Worth a thousand words, Julia
I predict this will be a recurring theme. A few days ago, I wrote that the Greens were running the country. Now it seems that this suspicion is spreading through government, industry and the public, and the consequences for the Gillard government will be disastrous.
The photo opportunity at the launch of the carbon price policy, with Gillard and Combet outnumbered and outflanked by eco-Nazis Brown and Milne, hapless “independents” Whining Windsor and weirdy-beardy Oaf-shott, and Gillard literally looking up to Brown with a look of admiration (see image), was a classic PR disaster. It was also the perfect illustration of who is really in charge – and for the avoidance of doubt, it ain’t Julia…
Dennis Shanahan in The Australian:
THE perception that Julia Gillard is giving too much to the Greens, that she’s ceding her authority to Bob Brown and giving precedence to briefing independent and Greens MPs ahead of her ALP colleagues, is taking hold among her vital constituencies: the public, business and her own parliamentary party.
From specific issues to broader concepts and fundamental policy, Labor’s pact with the Greens for their support in a minority government is having an increasingly corrosive effect on the Prime Minister’s authority and confidence that the government can deliver its own agenda.
There is evidence the public’s general confidence is being shaken by sudden policy shifts and uncertainty about a minority government; there is growing disquiet, even dismay, among business leaders that dealing with the government on the basis of compromise with a commercially viable outcome is being overtaken by ideological demands. Labor MPs are concerned they are being treated as second-rate representatives and the government is being outsmarted by Brown as the Australian Greens’ leader. (source)
The possibility of a split in the Labor government isn’t insignificant, with the right wing faction, sick of kowtowing to Bob Brown and his environmental Marxists, finally decides enough is enough. And that’s before we’ve even reached the substantive policy issues associated with the carbon tax: Labor wants 5% emissions reductions, Greens want 25%; Greens want petrol included, Labor doesn’t etc etc…
When those thorny issues are on the table, it will only get worse. And it’s not just climate policy, either:
JULIA Gillard has restated her absolute rejection of gay marriage and hotly disputed opposition claims the Australian Greens have hijacked Labor’s political agenda.
But her comments come amid division within Labor’s powerful Right faction, with Australian Workers Union national secretary Paul Howes yesterday backing gay marriage, putting himself at odds with other key right-wing powerbrokers.
On Wednesday, the Prime Minister said she could overturn an earlier Labor decision, to back a bill put forward by Greens leader Bob Brown that would remove the ability of ministers to overturn territories’ laws.
Her comments followed anger from the Labor Right after Greens MPs in the ACT said that if the Brown bill were passed they would renew a push to legalise same-sex marriage.
Tony Abbott yesterday cited the gay marriage push as evidence that the Greens were running her government. But Ms Gillard last night stood by her view that “marriage is between a man and a woman”. (source)
So what happens when Julia doesn’t play ball and give the Greens what they want? Answers on a postcard.
Australian Climate Madness 
Gillard stood by her view huh?
I’ve only got one response to add to that…..in fact, I’ll let JuLiar respond to it in her own words:
Bit off topic isn’t it but…..
Maybe those of the ALP right can see the VERY LARGE DOTS that can be joined between the two statements.
What I don’t get is why Gillard is giving the Greens so much say in things. Sure, she wouldn’t have a government without them, but if they take her down they won’t be in power either. It’s a standoff – it should be a delicate balance with preference given to the majority party in the coalition. If the Greens demand too much they lose their pet leader and will be thrown back into the Wilderness, their Senate balance probably going with them. It’s all evidence that Julia makes a good lieutenant and a terrible general. It’s all very well throwing the Senate threat around, but without their lower house MP they can’t get bills introduced easily. And that lower house MP is not likely to hold his seat through the next election once the Libs decide to preference Labor ahead of him.
It’s simple – she’s weak.
That’s why the jelly back indies gravitated to her. They recognised a kindred spirit. Plus it avoided dealing with adult like Abbott who would have enforced a bit of discipline on them with a finger poised above the election button.
[Snip – sorry, please stay on topic, thanks!]
Bring on another election! Anything else is too terrifying to contemplate.
Early election the only way out
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/opinion/early-election-the-only-way-out/story-e6frg6zo-1226015579768
I don’t think I can recall a major policy being announced by a committee. It may be unprecedented. Gillard seeks the protection being able to share the blame from day one. Such leadership, such chutzpah, such conviction politics – NOT !
Found it totally amusing and frustrating this afternoon listening to Oakshot on the radio telling the reporter that the Aussie public should get used to minority Governments,how do these clowns get around and manage not to walk into anything when they have their heads up their butts?
About that photo…
… you’ve all seen Star Wars. The photo resembles something out of that Star Wars cantina scene, remember?
I’m sure you all know what I mean!
In the words of another: Mr 13 percent is running the country and we are indeed i dangerous times.
If you are serious about stopping Gillard then go to the protest rally on 23 March, 2011 at Parliament House – go to http://www.2gb.com – Consumer and Taxpayers Association of Australia is organising rally.
Get rid of the Greens, Independents and Labor at the NSW Election – vote ONLY 1 for Liberal and leave all other boxes blank.
JuLIAR and Bob need to get the message that we do not wish to be dictated to.
Go to http://www.stopgillardscarbontax.com and sign the petition.