The major mastheads have had their say on tomorrow’s election. Now it’s our turn.
We want Peter Dutton and his team not just to lose, but to be crushed and ground into the dirt. Why? Because it may be the only way to force the conservative side of politics to take a hard look at itself and reconstitute as a constructive force which reflects modern Australia — whether in government or opposition.
For this to happen, Dutton must never darken the door of the parliament again. The campaign has shown there is no bar too low for the Liberal leader in his grinding pursuit of power. For years he has been deluded enough to believe he could and should be prime minister. He preened and learnt to smile in 2018 after deposing Malcolm Turnbull, but lost out to Scott Morrison.
Et tu, Murdoch?
It is instructive that even his News Corp backers have all but abandoned him. That takes some doing when you consider what the Murdochs have been prepared to back in Australia and the US. A Courier-Mail exit poll today pointed to the possibility of Dutton losing his seat of Dickson.
The five weeks of the campaign might have been uninspiring, but it has allowed us to see a stark truth: the Coalition parties are not up to the job of governing. They have not been up to the demands of government for years, including for much of the time they were in power. Morrison managed to gain a three-year stay of execution in 2019. All that did was demonstrate that you can be lazy and inept and still win government — as long as you have the right backers. Morrison’s dark victory also killed the idea that big policy could win the day.
Brethren, verily I say unto thee …
The Dutton opposition has failed to do the hard work. It might be that it is incapable. It might be that it has grown accustomed to having policy parcelled up and handed to it by vested interests. It has elevated nasty politics to an art form. It has coasted on the uncritical backing of the powerful right-wing media.
The Liberals also came to worship a false god in the form of Donald Trump. His mendacious victory last year was taken as proof that “woke” was on the run and progressives had lost the plot. That might be true in part, but the other truth is that it shows us how messed up the conservatives have become.
Dutton, for example, has no problem with the Liberals gaining significant on-the-ground support from highly secretive religious group Plymouth Brethren, which lives by a series of restrictive religious practices. The Brethren have strict views on gender roles. They live and operate completely outside the mainstream of society. They have their own schools teaching creationism. But like Hillsong and others, the Brethren believe in the divine power of wealth, which is helped considerably by ongoing government tax breaks.
Major minor?
The Sydney Morning Herald and Guardian Australia have criticised the Albanese government for being timid, a common complaint raised by you, our readers, in our callout yesterday. Some believe the best antidote to this is a minority Labor government which might allow the Greens and the so-called teal independents to push along meaningful action, particularly on climate and housing. This might also open the way for a serious reassessment of the US alliance and AUKUS. One can only hope.
For his part, Dutton continues to stoke Liberal hopes of a 2019 rerun, suggesting there will be some surprises on Saturday night. Maybe he’s just buying time, hoping to keep the troops motivated enough to keep turning up. Let’s see. If he’s right, it will amount to a Trump-sized setback for Australia.
So from us at The Politics to you: enjoy your fill of democracy sausages. See you on the other side, hopefully with coverage of the implications of a Liberal wipeout — and what an Andrew Hastie- or Angus Taylor-led opposition would look like.
Couldn’t agree more! If I never see that face again, it will be too soon! Go Ali France!!
I’m with you. Sincerely hope Dutton loses his seat. He’s an appalling individual. Turnbull summed him up in a single word: bully. And he is.
I think Turnbull called him a ‘Thug’ which is even more acurate
Remember this- when Dutton deposed Turnbull, his fellow Libs decided NOT to put him up as the alternative PM. They said he was not electable then. Morrison goy up and noone noticed
Q ; So how did this idiot get to be in charge? A: Murdoch !
Labor all the way for me and seriously needed to offset Duttonism & Trumpism.
Dutton needs to lose his seat with some humility and learn some hard truths about politics and potential threats worldwide. Diplomatic solutions are required for many issues in a world thats so out of balance. He’s also sadly out of touch with Australian values…
He said “thug”.
Hear, hear!
Hope she buries the bastard! Beware the bell, Dutton, it tolls for thee.
Yes, get rid of these despicable bastards hopefully forever.
But surely even these totally incompetent and uncomprehending dolts couldn’t choose that ubermoron Angus Taylor to lead them even further into deepest mediocrity.
Couldn’t agree more
America under trump is a mess to the point of bringing back segregation in schools and arresting and deporting people at airports if they have anti-trump texts or social media on their phones. You have got to resist these throwbacks to a time of fascism.
Bring it on!
Youse are so deluded if you think there aren’t enough masochisitic resenters who want to get the Duttonator in so he can blow up things – like the climate – and people – like migrants that they hate on. He actually said there are enough ‘angry Australians’ to get him elected..I doubt very much that he will lose his own seat cos many in his electorate need him…
Ariel, you too seem completely deluded
You might just be right Ariel, but I;m sure all here you’re not.
Great to be so angry to live in such a wealthy, free and democratic society! We have plently to be thankful for considing what is happening in the rest of the globe!
Keep putting your head in the sand on climate and await the rising tide!
Enjoy the Dud Dutton wipeout!
Hopefully he’ll do a Howard, and lose both the election and his seat. He’s not needed in Parliament – Turnbull’s description still fits like a glove.
But an Opposition lead by either Hastie or Taylor would give us more of the same. It may give some of their backers a warm feeling, but neither is really in touch with the electorate. Sadly, there doesn’t seem to be any reasonable alternative in either House. Their rush to embrace Trump has misfired badly, as has the constant flip-flop over policy and the reluctance to provide detail of anything they have proposed. It has stained most of them. It may well be that the next Liberal Prime Minister has yet to be elected to Parliament, because none of what’s on offer at the moment looks at all trustworthy.
One of the best articles I’ve read about a defunct Liberal party. If they win the election the country’s STUFFED
Exactly my thoughts.
And mine
Mine too.
Fabulous article absolutely nailed the personality of despicable Dutton, power hungry at any cost, almost robotic. Has downgraded our politics with lies and deception to a level we don’t recognise.
For the sake of all us rational people, I hope your predictions are correct. Australia simply canm’t afford another period of COALition government with its social inequality, climate change denial and constant dissemination of untruths and misinformation.
MerryMog you are so right!! Their inherent cruelty and sense of entitlement is abhorrent. The climate is desperate for concerted action and social inequality rising. I only hope our next government has some balls!!
On the other hand maybe it needs fewer balls and more brains
The Coalition and its cheerleaders’ continued claims that they can still win, will win … sure, there’s an element of delusion, of needing to project confidence, and clear evidence that they have completely failed to learn the lessons of the last two if not three elections.
Their stance is also indicative of arrogance, the born-to-rule, ‘natural party of government’ bullshit that needs to be stamped out (‘how dare those uppity women take OUR seats!).
The worrying dimension, though, especially you look at the commentary on Sky, is that all this could be them setting things up to dispute the outcome of the election, at the national and seat level. They’ve borrowed enough other ideas from Trump, why not play the ‘stolen election’ card too. Because if you believe you’re born to rule – appointed by God, even – it must be easy to swallow the idea that a loss can’t possibly be your fault.
At least we don’t have voting machines reading the ballots, all hand read 🙂 Only the last step of transmitting the data via Musks Starlink is possibly subject to interference
I like your thinking Max – we should name an institute after you!
I really am pissed off at the continuing complaint that Labor is too timid. It has carried out a great deal of business beneficial to our people and economy. The timid callers never indicate what less timid policies they want introduced. A businesslike government certainly beats the Coalition. Too much bleating about lowering rents when it is a power not really available to the Commonwealth. It might be useful to bleat about the persons RENTING their properties and constantly raising the rents. Inflation has to come form somewhere.
Labor has not tackled any *hard* issues. The Environmental Bill was so weak that Roger Cooke from WA boasted how he has “neutered” it so the Greens wouldnt support it. They did a deal with Libs over electoral donations – nothing on truth in Political advertising or gambling reform or Climate Change or Negative Gearing. They still approved new Fossil Fuel Projects – we are still INCREASING our FF usage. Lots of tinkering around the edges but no real reform.
Agree. Labor has disappointed big time on climate and environmen t issues. Labor is as much in the thrall of the fossil fuel industry as the Liberals – thanks to our pathetic political donation rules that allow such generosity from corporate/business and deep-pocketed individuals, and a failure to disclose donations until months after the election.
No Federal Govt will tackle negative gearing until they have a majority. If that happens with Labor this time, they should go for it in their first year of office, and only for new properties. No attacking existing owners = political suicide. Then watch the price of entry-level property fall.
Labor has been very weak on climate.
They should also build 360,000 new houses with money saved by backing out of the nuclear subs. Just imagine the outrage if one of them was bombed or scuppered. The electorate doesn’t like them. Move on.
Strongly Agree with article and comments. Let’s add the disgraceful way in which the “fast track” asylum seekers have been treated by Coalition governments, with Labour just a bit better. Let’s hope a new Labour Govt will quickly move to recognise at least most of the “fast track “ group as refugees and grant them permanency after 10-12 years of suffering and poverty
Agree Kevin – will we ever return to a compassionate nation that is honest and open in it’s dealings with asylum seekers and refugees. How many good people did we abandon in Afghanistan, who had risked their lives to help us?
I struggle to see this an a “policy” election. I haven’t seen anything that points a direction for the country over the next 3 years. Both major partoies are offerng a version of a “safe pair of hands”. The US has upended the international order and we’re being offered a menu of takeaways.
My only hope is that a minority government will have to deal with reasonable independent voices that simply won’t accept a “same again” government… either Labor of Conservative. The only voices of reform are coming from the cross bench. And more power to them.
Spot on.
Strongly Agree with article and comments. Let’s add the disgraceful way in which the “fast track” asylum seekers have been treated by Coalition governments, with Labour just a bit better. Let’s hope a new Labour Govt will quickly move to recognise at least most of the “fast track “ group as refugees and grant them permanency after 10-12 years of suffering and poverty.
Core leader, France, 1792: “ There goes the mob; I am their leader, I must follow them.” Pretty much sums up Western conservatism today. We need Leaders who lead – not follow the prevailing non sense!!
What this country really needs right now is a government that’s prepared to listen to diverse voices (not just big business) and negotiate on what’s best for the country (not politicians and their overly generous pensions). We need critical renegotiation on our relationship with the US – AUKUS and Pine Gap and wherever else US the military has infiltrated. We need a well hung parliament. Vote 1 Greens and put libs last.
I agree with most of what has been said. I’d love to see the back of Dutton. I do think Labor has achieved a great deal while they have been in power .I would like to see stronger action on climate change, environment and extinctions and better funding for ABC, and for government schools. I do worry that the message of ‘Are you better off’ is cutting through but think people are dreaming if they think they’d be better off with Dutton.
Quite agree with you Raylee💪
I might be too idealistic, but a government should govern in the best interests of the whole: to be inclusive.
Yet Dutton sets apart some groups within our community and encourages us to fear (or deport) them. So, there are sections of the community he clearly does not want to govern for.
But we knew that. It’s not hard to identify vested interests, and the money trails behind some of the right-wing lobby groups have been made clear.
I’m ashamed to see divisive, mean-spirited and small-minded campaigning and politicking. I’m also concerned that it’s the politically engaged who’ve been criticical of the Coalition campaign. The disengaged won’t be able to make that judgement. For some, the first ad or Tik Tok that resonates will drive their vote.
I really hope we’re not in for a nasty surprise, and that we end up with a minority Labor government with a big cross-bench. That would give us good, active representation, rather than sidelining every rep who’s not part of the government. I’ve never liked the two-party system of govern/oppose.
My thoughts exactly 💯 so much of the lnp messages are totally wrong, or at least misleading them. The costings released by them are horrifying for the renewable sector and battery and EV subsidies. All going to be scrapped. Sneaky and destructive.
I agree. A minority government would be the best outcome.
Here! Here! It is about time we, the more progressive thinkers, those that care and want a safe, inclusive future for all Australians, we must collectively and unreservedly rid our society of numnuts like Dutton, a real drag on our democracy and a liability to all who think and want a fair, inclusinve and better future. He is just so negative, as are his top Liberals. They offer no decent vision for Australia, except that they proffer the same old garbage that has been recycled year after year without any thought that it might be boring or repetitive. Dutton is a dud. Always has been, always will be. We must also be aware that he is a dangerous ands conniving individual too, like Trump, who could quickly polarise our society and create even greater social and economic divisions- not to mention his ability to tap into the nutters who only need a messiah to amp up their causes. No, no, no. We do not need Dutton ever. I truly hope that decency and simple common sense speak to our voters.
I recall that in the 1950’s there was a weird cult that believed they were citizens of an alien world and at a designated time on a designated date, a mothership from that world would come for them. Like the Liberals, believers in a false god (Trump in this case). Needless to say, the “mothership” never arrived (or it just went to the wrong planet – it’s a big universe after all). A journalist had been allowed into their midst and noted the varied reactions when the mothership failed to arrive. Some gave up and left, but others were equally convinced their belief had simply not been fervent enough. There is a real risk the Liberal Party, which seems already to have been in the insidious and growing grip of the ultra-conservatives (I believe that’s the case in SA – allegedly under the guidance of the risible Nicole Flint), will believe it needs to move even further to the right, with or without Dutton. Given it numbers amongst its numbers Gina Rinehart who is, it appears, utterly obsessed with and by Trump and highly influential, it’s hard to think Rinehart will have a personal epiphany and soften her political Ayn Rand-esque stance. The Liberals will struggle to win on policies for its present lineup is simply completely bereft of talent and long on incompetence and incoherent babbling, so the social and cultural division that is a feature of populist politics remains their only hope. Personally, I’d be happy to see Taylor as the party leader – he is, it appears, regarded in Canberra as a clown, an epithet that fits with my own view of him – so I really struggle to see how the Liberals could fashion themselves into a credible opposition under his “leadership”.
Never mind Canada being the 51st state as Australia already is. Pine Gap, US troop rotation. Nuclear subs can berth in WA and Darwin, then there is AUKUS? No words on our independence as a sovereign nation. No measures to stop the genocide in Palestine. Plus we support NATO’s provocations that lead us to the Ukraine, Russia stupidity!
Both Labor and Libs are avoiding this discussion. A pox on both parties as I will vote independents who are against the genocide in GAZA Morality takes precedent.
Contradiction here: you can’t have a Liberal (sic) wipeout AND a minority government. Which is better? I vote for the latter. A Liberal party strong enough to reform itself into a decent representation of a future for Australia is necessary, (with the proviso that we NEVER go back to the corrupt duopoly) no matter how negative, incompetent and immoral they are now. (I’m trying to be nice to them )
Politics is not an easy game. One constant is that to change anything .. one can only do it by having the power of a majority backing. I think Labor was totally shocked at the 60/40 vote .. across the Nation .. from the referendum. I know I was!
The forces that controlled that disgusting debate are VERY powerful. Anyone who ignores the threat from the Conservatives, takes a BIG risk. Maybe the claims of cautious and timid .. were a hopeful strategy to oppose the bullying destruction from conservative press, politician and power-brokers???
And we will see tomorrow if that is the case!
The wisest move Albo made was to not go sucking up to Trump as Spud, his MAGAts and LNP media cheer squad insisted was the right approach to dealings with the tangerine terrorist
I usually don’t eat the unhealthy democracy sausage that are full of saturated fat. But I will have one tomorrow with a hefty helping of mashed potato! ALP to win a majority, Greens and Indies to win more seats, LNP to be decimated, Pauline and Clive to be obliterated! Such a sensible, balanced new Government needs to quickly implement the following priorities:
1. Aboriginal reconciliation: Truth telling, Treaty and a new ATSIC as a Voice! Need to save Australia’s soul.
2. Climate Change: a cost of life issue. Need more adaptation programs – renewable energy; water conservation and harvesting; waste management and reducing pollution; natural disaster preparedness (group insurance scheme, use of ADF). Keep reducing emissions, more trees etc.
3, Economic Management: harder with globalisation and geopolitical trends but ALP needs more fiscal discipline – less debt, increased taxes from the corporations, increased rent resource taxes, increased payments and programs for vulnerable groups (unemployed, women, child care, aged care, students). Inflation and interest rates are going down, but get rid of negative gearing.
4, National Security: reassess AUKUS, use more underwater and air drones, longer range missiles, non-nuclear subs, satellites, robotic soldiers, cybersecurity strengthening etc.
along with Jane Hume, Brigid McKenzie and that shrike Michaela Cash. You have to feel sorry for James Patterson, social climber non pareil, you picked the wrong party Jimmy
They feed on the the bottom of the same sewer
To quoque fili, in french : toi aussi mon fils…et tu doesn’t mean anything in any language I ever came across. Please keep up your excellent work, in translation as well as everything else would be great.
Totally agree David. WA shows that complete wipe out of Libs meant start of a regroup. Alas with the Clan still in existence, building more of the old dinosaur brigade with the likes of shouty misogynist Baz didn’t catapult them back into contention.
Taylor is so lightweight and fiscally out of depth we wonder how he ever qualified for Rhodes Scholarship and had career in finance (allegedly) and Hastie beats the war drum as only he can.
The dreadful crumb maiden women also need to be banished as they don’t represent any women I know.
The federal Liberal party has highlighted the scourge of the Bretheren here in WA hills and wheatbelt areas however, so there is a positive from them.
Anyone offering to run naked through city if Dutton loses seat as there seemed to be with Howard? Still time LOL
The challenges that lie ahead for Australia, and for the world, are absolutely enormous and we need a government that will realistically prepare for those challenges. Dutton and co are not interested in governing for the future. They just want to re-occupy the government benches and get the perks of office.
The ALP is doing a reasonable job of managing the economy and addressing some big social challenges, but they still show no signs of addressing the fast changing climate or the fast changing international situation. In my view, Albo has been way too cautious and it is time for him (after the election) to hand over the reins to someone who is more future focussed.
The most forward thinking politicians seem to be the teals and other cross benchers like David Pocock. I hope we get some more of their calibre.
Yeah Yeah, the finish line is in sight,Boofhead’s fucked, and we’re going to have a minority Labor government.Chill out people, no eagles in sight this time around…only vultures..looking for the most ridiculous opposition leader,well, since the last one.There is no ‘Liberal” party anymore…just a riot of incompetent bullshit artists, failing to represent anyone,not even the fossil fuel criminals,despite their ludicrous lies.
It’s going to be a pleasing weekend…better make the most of it.
I think Question Time would be well worth watching again should Rhodes scholar Taylor, innumerate, tongue-tied, and loose with the truth, become the LOTO.
Let’s face it, both corruption and blatant political mendacity in Australian politics are endemic among many, if not most on the conservative/ reactionary/ Neo-Nazi side of politics, with the Opposition, now under ‘Gestapo’ Potato Head, really taking the cake, and having no decency or boundaries, honesty, sense of fair play, and no boundaries. Although the little grey dormouse canary-coloured Labour jellyfish are far from blameless here. compared to the potato head/Dopey Dave toxic totalitarian LNP Mobster. can seem to be almost paragons of rather timid virtue. It is the potato head/Dopey Dave toxic totalitarian LNP Mobsters that really excel in the corruption stakes, with the likes of Henry Bolte, Tommy Playford, Joh Bjelke-Petersen, Boofhead Kennett, and Bobby Askin regimes. Still, I don’t ignore the fact that both Nifty Neville Wran (former Premier of NSW), and Brian Burke (former premier of WA), of the canary-coloured Labour jellyfish were both as bent as glider clips as well, which is why we need a proper Federal ICAC with razor and needle-sharp teeth to root out all national, regional, and local corruption, political, public, and private while having full independence, public transparency, and full public accountability, instead of the limp lamprey and wet firecracker model that we have at the moment, and which is about as effective and respected as a timid 6-week old pusillanimous kitten!!!!!!!
I could not have put it better, thank you David. However what is truly disturbing is that vast numbers of our fellow Australians still vote for them. Have they been paying attention or has the memory of their last term of government been erased completely. The LNP is a disgusting party of nasty individuals who firmly believe they are entitled and possess a god given “born to rule” mentality. The stain that was Scott Morrison has been erased and let’s hope the nastiest of them all soon suffers the same fate.
We know you’re preaching to the converted(us) so what is the point of these comments???
That’s a good (rhetorical) question…
I’m with you all in sentiment, but … are we not just shouting into our own echo chamber ?!
When Labor wins I hope they put the cleaners through the Brethren. Tax audit, schools audit and church status.
But I just read that ALL the state-wide NEWSCORP newspapers have editorials backing the COALition to be voted in!! The only newspapers/medias backing Labor were SMH, The Age, Guardian Australia and The Saturday Paper.
Shows just how desperate MURDOCH media is to do this in the face of all the above mentioned evidence and commentary !
I move that the leader of the opposition no longer be heard.
Or seen.
The yanks have lunatic trump and we get the Cunstable Plod. The planet is exploding with idiots.
Hard comment, but right on track. In SA the top of the Libs’ Senate ticket is Alex Antic. Just who are they attempting to entice into their lair? A team led by Alex Antic is a team irrelevant to today’s world..
Did you folk read the brilliant article by ex-Liberal leader John Hewson in the Sat Paper a few weeks ago explaining why Dutton may most accurately be called a ‘scoundrel’… a delightfully old fashioned word for a morally corrupt ‘man’… I think the clear majority of women and young people identified or possibly sensed this in his dishonest self-serving rhetoric over the past month and we now have the result… At the same time over this month Albanese has personally ‘grown’ with increasing confidence and stature and may hopefully throw off his fear of the now defeated nasty right-wing critics/media making him a one-term leader… and take on the major reforms we so clearly need to set us up for the future… with Greens and Independent support… starting by using Trump as the excuse to walk out of AUKUS and adopt a more effective (and affordable defence policy… which will allow for much more direct Federal Government action on climate, housing (particularly social housing) and assistance to those in most need on the city fringes and in city and rural indigenous communities…