Monday 21 January 2013

SANS CENSORED CARTOON LOEBBECKE!!!


Gillard's survival technique


NEWSPOLL is frightening the hell out of me. Just when I am convinced the Coalition is coasting towards its long expected election victory, along comes this week's Newspoll which has Labor neck-and-neck with the opposition and in with a real shot of winning.
Like most pundits, I had been thinking that Julia Gillard's unpopular image would never be overcome. What is getting harder to ignore for me, and presumably for many in the Liberal Party, is that Tony Abbott's image has been battered so much over the past 10 months, that the big question that has been asked about Gillard so often must now be asked about him - is the leader a help or a hindrance?
In Gillard's case it is easy to see her flaws and failings and judge her accordingly. There are, however, strengths she possesses and these cannot be disputed. On the negative side, her performance on the vote Australia was to cast at the UN on the admission of the Palestinian Authority with observer status provides a classic example.
Her at times simplistic lack of political judgment was on display for all to see. When a prime minster sits around a table with her cabinet colleagues and one by one hears at least 10 of them tell her they do not support her position, then that PM has to know the game is up. Only two Victorians offered her succor and comfort. Senator Stephen Conroy and Bill Shorten, leaders of the Victorian Right, maintained the Israel right or wrong stance all the way. In the cabinet room, they were for all intents and purposes on their own.
The Victorian Right has always been at the epicentre of pro Israeli thinking and simply can't bring themselves to ever say no to Israel. Bob Carr, with whom I have travelled through Israel, and who formed Israeli friendship groups in NSW, used to hold similar views.
Carr has long harboured deep concerns about Israel's policy of allowing more and more settlements on the West Bank. For our Foreign Minister there is no possibility of peace in the Middle East without a two-state solution and he sees no hope of that if the settlements keep spreading. His views are widely shared within the cabinet room and beyond. Minister after minister concurred with Carr's summation and still the PM remained unmoved.
Curiously enough the cabinet did not appear to challenge her assertion that she was binding them all to support her. Without a cabinet decision to back her up, and there was no chance of that happening, I cannot even imagine where the power she sought to exercise had sprung from. Gareth Evans, who was lobbying ministers furiously at the time, drew this to the attention of anyone who would listen. No one, with possible exception of Carr, was moved to demur in any shape or form. While the cabinet met, the national Right convened and the Victorians wanted to bind the group behind the government's decision. Joel Fitzgibbon, the government whip, pointed out that the cabinet was still meeting so no one could say what the government's position was. Accordingly, the meeting broke up vowing to reconvene the next morning.
The next morning, Carr again met Gillard and informed her that he would not vote for her proposition if a vote came in caucus. He was told in no uncertain terms what this would mean for his future.
She called in Anthony Albanese and asked him to ring around his supporters and shore up her position. Albanese told her it was too late and in any case he was in no mind to do so. Finally, with the caucus meeting already under way, Gillard ran up the white flag.
Had she not done so, her leadership was over that day.
Kevin Rudd had played no role in this and yet he got closer to regaining the top job than at any time he had involved himself in the previous 12 months. This was a mess of the PM's own making and it shows she does not control her own destiny. Rudd cannot beat her but she could still defeat herself.
Contrast this behaviour with her handling of the royal commission into child abuse. Here she batted in the face of those telling her she would offend the Catholic church, it was all too late anyway, it would take too long, it would cost too much money . . . That same stubbornness that almost brought her undone over Israel, made her a hero to huge numbers of Victorians and their families.
She understood the needs of victims and put them first. She showed real compassion and understanding and it looked so real.
Her acknowledgement that not many victims could bring themselves to come forward was important. While many will get relief and satisfaction from testifying to the vile crimes perpetrated against them, many others simply cannot do so.
While all this was occurring, all Abbott could do was watch and comment. The credit for what she has done will accrue only to her and she will deserve it.
The next few months will tell whether her ratings can revive or if the government's numbers can go up even further. Gillard cannot afford any more self-inflicted wounds.
And what of Abbott? He looks like a one-trick pony. The relentless negativity served him well but it has run its course. Merely attacking Gillard won't be enough this time. He needs to introduce policy ideas and detail.
I'm just not sure if he can.

COMMENTS ON THIS STORY

  • Jennyf of Forest Lake Posted at 12:24 AM January 18, 2013
    Now Julia just needs to have a Royal Commission on Unions.
    Comment 1 of 93
  • Sue of St Kilda Posted at 12:48 AM January 18, 2013
    All Tony Abbott could do was comment about the child abuse. He announced his wish for it before Gillard. He is not the Government so he could not do more . More than a year before, the Liberal State Governments had launched their own enquiries. They were way ahead of Labor. But they are not backed by the huge army of spin doctors working for the Government for which the community is required to pay.
    Comment 2 of 93
  • Old Cobber of Perth. W.A. Posted at 1:30 AM January 18, 2013
    Fair Dinkum! Tough Mr"Whatever it takes" has become "Mr Strawman" Thats the only conclusion yuo can make from this convoluted article,sure the Opposition has to man up and present economic,social and environmental policies that people can accept and understand. Richo's ramble ignores ,not only the past disasters of the Alliance but the current issues such as the MRRT fiasco, Border chaos, scandal and chiackery in Union affairs, Greens demise, etc, and concludes with some sort of "bet to lose "outcome.Get with it, son...And let's have some incisive opinion.
    Comment 3 of 93
  • Joost Daalder of Adelaide Posted at 3:55 AM January 18, 2013
    Abbott still has plenty of time to introduce ideas and policies beyond those already stated. I agree he certainly needs to do so. But what he says and does is not, for the most part - as in Gillard's case - idiotic, incompetent, deceitful, full of spin and emptly prattle, totally unrealistic when measured against what she does or can be achieved, or the product of megalomania. I could add more, but that list is by itself pretty damning, I would have thought, and even the incident you narrate, Graham, provides a fair dose of evidence. It shows a person who is totally autocratic and out of touch with reality, including even a complete lack of understanding of her colleagues and her own position. Not capable of leading the country, given that this is another instance of her making a mess of things.
    Comment 4 of 93
  • Paul Posted at 4:25 AM January 18, 2013
    This is an attack on the PM disguised as an article purporting to compare the PM with the coalition leader.
    Comment 5 of 93
  • aghast of Glenorchy Posted at 4:28 AM January 18, 2013
    Spot on. Abbott must introduce some substance. The policy and detail of the Coalition's offer of service and what that service amounts too must be forthcoming. Abbott's black and white mantra that everything Labor presents is bad and the huge assumption that therefore everything the Coalition present is grand will not satisfy a politically savvy skeptical electorate. Well scripted rehearsed and presented in a controlled environment Abbott will suffice.The inevitable Gotcha moment will occur. Whether it be a 'Shit Happens' brain freeze, or a 'That's all Crap Moment.' Under media pressure Abbott will fail. He has put those points on the the board himself...In Writing..as he prefers. Abbott must man up to the fact that his personal ambitions outstrip his ability under pressure.The Coalition should sincerely thank and reward his efforts by slotting him into a cabinet post of Indigenous Affairs or Emergency Services. Let him unleash all that much publicised public spirit. It would be a mark of his Statesmanship if he bought on the spill himself and stepped down to submit to a Party room vote.
    Comment 6 of 93
  • Mellow Fellow Posted at 4:43 AM January 18, 2013
    Abbott has shown bipartisan support for the Royal Commission even before Gillard ran it up the flag pole. Its just the Labor Hand Bag patrol is unrelenting in its bashing of Abbott that is hurting him; not incompetence. I think the public are starting to recognise the unfairness and it might backfire on Labor.
    Comment 7 of 93
  • Maria of Sydney Posted at 4:44 AM January 18, 2013
    Graham, I agree with most of what you write, but I strongly disagree that Gillard put victims of sexual abuse first. SHE NEVER DOES THAT - it's not about anybody but her and she did that to assert some authority. If you go back to the announcement, it was Abbott who first said he would support the commission and then Gillard made the announcement. You should know she does not do anything unless it is for her benefit.
    Comment 8 of 93
  • yesplease72 of Footscray Posted at 5:25 AM January 18, 2013
    I thought Abbott called for a Royal Commission into child sex abuse before Gillard mentioned it?
    Comment 9 of 93
  • Charles Z. Juliet Posted at 5:38 AM January 18, 2013
    As usual, the "whatever it takes" man just can't help himself. He ignores the fact that Gillard is hated in the electorate. Forget Israel.
    Comment 10 of 93
  • luke of NZ Posted at 5:52 AM January 18, 2013
    Richo, when are you going to acknowledge that this is the worst government in the history of federal politics. It is fiscally incompetent (surplus reversal, billion wasted on half brained thought bubbles ie pink batts, schoolroom halls, cash for clunkers, mining tax, carbon tax, green loans), morally bankrupt (defending the indefensible in Slipper and Craig Thompson) and is led by a liar in Gillard (The carbon tax) Rudd made it a personality contest and if people look past the leaders and at both parties ability both past and present Labor is history. The fact that Abbott is less popular than Gillard although would be disappointing to him what we need in Australia is a steady government and not a personality contest. If the liberal party was treating the country like this there would be rioting in the streets led by your good mate Howe. Where is he now that more workers have lost their jobs. Oh that's right, he must have resigned because that's what he said he would do if "one" worker lost their job.
    Comment 11 of 93
  • Jack of Brisbane Posted at 5:56 AM January 18, 2013
    If I can recall correctly labor had a spike in the polls last year when she was away on holidays. Gillard attacking Abbott won't be enough either. I would feel safer with a one trick pony than a snake oil salesman.
    Comment 12 of 93
  • Bev of Brisbane Posted at 6:15 AM January 18, 2013
    The wounds Julia Gillard is inflicting on herself are minor compared to those she has inflicted on Australia.
    Comment 13 of 93
  • Cedric Petersen of Manly, QLD Posted at 6:16 AM January 18, 2013
    "While all this was occurring, all Abbott could do was watch and comment".......Tony Abbott will bring this point up at the right time and at the right place. You doubt Tony Abbott at your peril. I almost feel sorry for Ms Gillard and her mob during the the next year.... Almost.
    Comment 14 of 93
  • SRW Posted at 6:16 AM January 18, 2013
    Richo is correct but his obversations of the PM's incompetence and lack of leadership only serve to further highlight the general absence of depth in the Government ranks. Under this circumstance I think that Abbott should hold back policy announcements as long as practical lest they provide Labor with the focus they themselves are unable to muster.
    Comment 15 of 93
  • Kate of Brisbane Posted at 6:19 AM January 18, 2013
    Although she was missing in action when the annoncement was made, Gillard has to take much of the responsibility for the state of the economy and the size of the deficit. This together with her past and her lack of political judgement are negatives. She is also starting to irritate by turning up all over the place with her grandstanding "It's alright. I'm here to save you" manner. Abbott on the other hand is yet to offer the electorate alternative policies which would motivate us to vote for him. We're in trouble - immigration, defence, tax reform, industrial reform, education etc etc all need attention. I'd like to know how Abbott is going to address any or all of these problems. Labor won't be leaving much money is the till so it won't be easy but if he wants to be PM then he must step up to the plate.
    Comment 16 of 93
  • gabrianga of YDA Posted at 6:20 AM January 18, 2013
    Oh! stop it Richo...stop it. I'm sure I felt a tear coming on reading about PM Gillard's "real compassion and understanding". Whatever it takes Richo whatever it takes.
    Comment 17 of 93
  • Kathy Marshall of Berwick Posted at 6:20 AM January 18, 2013
    Your colours show well here. I think maybe there is confusion here as in who is your preferred PM, Julia Gillard, not because people like her, it is just that people want to see her get kicked out on election night, I don't know anyone who likes her, Labor or Liberal. I am really glad that most of the Media underestimate Tony Abbott so badly, he can only go up whereas Gillard has no where to go. As Dennis Shanahan wrote last year, 2 Swallows does not a summer make. Don't get to excited just yet.
    Comment 18 of 93
  • annie of Hunter NSW Posted at 6:24 AM January 18, 2013
    Welcome back Richo, happy and healthier than ever I hope. I do have to remind you the child abuse royal commission was Abbott's idea and poached from him. Also the Mamma Mia site should be of great concern to the present Govt. A very popular site of young and older women, the very people Labor are trying to convince the man Abbott, is nothing more than a wretched misogynist, who loathes women, have him way out in front in their poll as preferred PM. Something tells me the Mamma site is far more correct than Newspoll. I am afraid Richo, I can smell the deceased cat from here. A blood and guts year ahead Richo, right down to the line, it will certainly keep you Media Tarts on the run!
    Comment 19 of 93
  • dasher Posted at 6:33 AM January 18, 2013
    Richo I thought your examples of an electable Gillard were pathetic. I think a lot of people are like me, we remember everthing from the Timor solution to the carbon tax that is slowly doing its damage.....quietly waiting our chance to dump her. I don't think the newspoll taken over the summer break is a true reflection. But stranger things have happened.
    Comment 20 of 93
  • David of NSW Posted at 6:34 AM January 18, 2013
    Voters at large will hopefully come to see Labor's relentlessly repeated mantra of 'relentless negativity' for the worn out Labor spin that it is - like that other canard, 'misogyny'.
    Comment 21 of 93
  • Salavtore DiGiovanni of melbourne Posted at 6:49 AM January 18, 2013
    Graham, good article. Like you I just believe it is all over for Tony Abbott is defiantly a one trick pony and you can see and hear anything he says now people have stopped listening all the waffle that he has been carrying on with and a strategy to bring down the government has failed miserably and I have no doubt just like labor did back in 1983 when we replaced Hayden with Bob Hawke on the eve when Fraser called an election and labor won.
    Comment 22 of 93
  • Bruce Crawford of Central Queensland Posted at 6:56 AM January 18, 2013
    I will tell you one thing there would have been no way Abbott would have set up a Royal Commission into child abuse if he was the PM.
    Comment 23 of 93
  • Brewster of Minyama Posted at 7:13 AM January 18, 2013
    Objectively, Gillard shows some traits of what is needed in a Prime Minister. These traits do not include self discipline, financial acumen, vision, or honesty. Your famous phrase Graham of "whatever it takes" is her mantra. The lies and negative spin about Abbott that she and the handbag brigade are spouting is to all the people that i deal with, totally repugnant. Time will tell whether there are enough stupidily superficial people to get her into the contest, by voting for her words, not her actions. The rush of feel good policies that she is pushing out, raise expectations that financially and fiscally, cannot be met. I am a ptotestant married to a catholic. I'm also a father and grandfather to some beautiful girls, married in the days when bothsides frowned on 'mixed marriages.' My take on the Royal commission? She will demonise the catholic church so that she can tie Abbott and his faith and early dabbling with the priesthood, to the issue of pedophelia of the clergy. Gillard relies on spin doctors and focus groups to navigate her way. She has no core beliefs so the attack on the cathlic church is just another way of getting at Abbott. Abbott will have to clean up the mess.
    Comment 24 of 93
  • JR of SE Qld. Posted at 7:23 AM January 18, 2013
    Careful Richo, your partisanship is showing :-)
    Comment 25 of 93
  • Maggie Qld Posted at 7:25 AM January 18, 2013
    What do you think Gillard Labor would do to the image of a new Liberal Leader? Abbott has not lost any gloss, he may have lost a bit of skin but he is a decent family man with an inside knowledge of and empathy for families across the Nation. Gillard popular? Has anyone asked the people where I live?
    Comment 26 of 93
  • phil_surfmore of qld Posted at 7:27 AM January 18, 2013
    Mr Richardson, you may have missed a few other of her more important flaws, however poor political judgment (and this example is a minor one of several) is a good place to get the ball rolling.
    Comment 27 of 93
  • Arthur McArthur Posted at 7:28 AM January 18, 2013
    So you start the article by admitting your political judgements are consistently being proven wrong, and you end the article casting aspersions over Tony Abbott.... Yep, you've convinced me that Abbott will, deservedly, be our next PM. Gillard, as per the body of your article, lacks authority & judgement and her, & her inept governments wasteful & bungling management of the economy ($150B+ debt, unemployment up, housing & retail flatlining), will bring an end to 6 years of typical Labor debt, incompetence & deceit. Business & consumer confidence is very low, it's jobs & the economy that matter to everyday Australians, and we need the sensible & rational Liberal Party to deliver a return of sense & sensibility to Australian Politics, which has been sadly lacking under a dishonest & inept Gillard.
    Comment 28 of 93
  • Fiona Ann Murray of Australia Posted at 7:31 AM January 18, 2013
    Graham, I am one of many who has lost her job in the last two months and is finding it tough. I admire your optimism but there is NO WAY Gillard will win the next election. She is too deceitful and can not be believed on anything.
    Comment 29 of 93
  • Paul of Coffs Posted at 7:31 AM January 18, 2013
    Typical Labor Graham, Abbott's relentless negativity, straight out of the sound bite book. Julia is the most negative politician in the house. Her hand bag brigade are little better. When every criticism is met with howls of mysogony, sexism or conspiracy it gets very old very fast. Nice try.
    Comment 30 of 93
  • Joan Posted at 7:32 AM January 18, 2013
    Abbott no one-trick pony. He has more ideas than Gillard has in her little finger. Abbott publications are there for all to read, Gillard hasn't written anything of substance and hides her Socialist Forum writings and AWU files. Gillard implementation and failure of policies, are negative for Australia and have set Australia back and of course Abbott highlighting Gillard failed policies is a negative message - Gillard the cause of the bad news. Nothing left, Gillard like a cyberbully reaches into her handbag of dirty tricks for relentless verbal abuse and character assination of opponents- Rudd , Abbott, even `friend` Blewitt while at the same time standing loyally by the disreputable Slipper and Thomson. 2012 was the dirtiest year in Australian politics with Gillard the ringmaster- 2013 election will put an end to this era of dirty politics - nothing worthwhile achieved except announcement after annoucement and failed policies going nowhere and lot of verbal abuse of others by PM and no real answers to questions.
    Comment 31 of 93
  • Boadica of qld Posted at 7:35 AM January 18, 2013
    I would say that you are very clever at pretending to be a critic of the ALP when in fact you are a partisan supporting a leader who a large percentage of the Australian people despise and actually hate. I feel the PM has shown up the "real" Labor party, their inadequacy to rule, together with Gillard's utter lack of judgement. If the ALP do succeed and retain power in the forthcoming election it will be the finish of Australia as we know it, and the start of a new chapter whereby the people are controlled and the country run as a socialist republic. As in Stalin's time the so called "elite" will live extremely well, whilst the proles struggle. However, whatever it takes is obviously still your motto and any amount of denigration of Abbott and people like him is of no consequence to ALP members and supporters.
    Comment 32 of 93
  • Steven of Camp Hill Qld Posted at 7:36 AM January 18, 2013
    The PM is outstanding, and her determination to succeed is remarkable, I have never voted for Labor, but I am impressed by her stance on politicial matters, she speaks with conviction un like Rudd who was more I am, NOT what I can do, I think this election we have a real fight
    Comment 33 of 93
  • Corella Posted at 7:38 AM January 18, 2013
    I want to see a good majority government once again. A government that believes in Border Security, no Carbon Tax, not beholden to the Greens etc. I do not want to see Julia Gillard serve another term as Prime Minister. She doesn't care about Australians only about her own power. Didn't Tony Abbott say publically, before Julia Gillard made her announcement, that he and the Opposition would support an enquiry if that was what the government decided to do? Why didn't you mention that Graham?
    Comment 34 of 93
  • GratefulforHoward of NSW Posted at 7:38 AM January 18, 2013
    Gillard is ahead because people in Australia either do not care anymore or have been blinded by the smoke and mirrors tactic. We have two oppositions in this country and it has been so since 2007. We need a GOVERNMENT to bring back the high quality of politics Australia has traditionally been known for. Abbott is the man for the job.
    Comment 35 of 93
  • Fiona Ann Murray of Australia Posted at 7:38 AM January 18, 2013
    Graham, Gillard talks and Abbott acts. On the one hand we have a man who is out there fighting fires, and on the other, a Prime Minister who does nothing but talk. Julia's latest comments about gun violence were yet another thought bubble designed to LOOK like she will do something but in reality will amount to nothing. We are tired of the deceit and spin and have the baseball bats at the ready.
    Comment 36 of 93
  • Erika Wehner of Balgowlah Heights,NSW Posted at 7:55 AM January 18, 2013
    Bob Carr has shone out with the issue of Israel,quite the opposite to some major issues that were in the state political shere,but his is the right way to go. Israel should be educated by the free world that the settlement of the Palestine question is not to allow the settlement in the occupied lands.
    Comment 37 of 93
  • Neil Carpenter of FNQ Posted at 7:55 AM January 18, 2013
    How about the truth? Australia is slipping into the abyss, paralysed by antediluvian IR policy, red tape, green tape, a bloated public sector, an unprecedented and perverse hostility to business and wealth creation, a narrowing tax base, a deepening deficit, and a determination to create new and ever more expensive classes of victims. To reverse the trend, to start edging back up the slope, is possible; but requires some deeply unpleasant cuts, overhauls, face-offs and juggling with cats and chainsaws. Whoever wins will make or break the country - if we continue distributing wealth whilst doing nothing to create it, borrow without the means to repay, we are doomed. Time to cut up the credit card. Time to highlight the issues that are choking the country, and seek an electoral mandate to make the unpopular changes - To tell the electorate it can have another session of phantom savings, borrowing to waste, and sneaky but real cuts to services; or get down to restoring a prudent fiscal base. Yes, it will involve facing up to the reality that unchecked parasitism kills the host; but the enormous increase in private sector savings demonstrates a lot of Aussies understand reality.
    Comment 38 of 93
  • Geoff of Tweed Posted at 7:59 AM January 18, 2013
    Where to start Graham..... The NewsPoll has got to be a rogue. Why would the polls move 6 points over Christmas when nothing happened... Not sure why you on the Dark Side keep having a go at Tony. Since he took over the leadership he has had Rudd then Gillard on the ropes. The items that Tony will use are AWU/Slater Gordon, Craig, HSU, Williams, May Budget, cooling economy, rising unemployment. Add the ripened but still tasty cherries, BER, Greens Partnership, and other buddies Oakeshott and Windsor. The everlasting Carbon Tax. Gillards enemies in Caucus (plus Rudd). And Graham, as the cyclones season comes to an end the Pièce de résistance. BORDER PROTECTION/ASYLUM SEEKERS. Tony just has to stand back and keep peppering Gillard with light left/right combinations to keep the wounds open and flowing. It is the start of round 15 and Tony is breathing easy.
    Comment 39 of 93
  • Pat Williams Posted at 8:21 AM January 18, 2013
    I've commented previously, if the Gillard government is voted back in, then Australia gets what it deserves. All very well for Labor lackeys to condemn Abbott at every opportunity. How about those same people declaring the TRUE state of the economy, the True unemployment figures, the costings of the so called education reforms, the costings of the NDIS? Is it just me who realises that Gillard and Swan constantly ask for Abbott's costings, while they don't release their own. It surely can't be just me that realises the majority of this government's promises are not to be implemented for several years - in other words, never. Whilst low interest rates are a bonus for mortgage holders, that's where the good news ends. Self funded retirees have been badly hit - again. Who is going to invest money for the paltry amount of interest that will be gained? Instead of picking holes in the Opposition, how about some HONEST facts concerning the current government? Regarding the constant negativity label given to Abbott, has no one listened to Gillard's many childish outburst? How is it they are not seen as negative, along with all her spiteful screaming across the Floor of Parliament?
    Comment 40 of 93
  • Nina of cammeray of NSW Posted at 8:27 AM January 18, 2013
    "She understood the needs of victims and put them first. She showed real compassion and understanding and it looked so real." The key word is it "looked" so real. I do not believe for one second that the feelings "were" real. Like you she will do "whatever it takes". She is a consummate actor. And besides, the time it would take and the cost are no concern of her, she is not paying for it from her pocket, and the more time she gets to do it the better.
    Comment 41 of 93
  • Seamustasmania Posted at 8:30 AM January 18, 2013
    For once I agree with you Paul. Abbott has nothing in his locker. He and his party is a 'credible' policy free zone . Tax payer funded climate change 'action plan' and a tax on companies to fun their child care policy is all they have offered so far. Neither of which stands up to any sort of scrutiny and is fiscally indefensible.
    Comment 42 of 93
  • Ken of SA Posted at 8:31 AM January 18, 2013
    Richardson, stop politicking, use the same standards you used when rudd was opposition leader, in other words let Australia judge Abbott's performance if he becomes the prime minister. As for gillard has some strengths, I dont consider, stalling, not telling the truth, lawyer speak as strengths or values that Australia has ever needed. Good luck Graham.
    Comment 43 of 93
  • Geoff of Tweed Posted at 8:35 AM January 18, 2013
    Graham, my wife said I missed mentioning Slipper.
    Comment 44 of 93
  • Jon of Adelaide Posted at 8:41 AM January 18, 2013
    Tony Abbott has stated on several occasions that he will release the Coalition's policies in good time before the election, so maybe he's still keeping his powder dry. However, in an election year, he should at least start painting in a few numbers to give us some sort of picture of Coalition policy framework (that can't easily be hijacked by Labor). Voters won't want to be kept in the dark for too long, and nobody wants to vote for a one-trick pony, do they Richo.
    Comment 45 of 93
  • The Confederate Posted at 8:43 AM January 18, 2013
    Graham - As you know Polls are Polls. This lift is just the xmas complacency and that Gillard has kept quiet. Simple fact is, the anger in the Australian public will surface soon to crush Labor and the Greens come next election. I would bet my house on it.
    Comment 46 of 93
  • mitch46 of Noosa Posted at 8:46 AM January 18, 2013
    Look, Abbot and the coaltion will always be up against it. The ALP has gerrymandered the electorate with bribes and has the unequivicable support of the unions, the public sector, the unemployed, the unemployable, callow youth, freaks flakes, lunatics, "celebrities" and a goodly proportion of women who will vote for her just because she is a woman (?)
    Comment 47 of 93
  • Frank Johnston of Canberra Posted at 8:47 AM January 18, 2013
    The PM announced the royal commission when public opinion had reached the point where not to do something would have been political suicide. Only the public and the media deserve credit. This PM will be remebered for the disdain she had shown towards the Australian people over a long time.
    Comment 48 of 93
  • Anon Posted at 9:01 AM January 18, 2013
    The biggest fear gripping Graham Richardson and the whole Labor Party is not that Tony Abbott will be a disaster; it's that he may well be a good PM. No wonder they are freaking out.
    Comment 49 of 93
  • Jennifer Hutchison of Australia Posted at 9:03 AM January 18, 2013
    Richo...why waste your time and the readers of THE Australian writing this ridiculous rubbish...all this is old news...we all know Gillard has never had and will never have any authority,no political judgement and the electorate can't stand her...she has never been voted in in her own right...and she will never be forgiven for stabbing an elected PM in the back or the carbon tax lie,or the boat people failures or the mining tax disaster and the list of failures goes on and on......the electorate are completely over this failed minority Government and we want an election...and Tony Abbott will be the next PM...and what a mammoth task he will have trying to fix the mess this Labor government will be leaving behind...just like trashing the joint before the eviction...that's Labor values for you!!!
    Comment 50 of 93
  • mags of Queensland Posted at 9:08 AM January 18, 2013
    Announcements are not policy in action. If you think that the majority of people are fooled by the caring and concern Julia Gillard has on display these days, remember that the last poll was taken when she was away from the media. It always seems to work for her.Promising the world and delivering nothing is her way, anything to distract people from her failings. The hatchet job done on Tony Abbott was well orchestrated but came unstuck in many ways. Why should the Liberals show their hand now? They are not in government - yet. You would swear that both Labor and the msm think otherwise.
    Comment 51 of 93
  • Barbara of Sydney Posted at 9:12 AM January 18, 2013
    While the 'lovey' media gloats over the Newspoll, the Essential poll is completely ignored, which showed business as usual. Pity balance is a complete stranger to the media in this country.
    Comment 52 of 93
  • Ann Posted at 9:12 AM January 18, 2013
    Tony Abbott for Prime Minister. Respect is something we have to earn and Julia Gillard has not earned my respect.
    Comment 53 of 93
  • Papertiger of Mt Martha Posted at 9:15 AM January 18, 2013
    A well balanced piece Richo. I like your conversational style of writing and its a genuine voice that I hear. But Labour is hanging by its finger tips Gillard is swinging off the cliff and the political abyss awaits. The latest polls only reflect a position she has seen before. That is when she says little and takes advantage of the caring all knowing persona whether its at the Tasmania bushfire front or the assault on the Catholic Church and peddafile priests that she hopes takes a way her failings and consumes the front pages. If she lost Cabinet solidarity on her vote on Israel reflecting poor political judgement how come she is still there? That lack of collective will is what will haunt the Labor Party for the next 10years in opposition! No your wrong Tony doesn't need to do much. Implosion awaits. She is the Liberals best asset.
    Comment 54 of 93
  • Twitchy of Geelong Posted at 9:19 AM January 18, 2013
    To be honest I don't think it matters if Abbott can produce policies....It could seriously be enough just to turn up and say "I won't do what they did" and it will get him over the line......Did I just make a joke - yes. But it isn't that far from the truth either........
    Comment 55 of 93
  • bob heffernan of townsville Posted at 9:29 AM January 18, 2013
    Totally agree with you, especially the bit about Abbott.
    Comment 56 of 93
  • The Bow-Legged Swantoon of Antediluvian Seas Posted at 9:43 AM January 18, 2013
    "And what of Abbott? He looks like a one-trick pony. The relentless negativity served him well..." Anyone else spot the irony of the ALP's relentless negativity about Mr Abbott and their endless yarping on about his relentless negativity?
    Comment 57 of 93
  • mikem of Bris Posted at 9:48 AM January 18, 2013
    It's a very sad day for this country when the benchmark for our political leaders is mediocraty. The same seems to apply to most of our politicians as well and for that the political parties have to shoulder the blame. As far as the P.M.'s popularity is concerned I dont think you should be concerned Graham. Somebody in the ALP will find a way to stuff something up big time before the election and Labor will lose.
    Comment 58 of 93
  • Terry Kidd of Perth Posted at 9:52 AM January 18, 2013
    Richo its a bit rich to paint the PM as a white knight for calling a Royal Commission that had very wide public support. In reality, she could do nothing else, otherwise she would have been widely seen as heartless and out of touch. All she did was respond to a large ground swell of popular public support for action to be taken. Its no surprise that she got bipartisan support from the Coalition. Her action was hardly courageous.
    Comment 59 of 93
  • Martin Says of Canberra Posted at 10:24 AM January 18, 2013
    Graham The 2 spikes in Newpoll over the last 6 months has Gillard closing in on Abbott, none of which I believe, a simple poll around my work place of 26, which is in Canberra and in Health has Abbott at 62% Gillard at 33% and Greens at 5%.While this Poll is not scientific in nature, but to me this is the feel of the community at large. Gillard I don't think is a bad leader, she just has a very bad team behind her, As for Abbott, love him or loath him, he would have to be the best Opposition leader this country has ever had, no one had ever kept a Government to account like he has. Graham I would not say Abbott is a one trick pony, as it hard not to be critical of a Government when there is so much to be critical about. While Mr McTernen is Gillard current attack dog and mentor, he can try and burn Abbott all he likes, its not going to make Gillard's Government any better, the Damage is done, it will go down as Australian Worst Government in history, and the people know that. Abbott will become the next PM of Australia, I think the biggest fear from Labor is that Abbott may very well be a great PM, that what Labor are scared of.
    Comment 60 of 93
  • Ken Hay of Perth Posted at 10:28 AM January 18, 2013
    Oh do get a grip Richo! First you detail the Prime Minister's stupidity in charging like a bull at a gate over the Israel issue and ignoring the advice of all bar two of her ministers then you laud her for doing the same with the child abuse royal commission. And as for, " She understood the needs of victims and put them first. She showed real compassion and understanding and it looked so real." What claptrap! Gillard sees herself as a victim (of Tony Abbott and that of her own making) and plays that role superbly. And she is the only "victim" she has the slightest concern for. And while she has been rushing around ordering Royal Commissions surely it was only an oversight that she didn't order one into union corruption. Does she not understand the needs of the victims of that?
    Comment 61 of 93
  • Tropical Posted at 10:40 AM January 18, 2013
    I thought you would have picked it by now Richo. Every time Gillard and Labor need a morale boost Newspoll provides.
    Comment 62 of 93
  • Glenn of Newcastle Posted at 10:47 AM January 18, 2013
    Just exactly what do you think you are doing here Richo?. By further highlighting Gillards weakness in her own party, are you seriously suggesting we now forget that this Government as a whole, is the worst since federation. The economy, boarder security, Education, just to name a few are beyond this governments capability. You might well be comfortable with all the lies that flow from this government, but be assured the people are not.
    Comment 63 of 93
  • Peter Clark Posted at 10:51 AM January 18, 2013
    You can certainly see who supports this junk and reads Richo. Graham you are good at the spin, always was, but Gillard is not a one trick pony you are right on that. Julia Gillard has more tricks than a bag of monkeys. She has one objective and that is to cling to the power she claimed she never wanted. of course Abbott would have pursued a Royal Commission into child abuse, the coalition have wholly supported the process but all gillard wants are better numbers for survival. Nmae one thing she has actually achieved that has been for and achieved benefit for the nation. Not one, the list of failure is so long that these columns cannot accommodate them. Spin all you like Graham, seek solace in the present numbers if you wish but I hope Gillard calls an early election then we will see just how positive the Labour can be, fat chance, and what the people think about this "government".
    Comment 64 of 93
  • uncle of nt Posted at 10:53 AM January 18, 2013
    A wide ranging Royal Commission into child abuse was first suggested by Tony Abbott. Gillard hijacked the idea which Tony Abbott, being in opposition, could off course not implement. I notice, that since her announcement her misandrist followers are trying to turn it more and more into inquiries against the Catholic church. Tony Abbotts suggestion also included all State run institutions as well as abuses in aboriginal families etc.
    Comment 65 of 93
  • Les H of perth Posted at 10:53 AM January 18, 2013
    Salvia tore digiovani of Melbourne can you come clean plean ? you are obviously a rusted on labour supporter maybe even a Labour Party member ? mayne a Union officer......Your repeated blabble and one eyed one sided attempts to smear Mr Abbott is the only one trick pony here, your ridiculous attempts to spin and reflect every commnetary about gillard and turn it around and make it about mr Abbott shows that you like most sad rusted on labour supports (like your leaders ) have no idea, or more likely do not care, what the real community of australia really thinks of this labour government, you live in a bubble, content to believe the spin rather than realise what this despicable , disloyal, dishonnest, did functional, disastrous, incompetent, idiotic government is doing to Australia and our short medium and long term prosperity and cohesion, I agree with you on one thing, Mr Abbott is being negative , he is an honest honourable man with morals , principals and and conviction to be anything else when commenting about this governments performance would be a lie.
    Comment 66 of 93
  • Dr P Razvan of Ashfield , NSW Posted at 11:14 AM January 18, 2013
    Bruce Crawford , and you know this because....
    Comment 67 of 93
  • Graham M of Brisbane Posted at 11:17 AM January 18, 2013
    Amazing that several people are saying that the royal commission was 'Tony's idea'. It was just that he saw the writing on the wall and said he would support one if it came to pass. didn't he add that he didn't want it to be just about the Catholic Church. Looks to me that several high ranking people in the church got into his ear just before the inevitable announcements.
    Comment 68 of 93
  • Rob on Park in Adelaide Town Posted at 11:24 AM January 18, 2013
    Just hang in there girls and keep on marking-down Tony's satisfaction rating in the polls. Australian Girlpower (except for the Lib rusted-ons) has Abbott taking-on the Church and recanting on IVF and abortion. Keep the pressure on, girls, and you'll have him leading the charge for ordination of female (Catholic) priests before the year is out!
    Comment 69 of 93
  • Martin Says of Canberra Posted at 11:26 AM January 18, 2013
    Love Abbott or loath him, Abbott has been the most successful Opposition leader this country has had, he has kept a historically poor government to account. Gillard and her mentor McTernen can try and burn Abbott all they like, it won't take away the fact that this is the worst government in Australian history, and the punters will remember that, I believe the biggest fear Labor has is that Abbott will be a great PM. However Labor always makes hero's of there failures,and demonize successful opposition ministers. Abbott will be PM at years end,and then and only then will see the damage Labor has done. Looking forward to Richo on Skynews,always a great show Graham.
    Comment 70 of 93
  • Lindsay of Sydney Posted at 11:28 AM January 18, 2013
    These Newspoll results seem to be all over the place. I live in the seat of Lindsay and everyone I talk to can't wait to give the PM the boot. I'm no fan of Abbott, but that won't be enough to save this poor excuse of a government from annihilation later this year.
    Comment 71 of 93
  • Lukemac of Lara Posted at 11:33 AM January 18, 2013
    "Abbotts a one trick pony". That's the kind of thinking that kept Howard in the PMs office for 11 years, constantly underestimating your opponent. Abbotts a Rhodes Scholar, a good a decent family man and a shred political operator, who’s shown he can fill a front bench seat and run a large government department well. Underestimate him at your peril.
    Comment 72 of 93
  • Elizabeth (Lizzie) B. of Melbourne Posted at 11:33 AM January 18, 2013
    Where is Gillard's Royal Commission into Child Abuse in Aboriginal Communities? This is an on-going situation of abuse which has been brought to public attention, but not to public investigation, on numerous occasions. Instead, Gillard dredges up the deep and remote past in what may be seen, by its emphasis, as an expensive Sectarian attack. She plays power-me politics constantly with people's lives and livelihoods. The carbon dioxide tax is just one example of Labor doing its best to destroy economic activity and build more debt and false ecological kudos for little result. It would be a crying shame for this country if Gillard is ever re-elected. Until Labor recovers its economic sense, detaches from the Greens, and disallows special-pleading nonsense and hate-mongering political correctness (misogyny, misogyny) from an ineffective leader, Labor should never be voted again into power. I suspect you know that too, Graham Richardson. I certainly do. I say this as a one-time strong Labor supporter.
    Comment 73 of 93
  • Economic irresponsibility not sustainable Posted at 11:44 AM January 18, 2013
    Can't say I fussed on either tof them personally. But while I think Gillard is taking us over an economic cliff, Abbott will have a more responsible attitude towards spending and will take Australia forward without sending us broke.
    Comment 74 of 93
  • PeterMax of Adelaide Posted at 11:53 AM January 18, 2013
    Graham Richardson would know better than most that Newspoll is unrealistic and much more favourable to Labor than Labor's internal polling ( two reported recently in the Australian ) and three other polling organisations. He should also know that Tony Abbott is not a one trick pony but has much substance, policy and ideas to get Australia back on track as the silent majority recognise. Particularly noticeable in the Lefty Mamamia poll which showed Tony Abbott as the most favoured PM at 46%. Most Australians have too much commonsense and clear thinking, to believe Ms. Gillard's tricks, misinformation, unfunded and false promises and the endless smearing of Tony Abbott, which will not save her or Labor.
    Comment 75 of 93
  • Ozzoid of Perth Posted at 11:55 AM January 18, 2013
    I have seen Tony in smugglers, in lycra, in fluoro, impressively operating heavy machinery etc - to top it off Peta Credlin should finally stuff him into a space suit - election in the bag - who needs policies...
    Comment 76 of 93
  • Interalia Posted at 12:16 PM January 18, 2013
    The take home message is that Gillard sticks to her principle. Apparently this is A Good Thing when she shows compassion to causes Richo approves of. In the case of showing compassion to the unfortunate Jewish people this is A Very Bad Thing. Though the Jewish people have suffered over 60 years of constant hatred and bombardment from the Arab world who refused to accept the UN vote that created them.
    Comment 77 of 93
  • Peter from Perth of Perth Posted at 12:23 PM January 18, 2013
    Richo, I know you journos need grist for your mill but ... JG and the Government are already swinging in the breeze. We just haven't voted yet.
    Comment 78 of 93
  • Brad of Darwin Posted at 12:42 PM January 18, 2013
    Richo, Follow the blood money. The betting at the moment has Liberals way way ahead.
    Comment 79 of 93
  • Brair Rabbit Posted at 1:09 PM January 18, 2013
    Every man woman and their dog was calling for a Royal Commission including Abbott. There was resistance within the ALP but Gillard could see that not only the Opposition was calling for a Commission but so was virtually the whole community. When Abbott called for one Gillard had no choice. It is not Julia Gillard's Royal Commission - this is an oxymoron.
    Comment 80 of 93
  • Peewee of Perth of Perth Posted at 1:18 PM January 18, 2013
    An interesting exercise in manufactured objectivity methinks. Many of the responses from ALP supporters are becoming hackneyed 'Copy and Paste' responses, much like the ploy to keep the public eye away from the dismal government failures, and rather on real or manufactured regressed and juvenile behaviour. Our PM is known for her unflinching self interest, desire to entrench socialism at any cost, and the need to maintain personal control. Tony Abbott is known for his philanthropy, community mindedness, and his evolving critical thinking related to Catholic ideologies. It is common opposition and political practice to withhold the divulgence of policy declaration as an acceptable process associated with timing. I certainly hope that we will see a much more mature approach from the PM in the lead up to the election, including perhaps her emulation of Tony Abbott's humane and objective qualities. This, however, may be interpreted by the voting public as yet another guise in an attempt to cling to power and control. We live in the hope of seeing actual governance, accountability, and sincerity emerging during 2013. Tony Abbott is already miles ahead on these considerations.
    Comment 81 of 93
  • Barrie of Torquay Posted at 1:23 PM January 18, 2013
    Richo forget 'whatever it takes' and take a long hard look at the national economy, open your eyes to the pain out here. In our coastal town, the pain factor for small business is close to collapse threshold. Generally sales revenue is yet again down on the previous year. In most cases 20-25% last financial and again by a similar amount. If the business is carrying even normal debt, revenue is now about 50% down and this summer turn sin another bad one, its goodnight for many small businesses. Not only are we struggling for revenue, but we can't employ people because the cost of doing so is becoming prohibitive. Then there is all the other bureaucratic nonsense conforming to taxation, fair work etc. Our local Labor MP is less than useless in helping solve the problems, so little wonder folks complain that cafes and shops are closing earlier and open less on weekends. Richo do Labor people really understand what drives the national economy engine room, small business? I'm afraid the answer is "clueless, don't care". How many years collective business experience in Julia's cabinet and how many years in the total Labor MPS? NOT MANY!
    Comment 82 of 93
  • Bob of Brisbane Posted at 1:24 PM January 18, 2013
    Gillard has shown over the years that all she cares about is herself and staying in power, and the only person standing in her way is Abbott. The personal attacks on him have been disgusting and unwarranted. She then gags him so he cannot respond. She treats him as if she is a lawyer and he is on trial every day. She is the most hated women in Australia atm, by males and females.
    Comment 83 of 93
  • Marty of Sydney Posted at 1:26 PM January 18, 2013
    Welcome back Richo! Hope all is well with you on the health front. Don't get too carried away by yet another rouge poll ol'mate, especially the first one of the year! Gillard always gets more popular on holidays. The ALP are the walking dead, soon to be buried and deservedly so.
    Comment 84 of 93
  • Helen Newsham of Glen Innes. Posted at 1:28 PM January 18, 2013
    Unfortunately Gillard's personal attacks on Abbott unfairly labelling him as a misogynist amongst other things has been extremely effective. She and her bunch of female ministers have done a good job on him and unfortunately some members of the public have fallen for it - even you, Richo.If Nicola Roxon was to apply her freedom or lack of freedom of speech laws to Gillard, old Julia could find herself in hot water for making false claims about Abbott. It is such a pity that spin doctors like Ian Mctiernan can advise Gillard to win an election on realtively unimportant issues while crucial matters such as unemployment, Govt waste, poor economic management etc etc just keep on piling up.
    Comment 85 of 93
  • Concerned Platitudes of Perth Posted at 1:30 PM January 18, 2013
    Thanks for the thought provoking article. I agree with the earlier response comment urging the PM to commence a Royal Commission into the Unions, and possibly a feasibility study into the outcomes of a Stalinist style Socialist/Communist government on the Australian people and economy, and setting up a vetting mechanism for politicians. The ALP spin may unfortunately evade the majority of the population, but I sincerely hope that the voters will develop insight before it is too late. This PM and the ALP have internal disparity, and may only be able to continue functioning with ideological regulations, frameworks and external structures to hold them together. The PM's desire for ultimate personal control will hinge upon creating such an over regulated environment within government, and ultimately upon the nation. Is this the way we wish to "move forward"? Tony Abbott only has to wait in the wings, and hopefully voters will see through the incessant ALP spin.
    Comment 86 of 93
  • Mart of Sydney Posted at 1:36 PM January 18, 2013
    Twitchy of Geelong @ 9:19. Comment of the Day! Says it all. I do hope you are reading all this Richo.
    Comment 87 of 93
  • Barry of Prospect Posted at 1:39 PM January 18, 2013
    Richo, don't underestimate Tony Abbott. I think there are going to be some big surprises from him this year.
    Comment 88 of 93
  • Dave Wane of Darwin Posted at 1:57 PM January 18, 2013
    Of course Abbott is quite to be negative about the policies of the Rudd-Gillard Labor government. Has there been a single policy from this government that has improved Australia in any way? I cannot think of one. All have been totally unnecessary and more often than not,very destructive, expensive and a huge waste of taxpayer's funds.
    Comment 89 of 93
  • Barbara of Sydney Posted at 2:56 PM January 18, 2013
    Here's a poll for you Richo. Out of the 62 comments here, 6 are in favour of Gillard/Labor. A whitewash for the Opposition, I think!!
    Comment 90 of 93
  • Brian Wark of Elizabeth Bay, NSW Posted at 3:30 PM January 18, 2013
    Wishful thinking, Richo, but you are grossly underestimating that renowned block of Australian voters - "the silent majority". They have watched this typically amateurish Labor minority govt under Gillard stumble from on error to another, knowing well that the end must come soon. They are not given to robust disagreement on the street, but rather their day at the polling booth. They will show this bunch of dolts the door in no uncertain terms, you can be sure of that, regardless of what these idiotic polls show. Ask a bookmaker for the odds of Labor winning and get on as much money as you can. As for Tony Abbott, we will be electing the Coalition, they determine who leads and I'm sure that Tony will get the job, with or without all the junk Labor try and throw at him.
    Comment 91 of 93
  • Robert S Posted at 4:19 PM January 18, 2013
    Ms Gillard is a person of interest in a current investigation by Victoria Police. How many times in our history has a sitting Prime Minister been in such a circumstance?
    Comment 92 of 93
  • Bruce Crawford of Central Queensland Posted at 4:21 PM January 18, 2013
    Can I ask all the contributors which are in support of Tony Abbott; What does he stand for? What Coaltion policies does he have which will move the country forward? I am a conservative voter, but most pro Coaltion contributors are simply leeming like mouthing the usual anti Labour vitriol and blindly supporting the talentless Coalition, with their decision being made simply on the fact that they are not Labour, pretty shallow if you ask me! Think about the country first and put your political prejudices last.
    Comment 93 of 93



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