boundaries courtesy of Ben Raue at The Tally Room. |
Darling Downs was held by the major conservative movement of the time from 1901 until 1936, when Arthur Fadden gained it for the Country Party at a by-election held after the death of United Australia Party member Sir Littleton Groom, who gives the modern electorate its name. When parliament expanded in 1949, Fadden moved to the new seat of McPherson, and an agreement between the coalition parties reserved Darling Downs for the Liberals. It was accordingly won with little difficulty by Liberal candidate Reginald Swartz, who retained it until his retirement in 1972. A three-cornered contest ensued at the 1972 election, in which Country Party candidate Tom McVeigh secured a comfortable victory after outpolling the Liberal candidate by 32.3% to 22.5%. McVeigh carried on as member for Groom after 1984 and retired in February 1988, leading to another three-cornered contest at the ensuing by-election. This time the seat fell to the Liberals, whose candidate Bill Taylor outpolled the Nationals candidate by 33.3% to 28.8%. With Taylor’s retirement in 1998 the seat was bequeathed to its current member, Ian Macfarlane, who polled 33.1% on debut against 18.0% for One Nation and 15.2% for the Nationals. The Nationals again fielded a candidate against Macfarlane in 2001, but gave him little trouble.
Recognisable for a distinctive voice resulting from damage sustained to his larynx following a cancer operation in 2004, Macfarlane served as a minister in the Howard government from January 2001, first in the junior portfolio of small business, then attaining cabinet rank as Industry, Tourism and Resources Minister after the October 2001 election. He attained further seniority in opposition, holding the trade portfolio under Brendan Nelson and energy and resources under Malcolm Turnbull. When Tony Abbott became leader in December 2009 he was moved to infrastructure to make way for Nick Minchin, but he recovered energy and resources when Minchin retired from the front-bench the following March. With the election of the Abbott government he was allocated to an expanded industry portfolio that incorporated responsibility for mining and science, the lack of a dedicated portfolio for the latter inspiring some controversy.
[Speaking of Paul Bongiorno, this tweet from him last night was a beauty
“Is it only me or is@TonyAbbottMHR looking like a general in search of a war?” ]
Hartcher appears to have decided that Abbott is leading the charge against the dreaded terrorists and the nasty Russians.
Q. Why should we be worried?
A. When the counter-sanctions kick in, and the terror alerts start, perhaps only then will be be able to understand the cost of a few cheap headlines in the Daily Telegraph, a blip in the polls and a loving Hartcher article.
P.S. to #51…
Hartcher tells us that Russia cancelling $400 million worth of agricultural imports from Australia is no biggy, because the govenment is helping the farmers under pressure to “find other markets”.
That’s it, no more than that… “find other markets”.
Gee, I bet they’re relieved the government that let GMH go is on their side.
If only “finding other markets” was that easy.
[Is it only me or is@TonyAbbottMHR looking like a general in search of a war?]
Maybe those forts built around Australia in the 19th century to counter the Russian threat will finally prove their worth…
BB
it’s like finding jobs, if you try hard enough they’re there…failure to find other markets will, of course, simply prove the government isn’t trying.
Bushfire Bill
One result of the sanctions has been a move by Russia to look to the BRICS when it comes to food imports. Brazil is replacing US chicken imports and several other Sth American countries are preparing to export more food to Russia. Also just announced was that China has cleared the way for it too to move asap as another source of replacement imports. Would not be surprised if that is a permanent move and we have lost the markets for good.
Meanwhile in Europe the squealing of farmers is growing. Hungary the latest to join in.
BK –
[ Michelle Grattan pulls Hockey’s “apology” apart. And then carries on with some advice for Abbott. The last sentence is a cracker!
https://theconversation.com/the-strange-tale-of-joe-hockeys-encounter-with-a-lady-at-the-lights-at-cammeray-30573 ]
Road to Damascus stuff coming from grattan….
[…Abbott might as well have declared “Joe is so stupid”.
…Mind you, so many in this government are making big mistakes that if they owned up to them all they’d need an official confession box.
…well, there would have to be quite a few {ministerial } demotions if performance were the yardstick.
…Abbott himself has had a strange week, looking like a commander-in-chief in search of a military role for the nation.
…Abbott will be on the Pollie Pedal, a familiar and comforting excursion. He gives the impression of a leader for whom the core task of governing and delivering has become very hard. ]
Grattans readers were telling her for years she was backing the wrong mob in all those articles being an apologist for the tories. Like her repeated insistence that they didn’t need to spell out and cost their policies well before the election.
Mind you next time there will be utter insistence Labor do so – well well out from the election.
Latham goes the squirrel on Chris Kenny and his hapless sidekick Troy Bramston
[For News Corp, Research-gate is an exploding cigar. Bramston has outed himself as breathtakingly treacherous: lagging in one of his workmates, but then, 16 months later, trying to damage me. Meanwhile, Kenny has been condemned from within his own organisation as a shyster, an arrogant neo-conservative who avoids the proper ethical requirements of journalism.
That’s now the biggest issue for me: how does Kenny turn up to work each day. Last year, his son Liam condemned him as “an unrelenting apologist for the Liberal Party”, who participates in “bully campaigns”. Bramston has confirmed this assessment, criticising his colleague as highly unethical. If his own son and a fellow columnist don’t trust Kenny’s articles, why should any of his readers?
Last month, I raised with Bramston the absurdity of him working on the bucket job, given that the chain of events had started with him. Unbelievably, Troy said he had no memory of our Sky conversation.
Fearful of ramifications inside News Corp and the likelihood of losing his job, Bramston has told Kenny that he didn’t tip me off about the conflict of interest. This is a bald-faced lie. When in a hole, poor little Troy would be well advised to stop digging.]
http://www.afr.com/Page/Uuid/eb976f44-21ee-11e4-8478-96786c9d6792
[Try saying just one of those things about the Greens, and see what happens.]
Anytime one is a bit bored, or had a glass too many that is a perfect way to waste three hours.
In a way the greens are political fundamentalists and poking fundies is always fun.
Ausdavo @3: that’s a meme that needs much wider circulation.
[ Watching Abbott’s forthright performance, Obama remarked to aides: “We need a few more Tony Abbotts in the world,” according to US officials. ]
They are very welcome to take this one – gratis.
It won’t be long before they realise why we so readily want to be rid of him…
I know this sounds pathetic, but I do miss Mike Carlton’s Saturday column.
Curious –
[ Did Ukraine Attack Its Own Tanks? White House “Can’t Confirm Russian Convoy Was Destroyed By Kiev” ]
http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2014-08-15/did-ukraine-attack-its-own-tanks-white-house-cant-confirm-russian-convoy-was-destroy
Take note of the sponsors name on the front of their tops when you discuss the $20billion medical research fund Abbott is setting up
BB:
Not pathetic. I feel the same way.
I keep hoping he’ll pop up in the Saturday Paper soon.
[Strange women at traffic lights distributing wisdom is no basis for a system of government. 😉 ]
I’ll pay that one. 🙂
[EDITORIAL
Witch-hunts do not good democracy make.
The unseemly behaviour of a cabal of the Baird government, the Shooters and Fishers Party, media heavies and business interests in trying to drive Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore out of office does no credit to any of the agitators.
The fact they are campaigning as Liberal-linked MPs and councils are being grilled over bribes from developers raises doubts: are the motives of the anti-Clover cabal democratic, aimed at distraction or just personally vindictive?
The plans to give businesses more voting rights in councils beyond Sydney also threatens to expose the Baird government to a campaign against greater developer power at the March election.
Then there’s the likely backlash over the added costs to ratepayers as well as extra red tape and fines for business, should the agitators get their way.
In short, those who might otherwise back the anti-Clover cabal and the associated bill the Shooters introduced to Parliament this week should be careful what they wish for.]
http://m.smh.com.au/comment/smh-editorial/the-anticlover-cabal-baird-must-back-off-or-pay-price-20140815-104dxe.html
Some skeptics, it seems, seem to be selective about what they choose to be skeptical about.
So the ‘Ice Age Cometh’ was a genuine concern in the 1970s, driven in part by a view that wider industrialisation would increase atmospheric pollution that would cut incoming solar radiation and cool the Earth. This was coupled with talk of the influence of solar cycles. A couple of harsh Winters in North America probably gave it some oxygen.
However, serious scientists soon decided there was nothing to see there, while it soon emerged that the ozone hole and increasing CO2 concentrations were likely to be matters of real concern.
It’s not just climate. Kevin Andrews, being a far right nut-job and a member if the Abbott Government (but I repeat myself), probably doesn’t believe in global warming, but he’s happy to embrace fringe medical science when it supports his religious beliefs.
Comment underneath Grattan’s piece caught my eye
[This gaffe by Hockey could be critical for the Coalition.
Political fortunes ride on the emotions of the swinging voter, and swinging voters are strongly influenced by hip pocket issues, and their perceptions of what’s fair or not. Issues like climate change, 18c and erroneous linkage of abortion and breast cancer are less important to them, while this issue will resonate.
Hockey’s gaffe has different perceptions even to the $8 co-payment, changes to the dole or child tax benefits, because it doesn’t even have the fig leaf of economic justification. It is demonstrably wrong, and portrays ignorance and a special brand of dismissive contempt.
And Abbott’s problem is that he can’t get rid of Hockey.
Truly a ‘Hewson Cake’ moment.]
Thanks to BK @ 10 I have read his link to Swan’s book.
I think Swan should be the next to resign. His criticisms of Rudd lack any proof and substance of Rudd’s SUPPOSED incompetence.
Oh, Rudd chucked a mental, broke a pen and spilt ink all over the décor…LOL
Swan, pal, you are REAL lucky to get away with your own incompetence with the original mining tax and then guaranteeing to bring the budget back to surplus.
Swan should never have let his hang ups with Rudd damage the party which squandered a massive lead when the Monkey became leader of the Libs.
What a reminder? Labor Party to always unite or get nicked!
victoria
Its downhill from here. When parliament sits again the question will be who gets more media Mr Palmer or Mr Abbott.
What is certain is that positive press for the government will be very scarce indeed.
Exactly how stupid Hockey has been will be shown when the Senate blocks the excise increase.
Centre
You mean like Rudd should have when he was dumped as Leader back in 2010?
Remember, labor were booted out cos of their internal dysfunction. The coalition were not voted in cos of their perceived brilliance
guytaur
Abbott will continue to distract with the jihadist meme and go looking for a war to get into. Your reminder of the prediction by Boerwar has already come to fruition.
If anyone can stuff it up for themselves, Labor is more than capable.
It aint over yet sadly
victoria
Thats the media attention I was thinking of. Its a bit harder to do action man in parliament though.
The Press Gallery has woken up now and will mention such things, but only in association on how action man cannot pass bills through parliament.
Months of this is killing the government and truly setting the dynamics for a one term.
Maybe those forts built around Australia in the 19th century to counter the Russian threat will finally prove their worth…
Well, Fort Denison was built in Sydney Harbour during the Crimean War to keep the Russians out. So far it’s worked – in over 150 years they never attacked. However, maybe it’s time for Tony to beef up the garrison.
[I keep hoping he’ll pop up in the Saturday Paper soon.}
Why? I reckon there is very, very little chance of Mike Carlton turning in the Saturday Paper. Maybe the Guardian might want take him on (though there is no sign of this), and I understabd he is actually taking a break for a while.
The Saturday Paper has published very little about Israel/Palestine. In my opinion there is no need for them to. Its a weekly Australian current affairs paper, and the issue is way over-represented in the Australian media generally. I also suspect they are deliberately keeping a low profile on the issue anyway, as many of the potential writers and the publisher would hold different views, so best to say nothing. I think the article below overstates the case, but its worth noting. “Shamefully silent” is hyperventilating, what could they add when every other newspaper, blog, TV station etc, offers us news & views on the topic? You can’t get away from both pro-Palestine & pro-Israel arguments if you are an Australian news junkie.
https://overland.org.au/2014/08/palestine-and-the-saturday-paper/
No Victoria.
Rudd should NEVER as a democratically elected PM have been removed as leader – let alone resign from parliament.
If there is ever any leadership turmoil in the Labor Party again…you watch me switch sides!
dave
[Curious ]
I’m inclined to believe the Gaurdian and UK Tele reporting rather than the Kremlin.
I’ll be the next real Mod Lib 😀
*catch later
[Why?]
Because I actually enjoyed reading 9 out of every 10 of his weekly articles. I felt he had something to contribute to the political commentary, and I still do. He’s not a good fit for News, even if he wanted to work in Rupesville, and as you said, the Guardian aren’t showing any interest.
Steve
[So far it’s worked – in over 150 years they never attacked. ]
Good point.
I will also remind readers here that Howard’s fridge magnets are still staving off terrorist attacks.
confessions
Maybe Carlton will return to radio. If he does not retire.
Centre @
[I think Swan should be the next to resign. His criticisms of Rudd lack any proof and substance of Rudd’s SUPPOSED incompetence.
Oh, Rudd chucked a mental, broke a pen and spilt ink all over the décor…LOL]
I am with you – I wouldn’t trust Swan as far as I could kick him.
There is something about the man that doesn’t ring true to me and never has. I think he is a very weak face and is an opportunist.
I have never warmed to Swan and never will there is something about the man that spells ego writ large.
guytaur:
Maybe. Guess we’ll see what happens.
[I have never warmed to Swan and never will there is something about the man that spells ego writ large.]
Given the incompetence of the current Treasurer, I’d say there’s every reason for Swan to be feeling a little smug about his time in the job.
CTar
[ I’m inclined to believe the Gaurdian and UK Tele reporting rather than the Kremlin. ]
Hard to imagine Putin doing nothing if its his tanks destroyed.
Kiev ?
mtbw
[I am with you – I wouldn’t trust Swan as far as I could kick him.
There is something about the man that doesn’t ring true to me and never has. I think he is a very weak face and is an opportunist.
I have never warmed to Swan and never will there is something about the man that spells ego writ large.]
Yet you are incapable of seeing precisely that in Rudd
I am in full accord with Boerwar with his stated position.
[we have got rid of one rotten apple; one to go]
Tweet from Bernard Keane
[So wages rose 2.6% in 2013-14, while CPI rose 3%. In the period Mar 13-Mar 14, company profits rose 10.9%. But let’s slash penalty rates!]
@Victoria/88
Yup.
2.6% vs 10.9% is like a 4:1 ratio in terms of profit vs wages.
[mtbw
I am with you – I wouldn’t trust Swan as far as I could kick him.
There is something about the man that doesn’t ring true to me and never has. I think he is a very weak face and is an opportunist.
I have never warmed to Swan and never will there is something about the man that spells ego writ large.
Yet you are incapable of seeing precisely that in Rudd]
I don’t see it in either of them. There is an institutional labor cowardice that to some extent they both exhibited but no more so than any of the current crowd. The Federal caucus has to be close to this countries worst decision body. So many smart people so many ‘latham’ moments, I like to assume that idiots like Howes contribute more to the stupidity than the people in the room.
Maybe Carlton will return to radio…
That would be great. Last time I listened to commercial talk radio was when he did Breakfast on 2GB and later Drive Time on 2GB or 2UE (when I’d catch him driving home from work).
I don’t expect that he and 2GB would have each other again. 2GB is now toxic, even by far right standards.
MTBW
No, I wouldn’t say you are with me. I have given my reasons for my displeasure with Swan, they are world’s apart from your personal animosities with him.
Really, both the Gillardista’s and Ruddites are both nut cases 😯
vic
To each his own!
I loved that Swan spent all of Question time looking at his Ipad.
Boerwar is entitled to his position as I am to mine and I just do not like the man.
Mtbw
I am stating that my position is exactly as Boerwar has put it.
We are rid of Rudd. Now we need to get rid of Abbott
You know, the Labor Party should have been flying high!
We had Rudd steering Australia away from the near certainty (as predicted by the mighty Chris Richardson) recession and 8% unemployment we were to experience with the GFC, Swan was awarded world’s best finance minister, and the EXTREMELY popular Julia Gillard waiting in the wings.
What a shame!
Now we have this
dave
[Hard to imagine Putin doing nothing if its his tanks destroyed.]
He’s in a position where any response, other than denial, will just confirm that the Aid Convey was just a planned distraction while they tried an end run around the outside with a column of armored vehicles.
In this case I think it’s called ‘caught’.
Btw has Abbott gone on the pollie pedal after all?
MTBW
[I loved that Swan spent all of Question time looking at his Ipad.]
Definitely ‘Guilty’ then.
FFS.
Some blindness around.
It’s official.
Maurice Newman is dumber than a cod.
Cod have moved north 300 miles in response to warming seas around Britain. Of Britain’s five favourite marine table fish, four out of five have left British waters entirely. A fifth is now only found in northern Scottish waters.
British fishers are left with catching warm water table fish that Britishers don’t like. So the British catch is exported and the more expensive traditional fish such as cod are being imported.
Results: fishers are poorer, table fish in Britain are more expensive, the marine ecology of Britain is being tipped on its arse, the British BOP is weakened a tad, and more CO2 is being emitted as table fish are transported further in both directions.
Meanwhile mackerel have moved further north into Icelandic waters as well. The sustainability of the mackerel population was substantially maintained by agreement between Britain and Norway. But now Icelandic fisherpersons are mowing them down.
So the Cod War has morphed into the Mackerel War.
Maurice is dumber than a cod.
Bw
[Maurice is dumber than a cod.]
A Codpiece ?