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Tony Abbott’s Director of Policy Is No Spy
Much has been written and said about the incident between Peter van Onselen and Dr Mark Roberts. But there is another side to all of this. It isn’t that we’ve found out that Tony Abbott has a Director of Policy. That’s way too trite. It is the offer allegedly made to Peter van Onselen. According…
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The LNP Know Nothings : Criticism Without A Solution
If you examine politics sooner or later one finds some trends that repeat themselves. One of these is the LNP’s approach to politics. It is almost completely negative and oppositional. But it is not the first time that this approach has been tried and failed. Let me take you back in time. When One Nation…
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Vale Chrissie Amphlett
It was the early ’80s, and the Cabbage Tree Patch in Wollongong was packed full. Friday night and my brother and I were out to see a band. I drew the short straw and went to get a couple of beers and nearly didn’t make it back. In the end I choose to sip my…
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The Gonski Masterstroke (Still Confusing Christopher Pyne and Tony Abbott)
A month ago, I wrote a post on Gonski and here’s an update: None of the State Premiers except for Barry O’Farrell have signed up to the Gonski reforms. Recently, Tony Abbott has stated that he is against the reforms. Christopher Pyne’s response is to say to the least, confused. He recently stated O’Farrell was conned although…
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7 Reasons Why Negotiation Should Be Fun
Negotiation should be fun. Here’s why: Both parties have the other’s best interest as an objective. Both parties openly state their interests and motivations. Both parties make and keep their promises. Both parties state their limitations and strengths. Both parties bring new perspectives to the negotiation. Both parties see negotiation as a means of building…
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Terrorism in the Heart : Some Thoughts on the Boston Marathon Bombings
The aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombings is showing both the best and worst of humanity. I was amazed at the people who ran towards the bombing and began to help the victims regardless of danger to themselves. I was touched by the people who reached out to others regardless of any differences. I am deeply saddened by the loss of…
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Asylum Seekers: The Real Story
“Welcome to the People Smuggler Hotline, how can I help you today?” “Hi, I’m wishing to leave my country and emigrate to a more wealthy country.” “We certainly can help you with that! Where were you thinking of travelling to?” “I’m after the country with the best asylum seeker deals.” “You’ve called at the exact…
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What Does the Ultimately Downsized Government Do?
With the death of Margaret Thatcher, many people have been reflecting upon her legacy. Since her time as Prime Minister of Great Britain, governments of all colours have rolled back their dominance through spending cuts, tax cuts, withdrawal of services, privatisation and/or deregulation. As the GFC and its after effects continue, austerity is the new watch word.…
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Just Stick to the Stereotype And Everything Will Be Fine (Sorry Heidi Victoria)
Recently here was a twitstorm over Heidi Victoria (the Victorian Minister for Women’s Affairs (Yes that is her real name!)) who made some comments assuming that only women were nurturers. As a man I took some offence and added my two cent’s worth to the discussion with the following: Now it looks like I‘m a feminist. Or…
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An Abbott Recession Or Worse?
History unlearned has an unfortunate habit of repeating itself. Unfortunately, the present economic policies of the Abbott LNP will have historical long-term economic and social consequences. The following ready reckoner and broad analysis sets out the short and long term consequences of an Abbott LNP government. (Please note these commitments are not costed). Short Term…
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What Do I Call You Again?
Some terms for addressing women and the pitfalls thereof: • Girly? Is this rural Australia in the 1950’s? • Madame? No I’m not the proprietor! • Mistress? No I’m not one of those! • Missy? Am I a spoil brat throwing a tantrum? • Princess? Nice try but you’re no Prince! • Miss? I’m not…
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Andrew James Whalan 