Alannah MacTiernan is on a mission in Europe to speak up Western Australia’s renewable hydrogen trade. The place has all this hydrogen stuff been hiding for thus lengthy?
Anthony Albanese has a six-point plan for the Nationwide Incapacity Insurance coverage Scheme, however he can’t bear in mind what it’s as a result of it’s extra concerning the vibe than the six factors.
Scott Morrison thinks investigating potential corruption by a dodgy politician and secret ex-boyfriend of the previous NSW premier constitutes a kangaroo courtroom. Shouldn’t he wait till the inquiry is completed?
As a columnist, and long-time observer of the political class, it’s sometimes higher to muse about all of it reasonably than undergo the torment of a forensic evaluation.
A enormously missed good friend and colleague of mine, Matt Value, was a grasp at seeing via the folly of politics and guaranteeing his newspaper readers may each study from and chuckle at his insights.
Forward of the most recent state funds, it maybe dawned on me greater than ever how disingenuous governments are within the lead-up to unveiling their financial blueprint.
On one hand they refuse to reply any questions concerning the funds, saying all shall be revealed on the day, after which cynically and systematically they launch sure particulars for their very own benefit.
Name me naïve for even elevating that hypocrisy, however I nonetheless bear in mind when a Perth journalist was hauled earlier than the Corruption and Crime Fee after publishing funds data in what was dubbed a ‘critical leak’ worthy of an investigation below the prison code.
“Part 81 prohibits unauthorised disclosure, by an individual employed within the public service, of official data which it’s their ‘obligation’ to maintain secret and carries a penalty of two years’ imprisonment,” the 2004 inquiry warned. “The state funds data would fall inside this criterion.”
But when the funds leak is, let’s say, a managed leak (full with a press launch) then it’s not a leak in any respect. It’s a authorities announcement.
As Sir Humphrey Appleby so eloquently put it in Sure, Minister: “The ship of state is the one ship that leaks from the highest.”
Even earlier than the state funds got here down, we knew that the ailing well being system would obtain an extra $3.4 billion money splash over and above the standard $10 billion funds.
If throwing cash at this unwieldy bureaucratic beast doesn’t work, then it’s an excellent job we’ve got surpluses to squander. All hail iron ore royalties.
Concerning the funds, on the federal entrance it has been quaint watching Mr Albanese discuss federal Labor’s goal to extend folks’s wages when the McGowan authorities wore its public sector wage restrictions as a badge of honour up till the top of 2021.
The premier held the road in opposition to agitated unions to rein-in debt. If Mr Albanese wins on Could 21 he’ll inherit debt heading in the direction of $1 trillion with no critical plan to curtail the spending.
On that six-point NDIS slip up, which got here near topping the opposition chief’s unemployment price blunder, it signalled to me that Mr Albanese’s coronary heart isn’t on this election struggle.
It’s onerous to place my finger on it, however the wannabe prime minister gives the look of being an unintended candidate. It’s as if he’d reasonably decide up his guitar and revel in extra sunsets with new associate Jodie Hayden.
Mr Morrison, then again, has all of the evangelical enthusiasm wanted to hold him to the promised land of Kirribilli Home for a 3rd time period.
As typically occurs, although, governments lose elections reasonably than oppositions profitable them, and the Coalition’s again is to the wall as soon as once more.
The proportion of undecided voters – and the variety of ‘teal’ independents standing in seats the Liberals should maintain onto – are solely including to the uncertainty for the Morrison camp.
If a hung parliament is the end result, and sufficient of the local weather motion and integrity independents win seats, then Labor is within the field seat to type a minority authorities.
Mr Morrison has repeatedly mentioned the federal integrity fee mannequin his authorities put ahead, which is roundly condemned as weak, is the perfect he has to supply.
No matter that, in condemning a stay Unbiased Fee Towards Corruption inquiry into points that partially impacts former NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian, Mr Morrison reveals an incapability to stay neutral.
Is it any marvel ICAC commissioner Stephen Rushton took purpose on the prime minister and others by describing them as “buffoons”?
“To make an uninformed remark that this fee is a kangaroo courtroom has an actual capability to undermine the fee’s work,” Mr Rushton mentioned.
Matt Value cherished the phrase buffoon. We’ll save inexperienced hydrogen for one more day.
