THE media, as much as the politicians, are on trial in this election. The circle is a vicious one. Politicians, corporate leaders, CEOs of pressure groups and almost anyone with any public profile do short courses on how to deal with the media. They are told the media has certain characteristics or culture. In order to look good in the media, you have to play to that culture. Continue reading “Media on trial in election campaign”
Greens hand government to Labor
NEVER let the facts get in the way of a non-story. For the past few elections I have done an analysis of preference flows from the previous election. Continue reading “Greens hand government to Labor”
Preference system’s subtle policy effect
EVERY electoral system has its faults and its strengths. And every electoral system has its influence on the way politicians create policy. Continue reading “Preference system’s subtle policy effect”
A flight over the inland sea
FLYING creatures are drawn by an immense natural spectacle which happens only one or twice a generation — the gradual filling of Lake Eyre. Pictures are here Continue reading “A flight over the inland sea”
Taxing time for Apple users
CALLING all Apple Mac users. Roll up now for your huge discount on Microsoft Windows 7 for Mac, courtesy of Australian taxpayers. Continue reading “Taxing time for Apple users”
People do not want a big Canberra
PRIME Minister Julia Gillard gets it, but ACT Chief Minister Jon Stanhope does not: a large majority of Australians are unhappy with the prospect of high population growth. Continue reading “People do not want a big Canberra”
Left powerless to quit unwinnable war
WE NOW have a Prime Minister and Defence Minister from the left of the Labor Party part of whose heritage is the active and successful protests against the Vietnam war in the late 1960s and early 1970s – a tragic, futile unwinnable war. Continue reading “Left powerless to quit unwinnable war”
Rudd making Abbott more prime ministerial
PRIME Minister Kevin Rudd a should be a bit careful telling the Australian people that if the polls are replicated on election day Tony Abbott would be PM. Continue reading “Rudd making Abbott more prime ministerial”
Obama’s big chance on oil and Mid-East
IHE oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and the violent Israeli commandeering of Gaza-bound relief ship in international waters –usually called piracy — are seemingly unrelated.
But they could present an opportunity to President Barack Obama, and to the US in general, to change direction. It’s all about oil. Continue reading “Obama’s big chance on oil and Mid-East”
Conditioning people to costly car servicing
IT MUST be difficult to be in the car business these days. The latest Morgan poll out this week shows a 10 per cent fall in intention to buy a new car in the next year. And the first mass-produced fully electric car was launched on to the Australian market. Continue reading “Conditioning people to costly car servicing”