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Post by Flash on Aug 31, 2006 1:23:59 GMT -5
I haven’t yet posted on the Queensland election campaign, and just as I was thinking about it I heard the tragic news that Lawrence Springborg has had to withdraw from the campaign due to sudden death of his wife’s father. I’d like to express my sympathy to Mr Springborg and his family, which I’m sure will be shared by readers.
I guess thats the end of any vague hope the coalition had of a real chance in this election. Lawrence can’t really win either way now, if he keeps campaigning strongly he looks like a bad family man, and if he stops campaigning he can’t get the message out.
Lets hope that enough people are fed up with Beattie’s inaction to put enough opposition members into parliament this time to form an effective opposition, and we can see how we stand in 3 years time.
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Post by usenetfeed on Aug 31, 2006 1:33:18 GMT -5
Prime Minister John Howard says the leaders will discuss challenges facing state Liberals. The Prime Minister and a former New South Wales premier have been called in to give advice to state Liberal parties on how to win government.
The talks have been organised by the Menzies Research Institute and will take place next week with representatives from oppositions in each state.
The leaders will gather in Sydney for a two-day meeting with senior Liberals including Prime Minister John Howard, former New South Wales Liberal leader, Nick Greiner, and the Liberal Party's federal director, Brian Loughnane.
The Prime Minister says the meeting is aimed at working through the problems keeping the Coalition out of office in all states and territories.
John Howard says it is a chance to talk about common issues.
"It's a meeting organised by the Menzies Research Centre where I ... will share with them my perspectives and they'll discuss some of their challenges and problems," he said.
Mr Greiner says there are a number of Labor governments that should be looking very shaky and unelectable, yet the polls indicate the opposition parties are still struggling.
"I don't think we have any golden bullets, I don't think there's any magic solution, it's hard being in opposition - as the federal Labor Party demonstrates - but I think it's reasonable that we all get together and try and see how the state right of centre oppositions can a better job," he said.
"It's not aimed at anyone in any particular state, as I understand it all the states are attending and all the states are in opposition.
"All the states want to win, I obviously think they deserve to win so I don't think it needs to be seen in the normal media blame game.
"It's clear that we're in opposition, it's clear we want to win, it's clear that we're struggling and that's what it's about."
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Post by keith on Sept 3, 2006 12:46:49 GMT -5
JOHN Howard has launched a savage attack on Queensland Premier Peter Beattie, saying he has squandered federal funds, wrongly claimed to be responsible for his state's strong economy and has "no alibis" for the demise of the Queensland public hospital system.
Having been singled out for criticism from Mr Beattie at the Labor campaign launch last week, the Prime Minister hit back yesterday, calling on voters to bring down the strongest of the state Labor governments.
An animated and at times angry Mr Howard slammed Mr Beattie's management of the Queensland health system, saying the Premier could not blame others for his failings and should be judged harshly at the state election this weekend.
"Mr Beattie, there are no alibis for your failure in health," Mr Howard told the Coalition campaign launch in Brisbane.
"You can't and you shouldn't blame the federal Government, you can't and you shouldn't blame the medical profession - you only have yourself to blame.
"You've had the money and the resources, you've had the power and the years to fix it, and it hasn't been (fixed)."
Mr Howard said Queensland, more than any other state, had benefited from the introduction of the GST and the continuing strength of the national economy, yet the Beattie Government had failed in what should be its primary responsibility, the public hospital system.
"Please, and I say this to my fellow Australians who live in Queensland, please don't encourage Mr Beattie to do it all again by returning him," he said.
Mr Beattie had used the Labor campaign launch on Thursday to criticise the federal Government's industrial relations laws and its failure to train enough doctors, and repeatedly pointed to "John Howard's interest rates" and the impact they were having on housing affordability.
Mr Howard hit back yesterday, taking credit for the nation's 30-year low in unemployment, strong growth and interest rates "close to half what they were 15 years ago".
Some state Coalition figures are concerned industrial relations could be a sleeper issue in the state election campaign.
While they have encouraged federal members not to highlight the recent reforms, federal Workplace Relations Minister Kevin Andrews held a lunch in Brisbane at the same time as the Labor campaign launch last week and did not back away from the commonwealth's initiatives.
State Labor sought last night to put the spotlight back on the Howard Government, and undermine the state Coalition campaign, by launching new TV ads claiming that only a Beattie Government would fight the industrial relations reforms, lobby against the full sale of Telstra and demand lower fuel prices.
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Post by keith on Sept 3, 2006 12:50:36 GMT -5
QUEENSLAND would rely more heavily on commonwealth funding under a Coalition government after state Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg yesterday pledged to forgo more than $2 billion in annual revenue by phasing out stamp duty on property deals within five years. In a costly commitment that threatens to undermine the 100-plus policies and initiatives announced by the Coalition to date, Mr Springborg vowed to make houses and petrol more affordable as part of a strategy to decentralise Queensland. "Under a Springborg-led Coalition government, we will preserve and enhance the lifestyle of the people of southeast Queensland by actively growing the regions so we can all share in the wealth," Mr Springborg said, having promised a minister for decentralisation and business incentives for the regions.
The Nationals leader said the Beattie Government had benefited greatly from the GST and that it should have abolished stamp duty on property transactions when the consumption tax was introduced.
"My dream, and my vision, is also for zero stamp duty in five years under a Springborg-led Coalition government," he said ofthe tax expected to generate $2.1billion for the Government this year.
"My Coalition team will be absolutely committed in government to abolishing this tax once and for all and returning its benefits to the people of Queensland."
He said a Coalition government would lift the first-home owner's grant to $10,000, topping up the commonwealth's $7000 payment with $3000 from the state, at an initial estimated costof $85 million a year. Mr Springborg also sought to corral community anger over high petrol prices by declaring that "petrol in Queensland should be at least 20c a litre cheaper than the other Australian states".
There is currently an 8.3c-a-litre fuel subsidy in Queensland, and with ethanol thought to be 3c a litre cheaper than normal petrol, the Coalition would rebate the GST on ethanol-blended fuel and biofuel at a cost of about $20million a year.
John Howard had earlier criticised the Beattie Government for not having invested the GST "wisely" and for blaming the commonwealth for its service delivery failures.
The Real Estate Institute of Queensland had called for stamp duty to be abolished altogether, but Labor has so far only promised to lift the thresholds for first-home buyers, arguing it has to balance tax cuts with the need to deliver more infrastructure and services.
Labor's promise of a 5 per cent, and probably 10 per cent, mandate on ethanol in fuel -- mirroring a state Coalition policy -- was met with criticism that it would not necessarily make fuel cheaper at the bowser.
It is understood that both sides are preparing to release their policy costings on Thursday, ahead of what now promises to be a fiery leaders' debate on Friday.
Under the Coalition campaign slogan of "Priorities, action, trust", Mr Springborg launched a tirade at Mr Beattie, who had sought to avoid mentioning the Opposition Leader at the Labor campaign launch on Thursday, partly because of the death last week of Mr Springborg's father-in-law. "Let us not forget why we are going to the polls early, in actual fact six months early," Mr Springborg said yesterday.
"Mr Beattie called this election because he wanted to run away from his record, rather than run on it, and not be held accountable for his failings. He called this election because he knew that health was going to get worse.
"He called this election early because he knew not only health was going to get worse but he knew his self-created water crisis was going to get worse, the congestion on our streets was going to get worse and there was worse news in other areas just around the corner."
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Post by keith on Sept 3, 2006 18:05:38 GMT -5
QUEENSLAND would rely more heavily on commonwealth funding under a Coalition government after state Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg yesterday pledged to forgo more than $2 billion in annual revenue by phasing out stamp duty on property deals within five years. In a costly commitment that threatens to undermine the 100-plus policies and initiatives announced by the Coalition to date, Mr Springborg vowed to make houses and petrol more affordable as part of a strategy to decentralise Queensland. "Under a Springborg-led Coalition government, we will preserve and enhance the lifestyle of the people of southeast Queensland by actively growing the regions so we can all share in the wealth," Mr Springborg said, having promised a minister for decentralisation and business incentives for the regions. The Nationals leader said the Beattie Government had benefited greatly from the GST and that it should have abolished stamp duty on property transactions when the consumption tax was introduced. "My dream, and my vision, is also for zero stamp duty in five years under a Springborg-led Coalition government," he said ofthe tax expected to generate $2.1billion for the Government this year. "My Coalition team will be absolutely committed in government to abolishing this tax once and for all and returning its benefits to the people of Queensland." He said a Coalition government would lift the first-home owner's grant to $10,000, topping up the commonwealth's $7000 payment with $3000 from the state, at an initial estimated costof $85 million a year. Mr Springborg also sought to corral community anger over high petrol prices by declaring that "petrol in Queensland should be at least 20c a litre cheaper than the other Australian states". There is currently an 8.3c-a-litre fuel subsidy in Queensland, and with ethanol thought to be 3c a litre cheaper than normal petrol, the Coalition would rebate the GST on ethanol-blended fuel and biofuel at a cost of about $20million a year. John Howard had earlier criticised the Beattie Government for not having invested the GST "wisely" and for blaming the commonwealth for its service delivery failures. The Real Estate Institute of Queensland had called for stamp duty to be abolished altogether, but Labor has so far only promised to lift the thresholds for first-home buyers, arguing it has to balance tax cuts with the need to deliver more infrastructure and services. Labor's promise of a 5 per cent, and probably 10 per cent, mandate on ethanol in fuel -- mirroring a state Coalition policy -- was met with criticism that it would not necessarily make fuel cheaper at the bowser. It is understood that both sides are preparing to release their policy costings on Thursday, ahead of what now promises to be a fiery leaders' debate on Friday. Under the Coalition campaign slogan of "Priorities, action, trust", Mr Springborg launched a tirade at Mr Beattie, who had sought to avoid mentioning the Opposition Leader at the Labor campaign launch on Thursday, partly because of the death last week of Mr Springborg's father-in-law. "Let us not forget why we are going to the polls early, in actual fact six months early," Mr Springborg said yesterday. "Mr Beattie called this election because he wanted to run away from his record, rather than run on it, and not be held accountable for his failings. He called this election because he knew that health was going to get worse. "He called this election early because he knew not only health was going to get worse but he knew his self-created water crisis was going to get worse, the congestion on our streets was going to get worse and there was worse news in other areas just around the corner." THE Labor juggernaut is continuing its surge towards a huge victory in Saturday's QUEENSLAND state election.
Latest polling for The Sunday Mail reveals Premier Peter Beattie will be easily returned for a fourth consecutive term – and most probably with more seats. The statewide survey conducted by TNS points to Labor retaining several key marginal seats as well as winning back the seats of Chatsworth, in Brisbane, and Redcliffe – both lost in by-elections 12 months ago.
A Labor win would be a stunning blow to the Coalition, which entered the 26-day campaign with high hopes of success on the back of the health and water crises.
But Mr Beattie has managed to convert a two-point deficit in opinion polling last month into a commanding 10-point lead a week before 2.5 million Queenslanders go to the polls.
The TNS survey of 700 people on Wednesday and Thursday nights had Labor leading the National-Liberal Coalition 55 per cent to 45 per cent on a two-party preferred basis.
This compares starkly with polling conducted before the election was called on August 15, which had Labor trailing the Coalition 49-51.
The TNS poll also reveals a dramatic lift in Mr Beattie's popularity.
In February, TNS had Mr Beattie's approval at a record low 33 per cent. It is now nearly 20 points higher at 52 per cent – more than double the 23 per cent for Coalition leader Lawrence Springborg.
Liberal leader Bruce Flegg, who has stumbled from one gaffe to another after taking over from Bob Quinn just before the election was called, has just 7 per cent support as preferred premier.
The TNS poll confirms the results of other opinion surveys this week. A Newspoll survey for The Australian had Labor leading 58-42, while a Galaxy poll published in The Courier-Mail yesterday had Labor ahead 54-46.
The TNS poll dampens Labor fears of a protest vote on Saturday.
Mr Beattie, who constantly bangs the underdog drum, claimed that polls showing Labor well ahead would cost his government 10 seats via a protest vote.
However, TNS general manager Vivienne Croft said the latest poll made a mockery of fears of any significant protest vote.
"There is no way Labor is going to lose 10 seats," she said. "Mr Beattie hates to be the frontrunner, even though he always is . . . he likes the underdog status."
Ms Croft said Labor support in Brisbane stood at 60 per cent and this translated into the ALP regaining Chatsworth – held by Liberal leadership hopeful Michael Caltabiano – as well as Redcliffe .
She said if Labor was returned with a boost to its already large majority, the Coalition could be condemned to the political wilderness for at least another two elections:
"It makes it extremely hard to get any traction when you are losing seats to the Government. It does not augur well for the Coalition."
Griffith University political lecturer Professor Paul Williams said the TNS poll indicated that Labor could replicate the 2004 election result when it won 63 seats.
"It suggests they will win back the two by-election seats, hold all the leafy Liberal seats (Clayfield, Indooroopilly, Aspley) and maybe have some impact on the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast," he said.
"I think Labor is probably feeling quite rosy about snatching Caloundra off the Liberals as well."
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Post by Flash on Sept 3, 2006 20:57:56 GMT -5
At the forthcoming Queensland state elections people need to check with their electorate's candidates about where they stand on key issues irrespective of what political party they represent.
The politically correct control freaks running the show in this country, will help or hinder people from any party, or no party at all, if they will ultimately support the control freak's ideologies and agendas.
A vote for the local ALP candidate should not be seen as a vote for the current Premier, Peter Beattie. Mr Beattie is not prepared to say that he will stay the next term. He might decide to move to the federal arena which could be a good idea.
If the ALP wins the next election Anna Bligh, who comes from a faction with different perspectives to Mr Beattie's support base, is highly likely to be the next Queensland Premier. Voters need to be suspicious about candidates who are not prepared to answer truthfully about where they stand on every or any issue that could be put to them by a curious responsible citizen.
The very best candidate could be the least "charming" but one with his or her heart in the right place and the strength of character to progress the aspirations of the people in their electorate.
Kath
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Post by Flash on Sept 3, 2006 21:27:28 GMT -5
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Post by Flash on Sept 3, 2006 21:31:56 GMT -5
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Post by usenetfeed on Sept 6, 2006 22:12:05 GMT -5
Labor 'needs a miracle' to take Liberal seats The director of Labor's Queensland election campaign, Milton Dick, says it will take "a miracle" for his party to win seats from the Liberals at Saturday's state election.
Chatsworth in Brisbane is one of the most hotly contested seats.
Liberal Party heavyweight Michael Caltabiano at risk of losing to former sports reporter Chris Bombalas.
Progressive opinion polls have shown Labor is set to storm back into power.
But Mr Dick says the party's internal research indicates the election will be close.
"Our research shows it is going to come down to the wire in a whole heap of seats for us," he said.
"To win seats off the Liberal Party is going to take a miracle.
"We are fighting to retain any seats that we hold now."
Coalition Leader Lawrence Springborg says he is suspicious about Mr Dick's claims.
"I think what we've seen today is constructed research from the Labor Party in order for leaking to try to blunt what they would perceive as a protest vote,"
abc
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Post by Flash on Sept 8, 2006 13:48:10 GMT -5
QUEENSLAND voters are expected to make history today by rewarding with a historic fourth successive victory a man they would prefer to punish.
The Premier, Peter Beattie, is expected to become the first Labor leader in 65 years to win a fourth straight term, but will owe most thanks to an Opposition that failed to present itself as a viable alternative. Symbolic of the campaign's failure to engage the community was the decision by the Nine Network to abandon live coverage of the only leaders' debate yesterday in favour of the US Open tennis.
"You can blame Roger Federer," Nine's news director, Lee Anderson, said. "If he had won in three sets we would have been right."
Had the debate been telecast live, however, it seems unlikely that it would have affected the poll result.
The Nationals leader Lawrence Springborg needed a knockout blow to convince voters to take a chance with him as premier.
He held his own, but the upset was not forthcoming.
The election analyst Malcolm Mackerras last night predicted that a modest protest vote would trim the 31-seat majority Labor secured in 2004 to 19 seats. Even this would be unprecedented, he suggested.
"I can't think of any case of a government getting back quite so convincingly in a circumstance where most people tell the pollsters they don't think the Government deserves another term at all."
Mr Springborg has campaigned stoically and should be rewarded with an expanded Nationals presence in the 89-seat Legislative Assembly, but most of the Government-held marginal seats are being contested by the Liberal Party, led by the accident-prone newcomer Bruce Flegg.
An editorial in The Gold Coast Bulletin yesterday observed that from the moment he opened his mouth at the start of the campaign, Dr Flegg put his foot in it. "If it were not for the tragic death of Steve Irwin pushing the Liberal leader's gaffes off the front page, the Coalition result could be much worse," the paper said.
In yesterday's debate Mr Beattie avoided the one tactical error of the last 25 days - his denial that the health system was in crisis.
"Yes, there have been aspects of Queensland Health in crisis," he said, but remedies had begun. "I appeal to Queenslanders not to stall those plans. We've got a long way to go, but the system is starting to work."
Mr Springborg experienced a Bjelke-Petersen moment after he said Queenslanders needed to ask whether health, power, water, roads and other services were superior now to eight years ago when Mr Beattie became premier. "If the answer is yes, then surely they do not deserve re-election," he said.
SMH
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Post by Flash on Sept 9, 2006 5:31:20 GMT -5
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Post by Flash on Sept 9, 2006 14:15:53 GMT -5
Did the coalition try to loose this election? No? But if history repeats itself- there will be no change at the Federal level if the opposition are in government at the state level. So would Mr Howard really want to see Liberal/National in at the state level?
Well - if you really want to win
Change the leader at the last moment and give him the driver¿s seat. His performance will be a hell of alot more candid
Refuse to exchange preferences with the independents
Make sure the guys that have a profile (ie. the National Party leader) keep their heads down.
Reinforce the image that the liberal party is controlled by the federal libs any way - the long arm of the Howard regency. You can have too much of a good thing - can't you?
Yes it¿s cynical but facts speak louder than words.
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