The Guardian reports this week’s Essential Research fortnight rolling average result has Labor’s two-party lead steady at 54-46, with primary votes to follow later today (UPDATE: everybody steady, with Coalition on 36%, Labor 38%, Greens 10% and One Nation 7%). Nonetheless, Malcolm Turnbull records an encouraging result from Essential’s monthly leadership ratings, which have him up four on approval to 42% and down three on disapproval to 43% (UPDATE: Actually, he’s only up one point). Bill Shorten is at 37% and 47%, which compares with 36% and 47% a month ago (although The Guardian report says he is down three on disapproval – either this is wrong, or his disapproval rating is really 44%) (UPDATE: It’s the latter). Turnbull’s lead as preferred prime minister is 42-28, little changed from last month’s 43-29.
The poll also finds 55% consider war between the United States and North Korea very or somewhat likely, versus 36% for somewhat or very unlikely. Asked to rate various potential concerns to personal safety, the order of concern ran terrorism, car accidents, nuclear warfare, catastrophic climate change, natural disasters, gang violence and family violence (of which you can make what you will). Also featured was a question on which major party best represents various interests, which produced familiar results.
UPDATE: Full report here.
Google uncovered Russia-backed ads on YouTube, Gmail
By Reuters on Mon, Oct 9th, 2017 at 9:41 am
Google has discovered that Russian operatives spent tens of thousands of dollars on ads on YouTube, Gmail, Google search and other products, The Washington Post reported on Monday.
The ads do not appear to be from the same Kremlin-affiliated entity that bought ads on Facebook Inc, which may indicate a broader Russian online disinformation effort, the paper reported. Google runs the world’s largest online advertising business and YouTube is the world’s largest online video site.
Google, owned by Alphabet Inc, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the story.
Google has downplayed the possibility of Russian influence on its platforms, but launched a probe into the matter, according to the Post. Both Twitter Inc and Facebook have said that Russia bought ads and had accounts on their platforms.
http://www.politicususa.com/2017/10/09/google-uncovered-russia-backed-ads-youtube-gmail.html
Morning Joe: Trump ‘so out of it’ he doesn’t understand how close he is to impeachment
MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough warned President Donald Trump may be “sealing his own fate” by attacking Republican senators who can not only derail his legislative agenda, but also remove him from office.
The “Morning Joe” host walked through the president’s angry tweets against Sen. Bob Corker, pointing out each of the lies he found, and said the Tennessee Republican’s response showed he was ready to fight Trump.
“If impeachment does come up, I wouldn’t be surprised if Bob Corker and John McCain and Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski and Jeff Flake and all these Republicans that he’s going after, if he’s, again, not sealing his own fate and, hopefully, there’s one or two Republicans out there that I haven’t mentioned who said, you know what, this is just too dangerous for our country. I really don’t think this man is stable and I do not think he’s fit, and I think we need to start talking about other alternatives. All that unleashed by Donald Trump.”
https://www.rawstory.com/2017/10/morning-joe-trump-so-out-of-it-he-doesnt-understand-how-close-he-is-to-impeachment/
Trump has an elaborate routine he uses to hide his double chin during photographs: new book
President Donald Trump notoriously hates having his double chin shown during photographs, and a new book claims that he goes out of his way to avoid showing his chin in pictures.
The Washington Examiner notes that a new book — called Ultimate Insiders, White House Photographers and How They Shape History — details how Trump prevents photographers from snapping pictures of him in ways that expose the flabby area around his neck.
Specifically, author Kenneth Walsh writes that Trump choreographs “his appearances as much as possible to minimize photos of him from the front at a low angle or from the sides, because he thought his double chin became too obvious.”
https://www.rawstory.com/2017/10/trump-has-an-elaborate-routine-he-uses-to-hide-his-double-chin-during-photographs-new-book/
Melania issues statement insisting she’s not jealous of ‘attention-seeking and self-serving’ Ivana Trump
First Lady Melania Trump put out a statement on Monday to knock down the suggestion that she was jealous over President Donald Trump’s ex-wife Ivana.
In an interview with CBS News that aired over the weekend, Ivana Trump revealed that she had a direct line to the president but she said she declined to use it to avoid making Melania Trump jealous. Trump’s ex-wife went on to call herself the “first Lady” in an interview on ABC News.
The claim seemed to get under the first lady’s skin, and her office issued a statement on Monday calling Ivana Trump’s remarks “attention-seeking and self-serving noise.”
https://www.rawstory.com/2017/10/melania-issues-statement-insisting-shes-not-jealous-of-attention-seeking-and-self-serving-ivana-trump/
For some foreign diplomats, the Trump White House is a troubling enigma
After nearly nine months of the Trump administration, many of America’s closest allies have concluded a hoped-for “learning curve” they believed would make President Trump a reliable partner is not going to happen.
“The idea that he would inform himself, and things would change, that is no longer operative,” said a top diplomat here.
Instead, they see an administration in which lines of authority and decision-making are unclear, where tweets become policy, and hard-won international accords on trade and climate are discarded. The result has been a special kind of challenge for those whose jobs is to advocate here for their countries and explain the president and his unconventional ways at home.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/for-some-foreign-diplomats-the-trump-white-house-is-a-troubling-enigma/2017/10/09/50323152-a534-11e7-ade1-76d061d56efa_story.html?utm_term=.3138a211ee5a
Good morning Dawn Patrollers.
Peter Martin provides some perspective on the GST sharing issue.
http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-opinion/gst-system-unfair-but-it-does-us-little-damage-productivity-commission-20171008-gywvfb.html
Greg Jericho sums it up by saying all Morrison has to do is to sell a GST cut to every state bar one! As usual it’s full of good data.
https://www.theguardian.com/business/grogonomics/2017/oct/10/scott-morrisons-next-trick-selling-a-gst-revenue-cut-to-every-state-bar-one
Paul Bongiorno writes “The Turnbull government is holding its collective breath as its majority in the Parliament is determined by the High Court this week. But that’s just one of the dangerous issues facing the Coalition before the end of the year.” The political time bomb ticks closer for Turnbull he says.
http://thenewdaily.com.au/news/national/2017/10/09/political-time-bomb-malcolm-turnbull/
Peter Hartcher examines the motives behind the likely appointment of Admiral Harry Harris as US Ambassador to Australia.
http://www.smh.com.au/comment/the-china-hawk-most-likely-to-be-trumps-man-in-australia-20171009-gyx1ei.html
Gladys Berejiklian’s government has passed the least bills of any new NSW premiers in three decades, a new analysis of records shows. She’s going to have to have to lift her game one would think.
http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/gladys-berejiklian-so-far-slimmest-legislative-record-of-any-rookie-premier-in-decades-20171006-gyw57l.html
George Williams has a final look at the government’s submission to the High Court on the citizenship issue.
http://www.smh.com.au/comment/george-brandis-submission-to-high-court-in-mp-citizenship-case-is-a-stretch-20171008-gywv45.html
The man behind Australia’s biggest ever home loan swindle has been sentenced to five years in prison for running the scheme that cooked up $170 million in fraudulent loan applications. Animal!
http://www.smh.com.au/business/banking-and-finance/jail-time-for-man-behind-australias-biggest-home-loan-swindle-20171009-gyx35s.html
George Christenson has gone troppo over the 4 Corners Adani program.
http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/george-christensen-is-second-mp-to-use-taxpayer-funds-to-attack-abc-20171009-gyx9u7.html
Adam Gartrell has issued a guide to the HC hearing.
http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/the-citizenship-seven-get-their-day-in-court-your-guide-to-the-hearings-20171009-gyx1h4.html
A leading advocate for children with disabilities has accused the NSW government of failing to properly investigate allegations of child abuse.
http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/government-investigates-246-reports-of-abuse-of-disabled-children-in-nsw-schools-20171009-gyxatt.html
Section 2 . . .
Here’s a good analysis of the current flu season.
http://www.smh.com.au/national/health/how-the-flu-kills-what-happens-when-a-person-dies-with-influenza-20171005-gyv9r1.html
The NSW government will move to weaken laws protecting Sydney’s water catchment to circumvent a court’s ruling that threatened fuel supplies to the state’s newest coal-fired power station. Nice!
http://www.smh.com.au/environment/nsw-bids-to-skirt-courts-coal-mine-ruling-by-weakening-laws-protecting-sydneys-water-20171008-gywt0o.html
A day in the life of an abortion nurse. well worth reading for the sake of perspective.
http://www.smh.com.au/national/health/a-day-in-the-life-of-an-abortion-nurse-20170922-gyn9f5.html
In a speech to the International Bar Association George Brandis has delivered a sharp rebuke to Dutton, and reminded government ministers of the need to respect the rule of law and authority of the courts. He delivered a full-throated defence of the rule of law and the legal profession. George is an enigma at times.
http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/george-brandis-slaps-down-peter-dutton-over-unaustralian-lawyers-attack-20171008-gywvcv.html
Jenna Price tells us what Australia should learn from the Harvey Weinstein sexual harassment case.
http://www.smh.com.au/comment/sexual-harassment-what-australia-should-learn-from-harvey-weinstein-20171008-gywtky.html
Elizabeth Knight discusses the class action suit on the CBA and who’s in the firing line. The bank has said it will vigorously defend the case.
http://www.smh.com.au/business/banking-and-finance/whos-who-in-firing-line-in-cba-class-action-20171009-gyx69t.html
On energy policy Laura Tingle wonders if this government knows what it’s doing. Google.
/news/vale-the-plan-all-await-the-cunning-plan-20171009-gyx6fv
Alan Finkel has made a last-ditch plea to save the proposed clean energy target, even as the Turnbull government signalled it will reject the proposal by the end of the year. The way things are going he’ll get the boot!
http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/chief-scientist-alan-finkel-makes-last-ditch-plea-for-clean-energy-target-20171008-gyww1o.html
Nicole Hasham sums up Finkel’s position with “The patient’s vital signs are not good. Power prices are high, and emissions haemorrhaging. Reliability and security of supply are in doubt. We need a treatment plan, and fast.”
http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-opinion/expert-views-make-way-for-political-expediency-in-climate-debate-20171009-gyx1ec.html
Phil Coorey says that Australia risks more energy policy paralysis and another election fought on climate change after the government signalled it was stepping away from a clean energy target, setting the scene for a new fight with Labor. It will be a Climate War election. Google.
/news/energy-chiefs-urge-the-government-to-stick-with-the-clean-energy-target-20171008-gywsvu
Section 3 . . .
Abbott has doubled down on his scepticism of climate change science, reigniting a decade-old debate in a major speech in London after the Turnbull government moved yesterday to rule out proceeding with a clean ¬energy target proposed by Chief Scientist Alan Finkel. In years to come the history books will not put Abbott in a good light. Google.
/national-affairs/climate/tony-abbott-calls-for-climate-pushback-as-cet-goes-cold/news-story/6568708f050e62c8d33b2190b7e7fbd7
How hate seeps in and damages us all. The Hanson effect.
https://theconversation.com/the-hanson-effect-how-hate-seeps-in-and-damages-us-all-85314
The Turnbull Government, with the eager support of the state premiers, is marching us towards becoming a police state, writes Dr Binoy Kampmark.
https://independentaustralia.net/politics/politics-display/gaoling-children-australias-latest-anti-terrorist-solution,10802
John Pilger writes about the rise of “new politics” in Great Britain.
https://newmatilda.com/2017/10/10/the-rise-of-britains-new-politics/
Domino’s Pizza says it has returned $5.4 million in underpaid wages and superannuation to its employees over the past four years under a national audit of its stores that is due to wrap up in December.
http://www.smh.com.au/business/workplace-relations/dominos-delivers-54m-to-underpaid-staff-20171009-gyxen8.html
Religious institutions and free-speech advocates have condemned a bid by the Northern Territory government to “modernise” anti-discrimination laws, describing proposed changes as a significant threat to religious freedom. The Australian continues its tub thumping. Google.
/news/nation/churches-schools-fear-antidiscrimination-changes/news-story/420a5cc35ad0cc2fcba0d4902120a25d
The Age has asked Dr Brian Owler what how the proposed Victorian assisted dying legislation would treat six hypothetical cases. The dementia example is a difficult one.
http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/would-these-people-get-help-to-die-under-victorias-proposed-euthanasia-laws-20171007-gywcrb.html
This article goes to the dynamics of change when it comes to population growth and living in Sydney.
http://www.smh.com.au/comment/why-sydney-cant-pull-up-the-drawbridge-20171009-gyx1no.html
The SMH editorial says that Sydney isn’t full, it just feels that way.
http://www.smh.com.au/comment/smh-editorial/sydney-full-no–it-just-feels-that-way-20171009-gyx91f.html
Victorian independent schools have been accused of “gaming the system” to almost double their federal funding for students with a disability. This really peeves me off!
http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/private-schools-accused-of-gaming-the-system-to-double-disability-funding-20171009-gyxar2.html
Poor Clive Palmer cops another adverse court decision. Google.
/news/nation/clive-palmer-loses-court-fight-ordered-to-pay-us176m/news-story/cc1292d58de4c70dec118368f9c8a36b
According to John Passant Nick Xenophon is a self-interested show pony, who may win votes in South Australia but will never fix anything.
https://independentaustralia.net/politics/politics-display/the-froth-and-bubble-that-is-nick-xenophon,10801
Sorry folks but William pipped me at the post again. The cartoon section won’t copy over the links so you’ll have to go over the road to see them.
https://pbxmastragics.com/2017/09/22/spring-has-sprung/comment-page-28/#comment-280173
Matt Canavan talks fast and has the habit, common to some politicians, of starting a new sentence without a breath, so that it is difficult to answer or interrupt him. OTOH he has no manners and talks over other speakers. This leads eventually to a shouting match.
Speaking of Urban Wronski, he mostly nails it in this article:
https://urbanwronski.com/2017/10/08/turnbulls-new-security-suite-puts-all-of-us-at-risk/
What a fraud is Dear Leader.
It’s hard to post this rubbish by Abbott.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/oct/10/tony-abbott-says-climate-change-is-probably-doing-good?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
Mat Canavan has the manners of a pig, which is probably unfair to all the pigs out there.
adrian
Pigs are very intelligent and can show emotion by crying tears. See the diff??
Unlike Abbott and his ilk who are like people who kill goats to sacrifice to the Great God Coal.
…and bushfires and floods replenish the soil. It’s all good, folks.
lizzie Tuesday, October 10th, 2017 – 7:20 am Comment #13
Many M-E men, Indians and Scotty Morrison also do this.
Bk – The Kudelka cartoon and the one by Golding on GST with Scotty Morrison throwing chips to seagulls are worth the extra clicks .
CTar1
Conclusion: Canavan never listens to anyone’s opinion but his own. What a narrow view of the world.
“…Scotty Morrison also do this.” (Starting a new sentence without a breath)
It’s like playing the didgeridoo, where the player breaths in through his nose while simultaneously blowing to play the instrument. Scott Morrison has managed a similar trick while talking.
Morning all
Thank you BK and Phoenix for today’s reports.
The dual citizenship saga will be interesting to see how it all plays out
Malcolm had better start on-shoring some money, because even the business community (except for the multis who support the BCA) will shut their wallets. His only plan at the next election will be to charge desperately … into the past. Doesn’t he realise they only won the last election because he fooled enough boobs into thinking he was the future. It’s shaping up as a massacre.
zoomster @ #19 Tuesday, October 10th, 2017 – 7:37 am
And with all the hallmarks of a lack of adult thinking and pursuit of truth through enquiry and evidence, he trumpets that the pictures from the 1800s of Manly beach, where Abbott’s world begins and ends, demonstrate no rise in sea levels. Tell that to the Pacific Islanders.
It’s what you’d expect from a boxer I guess, from someone whose sport is to hit people till the can’t stand up anymore, or worse.
lizzie
And if he’s forced to his petulanceis put on full display followed by a gigantic tantrum.
On the John Pilger article that BK linked – I reckon that dtt and swamprat would find stuff to agree with.
For instance –
https://newmatilda.com/2017/10/10/the-rise-of-britains-new-politics/
With Pilgers’ writings there’s almost always a conspiracy, the major party in any democratic country which is to the left of centre is never left enough and the minor parties even further left are generally ‘crap’ as well.
No wonder that Trump & Spence are moving rapidly to fill all the court vacancies they can with judges who think like they do:
These are vacancies that Obama could not fill because of Republican’s blocking the appointments.
https://thinkprogress.org/courts-climate-change-costs/
Thanks Mr. BK for your roundups.
I profess to being only mildly depressed (Canavan & Co) although being of an optimistic nature I am looking forward to a day without incoherent, self contradicting, humourless twaddle in support of something, or possibly nothing.
This last because I have spent considerable time with my patented headlight aglow and mini screwdrivers at the ready repairing my favourite extra grouse, yew beaut mouse with patented ready for all eventualities scroll wheel mouse.
Having to fall back on my secondary support mouse I blocked a couple of posters for the nonce.
Now, however, No 1 mouse at the ready everybody unblocked we are ready for the day.
Time for me to prepare a weeks daily rations of prescription pills and then fresh coffee.
Oh ❗ Good morning all. 😍
I seriously wonder if TA has a number of brain lesions as a consequence of his boxing days at Oxford. An MRI scan is indicated.
It could be all those raw onions he ate of course.
Gareth Hutchens @grhutchens 2m2 minutes ago
If you have time, compare the Guardian’s coverage of Abbott’s speech (http://bit.ly/2g7mQbj ) to The Australian’s (http://bit.ly/2ybnhr0 )
I want Abbott to stay in the Liberal Party Tent and the Member for Warringah as long as he likes. He is Federal Labors most valuable item. He is Priceless.
booleanbach
It angers me that one man can do so much damage. OK, he has ‘disciples’, but he’s the central immutavle object for them to look up to.
And Turnbull must take part of the blame for being unable to squash him.
More Corruption:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-10-09/defence-admits-delay-in-informing-residents-of-contamination/9027706
Kay Jay
your morning coffee is a good tonic to prepare for all eventualities. 😀
Guardian AustraliaVerified account @GuardianAus 13h13 hours ago
‘Green Left ABC’: George Christensen takes out ad attacking Adani story
my angst has reduced over the past few days, I realise why. I haven’t seen one of those stupid marriage coalition ads for a while now. Thank goodness. They were making me so aggro!L
I’ve been looking at the pics of the seven MPs with clouds over them, and wondering whose absence would serve Australia best.
Canavan and Roberts – best gone.
Barnaby the Gina fan – out.
Nash & Xenophon – not sure.
Waters & Ludlam – pity.
ab11
The libs have some problems with donations at the moment.
The BCA’s Jennifer Westacott has taken issue with a number of the Coalitions policies over the last 6 months so the wallets of some member companies might not be opened as much as they were in the past.
The Mining Council’s members seem to be splitting as well with BHP-Billiton unhappy about the CET not being on the agenda while Gina and Twiggy are sticking with the Coalition.
Thanks BK.
The same can be said of this coalition govt in general. They’ve done nothing to advance the country’s intersts one bit in the 4+ years they’ve been in govt.
KayJay
I think I can guess who!
victoria @ #39 Tuesday, October 10th, 2017 – 8:40 am
Don’t hold you breath victoria. Sydney anglicans have just put 1 Mill into the No campaign.
And anyway, what else could these self-appointed guardians of the utterances of Big Daddy Sky Spook possibly do with a million dollars.
http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/anglican-diocese-of-sydney-donates-1-million-to-oppose-samesex-marriage-20171009-gyxj6p.html
lizzie
Almost everybody wants Roberts ‘gone’.
Dutton might have a paddy wagon waiting outside the HC in case Roberts is found not to be an Australian citizen either.
victoria:
I was feeling good yesterday because of news out of Washington that senior Republicans are finally starting to speak out against Trump.
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/09/us/politics/corkers-blast-at-trump-has-other-republicans-nodding-in-agreement.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=first-column-region®ion=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=0
CTar1
Perhaps Roberts and Abbott could form a new religion and disappear into the hills together. 😉
Abbott’s demented utterances are certainly damaging to Turnbull and the Liberals’ chances at the next election.
Keep up the good work, for Australia’s sake!
Good Morning
Victoria
Its tough. However its darkest before the dawn. This is the last roar of the haters.
We know that ME is coming and the only question is when. However what has happened is that out of the pain and frustration we are going to get a better society as the haters prove they don’t have the backing they claim to have.
This is a long term win to come out of the pain for LGBTI people.
Be glad you are on the right side of history and that these dinosaurs are being recognised for what they are.
With any luck the bashings and the suicides are going to be less as the homophobia is being called out and people recognise this and the ok from society is taken away even implicitly.
lizzie
Scotty could repent and join them!