Public Service Leak

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Kevin only ever did see the servant in public servants. He treated them accordingly.

Now they have betrayed him, oh dear.

Petrol Prices

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Their first really big issue, and isn't it great that it's one that they have absolutely no, real, control over. Changes the perspective a little doesn't it.

It's easier in opposition, just as the libs are finding out. That is, it's easier to offer solutions.

For the government, to have this problem explode so soon after delivering the budget, it's scary.

Downer stirs the pot?

 
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I can't work out if Alex is serious or not. He could be just winding everyone up, particularly those now on the front bench, or the press, or just everyone. Eee is a joker is Alex.

I for one would like him on the front bench, particularly in the grumpy post election guise that he has. It's just good fun, and he would make for some great cartoons.

Labor and Petrol Prices

 
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Petrol will be Kevin Rudd's "no child will live in poverty" or "interest rates will always be lower". And guess what, it's one battle he can't win. They are just going to continue to go up, and he has given the liberals one peg to hang a hat on. Has Brendan done it the right way, nah.

What should he do? (If you could see me now you would see a blank face).

Petrol will overtake interest rates as the issue of concern, particularly, as interest rates will go down before the next election.

Brendan Says No

 
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When Brendan Nelson said no to the bi-partisan commission on indigenous housing, was it because he wasn't sure if he could commit to the job?

Brendan Nelson

 
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While I feel for him, no one would want to be in his position, he has made a fundemental mistake. Given the pressure of poor polls he has chosen a populist route to try to improve his postion. Completely understandible.

However, clearly it has had the opposite effect, and probably sped up his demise.

It would have been far more sensible to focus on ensuring that the voters continued to believe that the liberals were sound economic managers. Malcom understands that.

It's a long hard road, and dependant to a certain extent, on the government making some mistakes, but hey, they are a first term government, if they are going to make mistakes it happens early. Well, that is, until they've been in power 10 or so years and the mistakes come from arrogance.

The alternative alternative budget speech

 
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I think I admire him. Three years to the next election, minimum of six to government, ridiculously low in the polls, and he still goes out swinging. Don't really know what he said, more style over substance :), but it seemed OK.

I just couldn't do it. Let's get out of here, there's no point.

Labor's First Budget

 
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He couldn't help himself could he, he still needs the spotlight. Consider that the first indication that, deep down, he wants to stay. He will just ready himself to take over from Brendan, when the time is right.

His only obstacle, Malcolm. And Malcolm is looking like the real leader in waiting. Perhaps he could do a deal, Malcolm gets the first two years, then ..............

Budget Horror

 
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Be afraid, be very afraid. That's the build up the government wants, and then of course, when it's delivered it won't be as bad as we expected. Normal PR course of action.

They have already released the key elements, health funds, luxury car dealers and the rich are all afraid. Certainly a large number of public servants, consultants and advertising companies are very afraid. But, for the rest of us I don't believe there will be too much to be afraid of.

The night before the budget, the treasurer's nightmare

 
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You can imagine it can't you, the constant clicking of calculators, ok PCs, rechecking and double checking numbers. Modifying numbers, tweaking this, tweaking that. Arm twisting, wrestling, yes and no. The process would be amazing to watch.

And just imagine if they made a fundamental error in calculation, one that was immediately obvious to everyone else, except those closest to the budget. That would make great television, but it's just no going to happen.

Brenda would love it, needs it in fact.

Kevin Rudd makes Times Top 100 List

 
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How far can this guy go, and how big must his head be?

Personally, I feel for John Howard. 20 years of slog to become PM, 10 + years in the job, and apart from the love of George, how much applause did he get? He didn't even get the knighthood, that went to a just out of pimples prince.

Still, it must be even worse for PC.