Essential Research reported this week for the first time in four weeks, though it has yet to resume voting intention polling. Leadership ratings recorded a one point drop in approval for Anthony Albanese to 49% and a two point increase in disapproval to 43%, while Sussan Ley was up two on both measures, to 35% and 37% respectively. Labor was dominant on two questions relating to economic management, leading the Coalition 42% to 25% as best party to ensure the economy works in the interests of everyday Australians, and 41% to 28% for managing the economy generally.
A regular national mood has a steady 38% holding that the country is headed in the right direction, with wrong track up two to 47%. Perhaps relatedly, there was a six-point increase since January in the view that the economy will worsen over the next six months to 35%, although there was also a three-point increase for improvement to 22%, with “stay the same” down nine to 43%. Thirty-four per cent supported and 30% opposed the recognition of Palestine, while 50% supported and 24% opposed the introduction of a four-day working week.
The Victorian sub-sample of 518 respondents (I’m unclear as to why it’s quite so much out of an overall sample of 1034) were asked for their view of the state party leaders, recording 36% approval and 51% disapproval for Jacinta Allan, and 40% approval and 35% disapproval for Brad Battin. The poll overall was conducted last Wednesday to Tuesday.
Monday’s Nine Newspapers had more results from last week’s Resolve Strategic poll, this time on carbon emissions targets, finding 17% support for a more ambitious target for 2030, 28% for the current 43% by 2030 target, 12% for abolishing a 2030 target while maintaining net zero by 2050, and 17% for abolishing both.
Good Morning!
I wonder why so many people support a 4 day working week?
Wouldn’t that mean less income?
I thought Cost of Living was a thing?
I don’t think people make the connection with working less days and receiving less pay.
Unlike, some professions which operate 24 hours a day, such as the Emergency Services, it is a scam to reduce the working hours, of mostly office staff & service industries, for the same payment.
As a unionist, to my boot straps, it is a policy which I can’t support.
My wife, formerly a senior nurse, used to work 10 / 12 hour night shifts in Accident & Emergency to aggregate her hours.
The penalty rates and an allegedly 4 day working week didn’t compensate for the days lost to disruptive sleep patterns.and effectively losing a day to sleep when completing 3 or 4 night shifts in A & E.
Ten years since retiring she still hasn’t been able to adjust to regular sleep patterns.
It was also very disruptive to partners and family members of these shift workers, too.
I am certain that all workers, who had to regularly do prolonged “Night Shift” would possibly feel the same way.
https://theunaustralian.net/2025/08/28/all-australians-to-be-made-pay-a-levy-just-in-case-they-offend-linda-reynolds/ …
I can’t believe my luck. I just got this email:
Esteemed Customer,
In recognition of your exemplary commitment to Qantas Airways, we are honored to confer upon you a distinguished loyalty remuneration comprising refund points, which may be transmuted into a fiscal equivalent of AUD 105.5. This eminent award is presently available for your immediate appropriation, underscoring our profound esteem for your sustained loyalty.
To actualize this prestigious entitlement, we respectfully entreat you to access our bespoke loyalty portal:
It seems that Qantas’ loyalty program has been off-shored to the sub-continent.
The reaction to Rat Fucker Kennedy’s Anti-Vax Arseholes is building:
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/aug/28/cdc-rally-staffers-protest
This is after an AVA shot up the CDC in Atlanta with automatic weapons (“coz COVID vaccine made me depressed”) on 08/08/25, killing a cop:
https://apnews.com/article/cdc-headquarters-shooting-dbb9e20a688f048f572c33ce2a57cd50
This is becoming an uncivil war with all the MAGAt arseholes on one side. This is going to make it easier for the subsequent trials. Perhaps they could hold them in Nuremberg.
How was Essential’s question on the four-day working week worded?
Good to see that all the Nats and half the Libs want to narrowcast their support to the 17% who want net zero abolished.
Ha! Qantas aren’t that generous. They gave me 40 status points, which will expire long before I reach the next tier.
“The Guardian view on Russia’s strike on Kyiv: Putin is testing Trump’s will and Europe’s resolve
Editorial:
The Kremlin sent a clear message with its lethal overnight raid on the Ukrainian capital. Will the US heed it?”
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/aug/28/the-guardian-view-on-ukraine-and-russia-its-putin-whos-testing-trumps-will-and-europes-resolve
UPDATE:
“At least 21 dead in overnight Kyiv attack as UK and EU summon Russian envoys
Missile strikes on Ukrainian capital hit EU and British Council offices in deadliest assault in months”
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/aug/28/uk-summons-russian-ambassador-over-british-council-missile-damage-in-kyiv
The 4 day week is for the same pay, well under the proper models being trialled e.g.
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/aug/27/scottish-government-trial-of-four-day-week-improves-productivity-and-staff-wellbeing
Good Morning. Here’s Your Daily Local Ish News and Views Roundup.
Sussan Ley is hurtling towards a political showdown over Australia’s net zero target that could make, or end, her leadership. After three years of an utterly supine party room under Peter Dutton
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/why-net-zero-could-be-ground-zero-for-sussan-ley-20250827-p5mqfi.html
Barrie Cassidy and Tony Barry discuss the expulsion of Australia’s Iranian ambassador and Anthony Albanese’s plan to help first home buyers. They also examine what the Coalition could do to get out of its post-election slump. Back to Back Barries podcast
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/audio/2025/aug/28/back-to-back-barries-can-the-coalition-find-a-circuit-breaker
Over 11 gruesome kilometres, teams fill bag after bag of marine life killed by SA’s stubborn algal bloom
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/aug/28/over-11-gruesome-kilometres-teams-fill-bag-after-bag-of-marine-life-killed-by-sas-stubborn-algal-bloom
Explainer The Reynolds v Higgins defamation ruling concludes a protracted legal battle. But when will the saga end?
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/aug/28/the-reynolds-v-higgins-defamation-ruling-concludes-a-protracted-legal-battle-but-when-will-the-saga-end-ntwnfb
Debate over the volume of gambling ads flared up for the first time since the election after Australian international cricketer Usman Khawaja met with Albanese on Thursday to speak to him about gambling’s influence in sport.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/pm-backs-right-to-punt-as-star-cricketer-takes-campaign-to-canberra-20250828-p5mqo4.html
SMH Editorial: Bizarre diplomatic slight from US highlights parlous state of relations
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/bizarre-diplomatic-slight-from-us-highlights-parlous-state-of-relations-20250828-p5mqk6.html
What we learnt from Richard Marles’s ‘meeting’ with Pete Hegseth and JD Vance in Washington DC
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-29/what-we-learnt-from-richard-marles-meeting-pete-hegseth-jd-vance/105710232
Australia has made a direct plea to the United States to revamp its change to taxes on low-value packages that has hit at least 3000 small local businesses and brought parts of the global mail system to a halt.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/stuck-in-the-mail-trump-s-tariff-plan-hits-3000-australian-businesses-20250827-p5mq5f.html
Figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on Thursday showed inner-city areas which have become battlegrounds between NIMBYs and YIMBYs are losing residents and greying at much faster rates than other parts of the capitals, as state governments seek to lift population density.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/older-and-greyer-the-nimby-suburbs-fighting-development-even-as-population-falls-20250828-p5mqhj.html
Explainer: The months-long investigation that unpicked Iran’s foreign interference plot
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-29/how-irans-antisemitic-attack-plot-came-undone/105709542
Iranian ambassador conducts dramatic press conference before leaving Australia
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/iranian-ambassador-conducts-dramatic-press-conference-before-leaving-australia-20250828-p5mqqj.html
Iran has a long history of exploiting social divisions abroad. It saw an opportunity in Australia and took it. Lydia Khalil
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/aug/28/iran-history-exploiting-social-divisions-abroad-saw-opportunity-in-australia-opinion-ntwnfb
Q&A with Kylie Moore-Gilbert: this is why Iran is instigating terrorism in Australia
https://theconversation.com/qanda-with-kylie-moore-gilbert-this-is-why-iran-is-instigating-terrorism-in-australia-264032
Grattan on Friday: Mike Burgess, the spycatcher who gives ASIO a very public face
https://theconversation.com/grattan-on-friday-mike-burgess-the-spycatcher-who-gives-asio-a-very-public-face-263913
Older Australians facing health and hospital risks because Labor’s care at home program is ‘so badly designed’, expert warns
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/aug/28/elderly-care-at-home-program-health-hospital-risks-labor
‘It’s a Kate versus Goliath kind of battle’: Inside the next challenge for the teals. The Kiama, NSW by-election
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/it-s-a-kate-versus-goliath-kind-of-battle-inside-the-next-challenge-for-the-teals-20250825-p5mpnv.html
‘No laughing matter’: Cairns MP apologises for ‘unacceptable’ Facebook video
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/queensland/no-laughing-matter-cairns-mp-apologises-for-unacceptable-facebook-video-20250827-p5mqep.html
Queensland Police handed new powers to issue on-the-spot domestic violence orders
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/queensland/police-handed-new-powers-to-issue-on-the-spot-domestic-violence-orders-20250828-p5mqkk.html
Liberal leader ‘angry’ at colleagues but won’t condemn Daniel Andrews-Stalin comparison
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/victoria/liberal-leader-angry-at-colleagues-but-won-t-condemn-daniel-andrews-stalin-comments-20250828-p5mqix.html
Victorian Liberal leader ‘angry’ at colleagues but won’t condemn Daniel Andrews-Stalin comparison
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/victoria/liberal-leader-angry-at-colleagues-but-won-t-condemn-daniel-andrews-stalin-comments-20250828-p5mqix.html
Overcrowding in NSW hospitals ‘worst’ some doctors have seen as winter illnesses clog emergency departments. State health minister Ryan Park says there have been more than 45,000 presentations to EDs over the past five days.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/aug/28/overcrowding-in-nsw-hospitals-worst-some-doctors-have-seen-as-winter-illnesses-clog-emergency-departments
‘Golden ticket’ to guns: police want Australia’s laws tightened to stem abuse of firearms licences
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/aug/28/golden-ticket-to-guns-police-want-australias-laws-tightened-to-stem-abuse-of-firearms-licences
‘This is his back yard’: police asked about booby traps and shelters as Porepunkah manhunt heads into fourth day
https://www.theguardian.com/news/2025/aug/28/porepunkah-shooting-day-three-manhunt-dezi-freeman-ntwnfb
Porepunkah suspect used to spy on my family with drones, says former neighbour
https://www.theguardian.com/news/2025/aug/28/porepunkah-suspect-used-to-spy-on-my-family-with-drones-says-former-neighbour
Why regional Australia is fertile ground for sovereign citizen movement
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-29/sovereign-citizen-growing-movement-regional-australia/105702148
The governor of California is in a high-stakes battle with Donald Trump. It’s not yet clear who will win
Bruce Wolpe
https://theconversation.com/the-governor-of-california-is-in-a-high-stakes-battle-with-donald-trump-its-not-yet-clear-who-will-win-263803
Newsom deploys state police to major cities after Trump threatens to send more troops to California
The governor drew a sharp contrast between his effort and the Trump administration’s use of the military.
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/08/28/newsom-deploys-state-police-00534506
Police warn over misinformation after incident involving Dundee girl, 12
Alleged footage was shared on social media and amplified by figures including Elon Musk and Tommy Robinson
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/aug/28/police-scotland-warn-misinformation-12-year-old-girl-dundee
No more card charges: how Australians can switch to fast, fee-free payments right now
https://theconversation.com/no-more-card-charges-how-australians-can-switch-to-fast-fee-free-payments-right-now-264023
Net zero transition at risk of stalling amid shortfall of 42,000 workers.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-28/net-zero-transition-at-risk-of-stalling-amid-worker-shortfall/105704400
‘Grasping for straws’: Europe floats Ukraine-Russia buffer zone in push for peace
The idea is one of several proposals European officials are considering as they scramble to establish a peace deal between Kyiv and Moscow.
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/08/28/europe-buffer-zone-ukraine-russia-peace-deal-00534483
Europe must assert hard power or become a ‘hunted animal,’ France’s top general warns
General Thierry Burkhard said in an interview that European governments and populations are in denial about the “level of violence in the world today.”
https://www.politico.eu/article/europe-hard-power-or-hunted-animal-france-military-chief-thierry-burkhard/
The BOM has just issued a TORNADO! warning for here in the Adelaide Hills and Barossa.
rhwombat,
Did you see how Kennedy is going to be presenting his ‘evidence’ to the world next month for how vaccines ’cause’ autism?
What a grand fool on a global scale that man is.
What a grand fool on a global scale that man is.
_________________
A perfect fit for the Trump administration.
Cartoons will be along later because I have to go out for a little while.
BK,
The one qualification to be in the Trump Administration. Be a sycophantic buffoon.
It’s always bothered me that the Australian outlet branded as ‘Sky News’ appeared to have no relationship whatsoever with the UK outlet of the same name.
Well perhaps we should have a competition for a new name after this development..
Sky’s the limit, just not the name
There’s a wind of change coming towards News Corp’s favourite child, with Sky News Australia set to be stripped of its name next year.
The long-feared day has finally come, with Comcast-owned Sky News deciding next year will be the last it can trade under its name, when its current 10-year licensing deal expires in December 2026, multiple sources tell On Background.
The threat of a name change has been dreaded for both Sky and News Corp, but the approaching deadline should nudge the conservative broadcaster’s chief executive, Paul Whittaker, and his leadership team to spring into action and prepare for life with new branding.
…….
It appears Sky hasn’t yet filed an application to copyright a new name, but word is they may have already settled on one, and Whittaker plans to inform the troops in the coming months. One thing appears sure, it won’t be Fox News Australia, with News Corp figures flagging concerns over how the polarising American brand would fly Down Under.
It’s the most significant development for Sky since it was bought by News Corp in 2016, and for Whittaker, who was installed as CEO two years later after building up trust with the Murdochs over several decades in the publishing business.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/identity-crisis-for-sky-news-australia-20250828-p5mqh9.html
A foiled plot to hijack a commercial jet at an Australian airport and demand the plane and its passengers be flown to a hostile Middle Eastern nation is the subject of an investigation by a counter-terrorism task force. In a major national security twist, it can be revealed that an existing investigation by the Australian Federal Police is seriously examining the bizarre threat.
While the plan to seize control of the commercial airline and its passengers and crew was thwarted, The Australian can reveal the AFP and intelligence agencies are engaged in a complex and potentially protracted investigation into the incident. An arrest has been made in relation to the incident and there is no ongoing threat to aviation from the plot. The alleged hijacker remains in custody.
The Australian believes the Albanese government has been briefed on aspects of the investigation, including the plan to fly the plane overseas.
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/hijack-plot-to-fly-passenger-jet-to-middle-east/news-story/82d23af8d927f2688601dadddcd132b1?amp
Re BK @7:36. Here’s the tornado warning on the Bureau of Meteorology site:
https://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDS21035.shtml
“TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST
Severe Thunderstorm Warning – Adelaide Region
for TORNADOES and DESTRUCTIVE WINDS”
Cancellation of Severe Thunderstorm Warning – Adelaide Region
#weatheronPB
The cool air keeps still,
so careful to not ruffle,
the slender grey leaves.
Casually hanging,
as the sun slowly reveals,
their complexity.
Quiet silhouettes,
outlined against the blue sky,
in plain perfection.
World News & Politics Patrol:
Forest fire caused by Ukrainian drone strike approaches ‘Putin’s palace’ in southern Russia: https://novayagazeta.eu/articles/2025/08/28/forest-fire-caused-by-ukrainian-drone-strike-approaches-putins-palace-in-southern-russia-en-news
Zelenskyy: Russia’s strike on Ukraine is a strike on Trump: https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2025/08/28/7528301/
Units from Defence Intelligence of Ukraine struck a Buyan-M class missile vessel in the Sea of Azov on 28 August 2025: https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2025/08/28/7528199/
Russia’s main oil terminal to lose 50% of exports due to Ukrainian drone attacks: https://euromaidanpress.com/2025/08/28/russias-main-oil-terminal-to-lose-50-of-exports-due-to-ukrainian-drone-attacks/
Russia will respond with unspecified retaliatory measures if Austria pursues membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, a senior Kremlin official warned Thursday, escalating tensions over Europe’s shifting security landscape: https://www.newsweek.com/putin-ally-russia-warns-austria-nato-retaliation-2120745
Russia’s large-scale overnight attack on Kyiv severely damaged Ukraine’s rail infrastructure—a critical logistical artery. Moscow deliberately targeted key civilian railway hubs: https://united24media.com/war-in-ukraine/russia-deliberately-wipes-out-ukraines-passenger-train-in-massive-overnight-strike-11178
Kemi Badenoch: I’d go further than Farage and deport women and children: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2025/08/28/badenoch-id-go-further-than-farage-deport-women-children/
RFK Jr, who doesn’t have a medical degree, says he can diagnose children just by just looking at them: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/rfk-jr-children-health-diagnose-no-medical-degree-b2815849.html
Ron DeSantis Wasted $250 Million on Alligator Alcatraz as It Faces Closure: https://www.newsweek.com/ron-desantis-wasted-250-million-alligator-alcatraz-it-faces-closure-2120638
Intelligence Chief Gabbard Slammed for Identifying Undercover CIA Officer: https://www.thedailybeast.com/intelligence-chief-tulsi-gabbard-slammed-for-identifying-undercover-cia-officer/
CDC erupts in chaos after ousted chief Susan Monarez refuses to resign – Lawyers for Monarez say she was ‘targeted’ for ‘protecting the public’ by not endorsing ‘unscientific’ orders: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/aug/27/cdc-director-susan-monarez-ousted
Massive CDC walkout erupts amid internal chaos: https://www.axios.com/2025/08/28/cdc-walkout-protest-resignations-rfk-hhs
CDC dramatically scales back program that tracks food poisoning infections: https://apnews.com/article/cdc-foodnet-surveillance-a6a8270540de89797e3b50b3eb2a4f11
Trump Has A Wild 2 A.M. Freakout Over ‘Very Disrespectful’ Governor: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/trump-wes-moore-very-disrespectful_n_68b00c22e4b0d635adb403bb
Vance, in exclusive interview, says he’s ready to be president while hailing Trump’s health: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/08/28/vance-training-president-trump-good-health/85852650007/
Church leaders arrested in multi-state money laundering, forced labor investigation: https://www.fox13news.com/news/fbi-investigation-underway-church-owned-mansion-avila-neighborhood
https://www.pollbludger.net/2025/08/29/federal-issue-polling-essential-research-and-resolve-strategic-open-thread/#comment-4591148
“Aug’25
Q. To what extent would you support or oppose the introduction of a four-day working week in Australia?”
Thanks, c@t
‘Australia has made a direct plea to the United States to revamp its change to taxes on low-value packages that has hit at least 3000 small local businesses and brought parts of the global mail system to a halt.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/stuck-in-the-mail-trump-s-tariff-plan-hits-3000-australian-businesses-20250827-p5mq5f.html‘
======================
It does seem if the de minimus exemptions has spawned a vast global tariff dodging industry by exporters to the US.
4 million packages a day.
Let’s assume that if these were in containers, in bulk and paying tariffs, they would be paying $20 per unit tariff.
That is $80 million a day or around half a billion a week.
$25 billion a year.
Or around $700 per person per year additional cost to US citizens.
Why not make it one day a week?
It is not as if flatlining productivity is an issue.
Oakeshott Country says:
Friday, August 29, 2025 at 7:03 am
I can’t believe my luck. I just got this email:
“Esteemed Customer,
In recognition of your exemplary commitment to Qantas Airways, we are honored to confer upon you a distinguished loyalty remuneration comprising refund points, which may be transmuted into a fiscal equivalent of AUD 105.5. This eminent award is presently available for your immediate appropriation, underscoring our profound esteem for your sustained loyalty.
To actualize this prestigious entitlement, we respectfully entreat you to access our bespoke loyalty portal:”
It seems that Qantas’ loyalty program has been off-shored to the sub-continent.
_______________________________________________
That has all the hallmarks of a scam message. But I suspect you knew that.
Nigerian princesses abound.
Albo gets his meeting cameras rolling .
Trump asks the weak one -Rudd called me a traitor yes?
You trash talked me as well ?
Albo replies…
I can lick your arse!
Thanks C@t and Hh.
It must be opposite day. Littleproud said this morning:
“We’ve been given a privileged place in parliament to go and to actually debate ideas with intellect.”
RE-posted from previous thread
Labor accused of trying to ‘sneak through’ law change to strip non-citizens of fair process
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/aug/28/labor-accused-of-trying-to-sneak-through-law-change-to-strip-non-citizens-of-fair-process
“Refugee and human rights groups will launch a campaign demanding the federal government scrap a controversial migration amendment to explicitly remove procedural fairness in deportation decisions for foreign-born criminals, a proposal which advocates say is causing alarm among migrants.
The Senate on Thursday rejected a Greens push for an inquiry into the legislation, which the senator David Shoebridge slammed as “one of the nastiest, meanest attacks” on multicultural Australia.
:::
The government says the Home Affairs Legislation Amendment (2025 Measures No 1) bill 2025 seeks to close a loophole associated with the NZYQ verdict, the landmark 2023 high court decision which ruled indefinite immigration detention is unlawful.
:::
Shoebridge on Thursday attempted to send the bill for a Senate inquiry, in a move supported by the Greens and David Pocock, but Labor and Coalition senators voted against the referral.”
Reposted from previous thread
Explainer: The Anti-Fairness Bill: entrenching deportation powers
https://www.hrlc.org.au/explainers/explainer-the-anti-fairness-bill/
“The Bill seeks to absolve the government of its errors and remove people’s rights retrospectively. It excludes migrants and refugees from the basic protection of law without any justification.
Why does this matter?
Through this legislation, the government seeks unchecked power to make life-changing decisions that could see people permanently exiled to third countries, unencumbered by the usual requirements of fairness.
It also seeks to undermine the impact of the High Court’s seminal decision about indefinite immigration detention, by refusing to acknowledge that previous decisions about people’s visas were wrong.
The Bill is yet another step in the creation of a parallel legal system that subjects migrants and refugees to harsher treatment, purely on the basis of visa status. “
Thanks c@t and Holden for today’s reports
How the ALP built the market that is destroying public schools
https://johnmenadue.com/post/2025/08/how-the-alp-built-the-market-that-is-destroying-public-schools/
“Australia’s public school system is in crisis, underfunded, residualised, and struggling to retain teachers.
While Coalition Governments have happily maintained the trajectory, the uncomfortable truth is that much of the market-based policy architecture undermining public schooling was designed, implemented, and proudly defended by Labor. From Hawke and Keating’s embrace of economic rationalism to Gillard’s league tables and compromised Gonski reforms, the ALP has been the willing midwife of neoliberalism in education. Their current delay in guaranteeing full Schooling Resource Standard funding for public schools proves they remain blind to the damage they have done. If Labor is serious about equity, it must dismantle the system it built.
The Albanese Government’s refusal to guarantee the full SRS for public schools until 2029 is more than a policy failure. It is a moral abdication. Every year of delay means another generation of children, disproportionately from low-income, regional, and First Nations communities, are denied the resources the government itself says they need. This is not an unfortunate oversight. It is the latest act in a long-running pattern of Labor Governments privileging market logic over public provision, even when it undermines their own working-class constituency.
Labor still trades on its image as the party of equality and opportunity. But when it comes to education, its record is one of consistent surrender, and often leadership, in the marketisation of schooling. The most damaging reforms of the past 40 years have Labor fingerprints all over them.
:::
This concentration of disadvantage, residualisation, is no accident. It is the predictable outcome of policies that tie school funding to enrolments, publish league tables, expand selective schools, and protect the financial privileges of the private sector. It is also the direct legacy of ALP-led reforms that embraced competition, choice, and accountability metrics lifted from the corporate world.
:::
The Albanese Government’s refusal to fully fund public schools now is not just a budget choice, it is a continuation of this market logic. Until Labor admits its role, repudiates its own neoliberal legacy and rebuilds public education as a universal good, its claim to be the party of equality will ring hollow.”
Higgins the Justice said made 26 “false statements”to the media.
The Aus reports now.
Is a future number 27 a false rape allegation?
Very damaging for any court cases in the future with anything in regards to her.
Labor federal government have thrown away 2 .4 million dollars of taxpayers money to her -Higgins- a large chunk will now be going ironically to Linda Reynolds a liberal.
Judge states it was reasonable to question how this deal was done!
Oh dear.
Labor political wedge like Footsie’s with Iran and that has emboldened terror in Australia via an attempted hijack of a plane.Also attacks on Jewish people due to fed Labor government vote chasing.
Meanwhile Israel who are not weak killed Houthi Defence Minister and head of armed forces last night in middle of city.Good.
From previous thread
”
Confessionssays:
Thursday, August 28, 2025 at 8:58 pm
Kirsdarke @ #1013 Thursday, August 28th, 2025 – 8:48 pm
Surprise surprise, tonight on Sky After Dark we have a Plastic MAGA woman trying to argue that shutting down Alligator Auschwitz is a bad thing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDstTP2zpUU
What idiots. Yes Alligator Alcatraz was ordered to close, but it was also shut down because of the enormous costs to Florida and US taxpayers because simple operations necessitated:
– trucking in drinking water
– trucking in water for things like bathing and ablutions
– trucking out sewerage
– trucking out other waste
– use of generators for electricity for things like air conditioning
”
Make no mistake, as Rick Wilson said, everything that Trump touches dies. But Trump goes unscathed.
If any other politician anywhere in the world, not just in US, indulged in just one thing that Trump said or did, their political career would be destroyed.
In Hindu mythology, there were a lot of demon kings, who possessed intense powers of destruction, did lot of destruction. They were protected by some armour or some other blessings, which prevented normal beings to defeat or kill them.
MAGA is Trump’s armour.
But those Demon kings had one chink in that armour. They were killed after piercing through that armour. But that needed a lot of thinking and effort.
In Hindu mythology, there was a demon king called Bhasmasura. Every thing Bhasmasura touches burns down to ashes.
So gods did not know what to do because he is causing lot of destruction with that ability. They went to Lord Vishnu asked for destruction of Bhasmasura. Bhasmasura liked dancing.
Lord Vishnu transforms into a beautiful female avatar called Mohini and goes near Bhasmasura. Bhasmasura is bewitched by Mohini and wants to marry her. Mohini asks for one dance before marriage. Bhasmasura agrees and then Mohini dances and Bhasmasura repeats those steps. In the end Mohini puts palm on her head
Bhasmasura did the same and got burnt.
Who thinks Katter will be sanctioned?
——————————-
The Age Live
“The prime minister says Bob Katter should “have a look at himself” after his aggressive outburst towards a Nine journalist at a Brisbane press conference yesterday.
“Bob Katter I like, but Bob Katter needs to have a look at that footage. Have a look at himself, frankly, and recognise that that’s not what we expect of any Australian, let alone someone who’s in public office,” Anthony Albanese told Nine’s Today this morning.
He joins parliamentarians from across both major parties and the crossbench in rebuking Katter’s behaviour following the incident.
The Behaviour Code for Australian Parliamentarians – which covers MPs regardless of whether they are at Parliament House or on official business – lists bullying and harassment as prohibited behaviours that could lead to sanctioning. Complaints against parliamentarians can be investigated by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Commission.
Parliamentarians are sworn to treat all those they come into contact within the course of their work with “dignity, courtesy, fairness and respect”.
The Parliamentary Workplace Support Service would not comment on whether a complaint or referral to the commission had been made regarding Katter’s conduct.”
”
GFY2says:
Friday, August 29, 2025 at 6:41 am
https://theunaustralian.net/2025/08/28/all-australians-to-be-made-pay-a-levy-just-in-case-they-offend-linda-reynolds/ …
”
Satire!
But things are coming to that situation. Sad.
When clowns want power, the court becomes a circus.
”
SMH Editorial: Bizarre diplomatic slight from US highlights parlous state of relations
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/bizarre-diplomatic-slight-from-us-highlights-parlous-state-of-relations-20250828-p5mqk6.html
What we learnt from Richard Marles’s ‘meeting’ with Pete Hegseth and JD Vance in Washington DC
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-29/what-we-learnt-from-richard-marles-meeting-pete-hegseth-jd-vance/105710232
”
What we learnt is that Don’t trust US again. Some people may say atleast till Trump is in power. I say that US political system is broken and it is next to impossible to fix it. Hence, don’t trust US again.
In this picture from the ABC article linked by Ven @8:54, is Albo looking a bit green around the gills or is that just an optical effect from the contrast with Trump?
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-29/how-irans-antisemitic-attack-plot-came-undone/105709542
________________________________________________
I wonder if anyone here still questions whether Iran was behind the attacks. I’m sure some do.
The cookers apparently love “freedom” so much that they change their names. For example, the two below in the SMH landing page.
‘Steve777 says:
Friday, August 29, 2025 at 9:08 am
In this picture from the ABC article linked by Ven @8:54, is Albo looking a bit green around the gills or is that just an optical effect from the contrast with Trump?’
=================
That image has a yellow cast. Look at the yellowish tinge to the white shirt. Picture editors know this sort of stuff because it is part of their day job to be across this level of technical detail. It is, in its own little way, a hit job on Albanese.
‘Ven says:
Friday, August 29, 2025 at 8:54 am
”
SMH Editorial: Bizarre diplomatic slight from US highlights parlous state of relations
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/bizarre-diplomatic-slight-from-us-highlights-parlous-state-of-relations-20250828-p5mqk6.html
What we learnt from Richard Marles’s ‘meeting’ with Pete Hegseth and JD Vance in Washington DC
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-29/what-we-learnt-from-richard-marles-meeting-pete-hegseth-jd-vance/105710232
”
What we learnt is that Don’t trust US again. Some people may say atleast till Trump is in power. I say that US political system is broken and it is next to impossible to fix it. Hence, don’t trust US again.’
=======================
Your rampant anti-western diatribes need a bit of balance.
Perhaps you should do some hit jobs on your BRICs luvvies – the ones that are actively invading their neighbours and slaughtering innocent people, for example. What about the BRICs country that is ramming neighboring countries ships? What about the BRICs countries that export state terror up to, and including, assassination?
Do you trust them ever again?
‘Holdenhillbilly says:
Friday, August 29, 2025 at 8:11 am
World News & Politics Patrol:
Forest fire caused by Ukrainian drone strike approaches ‘Putin’s palace’ in southern Russia: https://novayagazeta.eu/articles/2025/08/28/forest-fire-caused-by-ukrainian-drone-strike-approaches-putins-palace-in-southern-russia-en-news‘
=================
Thanks, Hh.
I imagine a kinetic war in Australia would result in most of the continent’s natural vegetation areas being burned to the ground.
TPOFsays:
Friday, August 29, 2025 at 9:18 am
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-29/how-irans-antisemitic-attack-plot-came-undone/105709542
________________________________________________
I wonder if anyone here still questions whether Iran was behind the attacks. I’m sure some do.
______________________________
If you look at the comments section of any vaguly left leaning publication (The Guardian, Crikey), you’ll see the belief that it was some tripple-secret Mosad operation runs rife.
There are a surprisingly large number of people who are also all “ho hum, it was just a foregn government attacking Australia after all, nothing to see here”.
Thankfully, the government seems to be swiftly moving to deport criminal non-citizens. Tony Burke and team have been pretty good at keeping out the more corrosive elements too.
MABWM says:
Thursday, August 28, 2025 at 9:23 pm
@upNorth,
Welfare check please on Bob Katter!?!?
What is the go with that man. I’m sure you’ve got the tea.
(In case anyone has missed it the march he is intending to attend is being supported if not organised by some very un savoury links to the people who turn up to Moira Deeming’s demos.)
中华人民共和国
From the previous thread. MABWM – Bobs’ been crazy for donkeys years. When he was a Cabinet Minister in the Bjelke-Petersen Government on two occasions he left the confidential Cabinet Bag on top of his car a drive off. Luckily local cops found it and returned it to him and that’s over 40 years ago!
When he gets on the plane in Townsville he walks to the back of the plane, pretending to fly economy. His big hat and saying hello to everyone. Then it’s back to business after the plane takes off and first off.
In electorate with so many First Nations people he gets away with this white person bullshit. Mt Isa is dying. Kennedy will change as the populations shrinks.
Bob might run again but I wouldn’t be surprised if his son Robbie has a go.
Some wonderful people in Kennedy but some real nutters.
Boerwar says:
Friday, August 29, 2025 at 8:17 am
Why not make it one day a week?
Not every week, surely!