Compromise FAIL

The stimulus package has been blocked in the Senate on a 35-35 vote. Commentary from the economists – Peter Martin and Joshua Gans.
Things I would note:

Malcolm and the Coalition completely rejected the package and refused to negotiate.
Mr F threw an impassioned wobbly and gave vague indications of what he wanted from the negotiations – and [...]

Read Full Post »

Unchanged

Nice work, Tim Norton:

Greens rallies in the capital cities tomorrow.

Read Full Post »

Opposition

Hey, look – there’s a political party that is asking the Government to answer questions that would justify its policy. Presumably, this party might base its decision about whether to support or oppose the legislation based on the satisfaction they get from the answers.
By the way, did you know Kevin Rudd is a bit odd?
UPDATE: [...]

Read Full Post »

Bonus

Turns out the Libs didn’t get themselves back up to seven seats in the ACT election – the Greens have picked up a fourth seat at their expense.

Read Full Post »

Supervote Saturday commentary

Labor got the hiding they expected and deserved in the NSW by-elections. They may have only lost one seat, but the swing against them speaks volumes. Rees is going to need to eliminate the stench by 2011 or, barring yet another Liberal Party implosion, the Carr-Iemma-Rees dynasty will be over.
The Nats – and, since the [...]

Read Full Post »

Where to turn in the State of Despair?

Tim Dunlop notes the official resignation of Iemma from politics, and expresses a hope for the Opposition to stop tripping over its own feet:
The people of NSW just have to hope that the Opposition can get themselves together over the next few years—and there are some positive signs—and offer a viable alternative to this tired, [...]

Read Full Post »

Obstruction numero uno

Steve Fielding:
The Federal Government’s luxury car tax bill has been defeated in the Senate after Family First Senator Steve Fielding and the Opposition combined to vote against it.
…
“The Government could do something if they wanted to to get this measure through,” he said.
“There’s no way that Family First can vote for a bill that’s going [...]

Read Full Post »

Site updates, enhancements, and moves

No, not here. At other places.
OpenAustralia now has Senate coverage.
The Greens Senators now have their new home.
And in good old post-Olympic fashion, Possum Comitatus is turning pro.
And what about the traditional media? The Australian and the other News sites still have their same shitty systems. Moderation queues that move in highly mysterious. No trackbacks. And [...]

Read Full Post »

Compare and contrast

Acceptable:
Here’s how you take part in the show yourself, to raise the questions you thought the ABC would never ask.
Unacceptable:
As well as watching the program, please think about asking questions of Christine and the other panellists – about the Senate and balance of power, about the Garnaut Review, about appropriate responses to climate change, peak [...]

Read Full Post »

S.O.S.

A couple of videos to watch, if you haven’t already seen them, that highlight the important issues to consider in terms of voting for the Senate.
First, from GetUp:

Next, from the Greens:

And the Democrats:

Read Full Post »