As reported by The Guardian, the latest fortnightly Essential Research poll brings no change on two-party preferred, with Labor maintaining its 53-47 lead. As always, primary votes will be with us later today. The poll also contains a suite of findings on immigration, which concur with Newspoll in finding the existing level is perceived as too high. Sixty-four per cent rated there had been too much immigration over the past decade, compared with 50% when the question was last asked in October 2016, and 54% considered the rate of population growth too fast, up from 45% in 2013. Forty-seven per cent wanted fewer short-term working visas, which 63% believed undermined the capacity of Australians to find work, and 62% agreed with the proposition that immigration should be wound back until the necessary infrastructure is in place. Nonetheless, 55% supported the proposition that “multiculturalism and cultural diversity has enriched the social and economic lives of all Australians”, and 61% felt immigration had made a positive contribution overall.
UPDATE: Full report here. Coalition down one to 37%, Labor down one to 36%, Greens up one to 11%, One Nation up one to 8%.
Pauline Hanson who tried to get JLG Mayor of Launceston knocked out as servant of the Crown and lost in High Court unanimously, has apparently sent an email to all Councils around Australia suggesting the members apply to be PHON candidates. I guess she will find a few mug takers – needs to explain that it will be an expensive jaunt in more ways than one.
Desert Qlder,
Thanks for that.
All is good. Life has a tendency from time to time to give you a slap when you think you are on top of it all.
Budget time is near and there is already so much for labor to work with from Turnbull and Morrison.
Cheers and a good night to you.
don @ #750 Wednesday, April 25th, 2018 – 5:28 pm
There are definitely legitimate uses for a VPN, however for the purposes of what Confessions wanted there’s no point in using one.
‘I haven’t heard one word about how the Business Tax cuts will be “funded.”’
They’ll be funded by PAYG taxpayers, the unemployed, pensioners and bigger out of pocket expenses in health and education services. And, if you recall the discussion from early 2016, an increased GST if they can get it throug.
This year budget will win the next election for our great LNP and we should all rejoice that the LNP are back on track to stay in government till 2022 and the ALP will never run our beautiful country again as all they do is put us into debt…..
Wayne @ #805 Wednesday, April 25th, 2018 – 8:09 pm
And, how much has the debt increased by under the current Government?
Also, when did they say we would be back in surplus once they took office? 🙂
I’m wondering … that now YouGov bought Galaxy, nad YouGov had such a dicey methodology when they first turned up in OZ … did they perhaps change Newspoll’s methodology to be more like the old YouGov way of doing things?
jenauthor @ #807 Wednesday, April 25th, 2018 – 8:35 pm
That certainly could be part of it.
They wouldn’t have had the raw data when they started so buying the different pollsters gives them that, especially Newspoll.
The change in Newspoll preference methods appears to have started from a week before YouGov acquired Galaxy. So I don’t think there’s anything in that angle. I think it’s just coincidence.
For anyone who missed it earlier here’s my full discussion of the Newspoll preferencing issue:
http://kevinbonham.blogspot.com.au/2018/04/poll-roundup-what-is-going-on-with.html
Thanks Kevin,
Good article, I saw it last night.
So we just sit back and wait for the next election, so we can get a gauge on how valid the changes are.
🙂
Can anyone find me a link to this article where I don’t have to subscribe to the fucking herald sun? I work at the venue Ari was performing at and was a big fan of his run of shows poking fun at the dogma of judaism and I want to read what this humourless hack had to say about my workplace and one of the states best comefians and nicest people.
https://myaccount.news.com.au/sites/heraldsun/subscribe.html?sourceCode=HSWEB_MRE170_a_GGL&mode=premium&dest=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/fury-at-jewish-comic-holocaust-gag-at-melbourne-comedy-festival/news-story/e5b157ad38b003b5188751903f5fa556&memtype=anonymous
The reasons for VPN is security.
I.e metadata.
Dodgy/shady connections
Public wifi has always have people watching you on it (watch hak5 to see how easy it is)….
Email Snooping.
Torrenting and piracy – anti-piracy groups are watching you as is your provider
General safety improvements all around.
https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/2143181/so-called-nano-flats-are-just-ruse-enrich-developers
HK flats getting smaller.
Wayne (AnonBlock)
Wednesday, April 25th, 2018 – 11:09 pm
Comment #805
This year budget will win the next election for our great LNP and we should all rejoice that the LNP are back on track to stay in government till 2022 and the ALP will never run our beautiful country again as all they do is put us into debt…..
Have you got all those pigs fed; washed up and ready to fly?
Sometimes I wonder how Wayne managed to find 2 brain cells to rub together so that he could navigate his way to PB in the first place!
Still, a Cambridge Analytica bot for the Coalition doesn’t need a brain, just a program.
Blanket Criticism says:
Thursday, April 26, 2018 at 2:29 am
Can anyone find me a link to this article where I don’t have to subscribe to the fucking herald sun? I work at the venue Ari was performing at and was a big fan of his run of shows poking fun at the dogma of judaism and I want to read what this humourless hack had to say about my workplace and one of the states best comedians and nicest people.
_________________________
Use outline.com
copy the original URL, not the one containing subscribe, and paste it into the relevant place.
Anyhow, in the meantime, try this link for your article:
https://www.outline.com/tzbKyd
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/we-must-phase-out-live-sheep-exports-20180425-p4zbkj.html
The SmearStralian has the NDIS levy backflip by Santa ScoMo as ‘a wedge for Bill Shorten’.
This alternate media universe populated by FoxNews, the Smear, the tabloid comics, Sydney shockjocks and certain ABC running dogs is doing the government’s job for them.
Good morning Dawn Patrollers.
Mark Kenny on the on again/off again Medicare levy increase.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/tax-on-tax-off-rosy-economy-spells-end-to-medicare-levy-20180425-p4zbms.html
John Warhurst poses three possible reasons why the government resisted calling a banking royal commission. He says that whatever the explanation(s), the news from this Royal Commission for the Turnbull government is as bad as it gets and likely to become even worse. An interesting contribution.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/banking-royal-commission-blues-20180423-p4zb81.html
Peter Martin explains how the Coalition ran interference for the banks.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/banking-and-finance/how-the-coalition-ran-interference-for-the-banks-20180425-p4zbjz.html
A number of heavies are saying the banks have failed to take enough responsibility for how their products affect people and must accept a “duty of care” towards customers.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/banking-and-finance/they-must-take-responsibility-business-legend-s-bank-blast-20180425-p4zbjg.html
Today’s case study at the royal commission should be a doozy – Dover Financial Advisors.
https://www.outline.com/aR5X5S
This is what the commission will be examining.
https://www.outline.com/EdHjuK
More on Dover Financial.
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/business/banking-and-finance/dover-financial-falls-off-a-cliff-at-royal-commission-20180425-p4zbnc.html
Richo says the days of trusting AMP are over.
https://www.outline.com/YLpDaV
Ross Gittins on the power of KPIs.
https://www.theage.com.au/business/the-economy/banks-commission-ross-gittins-metrics-kpi-20180424-p4zbbj.html
Stephen Bartholomeusz wonders, “What if the royal commission’s outcome is worse than the status quo?”
https://www.smh.com.au/business/banking-and-finance/what-if-the-royal-commission-s-outcome-is-worse-than-the-status-quo-20180425-p4zbjd.html
John Hewson laments how inaction over live sheep exports reveals our politicians are losing their moral compass.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/we-must-phase-out-live-sheep-exports-20180425-p4zbkj.html
The AFR reports that the income tax cuts to be unveiled in the May federal budget are set to start small and be phased in over a decade so as not to obstruct the return to surplus.
https://www.outline.com/dsNcb4
A cross-party group of federal MPs has asked the auditor general to urgently investigate $180m spent on water buybacks last year, amid concerns about whether the government got value for money.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/apr/26/mps-call-for-urgent-investigation-into-180m-in-water-buybacks
Greg Jericho says inflation continues to grow at below-target levels, even while tax revenue increases but this presents a challenge for the treasurer
https://www.theguardian.com/business/grogonomics/2018/apr/26/does-anyone-remember-when-we-worried-about-rising-inflation
Derryn Hinch has effectively ruled himself out of further negotiations on the government’s company tax cuts, and accused Centre Alliance senators Rex Patrick and Sterling Griff of “trying to grab something for South Australia” by reconsidering their opposition to the bill.
https://www.outline.com/HBUyrH
David Wroe looks at the consequences of Trump not appointing an ambassador to Australia.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/it-s-the-chaos-not-the-snub-that-australia-should-be-worried-about-20180425-p4zblv.html
David Crowe warns us that Australia has a choice between the new protectionism of Donald Trump and the pursuit of trade agreements that promise growth but also carry real political risk.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/a-trade-deal-with-europe-carries-real-political-risk-20180425-p4zbkb.html
Passengers are paying higher airfares than they should because of the high fees the country’s four largest airports slug airlines, the ACCC has warned.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/consumer-affairs/travellers-paying-more-to-fly-because-of-airport-fees-accc-20180425-p4zbmi.html
Kevin Donnelly tells us that compared to stronger performing education systems, Australian classrooms have been forced to adopt a dumbed down, overcrowded curriculum that lacks academic rigour.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/child-led-learning-has-dragged-australia-down-20180425-p4zbmb.html
Sydney house prices have taken their biggest hit since 2015, recording a 2.6 per cent drop in prices over the March quarter.
https://www.domain.com.au/news/house-prices-in-sydney-drop-26-per-cent-over-march-quarter-domain-group-data-20180426-h0z5p4/
Cartoon Corner
UGHHH!!! David Rowe and Macron’s dandruff.
Mark David and some tit for tat from Macron.
The Trump presidential doctrine.
Here’s a big Mark Knight catch up.
David Pope has Morrison busting into the royal commission.
https://static.ffx.io/images/$width_828/t_resize_width/t_sharpen%2Cq_auto%2Cf_auto/1051afe9fa1b0e54148cce45b7620d69fcc7f14d
Jon Kudelka on Harry Harris.
https://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/b70cb4043a86c9aa901874dfd8d7b629
Some more good ones in here.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/best-of-fairfax-cartoons-april-26-2018-20180425-h0z8ri.html
Morning all. It looks like the French PM delivered a far more eloquent speech than Malcolm did. Malcolm wont mind – Anzac Day was all about remembering the fallen, not boosting his image.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-04-25/french-pm-pays-tribute-to-brave-australian-soldiers/9695508
President Macron delivers stunning rebuke of Trumpism — bashes ‘the illusion of nationalism’ to standing ovation from US Congress
French President Emmanuel Macron delivered a rousing speech to US congress Wednesday, throwing not-so-subtle shade at his host while defending globalism, liberty, and science.
Macron began his speech by discussing the shared history of the United States and France and then moved into a full-throated defense of globalism and freedom.
Macron said the solution is “the opposite of deregulation and extreme nationalism.”
Throughout, he received warm applause from the assembly, including a standing ovation when he said that “the illusion of nationalism” should not be allowed to force the Western world back into the Dark Ages.
https://www.rawstory.com/2018/04/president-macron-delivers-stunning-rebuke-trumpism-bashes-illusion-nationalism-standing-ovation-us-congress/
MSNBC panel praises ‘genius’ Macron for playing Trump — and pretending to be the son Trump wishes he had
French President Emmanuel Macron is well-known for his charm.
Meanwhile, President Trump is well known for his vanity.
Put the two together, and you have a recipe for bromance. Which is exactly what happened when the French president made an official state visit to Washington.
He’s kind of a genius, Macron. He’s a genius of personal relations.”
“One reason that he is where he is, he knew how to use older people including older men. Make them feel like he’s the son they wish they had.”
https://www.rawstory.com/2018/04/msnbc-panel-praises-genius-macron-playing-trump-pretending-son-trump-wishes/
Fox News’ Shep Smith tears into Trump over nomination of Dr. Ronny ‘Candy Man’ Jackson
Donald Trump has nominated the president’s personal doctor, Dr. Ronny Jackson to lead the Veterans Administration.
Both Democrats and Republicans personally like Jackson. But there are allegations that he drank on the job and at least one US Senator has said his popularity stems from the fact that he was known as a “candy man” who happily handed out pills when asked.
“The fact is, running a doctor’s office in the White House that has 50 employees and running the second-largest agency in the United States government with 360,000 people, those are two different things.”
If he’s not qualified, he’s not qualified, Smith said—which is a different subject than whether he’s a “candy man” or a day-drunk.
https://www.rawstory.com/2018/04/fox-news-shep-smith-tears-trump-nomination-dr-ronny-candy-man-jackson/
Thanks BK. The response of Dover Financial to damaging RC evidence highlights the lack of any professional ethics in the financial planning industry. They think their “right” to stay in business outweighs their clients right not to be ripped off. What nonsense. Anyone in a real profession found to have practised against their clients interests can be livked out and has to find another job.
Lizzie, I hate it when people quibble . . . . unless it’s me quibbling
I am sure many farmers would be genuinely distraught by the evidence that has emerged in relation to the live sheep export business. But their direct involvement ceases at the farm gate, where they get paid.
That quote is now not in the SMH article. The bolded phrase is factually incorrect. Agriculture Minister Littleproud said that farmers didn’t want livestock dying in transit as it reduces their income. That indicates to me that farmers are paid when the sheep are slaughtered and they are paid according to the dressed carcass weight. ie sheep killed, skinned, gutted, head and limbs removed then carcass is weighed and farmer for example gets 200c per kilogram
Don
Thank you for the response
The relationship between Utility providers and the GFC is the presumption on the pockets of society
With the GFC the errant culture of bankers with sub prime debt and other instruments resided with Government (tax payers) bailing out those banks
With “poles and wires” and export revenues in AUD’s for our gas producers the responsibilities of Company Balance Sheets are residing with consumers, not Shareholders
And it is exactly the same with Water (including desalination plants in West Australia, South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales), private health insurance and Local Council Rates
So statutory costs – they all just presume to take to sustain their Balance Sheets
And the consumer has no say because they are statutory costs which can not be evaded – despite continuing flat wages growth
With other business cost of product is the marketing edge – as advertising in our media and thru our letter boxes tells us
We are not informed that wages have risen or rents have increased, the AUD has depreciated or other business expenses such as Insurance have increased so those increased costs need to reflect in the increase in the price of the product
Simply these businesses trade the assets on their Balance Sheets, compete and grow their revenue to increase their Gross Profit to meet increased operational costs and return a profit
That is business – and some fail
Their market is discretionary not statutory
They rely on us to survive
But we survived the banks during the GFC and we survive our utility providers our Local Councils and our other statutory providers because of the transition of costs to cover their business model/s and their decisions
Their Balance Sheets and the assets on their Balance Sheets are their responsibility
It is up to them to trade those assets – not merely bleat to government with the result being what we see in pricing for electricity, gas and water courtesy of the sham which is Regulators as credibility for putting their hands in the pockets of consumers again and again and again which is the history
These assets have been privatised by government
They should compete to our advantage
They do not
THAT is the link between providers of statutory services and the GFC – the cost to society of Balance Sheets of public entities absent competition and real choice (so not sham discounts off different bases)
billie
Of course you’re right. I apologise for not noticing the mistake. Blame early morning fog.
This “saving” is in the same league as Abbott’s claim that families would save $550 a year by abolishing a carbon tax.
It’s also in the same category as “I’ll save you going to hospital because I no longer intend to injure you badly”.
I just saved your life!
I decided I wouldn’t kill you.
How can we believe anything from this government? (Wayne does)
Malcolm is dropping in to Perth on the way home from France and opening the cheque book
https://thewest.com.au/news/health/malcolm-turnbull-in-gst-linked-spending-blitz-in-wa-ng-b88816687z
$158 million for Joondalup hospital. And why Joondalup? It serves the seat of Pearce, held by Christian Porter but very winnable for Labor.
https://thenewdaily.com.au/money/news-federal-budget/2018/04/25/budget-2018-medicare-levy-hike/
The claim that SloMo’s Medicare levy u-turn will save taxpayers reminds me of the line my kids (and yours probably) used when they wanted me to buy them some expensive but unnecessary item which was on sale.
“Just look how much you will save” was the cry.
From the New Daily article quoted by lizzie:
This is the killer argument against cutting taxes on business.
Morning all, it’s going to be 28 degrees here. 28. At the end of April!
Meanwhile Trump is still refusing to cooperate with Mueller’s investigation. Media should start reporting it that way instead of saying they’re all resisting being interviewed.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/giuliani-reopens-negotiations-about-presidential-interview-with-mueller-but-cautions-special-counsel-that-trump-remains-resistant/2018/04/25/91ce79de-48a1-11e8-9072-f6d4bc32f223_story.html?hpid=hp_hp-top-table-main_giuliani-525pm%3Ahomepage%2Fstory
Non RWNJs need not apply:
Didn’t Labor always say it was fully funded?
Now we get confirmation
And how can it save us $600- when that $600- is not an expense in the first instance?
The same as the dribble about being taxed when you have paid no tax in the first instance
Media!!!
in european mixed economies isn’t company tax much lower than personal – the latter includes 25% GST and 40% or more personal (Finland) with company half that
You can just imagine who they will appoint.
Morning all
Fess
Whilst it is lovely weather to be having, it is a little disconcerting.
Here in my neck of the woods, we have hardly had any rain for months.
Fess
Guiliani is either trying to negotiate a better deal for himself in this whole affair, or as part of a deal, playing double agent to get Trump.
Vic:
Our region is in a decades-long drying pattern and it isn’t going to change.
On Giuliani, I seriously doubt he’s playing double agent. I reckon he genuinely thinks he can help Trump by having the investigation wound up quickly with fallout contained to the charges already laid.
Andrew Bolt as Race Discrimination Commissioner?
Common guys, get with the programme!
An increase announced in one budget removed from the nest is definitely a saving.
Just like cutting spending in one budget and then adding a smaller amount in the next is an increase in spending.
Fess
Guiliani will do anything to save his own skin. I would not be surprised if this is in fact what he is doing
Ides of March not.logged in @ #844 Thursday, April 26th, 2018 – 6:16 am
Providing practical examples of what is not allowed!! 🙂
Lizzie
someone I know intimately involved with the NDIS says there is not enough funding at present, and many glitches still to be ironed out
Listening to Morrison’s blather this morning, on Sabra’s Ask A Liberal show (aka “AM”), did my head in.
By the time he was finished he’d invented the NDIS, single-handedly rescued the economy, and had fought off the banks, the media and that lying scumbag Bill Shorten to bring the Royal Commission to fruition. Only the Liberals could deliver these stunning wins for the Australian people.
In the 8 minutes of interview Sabra Lane asked 3 questions.
I wonder what the point of such interviews is? They are so obviously full of piss and wind, churned out of some PR boiler room deep in the heart of PM&C and, being delivered by ScoMo, almost completely contradictory to everything he has uttered on the subject that they couldn’t fool the most rusted-on partisan supporter.
AM is like this day after day. They so rarely have a Labor Shadow Minister on for a longer-term interview that it’s worthy of note when they do.
What is the actual point of this program?
Why do they bother?