Australian Federal Election
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Baron Silas Greenback" data-cid="582903" data-time="1464229109"><p>
I doubt they dont know about it.</p></blockquote>
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Of course they know about. That's one of the reasons the boats have stopped. The idea that these people are completely clueless and blindly hand over their cash to people smugglers is laughable. -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="NTA" data-cid="582802" data-time="1464221629">
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<p>I can't really judge whether he's doing a good job, because it sits outside my day-to-day experience. I assume you're closer to the facts, or work in the Department.</p>
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<p>Still, gotta love the Schutzstaffel uniforms for Border Force - that's a bit of a winner if you want to look scary and important. Particularly if you want them to march around Melbourne, questioning people like its the Third Reich. Shame that got cancelled, really. Fucking leftard hippy protesters. How dare they defend our right to not be harassed on the street by authorities with no actual reason!</p>
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<p>It was a joint agency operation led by Victoria Police with the ABF assist other agencies in the operation by conducting background visa checks on individuals who are referred to us by Victoria Police and other agencies. Joint operations of this type are common and were previously conducted by Departmental immigration officers.</p>
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<p>The original Pacific Solution was effective. Unbelievably so. The current mess is solely a result of Labor's ill-advised dismantling of that policy response.</p> -
<p><img src="https://scontent.fmel1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13346502_534847890021305_8065482459219569325_n.jpg?oh=24c33e71649145eb878a8b7eda957fe2&oe=57DCF2BF" alt="13346502_534847890021305_806548245921956"></p>
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<p>Damn this has been the shittiest election campaign of all time. Two shit candidates, two shit major parties, one insane lunatic party and several shit smaller parties. Such an embarrassment of riches.</p>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Rancid Schnitzel" data-cid="584899" data-time="1464916999">
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<p>, one insane lunatic party </p>
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<p>The Greens? Its probably the sanest they've ever been. Which isn't saying much, I suppose... Its a low bar.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="NTA" data-cid="584914" data-time="1464919405"><p>
The Greens? Its probably the sanest they've ever been. Which isn't saying much, I suppose... Its a low bar.</p></blockquote>
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You have to look at it in terms of which party would bankrupt and wreck the country if they got in. The Greens is that party even if their current leader appears to be less of a nutter than the previous 2. -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Rancid Schnitzel" data-cid="584934" data-time="1464923403">
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<p>You have to look at it in terms of which party would bankrupt and wreck the country if they got in. The Greens is that party even if their current leader appears to be less of a nutter than the previous 2.</p>
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<p>Di Natale seems alright - I think he realises they're not going to get many seats, though with a full senate dissolution they may come out of it slightly better than before, given the PUP is gone and the teeny weeny parties will struggle. The Greens want to be that third party who can form temporary alliances.</p>
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<p>There is still too much Big Party bullshit going on to let the Greens hold even a balance of power in the Lower House, and so they'll be forced to horse trade in order to have any semblance of power through the Senate.</p>
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<p>So, I doubt whether they're in any danger of true power for a couple of elections yet. Even then, they get a fruit loop back into leadership and all that goodwill could dry up.</p>
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<p>By then, either the Libs or Labor might have finally found a way to take credit for ideas they were dead against this time around. I was reading about the Minerals Council of Australia yesterday via someone in the renewables industry, and it was head-shaking.</p>
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<p>The same Libs who said to the car industry "That's all we're giving you" are still throwing money into coal pits like its a going concern - and Peabody, for one, isn't.</p>
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<p>Did you see the clip of Bill calling for Company Tax Cuts from a few years back? Basically quoting trickle-down economics like a good Blue Tie. Change your spots, leopards - there is an election coming ;)</p> -
<p>On a separate note - relating to renewable energy:</p>
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<p>I read the Green's "Renew Australia" proposal - was interesting, but not sure some of the amounts they're quoting for transition funds etc. are going to pan out. Not that it matters, if they have no chance of implementing it with only a handful of seats.</p>
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<p>I think, based on the people I've spoken to, that private sector investment is going to lead a lot of the increase in changing the energy landscape, without Federal government support. Financial attrition is probably going to be a threat for coal, as the market continues to slump, and some of them might need to pivot into other resources - like Lithium, which promises to be large for the next wee while.</p>
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<p>But it may yet filter through that governments, sick of subsidising big, unwieldy networks, might start to adopt some of those practices. In some cases they already are to address black spots in the network.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Rancid Schnitzel" data-cid="584934" data-time="1464923403">
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<p>You have to look at it in terms of which party would bankrupt and wreck the country if they got in. The Greens is that party even if their current leader appears to be less of a nutter than the previous 2.</p>
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<p>There policies haven't changed. It's the same dribbling nonsense as last election.</p>
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<p>Here's an example of their brilliance: The Greens feel that boards of publicly listed companies should be elected by an independent statutory body. I'm not shitting you. You'd almost think it was a parody.</p> -
<p>Yeah. Shit policy. Not sure any of the big boys have ideas that bad - though some would argue about the Libs' approach to climate change.</p>
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<p>The analysts are saying Mal and Barney are still going to sneak in, with a reduced majority. While I don't <em>think</em> anyone I've read is saying it'll be a hung parliament, there are a few who aren't saying it won't.</p>
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<p>EDIT: I just read somewhere that today is the halfway point of the campaign? ffs...</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="antipodean" data-cid="584951" data-time="1464927018">
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<p>There policies haven't changed. It's the same dribbling nonsense as last election.</p>
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<p>Here's an example of their brilliance: The Greens feel that boards of publicly listed companies should be elected by an independent statutory body. I'm not shitting you. You'd almost think it was a parody.</p>
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<p>Fark me.</p> -
The electorate is disengaged. People aged 18-25 have zoned out if they were already interested that is. Apparently a good number haven't registered to vote. <br><br>
The gotcha moments are getting pretty tedious as well. <br><br>
Then the leaders debate last Sunday. I didn't watch it and I'm a diehard political nut. More people watching either Masterchef, the Voice and House Rules. <br><br>
As you say Nick, only halfway! -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="ACT Crusader" data-cid="584981" data-time="1464946248">
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<p>The electorate is disengaged. People aged 18-25 have zoned out if they were already interested that is. Apparently a good number haven't registered to vote.</p>
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<p>That whole "only a few hours left to register" thing was just bizarre. I don't think I've ever seen it before.</p>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="ACT Crusader" data-cid="584981" data-time="1464946248">
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<p>The gotcha moments are getting pretty tedious as well.</p>
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<p>What about Morrison's little felt board action? Saying Labor is declaring war on growth - holy fucking Amateur Hour, Batman.</p>
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<p><img src="http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/p/9/u/c/y/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gp9sh7.png/1464867057961.jpg" alt="1464867057961.jpg"></p> -
Just flicking through Twitter and it's starting to get even weirder according to this guy:<br><br>
Check out Osman Faruqi (@oz_f): <a class="bbc_url" href="https://twitter.com/oz_f?s=09">https://twitter.com/oz_f?s=09</a><br><br>
"It's starting to become pretty clear that Labor and the Coalition have done preference deals around the country to lock out Independents."<br>
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"Labor will deliver the Liberals preferences ahead of Xenophon, other independents and in return the Liberals will preference Labor > Greens." -
<p>Have just seen a "How To Vote" card released from The Greens online today, which is no surprise given we're in pre-polling mode. My electorate features the following in the lower house, as laid out on the voting slip:</p>
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<p>6 Liberal Democrats - <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberal_Democratic_Party_(Australia)'>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberal_Democratic_Party_(Australia)</a></p>
<p>2 Science Party - <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.scienceparty.org.au/'>http://www.scienceparty.org.au/</a></p>
<p>1 The Greens - <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://greens.org.au/'>http://greens.org.au/</a></p>
<p>7 Family First - <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Family_First_Party'>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Family_First_Party</a></p>
<p>8 Christian Democratic Party - <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='https://www.christiandemocraticparty.com.au/'>https://www.christiandemocraticparty.com.au/</a></p>
<p>4 Liberal Party - <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='https://www.liberal.org.au/'>https://www.liberal.org.au/</a></p>
<p>5 Independent (Indian chap - restaraunt owner in Parramatta - might be popular around here given the demographics)</p>
<p>3 ALP - <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.alp.org.au/'>http://www.alp.org.au/</a></p>
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<p>The Greens say voting should as per the numbers above in terms of preferences. I always tend to put the whacko religious groups last, so it works for me.</p>
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<p>We've also got the Pirate Party running for Senate - <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='https://pirateparty.org.au/'>https://pirateparty.org.au/</a></p>
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<p>YARR!</p> -
<p>I'm seriously considering voting informal. It's bad enough that the choice is between a Shorten or Turnbull govt, but have a look at the candidates for my electorate.</p>
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<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.alp.org.au/milton_dick'>http://www.alp.org.au/milton_dick</a></p>
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<p>Milton Dick. This guy is not only the dodgiest looking fucker to ever seek public office, but also has the most ridiculous name in politics. By the looks of his CV, he hasn't worked a day of his life in the private sector and went straight from Uni to political advisor. Brilliant. He's set up a massive billboard claiming that he will "Save Medicare". As if anyone is getting rid of bloody Medicare. Knob-jockey.</p>
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<p>But then the Liberals have this gem:</p>
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<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='https://lnp.org.au/bibe-roadley/'>https://lnp.org.au/bibe-roadley/</a></p>
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<p>Bibe Roadley. Another awesome name. Her claim to fame is that she was once a drug addict but now has 4 kids. Normally that would disqualify a candidate, but is apparently a badge of honour these days. She's also a "fierce advocate for social justice issues". Of course she is.</p>
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<p>How about an independent or another party? Well I'm spoilt for choice.</p>
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<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.abc.net.au/news/federal-election-2016/guide/oxle/'>http://www.abc.net.au/news/federal-election-2016/guide/oxle/</a></p>
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<p>I have some bedraggled looking prick for Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party. I though that party was dead.</p>
<p>Something from outerspace for Family First.</p>
<p>And of course the Greenie who can go fuck himself.</p>
<p>There's apparently also a Katter Australian Party guy there too. I thought they were dead as well.</p>
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<p>Seriously, WTF?</p> -
They certainly breed them different up there in QLD.....
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<p>Holy shit Rancid! There is some serious dental deformity going on in your electorate...</p>
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<p>Jeez I'm loving this guy's work though:</p>
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<p><img src="http://www.onenation.com.au/images/candidates/brad-web.jpg" alt="brad-web.jpg"></p>
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<p></p><p></p><blockquote class="ipsBlockquote">"<span style="color:rgb(17,17,17);font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:15px;">27 year-old Trussell has been employed since he was 16 and previously worked in the mining industry. He now works as a welder in one of Australias top Bull Bar manufacturing companies."</span></blockquote>
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<p>:lol:</p>
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<p>Fuck yeah! LOADED with ambition!</p>
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<p>After reviewing the candidates, I'm sure Dick will get up ;)</p> -
<p>Here's my lot:</p>
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<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.abc.net.au/news/federal-election-2016/guide/gree/'>http://www.abc.net.au/news/federal-election-2016/guide/gree/</a></p>