The ten-week silence of Newspoll – and indeed Australian polling in general, so far as voting intention is concerned – has ended with a result of 53-47 to the Coalition, as reported by The Australian. To this, naturally, must be added the qualification that the pollster never once recorded the newly re-elected government with a lead in the entire three years of the previous parliamentary term. The poll has the Coalition at 44% of the primary vote (41.4% at the election), Labor at 33% (33.3%) and the Greens at 11% (10.4%). The report seems to be saying One Nation is at 3%, which compares with the 3.1% they scored at the election when contesting 59 out of 151 seats.
The leadership ratings have Scott Morrison’s approval at a new high of 51%, up five on the pre-election poll, and down nine on disapproval to 36%. Anthony Albanese’s Newspoll ratings are 39% approval and 36% disapproval, which is a) “the first net positive approval rating for an Opposition leader since 2015”, as noted in the report since Simon Benson, b) the worst Newspoll debut for an Opposition Leader since Andrew Peacock in 1989, as illustrated in this earlier post, and c) the equal lowest uncommitted rating for an Opposition Leader on debut, perhaps mitigating b) a little. Morrison leads 48-31 on preferred prime minister, compared with 47-38 in the pre-election poll, which we can now presume was flattering to Bill Shorten.
No indication at this point as to whether and how Newspoll is doing anything differently. Certainly it looks like business as usual to the extent that the poll was conducted Thursday to Sunday from a sample of 1601, with The Australian’s report trumpeting a 2.4% margin of error that is less than the size of its error at the election.
Good morning all. I notice that overnight Bucephalus well and truly jumped the shark in conflating a policing operation with the Battle of Kursk.
Now, that Policing Operation was worthy, and like all such logistical operations, military or otherwise, conducted in the 3rd world, especially the tropics, not without risks. Of course, these risks were magnified by the Fort Fumble approach of the DOD. Alas.
That said, I reckon Bucephalus is a narcissistic flog. He might even be Campbell Newman. I reckon he’d definitely be fragged by his own men if it came to an actual shooting war.
This is video footage of Bucephalus in Officer Training:
https://youtu.be/0Dy2fo6E_pI
I honestly can’t see why young men (and possibly women), dying at work isn’t as serious as young men (and possibly women) dying as a result of being in the Armed Forces.
Actually, our young people dying as a result of suicide, for whatever reason, and domestic violence, is just as monumental a loss as those in the Armed Forces who commit suicide due to PTSD, or who are killed on the battlefield.
Any loss of life is tragic and no loss of life assumes more importance than another.
On a slow morning…
Bucephalus @ #482 Monday, July 29th, 2019 – 11:16 pm
Sales a leftie? Bwaaahahahhaha
Doubt anyone will top that today and it’s only 8am
Barney in Makassar @ #471 Monday, July 29th, 2019 – 10:37 pm
Taupin wrote lyrics.
Good morning Dawn Patrollers.
And now it is revealed that Home Affairs had an agreement to fast-track visa applications for Crown Casino.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/home-affairs-had-an-agreement-to-fast-track-visa-applications-for-crown-20190729-p52bwi.html
Also Fairfax-Lite tells us that a serving Australian Border Force official moonlighted to provide security for an international criminal fugitive who has worked with Crown Resorts to bring Chinese high rollers into Australia.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/border-force-official-worked-for-crown-high-roller-and-wanted-criminal-20190726-p52b7w.html
Elizabeth Knight can’t understand regulators’ “nothing to see here” approach to the Crown Casino scandal.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/regulators-nothing-to-see-here-approach-to-crown-scandal-defies-belief-20190729-p52bub.html
David Crowe remarks on the lack of questioning in parliament on the Crown Casino issue and wonders why they weren’t forthcoming.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/parliament-s-lack-of-scrutiny-on-crown-suggests-lobbying-pays-dividends-20190729-p52bwm.html
Katharine Murphy reports that Scott Morrison has declared the Coalition will not engage in “unfunded empathy” when it comes to raising the Newstart rate, and has ducked a direct question about whether he could live on the payment.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/jul/29/unfunded-empathy-scott-morrison-pushes-back-on-growing-calls-to-lift-newstart-rate
Peter Hartcher tells us how a day of reckoning has arrived for Big Tech.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/after-23-years-a-day-of-reckoning-has-arrived-for-big-tech-20190729-p52bpe.html
Michael Pascoe writes that there is no end in sight for low wages growth and the boffins just don’t get it!
https://thenewdaily.com.au/money/finance-news/2019/07/29/low-wages-growth-continuing/
Qantas has an unblemished record when it comes to safety. Unfortunately the same can’t be said when it comes to doing deals with international crime gangs. Michael Sainsbury reports.
https://www.michaelwest.com.au/revealed-qantas-venture-with-triads-skids-off-runway/
The Age editorial describes Lawyer X saga a grotesque perversion of justice.
https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/informer-3838-saga-a-grotesque-perversion-of-justice-20190729-p52btk.html
Sally Whyte explains why Angus Taylor is under pressure over a particular grass meeting.
https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/6298893/why-is-angus-taylor-under-pressure-over-grass-meeting/?cs=14350
Greg Jericho writes that without a wages boost we face a lost decade of living standard growth.
https://www.theguardian.com/business/grogonomics/2019/jul/30/without-a-wages-boost-we-face-a-lost-decade-of-living-standard-growth
Carrie Fellner reports that he state government offered Lendlease the contract to rebuild Sydney Football Stadium before the detailed designs were finalised, in a move experts say was “really unusual” and could have triggered the construction company’s shock exit from the project. Does this sound entirely above board to you?
https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/really-unusual-contract-for-stadium-was-offered-before-final-design-20190729-p52bt9.html
Jenna Price says that Emma Husar’s career is dead and now it’s right to hold an inquest. I thinks she’s got a point.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/emma-husar-s-career-is-dead-it-s-right-to-hold-an-inquest-20190729-p52buq.html
The government will move on at least two recommendations from the Hayne commission into the banking industry today.
https://outline.com/y8Bgpn
With childcare costs equalling the cost of educating a child in a private high school, the government needs to act says Jane Buncie, a barrister and Liberal Party member.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/with-average-rates-at-152-a-day-it-s-time-to-make-childcare-tax-deductible-20190729-p52bst.html
According to analysis from Industry Super Australia, workers would lose $1000 a year under a divisive proposal to scale back compulsory superannuation rises.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/proposal-to-scale-back-super-would-cost-workers-thousands-20190729-p52bvp.html
Kirsty Needham reports that we should expect more arrests, more forceful tactics from police, and forget the idea of an independent commission into police handling of the protests as a way to allow cool heads to return to Hong Kong.
https://www.smh.com.au/world/asia/beijing-stares-down-hong-kong-s-calls-for-an-inquiry-backs-police-20190730-p52byj.html
Poverty in Australia is increasing again after several years of decline, a respected University of Melbourne study has found, with changes to welfare policies cited as a possible contributor.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/jul/29/poverty-is-rising-again-in-australia-and-expert-cites-welfare-changes-as-likely-cause
The Clean Energy Finance Corporation chief executive Ian Learmonth has declared the taxpayer-funded body will look at emerging technologies, such as battery storage, because there was already enough wind and solar investments already in the market.
https://outline.com/uxMgCd
Labor has seized on “skyrocketing” power price data to slam the Coalition government’s failed energy policies and called for a return to the dumped National Energy Guarantee.
https://outline.com/TqryeP
Domenic Powell reports that Aldi has eschewed the collectibles promotions being used by its competitors.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/we-like-to-stick-to-our-knitting-aldi-rules-out-collectibles-loyalty-programs-20190729-p52bu5.html
The Morrison’s government’s uncertain commitment to innovation suffered a setback on Monday when the Industry Minister Karen Andrews could not find time to attend the Financial Review Innovation Summit.
https://outline.com/qq6R98
Alan Austin wonders if Andrew Bolt learned anything from the racial vilification case he lost in 2011 and updates the record.
https://independentaustralia.net/business/business-display/andrew-bolt-continues-on-about-adam-goodes,12947
While Shayna Jack’s positive test for Ligandrol has brought the banned drug to the attention of the broader Australian public in recent days only, this illegal performance-enhancing drug is well-known in some fitness circles.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/illegal-drug-most-never-heard-of-until-now-has-worrying-online-rep-20190729-p52boh.html
Meanwhile athletes must assume any supplement they take could be tainted, with fly-by-night online companies selling products spiked with illegal stimulants, performance-enhancing drugs and other potentially dangerous additives.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/athletes-told-to-assume-any-supplement-they-take-could-be-tainted-with-performance-enhancers-20190723-p529tl.html
Michelle Grattan tells us how Pauline Hanson stymied an inquiry into Angus Taylor’s intervention on endangered grasslands.
https://theconversation.com/pauline-hanson-stymies-inquiry-into-angus-taylors-intervention-on-endangered-grasslands-121110
One in five young women in Australia is suffering from diagnosed depression or anxiety, according to new data from the University of Melbourne.
https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/national/2019/07/30/depression-young-women-hilda/
Mungo MacCallum writes about Bishop, Pyne and the politics of envy.
https://independentaustralia.net/politics/politics-display/mungo-maccallum-bishop-pyne-and-the-politics-of-envy,12948
One in three Australian pharmacists is not adhering to therapeutic guidelines when distributing over-the-counter drugs, an undercover probe has found.
https://thenewdaily.com.au/life/wellbeing/2019/07/29/pharmacists-over-treating/
The Morrison government has been told a lack of workers to build new warships and submarines is the biggest threat to the $90 billion shipbuilding program.
https://outline.com/tHNTVq
Australian city workers’ average commute has blown out to 66 minutes a day. How does yours compare?
https://theconversation.com/australian-city-workers-average-commute-has-blown-out-to-66-minutes-a-day-how-does-yours-compare-120598
Owners of units in Sydney’s Opal Tower are seeking millions of dollars in compensation from the state government in a class-action lawsuit.
https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/state/nsw/2019/07/29/opal-tower-owners-class-action-nsw-government/
“Will the data retention scheme result in a cost blow out for the roll-out of 5G?”, asks Paul Budde.
https://independentaustralia.net/business/business-display/optus-and-the-question-of-data-retention,12946
Donald Trump’s pick for national intelligence director has been mayor of a small Texas city, a federal prosecutor and a member of Congress and his lack of pertinent experience is causing quite some concern.
https://www.smh.com.au/world/north-america/scary-thing-for-the-country-doubts-emerge-about-trump-pick-for-us-intelligence-chief-20190730-p52bz9.html
On the US situation the New York Times’ Charles M Blow says that The rot you smell is a racist POTUS’”.
https://www.smh.com.au/world/north-america/trump-racism-debate-the-rot-you-smell-is-a-racist-potus-20190729-p52bth.html
Scottish leader Nicola Stergeon says that Boris Johnson’s Brexit strategy is doomed to fail.
https://www.smh.com.au/world/europe/boris-johnson-s-brexit-strategy-is-doomed-to-fail-says-scottish-leader-20190730-p52byr.html
No-deal Brexit was once a sick Tory joke. Now it’s serious writes Simon Jenkins.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/jul/29/no-deal-brexit-tory-joke-boris-johnson-economic-britain
Yet another AK-47 mass shooting in the US! Oh, and the local mayor called for thoughts and prayers.
https://www.smh.com.au/world/north-america/boy-6-among-victims-of-us-garlic-festival-shooting-20190730-p52byh.html
Cartoon Corner
David Pope gives us the grasslands of Canberra.
And David Rowe also gets into the act.
Andrew Dyson thinks Zuckerberg is under a bit of pressure at last.
From Matt Golding.
Another good effort from Cathy Wilcox.
Glen Le Lievre’s Mr Brexit.
Jon Kudelka with Barnaby and NewStart.
https://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/f4ebad47345cb11552d8b096e0dad2bc?width=1024
From the US
Morning all. I presume from the number of times one poster here says “grow up” that he is the work experience kid in the young Liberals office 🙂
This article highlights just how badly Australian urban planning and transport infrastructure investment is going off the rails. We are spending a lot, and seeing the problem get worse. A bit like Liberal delivery of the NBN.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-07-30/commuting-times-soar-with-house-prices-population-boom-blamed/11346258
Puff the Magic Dragon (Puffy),
I am so sorry to hear about your loss of your mum.
All I can offer you is my sincere thoughts, and my care for you about what you are going through.
I have been thinking of you and your loss since I read about it some 24 hrs ago.
Much love, Maria (aka Douglas and Milko)
If you want a few laughs, this site is a cracker.
https://twitter.com/hashtag/LostTrumpHistory?src=hashtag_click
mundo says:
Tuesday, July 30, 2019 at 8:10 am
Yes ????
This is exactly how I feel today.
lizzie,
Can I have a double espresso please?
Actually two would be better, thanks. 🙂
Barney
Coffee coming up. 🙂
After listening to Marles on RN this morning I got the distinct impression that he’s not keen on an inquiry into the Crown casino scandal. I can’t think why.
Jenna Price has a few kicks at the NSW ALP, talks vaguely about an inquest and then fluffs the ending:
[The best lesson though is for the ALP. The NSW branch had begun to look at its policies and practices around sexual harassment after allegations from Stefanie Jones against former assistant and general secretary Jamie Clements. Since the Husar case, the NSW and federal ALP have developed a process for responding to allegations of sexual harassment and bullying, which sets out the process by which party members can make complaints.
Too late for Husar’s career in politics but just in time to provide a proper process for those with grievances better settled either by the party or in a real court not in the court of public opinion, which is too quick to judge women.]
How could she suggest the ALP has (recently) begun to do something on sexual harrassment when:
(a) the Clements incident was four years ago;
(b) the NSW ALP obviously had a system to deal with the Emma Husar’s complaints through the appointment of John Whelan to report on them.
If you want a few laughs, this site is a cracker.
https://twitter.com/hashtag/LostTrumpHistory?src=hashtag_click
_______
Thanks GG. Trump certainly asks for it!
lizzie says:
Tuesday, July 30, 2019 at 8:35 am
Cheers, although I may just step out for a wedgie while I wait for yours. 🙂
Barney
I think we may have a different meaning for wedgie?
Lizzie
I can say within our own family circle, the animals certainly make us very happy
Mavis Davis
Barangaroo in Sydney is being constructed at a cost of over 2 billion dollars for high rollers. Why would any govt bite the hand etc etc…..
.
lizzie @ #511 Tuesday, July 30th, 2019 – 6:29 am
This is exactly how I feel most days.
The many stories of people being bullied by Centrelink, Robodebt and debt collectors are bringing back memories of times when I have been bullied and reminded me of how defenceless I often feel. Seems it is no longer enough to obey the rules. The world is a cruel place.
Lizzie
I would argue that it is less cruel than it used to be.
Victoria says:
[‘Barangaroo in Sydney is being constructed at a cost of over 2 billion dollars for high rollers. Why would any govt bite the hand etc etc…..’]
Point taken, but I can’t see that the nitrogenous won’t won’t hit the fan with the Crown affair. The problem is that the agreement of fast-tracking visas dates back to when Labor was in power.
lizzie @ #523 Tuesday, July 30th, 2019 – 8:59 am
What amazes me about this Robodebt nonsense, is the fact that Centrelink feels no obligation or need to provide any details of how the debt was actually incurred. How is this even legal?
Mavis Davis
Goes without saying both sides of politics are beholden to Crown
lizzie says:
Tuesday, July 30, 2019 at 8:45 am
😆
See, that’s what a lack of caffeine does to you.
A wedgie to me and in this instance comes from being in a round at the pub.
If the other members of the round are drinking too slowly, you might buy yourself an extra one to drink while they catch up. 🙂
From Dawn Patrol
“Katharine Murphy reports that Scott Morrison has declared the Coalition will not engage in “unfunded empathy” when it comes to raising the Newstart rate,…”
There’s plenty of unfounded empathy for groups and interests the Government supports: property speculators, millionaire retirees who don’t pay tax, Big Coal, private health funds, elite “private” schools…
Doesn’t include those excluded because the “free market” is incapable of producing full employment
Confessions:
[‘Biden 34% (+12 since a month ago)’]
Uncle Joe nearly has both shoes in, but I would far prefer Harris. I wonder how she dropped 8 points?
https://www.rollcall.com/news/how-third-party-votes-sunk-clinton-what-they-mean-for-trump
There is no point in voting for a third party candidate in the presidential elections. You are simply wasting your vote. The good news for Democrats is that next year they can reach out to those voters who would see by now how they wasted an opportunity to avoid a Trump presidency.
Mavis Davis @ #526 Tuesday, July 30th, 2019 – 9:03 am
And before that.
Mavis:
The poll was taken 25-28/7 and is compared with the last poll taken just after the first debate which everyone agreed Harris performed well.
“unfunded empathy”
If Morrison doesn’t increase Newstart, it will be because it goes against his religion.
C@tmomma:
[‘And before that’]
I guess Labor can argue that the Abbott/Turnbull/Morrison governments have had over six years to fix the problem, particularly given Dutton’s gung-ho approach to his portfolios.
Confessions:
[‘…everyone agreed Harris performed well.’]
That she did, which I why I find it odd that she didn’t poll better. Anyway, there’s a long way to go.
Mavis
Mavis:
What I mean is that Harris has dropped 8 points since the last Q poll taken after the first debate. Perhaps she has come back to normal levels?
Others have suggested she is being marked down by voters for accusing Biden of racism.
I think that the long term plan, when the Overton Window has been dragged a little further to the right, is to effectively abolish Newstart and also the Minimum Wage and have people working full time for wages of $400, $300, $200 a week or less, then claim “victory” over unemployment.
Australian Parliamentary Library Briefing Book, retrieved 18 July 2019; excerpt :
Ref: northcoastvoices.blogspot.com/2019/07/the-un…
Katharine Murphy reports that Scott Morrison has declared the Coalition will not engage in “unfunded empathy” when it comes to raising the Newstart rate…
But they will engage in callous bastardry.
I’ve never heard of Sickness Allowance or Widow Allowance.
Indeed.
Marles’ interview this morning on ABC RN Breakfast:
Labor ducks calls for inquiry into visa deals for Chinese gamblers:
ttps://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/breakfast/labor-ducks-calls-for-inquiry-into-visa-deals-chinese-gamblers/11364950
David Crowe was also interviewed in which he said it had been going on for 15 years:
https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/breakfast/politics-with-david-crowe/11364946
On Q and A last night both Abetz and Kitching were singing from the same page too as Fran Kelly said wtte seems there is bipartisan agreement on this one.
Confessions @ #544 Tuesday, July 30th, 2019 – 9:34 am
I have. I got Widow Allowance after my husband died and before I qualified for the DSP. Also my son, when he was unemployed but unable to work due to recovering from major surgery, received Sickness Allowance.
Successive governments of both political stripes, Federal and state, are in the frame.
Gillard screwed over Wilkie on pokies reform. Wonder why?
‘Indeed’ says Pegasus. *crickets* about the fact that Fast Track Visas started with the Howard government in 2003. Typical. 😐
lizzie:
[‘The deal with Crown Casinos was put in place by the Howard government in 2003 and last renewed by the Gillard government in June 2011 before it ended in 2016.’]
Well, that makes the Howard, Rudd, Gillard and Abbott governments culpable. I guess Albanese can argue it didn’t happen under his watch as long as he wasn’t implicated in any way.
Pegasus @ #547 Tuesday, July 30th, 2019 – 9:39 am
As PM in a Minority government, Julia Gillard was unable to get the votes of other Cross Benchers to enable her to pass the proposed legislation.
But don’t let the facts get in the way of a good old Labor slag and bag, eh?