The Liberal Party room will meet at 9am this morning to vote on the leadership, with the general expectation being that Sussan Ley will be deposed by Angus Taylor. This follows the resignation of Taylor and eight other shadow ministers, among them James McGrath, who supported Ley in the post-election vote in which Ley defeated Taylor by 29 votes to 25. Party sources cited by the News Corp papers expect Taylor to carry the day with “a clear majority of up to ten votes in the 51 person Liberal party room”. Nine Newspapers reports the possibility that moderates may advance Tim Wilson as an alternative if the spill motion is carried by a margin big enough to discourage Ley from standing.
The prospect of Ley resigning from parliament, and an ensuing by-election in her seat of Farrer, has been widely canvassed: James Massola of Nine Newspapers notes she has served in parliament for 25 years and is among the few parliamentarians privy to the defined benefits scheme pension available that the Howard government closed off in 2004. I discussed the situation with Thomas Oriti of ABC Radio in Sydney yesterday afternoon, which you can hear from 2:07:45.
Regardless of who wins Farrer, Labor still holds 94 seats.
That’s the key point here.
Kirsdarke – Labor is not chasing right wing votes by standing in Farrer. It is taking up progressive arguments to convince people of the dangers of ON and other reactionaries.
Labor and Labor adjacent people in country areas often feel a bit underestimated by the party hardheads. Chance here to show some fight.
“It really shouldn’t matter to Labor what a seat like Farrer ends up with as its new MP.”
I think the comment upthread about the ALP and Greens running candidates to drive a public argument about preference deals with ON is a very good one. May not make a difference if Farrer, but will have an effect in every other electorate. 🙂
Farrer will be a litmus test as to what degree the centre-right/right vote has splintered…suspect it will go off in multiple directions. Labor could nominate someone just for the fun of it I guess.
Spence @ #802 Friday, February 13th, 2026 – 11:21 pm
Honestly I used to think the same, but after going through over 100 years of Australian state election results in NSW, Victoria, Queensland, SA and WA and putting them up on Wikipedia for all to see, there’s electorates out there that will absolutely never ever vote for Labor or any equivalent left-leaning parties in any circumstance.
Labor is not in Farrer to win. It would be in to run arguments of significance nationally. Both policies and preferencing issues.
$1000 for petrol and nothing else could cover a campaign.
Spence @ #806 Friday, February 13th, 2026 – 11:30 pm
That’s true, but perhaps this would be best to be treated as a “Test 0” scenario to see what happens with no input from Labor? If so, there’s 4 plausible candidates. Liberal, National, One Nation, (Teal) Independent.
I think there could be some useful data from that.
@Kirsdarke
I understand your point, especially when it comes to resource allocation, etc.
But remember when Labor won Benalla in Victoria in 2000 after the leader of the National Party, Pat McNamara, stood down.
These aren’t the same circumstances of course, but just pointing out that sometimes Labor can win very conservative seats.
William Bowe can you delete an incorrect apostrophe from a post I made? Joking, but only half joking. It burns.
Lev Lafayette @ #809 Friday, February 13th, 2026 – 11:50 pm
Yes, that was a unique by-election. And also one that Victorian Labor was very much compelled to contest because at the time it was a minority government, so any opportunity to pick up a seat was seized upon.
At the time Labor held 43/88 seats while being backed by 3 Independents for 46/88. They then contested and won Benalla to win 44/88 seats and secured their position even further, since by then Jeff Kennett had pretty much recognized his full defeat, so the remainder of Labor’s term was more comfortable than it had been at the start.
But with Federal Labor holding 94/150 seats at the moment, there’s really not much need for any of that. Probably better to just let the Coalition and One Nation annoy each other to the point that their voters feel less inclined to preference each other when the real elections come.
Ghost Of Whitlam says:
Friday, February 13, 2026 at 10:40 am
Penny Wong must feel elated watching this. Ley’s “no tears” attack on her was one of the most disgusting personal attack in Australian political history.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
I was starting to feel a tinge of sadness for Susssan when I saw her sitting in the LOTOs chair, alone and deserted, until I saw a repeat of the “no tears” attack on Penny on 7.30.
Well, that brought me back to reality.
Susssan is the scum of the earth.
Scum of the earth is a bit strong no?
Yeah I think scum in that sense needs a specific terroir, like, she could be the scum of the Riverina for instance, but the earth? What earth?
Player Onesays:
Friday, February 13, 2026 at 9:56 pm
Upnorth @ 9:45pm
Do I really have to explain what ‘carrying capacity’ means?
中华人民共和国
I get it, I get it – similar concept to “Lebensraum” I guess.
Maybe that’s banned in Australia now and William will have to punt me? Well not until Poorline runs the show.
Night all.
Farrer saw how Calwell became a confusing mess of preferences and 5 candidate preferred counts and said “hold my beer”
This election is hard to predict for but man will it be mighty fun to watch. The Coalition will have to fight each other whilst One Nation looms in the background and the Teal candidate comes back for another swing. Maybe Helen Dalton will come in with the steel chair, who knows?
I think Labor should sit this one out not only because they’re never going to win this, but also because all their opponents will be fighting each other and they shouldn’t interrupt them whilst they’re making a mistake. Sure they can run to argue for their policies or vision, but I think this could easily devolve into a Hinchinbrook like situation for Labor where they run a candidate in an unusual contest that they’re never going to win, end up with a predictable poor primary vote result and a PR nightmare to manage.
Upnorth says:
Friday, February 13, 2026 at 9:45 pm
Player One says:
Friday, February 13, 2026 at 9:36 pm
Pi @ 5:35 pm
The people who think Australia is ‘full’ have either never seen the country, or have small minds that can’t grasp it. Our country is enormous and mostly empty. Of humans anyway.
The issue is not size. It is carrying capacity. Which we have already exceeded.
中华人民共和国
Then like me you should move away.
About 15 Thailands (much of it mountainous) fit into Australia but carry about 3 times Australia’s population.
The residents of the Land of Smiles have been nothing but welcoming to my family and I. As to the over 30 million visitors, the Thais are desperate for more. Lots of Eco Resorts here.
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Some people have no idea of ‘full’ or ‘space’, when talking about population in our country or others.
When I fly I always try for a window seat as I like to look out and see what’s below me.
Travel anywhere in Australia for 1,000 k’s and looking out the window, 99.99% of what you see will be
void of cities or towns where people live.
The same applies to some of the most populous countries on earth that I have visited.
We could easily fit 100 million more people on the eastern seaboard between Cairns-Brisbane-Sydney and Melbourne and then some.
Labor won’t run in Farrer. There is nothing to be gained.
98.6says:
Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 12:34 am
Upnorth says:
Friday, February 13, 2026 at 9:45 pm
Player One says:
Friday, February 13, 2026 at 9:36 pm
Pi @ 5:35 pm
The people who think Australia is ‘full’ have either never seen the country, or have small minds that can’t grasp it. Our country is enormous and mostly empty. Of humans anyway.
The issue is not size. It is carrying capacity. Which we have already exceeded.
中华人民共和国
Then like me you should move away.
About 15 Thailands (much of it mountainous) fit into Australia but carry about 3 times Australia’s population.
The residents of the Land of Smiles have been nothing but welcoming to my family and I. As to the over 30 million visitors, the Thais are desperate for more. Lots of Eco Resorts here.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Some people have no idea of ‘full’ or ‘space’, when talking about population in our country or others.
When I fly I always try for a window seat as I like to look out and see what’s below me.
Travel anywhere in Australia for 1,000 k’s and looking out the window, 99.99% of what you see will be
void of cities or towns where people live.
The same applies to some of the most populous countries on earth that I have visited.
We could easily fit 100 million more people on the eastern seaboard between Cairns-Brisbane-Sydney and Melbourne and then some.
中华人民共和国
Right on the money cobber!
Found Angus Taylor’s housing policy:
https://www.realestate.com.au/news/inside-new-liberal-leaders-property-empire
nath says:
Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 12:15 am
Scum of the earth is a bit strong no?
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If you think it was a bit strong, you should have seen what I wrote before I realised that we now have anti-hate speech laws.
Mabwmsays:
Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 12:34 am
Labor won’t run in Farrer. There is nothing to be gained.
中华人民共和国
Genuine question. Reckon the Greens will run cobber? Might soak up Labor votes if Labor don’t.
I take it One Nation last on the Greens ticket?
King O’Malley and WB trying to do some gongkulations on possible outcomes.
Melodysays:
Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 12:39 am
Found Angus Taylor’s housing policy:
https://www.realestate.com.au/news/inside-new-liberal-leaders-property-empire
中华人民共和国
Might well beat out Duttons own holdings!
Upnorth
The Teal would soak up the Labor vote and takes votes from the Greens.
This is the most excited that I’ve been for a by-election since the Aston by-election in 2023.
Upnorth @ #822 Saturday, February 14th, 2026 – 12:41 am
Of course the Greens will run, even in safe Coalition seats. They probably won’t get more than 20% of the final vote even if Labor doesn’t run.
Upnorth says:-
The residents of the Land of Smiles have been nothing but welcoming to my family and I. As to the over 30 million visitors, the Thais are desperate for more. Lots of Eco Resorts here.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
I have visited Thailand and I can see why 30 million visitors go there, presumably every year.
Strange that they would like more, when lots of countries are trying to limit the number of tourists such as certain towns in Japan which have cancelled their Cherry Blossom festivals, and Rome is charging people to visit the Trevi Fountain and Venice is limiting tourists on their canals because there is just too many people visiting these places and the locals are fed up with tourists.
Thomas Brian Muttersays:
Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 12:49 am
This is the most excited that I’ve been for a by-election since the Aston by-election in 2023
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All the more reason why Labor should contest it.
It may end up being another one in a 100 year event.
Just do it.
98.6 says:
Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 12:57 am
Upnorth says:-
The residents of the Land of Smiles have been nothing but welcoming to my family and I. As to the over 30 million visitors, the Thais are desperate for more. Lots of Eco Resorts here.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
I have visited Thailand and I can see why 30 million visitors go there, presumably every year.
Strange that they would like more, when lots of countries are trying to limit the number of tourists such as certain towns in Japan which have cancelled their Cherry Blossom festivals, and Rome is charging people to visit the Trevi Fountain and Venice is limiting tourists on their canals because there is just too many people visiting these places and the locals are fed up with tourists.
中华人民共和国
It was up to 40 million pre covid. Vietnam and Malaysia have taken lots of the market.
Around 20% of the Thai economy is reliant on Tourists. Less tourists mean a lot of people and I mean literally go without. Thus the focus on increasing numbers.
Bangkok is busy and crowded but damn it’s fun!
Kanchanaburi, where I visit regularly, laid back and very friendly.
The local area is underpopulated as younger people migrate to Bangkok. There is a big demand now for labour especially in the rice and sugar seasons. Reminds me very much of my hometown in Oz.
98.6 says:
Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 1:02 am
Thomas Brian Muttersays:
Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 12:49 am
This is the most excited that I’ve been for a by-election since the Aston by-election in 2023
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
All the more reason why Labor should contest it.
It may end up being another one in a 100 year event.
Just do it.
中华人民共和国
Oath! Might do a Steven Bradbury!
Now I must sleep. Squid jigging tomorrow.
Personally I reserve ‘scum of the earth’ for child molesters, cannibals and rapists.
98.6 @ #828 Saturday, February 14th, 2026 – 1:02 am
Or just don’t. Just because it’d be super cool to use a cheese wheel on a zip-line ride doesn’t mean you have to actually do it.
Australias got another gold medal….
Trump voters like pp brain are as thick as pig shit.
“A year in, it’s official: Americans, not foreigners, are paying for Trump’s tariffs”
https://edition.cnn.com/2026/02/12/business/trump-tariffs-consumers-nightcap
Kylie Lang when are you going give the same advice to Tony Abbott who white anted Sussan Ley?
“Kylie Lang: Malcolm Turnbull should keep his nose out of politics
Malcolm Turnbull should mind his own business – which is no longer in politics.
Ever since he was toppled by his peers in 2018, the former prime minister has actively white-anted the Liberal Party – of which he remains a member despite attempts to expel him.”
https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/opinion/kylie-lang/kylie-lang-malcolm-turnbull-should-keep-his-nose-out-of-politics/news-story/78841cf95565b343926bd04789a6d0e2
Kirsdarkesays:
Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 1:09 am
98.6 @ #828 Saturday, February 14th, 2026 – 1:02 am
Thomas Brian Muttersays:
Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 12:49 am
This is the most excited that I’ve been for a by-election since the Aston by-election in 2023
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
All the more reason why Labor should contest it.
It may end up being another one in a 100 year event.
Just do it.
………………
Or just don’t. Just because it’d be super cool to use a cheese wheel on a zip-line ride doesn’t mean you have to actually do it.
……………………………….
As someone who has always given Labor my first preference, if I live in Farrer and Labor didn’t contest the by-election, I would be forced to break the law and not vote at all.
Labor has a duty to Labor voters to contest every electorate.
The events of 1975 precludes me from voting for anyone else except Labor.
It’s called ‘maintaining the rage’.
Kirsdarke says:
Friday, February 13, 2026 at 11:15 pm
Regardless of who wins Farrer, Labor still holds 94 seats.
That’s the key point here.
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The key point is ’95’ has a better ring to it.
98.6says:
The events of 1975 precludes me from voting for anyone else except Labor.
It’s called ‘maintaining the rage’.
____________________
I would call it ‘maintaining the stooge’
Apologies Nath, I did see that but it has been a busy day. Cheers.
The only ex-PMs who haven’t been in the news lately are Julia and Paul.
New thread.
DPR of CBR @ 5.21pm
It is an interesting concept – Religion.
I fully agree with your comments, especially in regard to the possible census data finding that 50% or more of Australians don’t identify with any religion.
My wife and I have been amongst that cohort for most of our lives.
At the last school in which I was a teacher (2015) the two fastest growing religious groups, of sorts, was the introduction of Ethics and Bahai.
The first was restricted to the Year 5 & 6 students.
The Bahai group was restricted to 20 students due to the fact that we only had one practitioner who was able to take this class.
Non-scripture was the 3rd most popular choice of parents for their children.
Personally, as an atheist, I would prefer Bahai & Ethics over any of the other faiths, because they both taught decency and cooperation and through Bahai the tenets of all the major religions focussing upon love and kindness to all.
Spence @ 10.45pm
I doubt that 40% of the voters in Farrer support Labor.
If so, it would be held by the government and there would be no need for a bu-election.
She’ll do bugger all apart from toeing the party line and standing meekly behind Manly Man Angus.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/feb/14/jane-hume-deputy-liberal-leader
C@tmomma @ #797 Friday, February 13th, 2026 – 10:56 pm
Elon’s drug of choice is ketamine, not fentanyl. Ketamine is a dissociative anaesthetic which works mainly via NMDA receptors not an opioid (which fentanyl is). Ketamine does not decrease pain, it just isn’t happening to you. Suits Elon to a tee.
Steve777says:
Friday, February 13, 2026 at 11:07 am
“Surely they can’t go Hastie, never go full Hastie!!”
They went the full Abbott, so who knows?
If the polling situation hasn’t greatly improved for the Coalition by the end of this year, the leadership rumbles will start again. Angus has a year, maybe a little longer, to turn things around.
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Hastie has to get his timing just right.
He can’t afford to go too early so that folk have the opportunity to work out what a dud he is before the election.
Oakeshott Countrysays:
Friday, February 13, 2026 at 12:44 pm
BW is right:
The people praying outside St Andrew’s Cathedral could be charged with:
Damage to NSW Government property: to wit, biting a policeman’s boot.
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Hey c’mon, there were several incidents of otherwise peaceful protestors headbutting policemen’s fists and batons as well.
Ashasays:
Friday, February 13, 2026 at 1:02 pm
I will confess that I do still own an old Corolla in Brisbane which doesn’t currently work. Is that a capital asset?
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I’d probably call it a lower case asset; or maybe even a liability.
Sceptic says:
Friday, February 13, 2026 at 10:20 pm
Bizzcan says:
Friday, February 13, 2026 at 10:10 pm
Australia already has a fallback in Eftpos which could add credit facilities without linking to Visa or Mastercard in a very short time frame.
The more Trump pushes the further the wold will separate from the US… a win for the world.
Some products such as cars need a license to import and the conditions being placed on importers is “no data leaves Australia”. Cars now produce a lot of data. Means you can’t use Amazon services for your application. Windows 11, sorry.
No data is not easy when the customer is using GMAIL or pays with Mastercard etc.
If the general rule for everything becomes, “no data outside Australia” all the USA services are going to have to set up Australian servers, with systems that prevent export of data, or alternate services are going to have to be created.
The firts part is easy (Australian servers) as it has already happened to reduce AUS/international data volume. The second will be something new.
As Bizzcam pointed out, Visa and Mastercard was built on Bankcard. Not a big step to give Visa and Mastercard the flick. The big issues is international recognition, but as the system breaks down that is already going to be an issue.
In 12 months, what card do you use in Europe?
Do Visa and Mastercard work in Russia? Pretty sure that is a solid no.
Do Visa and Mastercard work in China? I truly don’t know, but if I was going I would be pretty sure I would check. (link your Mastercard to mobile wallets like Alipay or WeChat Pay for nearly universal acceptance throughout China)
meher babasays:
Friday, February 13, 2026 at 1:27 pm
Kronomex: “And this crazed lunatic worm eaten brain moron is in charge of US health?”
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You’re being quite unfair. I reckon his performance is on a par with that of most of the other members of Trump’s cabinet.
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There is no inconsistency between the two statements.