The Financial Review has the results of a large-sample poll from RedBridge Group, the second pollster to take the field post-election after Roy Morgan. The results are not far off Roy Morgan’s: Labor on 37%, compared with 34.6% at the election; the Coalition on 31%, compared with 31.8%; and the Greens on 11%, compared with 12.2%. Labor is credited with a 55.5-44.5 lead on two-party preferred, compared with an election result of 55.2-44.8 – lower than I might have expected based on preference flows from the recent election, but perhaps explicable by One Nation accounting for a larger share of “others”. Breakdowns are more balanced than you might expect with regard to gender, but results by age tell a familiar story of the Coalition vote descending from 44% among the 65+ cohort to 19% among 18-to-34, the Greens rising from 2% to 24%, and Labor fairly consistent across the board. The poll was conducted “late June” from a sample of 4036.
Another item of federally relating polling emerges from a report by Alexandra Smith of the Sydney Morning Herald on debate within the Liberal Party over whether to challenge independent Nicolette Boele’s 26-vote win in Bradfield in court. Local branch presidents are calling on the party to put up the money, but others consider this “a risk financially and politically”. The report cites polling conducted in mid-June for Climate 200 which suggests Boele would likely win a by-election resulting from a legal challenge, with her primary vote up from 27.0% at the election to 33.2%, with Gisele Kapterian’s 37.3% comparing with an election result of 38.0%.
https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-96/
How many troops has the ‘Free World’ despatched to help democratic Ukraine, the innocent victim, fend off the genocidal invasion being waged against it by autocratic Russia, to set against these tens of thousands of North Koreans which Moscow, the criminal aggressor, is receiving to help commit this genocide? Is the ‘Free World’ really less committed to peace and freedom, than the ‘Despotic World’ is to repression and aggression? We should be collectively ashamed of ourselves.
“Renewable energy connected by transmission and distribution, firmed with storage and backed up by gas-powered generation is the lowest-cost way to supply electricity to homes and
businesses as Australia transitions to a net zero economy.”
AEMO, 2024 ISP
”
newy boysays:
Thursday, July 3, 2025 at 10:29 am
North Korea is preparing to set an additional 25,000-30,000 soldiers to join Russian forces fighting against Ukraine, almost three times as many as were dispatched last year, CNN reported on July 2, citing undisclosed Ukrainian officials.
The fresh units may arrive in the coming months and are likely to be engaged in combat in Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories, including during “large-scale offensive operations,” according to a Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR) assessment reviewed by CNN.
https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-96/
How many troops has the ‘Free World’ despatched to help democratic Ukraine, the innocent victim, fend off the genocidal invasion being waged against it by autocratic Russia, to set against these tens of thousands of North Koreans which Moscow, the criminal aggressor, is receiving to help commit this genocide? Is the ‘Free World’ really less committed to peace and freedom, than the ‘Despotic World’ is to repression and aggression? We should be collectively ashamed of ourselves.
”
And what is the ‘free world’ doing to stop North Korea from sending troops to Russia? Zilch. Nothing. Nada.
You know why?
Because it has China support and it has Nuclear bombs.
The US under Trump and the Republicans is withholding desperately needed air defence munitions from Ukraine, and they choose to do so at this time:
“Russia increasingly targets Ukraine’s cities with cluster munitions, raising civilian toll”
https://kyivindependent.com/russia-increasingly-targets-ukraines-cities-with-cluster-munitions-raising-civilian-toll/
If the US told Russia in advance that it was withholding the sort of weapons that would be most effective in countering Russian missile and drone strikes, this would help explain Russia’s sudden and dramatic increase in the severity of these attacks this past month. If they have done so, while not telling Kyiv, then this would be an outrageous act of bastardry the US has committed to Ukraine, and the US would deserve to be treated as an enemy.
The PBS under attack.
“US pharmaceutical manufacturers have ramped up pressure on Donald Trump to take action against Australia over its $18bn federal medication subsidy scheme, as Anthony Albanese pushes to secure an exemption from the US President’s tariff regime.
The powerful US pharmaceutical lobby has lashed Australia for engaging in “unfair and non-reciprocal trade practices” by subsidising medicine under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, and short-changing US drug developers for their products.
In response to a call from Mr Trump’s trade representative for input on the impact of nations “freeloading on American-financed innovation” in the medical sector, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America has accused Australia of setting prices too low.
Ahead of the reintroduction of Mr Trump’s “liberation day” tariffs on July 9, the PhRMA has urged Mr Trump to “leverage ongoing trade negotiations” to combat practices that force Americans to pay more for medicines and suppress the price overseas.
“Australia undervalues new innovative medicines by setting prices based on older inferior medicines and generics and through use of low and outdated monetary thresholds per year of life gained from clinically proven treatments,” the PhRMA said. ”
Australian Medical Association president Danielle McMullen backed the Albanese government’s repeated declarations the PBS was not up for negotiation, calling the scheme the “most important tool in ensuring universal access to essential medicines”.
“It is a practical model of how a modern healthcare system can support innovation without compromising affordability, and an excellent example of our government working hard to protect taxpayer dollars while making sure we have access to a wide range of medications,” Dr McMullen said.
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/big-pharma-calls-out-australias-freeloading-on-us-medicine/news-story/5694d06b1051b09964460545b5bbdc31?amp
Ven, Thursday, July 3, 2025 at 10:33 am:
Nuclear bombs have become a licence to commit genocide. I hate them. They should all be decommissioned, everywhere. Russia, North Korea, China, the US, Israel, Pakistan, India, the UK, France. All of them.
The worst con committed upon the Ukrainian people was the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, when Russia, the US and the UK convinced Ukraine to relinquish its nuclear arsenal, in return for those countries (ALL of them) guaranteeing Ukraine’s security and territorial integrity. But we’ve all seen how Russia keeps its word…
RIP, Nuclear Non-Proliferation.
In my opinion Tesla has just placed a big order of small houses to be made by Boxabl in its current USA factories (Las Vegas) to a custom design specified by Tesla.
And? I thought that the custom design by Tesla was better than anything else I have seen in the Tiny House space. Also, obviously a concept that Boxabl were not sufficiently creative enough to come up with themselves. But yes, the Chinese are great at fabricating, not so great at coming up with original concepts. Which is why they keep nicking other countries’ IP.
==================================================================
When I said custom design. It means you choose out of the Boxable options. I could order a house straight from Boxable with all the the same options as the Tesla branded one (check small homes on Amazon). This is just a Boxable small home with Tesla branding and no input except their choice of optional extras. The new planned factory to expand production which has no start or completion date yet. Will be a totally owned Boxabl factory and have no ownership by Tesla. Check the actual news sources on this and not some Tesla you tube spin. Tesla is only acting as a retailer in this.
Taylormadesays:
Thursday, July 3, 2025 at 9:09 am
The Age 02/07
The Victorian Ombudsman recommended in 2022 that working with children checks should be expanded beyond a person’s criminal history to account for any other relevant information.
Victoria has not yet implemented that change. Allan, who became preemier in late 2023, defended the delay.
===============================================================
I note the oppositions says things should of been done 2 years ago. I also note the opposition said nothing on this issue two years ago and have only started saying that now.
Ven at 10.28am.
I meant Chumpistan. To the best of my knowledge, despite the rantings of conservatives and lobbyists, we have no formal allegiences with Israel.
Andrew_Earlwood @ #36 Thursday, July 3rd, 2025 – 9:39 am
I would put this take in the ‘Confirmation Bias’ basket. However, I get that you have to provide hot takes that suit your case, whilst the reality is spooling out differently.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
Production Goals:
The US Navy aims to increase the production of Virginia-class submarines to two per year, with the goal of also producing one Columbia-class submarine annually.
Current Production:
However, the current production rate is closer to 1.2-1.3 Virginia-class submarines per year.
Challenges:
The Navy is facing challenges in expanding production, including workforce shortages and supply chain issues. Some projects, like the Columbia-class program, are also experiencing delays.
Investment:
The US is investing heavily in expanding its submarine industrial base, with billions of dollars allocated to shipbuilding and infrastructure improvements.
Future Outlook:
While the Navy is working to increase production, it’s unlikely that the full capacity increase will be realized in 2025. A report from USNI News suggests that the Navy is still working to overcome significant obstacles to achieve its production goals.
So, much as I hate to say it, because Trump, but the Trump Administration appears to be taking AUKUS seriously and is turning its attention to rectifying problems.
So, from my perspective, as the great Rachel Hunter said, ‘It may not happen overnight, but it will happen.’ And I can’t wait to see your face looking like a dropped pie when it does. 😀
You may also be interested in reading this article instead of constantly snarking at me:
https://warontherocks.com/2024/04/the-submarine-workforce-crisis-admitting-realities-and-restructuring-long-term-strategy/
You’re starting to resemble Player One.
And the US can pay market value prices on their military bases in Australia then. 😐
What a grovelling snivelling coward!
https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5382760-warren-davidson-trump-big-beautiful-bill/
Cartoons
David Rowe
David Pope
Golding
Pat Hudson
Dionne Gain *See Shaun Carney article linked below
Badiucao
Villanueva
Rod Emmerson
*Albanese is the conservative who mugged the Liberals. Let’s hope he seizes the moment
” …. the government’s first priority will be about delivering methodically on its promises, namely reducing HECS debts, building 1.2 million homes, continuing the push towards renewables, increasing the number of Medicare urgent clinics, and continuing to keep inflation down.
That makes sense, especially since the national political scene is now a bunch of players who have, to an extent, been mugged by reality.
…………
Today’s society is more complex and multi-hued. The economy is organised differently. Choice plays a much greater role in our lives. Education has been consumerised. Political and social relationships are more layered, and the ways in which we communicate – and how fast we generate, consume and absorb information – are barely comparable. Everyone is a potential expert. A mass media that recorded events in a disinterested way was unremarkable back then. Now, it is viewed as a legacy product, a bit like classic rock.
………..
It’s absolutely the case that a generation ago comprehensive reform of the order pursued by Hawke and Keating was mighty difficult. But having reported and written about both eras, it does look to me that the contemporary environment has more of a “herding of cats” element to it.”
………..
“That’s why so much will be riding on the government’s productivity roundtable, to be held in the cabinet room on August 19-21.”
………
“In other words, the few dozen people who’ll be there will be asked to leave the wheelbarrows they push for a living at the door.”
……..
“The stakes might not be as great this time
but the chance to achieve something profound is there to be grasped.”
UK Yougov poll: Top 5 reasons that 26% of 2024 Conservatives have defected to Reform UK in the year since the 2024 election
1. Trust them more on immigration: 56%
2. All other parties are worse: 41%
3. Better at standing up for people like me: 36%
4. Closer to my values: 25%
5. Better placed to win next election: 24%
beguiledagain:
Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at 3:03 pm
Mavis says:
Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at 9:36 am
Interesting reflections. You’ve led an interesting & varied life. Did you get to meet Ike & Mamie as well as the Queen? During the Queen’s visit to Oz in 1970 to celebrate the bicentenary, I was short-listed to serve on the Royal Yacht, but missed out due to an indiscretion in ’67 – three days in the brig of HMAS Melbourne for insubordination. Had I got to serve on Britannia, I would’ve met her. Fast forward to early 1990 in London, where I met her purely by happenstance, when having a durrie break at half time of a performance of Figaro at the ROH.
@Holden – “UK Yougov poll: Top 5 reasons that 26% of 2024 Conservatives have defected to Reform UK in the year since the 2024 election
1. Trust them more on immigration: 56%
2. All other parties are worse: 41%
3. Better at standing up for people like me: 36%
4. Closer to my values: 25%
5. Better placed to win next election: 24% ”
Of course it’s immigration. And the true number is higher than 56%, the others are just hiding it behind other descriptions.
Brexit was always about immigration first, second and third, and somehow British politicians managed to make it hugely economically destructive while not doing the one thing that Brexit voters actually wanted. They’re all insane over there.
C@tmomma @ #60 Thursday, July 3rd, 2025 – 11:00 am
I guess we can both take that as a compliment! **blush**
@herman “The death of the ICE vehicle is nigh:
“Huawei says its new solid-state EV battery can give you 1,800 miles of range and charge in less than 5 minutes””
It’s good to see the march of human invention and ingenuity is going to resolve this problem notwithstanding the Morrisons and Duttons of this world desperately standing in the way of EVs and trying to prop up ICE vehicles.
I am not sure that my next used vehicle will be an EV yet but hopefully by the one after that there will be a strong used EV market in Australia that extends to family wagon sizes.
Good news everyone. Our future AI robot overlords are empathetic:
“Lumi’s innovation is derived from a place of empathy, a place at the intersection of human connection and the forefront of technology. And we hope, because of this, Lumi will be embraced, adopted, and truly empower humanity in building our sustainable future.”
https://reneweconomy.com.au/robotics-firm-lands-funding-to-help-slash-costs-of-delivering-large-scale-solar-projects-in-australia/
In all seriousness, these robots look useful and unlikely to enslave us. However, I am perplexed why anyone would spout the corporate drivel quoted above.
Cartoons North America
Kuper #pollinators
Matt Davies
Telnaes
Luckovich
Clay Jones
Nick Anderson
Sorenson
Matson
Toonerman
Paul north
Ramirez
UK and EU Cartoons
Morten Morland
Ben Jennings
Banx
Dave Brown
Matt
Patrick Blower
Venables
Tom Gauld
Chapatte
“They attacked us with forks
Jonsey
Martyn Turner
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has cast his votes in an all-important election for the nation’s music fans, and his 10 selections include celebrated pub rock anthems, ballads tied to the national character, and a lesser-known ode to canines.
“Hard to narrow down to just 10,” Albanese wrote on social media on Wednesday, while sharing his nominations for Triple J’s upcoming Hottest 100 of Australian songs.
“The PM affirmed his rock ’n’ roll fandom by picking tracks by Cold Chisel (Flame Trees, 1984), Midnight Oil (Beds Are Burning, 1988) and the Angels (Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again, 1976) – three indelible compositions that are played, and loved, across the nation daily.
Born in 1963, Albanese’s love of 1990s indie rock was represented by a trio of songs including scene stalwarts You Am I (Purple Sneakers, 1995) and Spiderbait (Buy Me a Pony, 1996) – the latter of which became the first Australian song to top the annual Hottest 100 music poll – and completed by Melbourne band the Fauves (Dogs Are the Best People, 1996).”
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/arts/music/hottest-100-of-australian-songs-prime-minister-anthony-albaneses-votes/news-story/31022520535a0dd65bd1b5537f9d27a2?amp
Pegasus @ 8.57am.
Is that the same Lidi Thorpe who went out of her way to destroy “The Voice” referendum, who is calling upon the Federal Government to implement The Yoorrook agenda?
“Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again” – dedicated to Dutton.
Oh, FFS C@t:
“ I would put this take in the ‘Confirmation Bias’ basket. However, I get that you have to provide hot takes that suit your case, whilst the reality is spooling out differently.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
Production Goals:
The US Navy aims to increase the production of Virginia-class submarines to two per year, with the goal of also producing one Columbia-class submarine annually.
Current Production:
However, the current production rate is closer to 1.2-1.3 Virginia-class submarines per year.
Challenges:
The Navy is facing challenges in expanding production, including workforce shortages and supply chain issues. Some projects, like the Columbia-class program, are also experiencing delays.
Investment:
The US is investing heavily in expanding its submarine industrial base, with billions of dollars allocated to shipbuilding and infrastructure improvements.
Future Outlook:
While the Navy is working to increase production, it’s unlikely that the full capacity increase will be realized in 2025. A report from USNI News suggests that the Navy is still working to overcome significant obstacles to achieve its production goals.
So, much as I hate to say it, because Trump, but the Trump Administration appears to be taking AUKUS seriously and is turning its attention to rectifying problems.
So, from my perspective, as the great Rachel Hunter said, ‘It may not happen overnight, but it will happen.’ And I can’t wait to see your face looking like a dropped pie when it does.
You may also be interested in reading this article instead of constantly snarking at me:
https://warontherocks.com/2024/04/the-submarine-workforce-crisis-admitting-realities-and-restructuring-long-term-strategy/
You’re starting to resemble Player One.”
_____
Your parsing of the phrase “it may not happen overnight, but it will happen” tolls the bell. As does the detail – absent pollyannaisms- of what you actually quote.
2032 and 2035 are the hard deadlines that must be met for Pillar 1 to work. They will not happen. That simply equals a decade long RAN submarine capability gap, even if we get a belated Pillar 1 (which is probably the the most viable outcome) or Pillar 2 (which is very doubtful for a host of other – yet parallel – reasons).
You seem to want to gloat about being right in the end. Eventually. All I can ask is why? OHFUCKUS is truly inconsistent with our national interest. The residual aspects (US bases in Perth and the top end of- pointed like a loaded gun at China) is absolutely disastrous.
You really are a strange person for a Labor supporter.
The big advantages of nuclear power from the point of view of the Right is:
1. We have to keep on using coal and gas for the three decades or so it would take before nuclear can make a significant contribution to our power grid.
2. …
That article you linked C@t was published in April 2024. This is the salient part:
“ Department of Defense risk assessments assume this period will be transitory, projecting “that the SSN force will reach a minimum of 46 boats in FY2030, return to 50 boats in FY2032,” and grow to a total size of 69 by the 2040s. The same report notes that China has already referenced in public-facing military documents its plans to increase underwater activity in the Pacific during this period of diminished capacity.”
Now, 15 months later is already a “known known” that the return to 50 SSN boats in the USN by 2032 will be missed and it has been pushed out past 2035 – in other words the pst the two hard deadlines for Pillar 1 to occur.
For the last two+ years I have tolled the bell on this aspect of OHFUCKUS. You have variously called me a liar and making stuff up, even though what I have written is based on a clear reading of what has actually been publicly available at the various times I have pointed out ‘the problem’.
further, because we have seemingly backed ourselves into a corner with AUKUS, and have now likely burnt most if not all the alternative bridges, I have also consistently argued that “if we must, do AUKUS” then equally we must make it work. Unfortunately in that regard we have backed in not just one highly unlikely project, but two. … so once more for the hard of thinking:
“If we must AUKUS” then we should
1. Scrap Pillar 1 in its current form in favour of a revised Pillar 1 which would see brand new Virginia class subs coming into RAN service from 2038 (when I reckon that there is actually a fair chance that America will be finally on top of its current production problems) at a drum beat of 1 boat every two years drum beat; and
2. Revise Pillar 2, so that G&E’s “Electric Boat Company” takes over as the lead contractor and the boats are designed for service in all three navies and the hull is comparable for both GE’s reactor, or the new Rolls Royce Reactor. As part of a revised Pillar 2, Australia should abandon any pretensions to build “100% of every boat” in Australia in favour of a deal that sees all four yards (2 in america, BAE Marine in Burrow and ASC in Adelaide) specialise in building specified modules – which would be then collected for assembly and final fit out in any one of those four yards.
3. In the meantime – to both assist in spooling up our industrial base and to avoid the capability gap we now face with the looming retirement fo the Collins Class, we should also commit to an immediate recommencement of the Attack Class program – for at least 4 boats – with France manufacturing various components and modules as we spool up from zero in Adelaide.
Entropysays:
Thursday, July 3, 2025 at 10:50 am
I note the oppositions says things should of been done 2 years ago. I also note the opposition said nothing on this issue two years ago and have only started saying that now.
_____________________
It happened under Labor’s watch. No use blaming the Opposition. Aren’t they irrelevant anyway. You seem to want it both ways.
Cat
“So, from my perspective, as the great Rachel Hunter said, ‘It may not happen overnight, but it will happen.’ And I can’t wait to see your face looking like a dropped pie when it does.
You may also be interested in reading this article instead of constantly snarking at me:
https://warontherocks.com/2024/04/the-submarine-workforce-crisis-admitting-realities-and-restructuring-long-term-strategy/
You’re starting to resemble Player One.”
———————————-
You’re starting to resemble a staffer in Richard Marles’ office.
As Andrew Earlwood pointed out, you are quoting from US report more than a year old. Even that report acknowledged major problems and that the trend in US sub building would not match AUKUS plans.
You quote various remedial actions underway. The problem is all of those actions have been in progress since before AUKUS was announced, without the trend improving. There is no evidence so far AUKUS targets will be met.
More recent reports show the trend is not getting any better. As industry sources acknowledge, the cause of the problem has not been fixed.
https://news.usni.org/2025/01/09/submarine-funding-anomaly-insufficient-to-get-boats-the-navy-wants-says-hii-ceo
The US sub building industry relied in the past on low paid workers to do high skilled specialist jobs. As that cohort of workers retire, young workers are not prepared to do the same for low pay.
https://news.usni.org/2025/03/11/pay-number-one-issue-in-growing-u-s-shipbuilding-workforce-panel-tells-hasc
Albo and Marles do not want to admit this, because they would then have to fund a credible sub construction program now, not in ten years time. Its much cheaper to keep repeating the Morrison AUKUS lies, so Albo and Marles repeat them. So do their online keyboard warriors.
Maybe Hare-Clark is a mistake afterall. The problem with Hare Clark is it gives the Liberals an attack line. “Don’t risk Labor and the Greens!”
Labor cannot win without the Greens and when you have people like Nick McKim, Bob Brown, Christine Milne, etc. It scares voters off greatly and I hold them responsible as to why many swing voters keep voting Liberal instead of Labor.
The Greens cannot complain about the Liberals when they are the very reason the Libs keep winning.
Dean Winter is premier material, he is the Tasmanian Chris Minns. but thanks to the electoral system, the Libs are taking advantage of it. It’s time to switch to single member districts. Labor would win a majority with Green preferences which would be far more fair and democratic.
Libs also support Hare-Clark in the ACT because under single member districts, they would only have a few seats.
MMP would be better, Half districts, half proportional. Nobody would win a majority if that is the goal of Hare Clark backers.
Taylormadesays:
Thursday, July 3, 2025 at 12:21 pm
Entropysays:
Thursday, July 3, 2025 at 10:50 am
I note the oppositions says things should of been done 2 years ago. I also note the opposition said nothing on this issue two years ago and have only started saying that now.
_____________________
It happened under Labor’s watch. No use blaming the Opposition. Aren’t they irrelevant anyway. You seem to want it both ways.
===============================================================
While it is obvious now something has to be done and its the Government job to do. Just pointing out that oppositions call that something should have been done 2 years ago. Would look much better for them had they been calling for it then. An opposition with only 20/20 hindsight but no foresight is hardly useful though.
ABC 18/03/25
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has dismissed the call for a royal commission into Australia’s childcare sector, saying there needs to be an investigation and action taken if standards are not met.
“Last night’s revelations on Four Corners are of course of deep concern. There needs to be certainly an investigation and action taken wherever the standards are not met,” Mr Albanese said.
“They take years, they cost a lot of money. You do not need a royal commission to show that what was shown on TV last night was wrong,” he said.
_____________________
That hasn’t aged well.
I was the 7th child to the left, perhaps eclipsed by ER’s perm in this 1981 shot at the comfortingly called Queens Domain above Hobart.
The Coalition’s new shadow minister for women, Melissa McIntosh, has called for a cultural overhaul of the Liberal Party, including bringing in experts on “organisational and gender equality design” to radically reshape it to better support women. In a letter to the NSW Women’s Council that met on Wednesday night to discuss gender quotas, Ms McIntosh writes that while she is open to that idea, she wants bigger systemic change that involves experts in forcing cultural change in the party. “Too much is at stake to rely on instinct or assumption,” she writes in the letter.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-07-03/shadow-minister-for-women-calling-for-liberal-party-change/105490022
Socratessays:
Thursday, July 3, 2025 at 8:40 am
Morning all. Thanks for the International roundup HH.
What a stark contrast between Australia, which has just raised super contributions, and UK, which is facing an unaffordable pension system and the need to raise retirement age beyond 70.
Keating and Labor should be proud of the Super system, one of its greatest achievements. UK should copy it, if Starmer has the courage.
____________________
Agree.
But Albo shouldn’t be stripping away and incentive to contribute.
Honestly a bit dull really.
I compare it to my votes.
Took up an invitation from Binge to subscribe for $5/month for 5 months.
Pretty good value. Quite a range of live channels to add to their movie/tv library. A little show called Mix Tape is good viewing.
Holdenhillbillysays:
Thursday, July 3, 2025 at 1:03 pm
The Coalition’s new shadow minister for women, Melissa McIntosh, has called for a cultural overhaul of the Liberal Party, including bringing in experts on “organisational and gender equality design” to radically reshape it to better support women. In a letter to the NSW Women’s Council that met on Wednesday night to discuss gender quotas, Ms McIntosh writes that while she is open to that idea, she wants bigger systemic change that involves experts in forcing cultural change in the party. “Too much is at stake to rely on instinct or assumption,” she writes in the letter.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-07-03/shadow-minister-for-women-calling-for-liberal-party-change/105490022
__________________
If Libs like Ley and McIntosh can get some traction on this I think voters preferences could flip and see a very different election result next time.
Rex Douglassays:
Thursday, July 3, 2025 at 1:05 pm
Socratessays:
Thursday, July 3, 2025 at 8:40 am
Morning all. Thanks for the International roundup HH.
What a stark contrast between Australia, which has just raised super contributions, and UK, which is facing an unaffordable pension system and the need to raise retirement age beyond 70.
Keating and Labor should be proud of the Super system, one of its greatest achievements. UK should copy it, if Starmer has the courage.
____________________
Agree.
But Albo shouldn’t be stripping away and incentive to contribute.
=============================================================
Albo is doing exactly what he should be doing. Making sure that the super scheme remains a scheme designed so people have a comfortable retirement. Not a scheme being used as an obscene wealth accumulation vehicle. There is no reason anyone needs more than $3 million in assets for retirement and why should the taxpayer subsidise wealth over that obscene level? Even saw farmer whinging about it as they had put their farm properties in SMSF’s to benefit from a low tax environment (not like farmers are already eligible for huge amount of tax subsidies already). Again super schemes should not be being used by business to pay less tax, including farmers.
The troubles with childcare just enhances the need for more assistance to make working from home more accessible and viable for parents.
The Libs attack on WFH before they backflipped was truly the dumbest politics I’ve ever seen from a major party.
Rex – Firstly, it is Liberal party we are talking about, so it is not happening.
Secondly, the voting public is not interested in tokenistic efforts. They want true change.
It is truly a case of the world has turned and left the Liberals behind.
Daniel Tsays:
Thursday, July 3, 2025 at 12:41 pm
————
I dont see the issue being HC in and of itself. Maybe 7 members per seat makes it a bit creaky. Perhaps they could use the 15 upper house electorates with 3 members each for the lower house.
B. S. Fairmansays:
Thursday, July 3, 2025 at 1:25 pm
Rex – Firstly, it is Liberal party we are talking about, so it is not happening.
Secondly, the voting public is not interested in tokenistic efforts. They want true change.
It is truly a case of the world has turned and left the Liberals behind.
================================================================
Rex wants super accounts above $3 million to be fully taxpayer subsidised. We are talking about someone with very little perspective on what the average person wants. Only what will benefit his own wealth accumulation.
Over in the Kingdom of Trump, the House has been voting on the BBB. Currently sits at 207 for (all Republican) and 217 against (All dems plus 5 Repubs).
8 Republicans not voting atm.
Time has expired but Johnson is leaving the vote open in the hope getting some to change their vote.
Entropysays:
Thursday, July 3, 2025 at 10:50 am
Taylormadesays:
Thursday, July 3, 2025 at 9:09 am
The Age 02/07
The Victorian Ombudsman recommended in 2022 that working with children checks should be expanded beyond a person’s criminal history to account for any other relevant information.
Victoria has not yet implemented that change. Allan, who became preemier in late 2023, defended the delay.
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I note the oppositions says things should of been done 2 years ago. I also note the opposition said nothing on this issue two years ago and have only started saying that now.
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Anything like this is more red tape – and the coalition is committed to “cutting red tape” and privatizing services that should be in the publics hands…
No. We don’t need the taxpayer to be ‘incentivising’ anyone to accumulate more than $3million in super. We don’t need to strip revenue away from health care, education and welfare, to help the richest 0.5% get even richer.
D&M
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The Credlins, the Devines, the Janet Als, the Marksons should learn how to be really cruel from Noem (not that they aren’t already)
Noem takes it to another level.
She is bent on proving that females are not gentler sex and probably she is already succeeding.
newy boysays:
Thursday, July 3, 2025 at 1:36 pm
No. We don’t need the taxpayer to be ‘incentivising’ anyone to accumulate more than $3million in super. We don’t need to strip revenue away from health care, education and welfare, to help the richest 0.5% get even richer.
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The Greens want it to be at a $2 million cap but CPI indexed. Which would mean the cap would reach around $3 million in about 20 years time. I don’t have a huge problem with Green’s suggested changes here either. The Greens changes would collect more money and effect maybe the 3% richest and not 0.5% richest as currently does.
– CNN
They’ll come around; they always do, in one way or another.