Kevin Rudd Australia's new Prime Minister

Eric Frei · 25th November 2007, 07:15 AM

Although we dont really get into full on political discussions it's pretty much NEWS around town that John Howard was defeated as Australia's Prime Minister and Kevin Rudd from Queensland is the new PM.

Was a distinctive victory and one of the largest since WWII except for Gough Whitlam's victory.

Considering the govt to beat was the strongest ever in Australian history as far as seats held this was quite an accomplishment.

The safe secure home seat for Howard looks like that rolled over to Labor.

Rudd triumphs as Howard cast aside - Federal Election 2007 News - smh.com.au

Seems the Australian people voted solidly.

I had to chuckle when going to the booth yesterday. You know how you enter and all the parties try to shove some paper in your hands to vote for their party. Well, I never take any, what for? The ballot sheet shows what you have to do and next to everyones name is the party they belong to.

Anyway, the Liberal Guys were really blocking the gate access and getting quite cheeky, now I dont take any papers so I said "no thanks" and this one particular skinny older guy smiles and says "oh come on".

Cut a long story short on the way out it was a bit quieter and a few people around. As I went past him I said, " you better pack a pillow down ya PJ's tonight for the ass whipping ya liberals gonna get". It was funny and evryone laughed.

I bet he'll remember that for a long time now.

So, from King of the castle with most seats to ousted from ya own seat of 33 years, indeed the Australian people have sent a message of what they think about the current situation and I dare say Work Choices being shoved onto everyone was most likely the largest reason for the swing as it affected everyone.

Congratulations Kevin Rudd, now lets see what you can do.

One of the first things I'd like to see is withdrawal from Iraq and stop sucking up GWB's AZZ!

newguy18 · 25th November 2007, 08:51 AM

When I applied for my voters id Im put down thatI wasn't party affiliated and apparently in florida you can't vote elections for govenor or president if your not affiliated to a party unless its strictly a single party race like all democrat.oh well as far as i know this is the only state that does this crap btw good job telling that liberal off Ekka.

Sean Freeman · 25th November 2007, 11:57 AM

I know you don't want this to become a poltical shouting match Eric so I'll say this, it is extremely disappointing that the Australian voting public again have proved that they just don't understand the importance of the Senate vote, we are going to have three years of stalemate with nothing substantial getting done if the predicted outcomes in the Senate eventuate....well done Aussies you have yourselves to blame when none of the critical policy changes you voted for in the house of reps can be enacted due to your idiocy in the votes for the Senate.

Eric Frei · 25th November 2007, 12:13 PM

Seems they have a strong majority.

Quote:

By 11pm Labor had secured 83 of the 150 seats in the House of Representatives, compared with the coalition’s 58, and was heading towards wins in at least three others, giving it a substantial mandate to pursue new policies on education, health, foreign affairs and industrial relations.

Flailing Howard is tossed from power in Australian 'Ruddslide' - Times Online

Info on how double dissolutions work.

Fact Sheet 33 Double dissolution | Students | Parliamentary Education Office, Parliament of Australia

http://www.aph.gov.au/house/info/infosheets/is18.pdf

Sean Freeman · 25th November 2007, 12:17 PM

Its all good in the house of reps Eric but without the Senate they can do nix if the coalition decide to oppose bills.

Eric Frei · 25th November 2007, 12:23 PM

Double dissolution, rarely happens.

Links in above post.

The House of Reps is where the clout is.

Sean Freeman · 25th November 2007, 12:25 PM

I quess we'll see over the next three years mate, but don't hold your breath....BTW I hope I'm very wrong.

Eric Frei · 25th November 2007, 12:34 PM

There's only a few Senators in comparison ... lot easier to sway them.

I must admit I didn't expect Rudd to win let alone by this much. I know generally people weren't happy with Howard but I thought his union bashing campaign would have worked but in fact was part of his undoing.

I really think that the everyday Joe who pushes a trolley down the supermarket isle, pays bills, and fuels the car has had a gut full of the BS just like we have of paying double for Stihls saws in Australia compared to America.

One thing that really took me by surprise was Howard trying to worm through the quick shut down time on young ones enrolling to vote. Why would he do that? Why close the window of time down for new enrolments after an election is called? You'd think the opposite would be better ... get more to enrol down to the last minute.

I'd say coz the younger ones would vote against him. Imagine trying to rent or buy a house these days?

Anyway, the electorate has spoken, no matter which party you like or dislike the fact is people weren't happy with what is going on, and showed that in their votes. I dont know all the reasons why people voted against him but to lose ya own strong hold seat means something really pissed people off.

Drouin Tree Service · 25th November 2007, 05:19 PM

Rudd could just be the biggest dud yet,I cant believe he got in!

They will blow $$$ like crazy now

Eric Frei · 25th November 2007, 05:26 PM

Maybe and maybe not, it's a change from Mr Scrooge though.

Dont forget Scrooge was over taxing with surpluses in the $20billion vicinity.

Drouin Tree Service · 25th November 2007, 05:32 PM

Same old story the libs hand a big kitty to the labor gov to blow with the unions.

Sean Freeman · 25th November 2007, 05:39 PM

Politicians are like nappies...they should be changed regularly and for basically the same reasons.

Jeff Darby · 25th November 2007, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sean Freeman

Politicians are like nappies...they should be changed regularly and for basically the same reasons.

I like how you said that, Sean, And I agree whole heartedly, If Rudd doesn't perform and stay true to his promisses..piss him off.

Eric Frei · 25th November 2007, 06:17 PM

Exactly I'd say.

Perform or piss off, the electorate does that.

Just didn't know people were that pissed off with Howard.

Jamie Myers · 27th November 2007, 06:08 AM

i hope a labour gov doesn t screw your country like they have to ours.Good luck guys

Sean Freeman · 27th November 2007, 06:31 AM

So long as they bring our blokes back from Iraq and Afganistan, I don't care what else they do pomme

Eric Frei · 3rd December 2007, 10:23 PM

Today Rudd officially signed Australia to the Kyoto Protocol.

Rudd signs Kyoto ratification document - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

mdvaden · 4th December 2007, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ekka

Today Rudd officially signed Australia to the Kyoto Protocol.

Rudd signs Kyoto ratification document - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

Yes... I heard some more about the Kyoto the other day on a show that mentioned more details than I could remember.

But the basics were, it sure sounds like a nice goal to support, even though its impossible to really do.

So the approach is just support it to look good, and when the long range goal doesn't come to pass, at least you won't look bad, but a lot of people who needed money in their pockets will have gotten their funds.

Don't you just hate politics and pollution?

Eric Frei · 4th December 2007, 05:59 PM

Without a goal or target you have no progress.

There has to be some guide, somewhere to start, somewhere to end.

To not have any of that means who cares and open slather, which in the current situation isn't very appealing.

Rudd got votes for it, and delivered it.

Same with getting the hell out of Iraq.

And same for the Work Choices crap Howard brought in.

They were the key underlying undoings of an arrogant govt.

Eric Frei · 4th December 2007, 09:21 PM

Isn't it ironic that under Howard there was no mention of Trade Deficit.

Yet now, it makes headlines again, just like the Keating days.

Quote:

Meanwhile, trade figures released by the Bureau of Statistics also reveal a nation struggling to balance the books. The monthly trade deficit hit a record high of almost $3 billion in October - the 67th deficit in a row and the longest run of red ink on record.

The deficit, exceeding levels that sparked fears of a "banana republic" in the 1980s, comes despite a once-in-a-generation boom in commodity prices.

Trade deficit and inflation soar for Kevin Oh8 - National - smh.com.au

I've been on about it for a while and noticed that it was never ever brought up with Howard, or dealt with, best kept secret.

shaggs · 5th December 2007, 03:43 PM

Polly's, car salesman and real estate salesman....can't trust em as far as my big shot could hoic 'em...

Eric Frei · 7th December 2007, 07:43 PM

Ministers plan to cut wait for surgery | The Australian

Quote:

Ministers plan to cut wait for surgery

December 07, 2007

A PLAN to tackle the long wait for elective surgery should be delivered early next year after Australia's health ministers agreed today to urgently reform the system.

At their first joint meeting since the election, federal, state and territory health ministers met in Hobart and agreed elective surgery was the highest priority.

"All ministers agreed on the need for urgent reform of the Australian health system to improve services and ease much of the pressure on the system, particularly public hospitals," a communique from the meeting said.

"The ministers agreed to take practical steps within a tight timeframe to increase capacity in the system and further reduce waiting lists around the country conditional on performance benchmarks related to elective surgery to be set down by the commonwealth being met."

Labor promised during the election that $600 million would be used over four years to reduce waiting times for elective surgery in public hospitals.

State and territory ministers will later this month bid for the money, by outlining to the commonwealth priority projects for using it.

Federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon will write to all state and territory ministers outlining options for improving accountability in public hospitals.

A spokesman for Ms Roxon said the elective surgery plan was due to be delivered early next year.

Ms Roxon hailed the Hobart meeting a success, saying it was the start of ending the blame game on health funding.

"e've had very productive discussions today," she said.

"We've agreed to kick-start negotiations for the Australian Health Care Agreement and we've agreed on a tight time frame to deliver on our plan to slash elective surgery lists.

"This is a significant opportunity to take advantage of cooperation between state and federal governments to deliver health care that Australian families need and deserve."

Ministers also agreed that renegotiating the Australian Health Care Agreement, which expires on 30 June 2008, was a top priority.

NSW Health Minister Reba Meagher said the next agreement must put more money on the table for states and territories and have a focus on disease prevention.

Ms Meagher said until the agreement was finalised, the commonwealth had offered $600 million to the states and territories to help reduce waiting lists and she would write to Ms Roxon by the end of next week to ensure NSW got its fair share.

"It's this sort of collaborative approach with the commonwealth which will deliver tangible benefits for the people of NSW, with funding expected to be available in early January," Ms Meagher said.

Victoria's Health Minister Daniel Andrews said today he was confident a federal takeover of Victorian hospitals - which, Mr Rudd warned the states, would happen if their hospitals don't perform - would not occur.

"I'm very confident that not only will we be able to demonstrate consistently that we run an efficient system but I think the result of today's meeting is that ... Victorian families are going to get a much better deal out of Kevin Rudd than they ever got out of John Howard."

The ministers agreed to meet again on January 31 in Melbourne.

- AAP

25th November 2007, 07:15 AM	#1
Eric Frei Admin - Owner Palm & Tree Services in Brisbane Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,993	Kevin Rudd Australia's new Prime Minister Although we dont really get into full on political discussions it's pretty much NEWS around town that John Howard was defeated as Australia's Prime Minister and Kevin Rudd from Queensland is the new PM. Was a distinctive victory and one of the largest since WWII except for Gough Whitlam's victory. Considering the govt to beat was the strongest ever in Australian history as far as seats held this was quite an accomplishment. The safe secure home seat for Howard looks like that rolled over to Labor. Rudd triumphs as Howard cast aside - Federal Election 2007 News - smh.com.au Seems the Australian people voted solidly. I had to chuckle when going to the booth yesterday. You know how you enter and all the parties try to shove some paper in your hands to vote for their party. Well, I never take any, what for? The ballot sheet shows what you have to do and next to everyones name is the party they belong to. Anyway, the Liberal Guys were really blocking the gate access and getting quite cheeky, now I dont take any papers so I said "no thanks" and this one particular skinny older guy smiles and says "oh come on". Cut a long story short on the way out it was a bit quieter and a few people around. As I went past him I said, " you better pack a pillow down ya PJ's tonight for the ass whipping ya liberals gonna get". It was funny and evryone laughed. I bet he'll remember that for a long time now. So, from King of the castle with most seats to ousted from ya own seat of 33 years, indeed the Australian people have sent a message of what they think about the current situation and I dare say Work Choices being shoved onto everyone was most likely the largest reason for the swing as it affected everyone. Congratulations Kevin Rudd, now lets see what you can do. One of the first things I'd like to see is withdrawal from Iraq and stop sucking up GWB's AZZ! __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Palm and Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

25th November 2007, 08:51 AM	#2
newguy18 Part of the Furniture Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: orlando,fl Posts: 4,948	Re: Kevin Rudd Australia's new Prime Minister When I applied for my voters id Im put down thatI wasn't party affiliated and apparently in florida you can't vote elections for govenor or president if your not affiliated to a party unless its strictly a single party race like all democrat.oh well as far as i know this is the only state that does this crap btw good job telling that liberal off Ekka. __________________ Have your say join us today. old schooler

25th November 2007, 11:57 AM	#3
Sean Freeman Veteran Heritage Status Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Townsville Nth Queensland & Gold Coast Sth Queensland Posts: 1,981	Re: Kevin Rudd Australia's new Prime Minister I know you don't want this to become a poltical shouting match Eric so I'll say this, it is extremely disappointing that the Australian voting public again have proved that they just don't understand the importance of the Senate vote, we are going to have three years of stalemate with nothing substantial getting done if the predicted outcomes in the Senate eventuate....well done Aussies you have yourselves to blame when none of the critical policy changes you voted for in the house of reps can be enacted due to your idiocy in the votes for the Senate.

25th November 2007, 12:17 PM	#5
Sean Freeman Veteran Heritage Status Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Townsville Nth Queensland & Gold Coast Sth Queensland Posts: 1,981	Re: Kevin Rudd Australia's new Prime Minister Its all good in the house of reps Eric but without the Senate they can do nix if the coalition decide to oppose bills.

25th November 2007, 12:23 PM	#6
Eric Frei Admin - Owner Palm & Tree Services in Brisbane Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,993	Re: Kevin Rudd Australia's new Prime Minister Double dissolution, rarely happens. Links in above post. The House of Reps is where the clout is. __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Palm and Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

25th November 2007, 12:25 PM	#7
Sean Freeman Veteran Heritage Status Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Townsville Nth Queensland & Gold Coast Sth Queensland Posts: 1,981	Re: Kevin Rudd Australia's new Prime Minister I quess we'll see over the next three years mate, but don't hold your breath....BTW I hope I'm very wrong.

25th November 2007, 12:34 PM	#8
Eric Frei Admin - Owner Palm & Tree Services in Brisbane Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,993	Re: Kevin Rudd Australia's new Prime Minister There's only a few Senators in comparison ... lot easier to sway them. I must admit I didn't expect Rudd to win let alone by this much. I know generally people weren't happy with Howard but I thought his union bashing campaign would have worked but in fact was part of his undoing. I really think that the everyday Joe who pushes a trolley down the supermarket isle, pays bills, and fuels the car has had a gut full of the BS just like we have of paying double for Stihls saws in Australia compared to America. One thing that really took me by surprise was Howard trying to worm through the quick shut down time on young ones enrolling to vote. Why would he do that? Why close the window of time down for new enrolments after an election is called? You'd think the opposite would be better ... get more to enrol down to the last minute. I'd say coz the younger ones would vote against him. Imagine trying to rent or buy a house these days? Anyway, the electorate has spoken, no matter which party you like or dislike the fact is people weren't happy with what is going on, and showed that in their votes. I dont know all the reasons why people voted against him but to lose ya own strong hold seat means something really pissed people off. __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Palm and Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

25th November 2007, 05:19 PM	#9
Drouin Tree Service Veteran Heritage Status Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Australia Posts: 1,728	Re: Kevin Rudd Australia's new Prime Minister Rudd could just be the biggest dud yet,I cant believe he got in! They will blow $$$ like crazy now __________________ Drouin Tree Services \| Excavator Hire - Drouin and SE Gippsland \| Landclearing Melbourne

25th November 2007, 05:26 PM	#10
Eric Frei Admin - Owner Palm & Tree Services in Brisbane Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,993	Re: Kevin Rudd Australia's new Prime Minister Maybe and maybe not, it's a change from Mr Scrooge though. Dont forget Scrooge was over taxing with surpluses in the $20billion vicinity. __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Palm and Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

25th November 2007, 05:32 PM	#11
Drouin Tree Service Veteran Heritage Status Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Australia Posts: 1,728	Re: Kevin Rudd Australia's new Prime Minister Same old story the libs hand a big kitty to the labor gov to blow with the unions. __________________ Drouin Tree Services \| Excavator Hire - Drouin and SE Gippsland \| Landclearing Melbourne

25th November 2007, 05:39 PM	#12
Sean Freeman Veteran Heritage Status Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Townsville Nth Queensland & Gold Coast Sth Queensland Posts: 1,981	Re: Kevin Rudd Australia's new Prime Minister Politicians are like nappies...they should be changed regularly and for basically the same reasons.

25th November 2007, 06:17 PM	#14
Eric Frei Admin - Owner Palm & Tree Services in Brisbane Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,993	Re: Kevin Rudd Australia's new Prime Minister Exactly I'd say. Perform or piss off, the electorate does that. Just didn't know people were that pissed off with Howard. __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Palm and Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

27th November 2007, 06:08 AM	#15
Jamie Myers Mature tree Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: england Posts: 252	Re: Kevin Rudd Australia's new Prime Minister i hope a labour gov doesn t screw your country like they have to ours.Good luck guys

27th November 2007, 06:31 AM	#16
Sean Freeman Veteran Heritage Status Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Townsville Nth Queensland & Gold Coast Sth Queensland Posts: 1,981	Re: Kevin Rudd Australia's new Prime Minister So long as they bring our blokes back from Iraq and Afganistan, I don't care what else they do pomme

3rd December 2007, 10:23 PM	#17
Eric Frei Admin - Owner Palm & Tree Services in Brisbane Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,993	Re: Kevin Rudd Australia's new Prime Minister Today Rudd officially signed Australia to the Kyoto Protocol. Rudd signs Kyoto ratification document - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Palm and Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

4th December 2007, 05:59 PM	#19
Eric Frei Admin - Owner Palm & Tree Services in Brisbane Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,993	Re: Kevin Rudd Australia's new Prime Minister Without a goal or target you have no progress. There has to be some guide, somewhere to start, somewhere to end. To not have any of that means who cares and open slather, which in the current situation isn't very appealing. Rudd got votes for it, and delivered it. Same with getting the hell out of Iraq. And same for the Work Choices crap Howard brought in. They were the key underlying undoings of an arrogant govt. __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Palm and Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

5th December 2007, 03:43 PM	#21
shaggs Mature tree Join Date: May 2007 Location: sydney Posts: 419	Re: Kevin Rudd Australia's new Prime Minister Polly's, car salesman and real estate salesman....can't trust em as far as my big shot could hoic 'em...

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