politicalowl

Now there will be little argument about David Johnston not really having the gift of the political gab. As Defence Minister he suffered by actually saying what he thought and that will never do when the political contest is about avoiding unwanted controversy. Fancy a politician saying that he would not trust the Adelaide based submarine corporation to build a canoe? Leave aside the truth that the feather-bedding of ship building in South Australia has cost taxpayers unnecessary billions. Surely the man realised that honesty would put thousands of votes at risk? Breaking an election promise to hand the next submarine construction contract to such a wasteful contractor needs finesse not brutal honesty. So off to the backbench with the one Liberal and National Party member of parliament who actually made a keen study of defence matters during those long years in opposition. The Tony Abbott government wants safe hands ijn charge of our armed forces not sensible ones. So David Joh...

So where was ABC managing director Mark Scott referring us? To “The pervasive power of Rupert Murdoch: an extract from Hack Attack by Nick Davies” where you will find: … they say that his primary interest in politicians is not political; it’s commercial. He may be a highly political animal, they say – obsessed with the details of life in the corridors of power and personally possessed of some extremely right-wing opinions – but what he most wants from politicians is favours for his business. He’ll betray his own principles, he’ll embrace politicians for whom he has very little respect, just as long as they have the power to help the company get bigger. … The man’s character, in turn, is at the heart of his approach to business. Rupert Murdoch is a man who will crush an opponent like a beetle beneath his boot, and he will do it for one simple reason – for News Corp. One of the guests who is closest to him says: “Rupert does not discriminate – he does not care about anybody more tha...

Tuesday, 6th March, 2007    - Richard Farmer   Former Labor Party campaign strategist and former lobbyist Richard Farmer offers Kevin Rudd some advice... Silence would have been the best policy for dealing with allegations about Brian Burke but it’s too late for that silence now. Once you opened you mouth at last Thursday’s press conference the issue picked up an irreversible pace. As always happens the attack quickly switched from when you met an evil man and why to an analysis of what you said about it. Truth is now the issue. So let’s give the government a few home truths. Start with an analysis of the cosy relationships which exist between John Howard’s former ministers and key staff members acting as lobbyists for banks and other businesses and the Howard government today. Ask a series of questions about Max the Axe and Macquarie Bank. Who in the government has met Mr Max Moore-Wilton – when and why? Probe a little in to conversations the PM has had wi...