By this author
DIPLOMATIC IMPUNITY
politicoz
Another day, another diplomatic stoush. Two, in fact. Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has been rebuked by China for "irresponsible" criticism after she summoned its ambassador to express Australia's opposition to its territorial claims …
UNITY TICKET
politicoz
In the days and weeks before it went into caretaker mode, the previous federal government reached new school funding agreements with the state governments of Victoria, NSW, Tasmania and South Australia and the Catholic schools. (New funding arrangements …
CON-SKI
politicoz
“When you move into government, you’ve got to stop behaving like an opposition,” said NSW premier Barry O'Farrell yesterday, in response to news that the federal government was ditching the Better Schools Plan “Gonski” …
SLOW AND STEADY?
politicoz
One of the few things the Abbott government has been effective at, in its opening period in government, is alienating people. Its representations to CHOGM and the Warsaw climate change negotiations have set back Australia's international reputation …
STILL WAITING FOR YOUR CALL
politicoz
The spying scandal drags on, as Indonesia awaits an acceptable response from Prime Minister Abbott. Indonesian politicians ramped up their criticism of Tony Abbott, in particular. Even senior members of opposing parties were backing their prime minister. …
REGRETS, I’VE HAD A FEW
politicoz
"I deeply regret any embarrassment that recent media reports have caused," Abbott told parliament on Tuesday. "I regret the statement of Australian Prime Minister that belittled this tapping matter," replied President Yudhoyono. Try …
NONE OF US ACCEPTS THAT EXPLANATION
politicoz
"All governments gather information and all governments know that every other government gathers information," said Tony Abbott yesterday in parliament. "I have news for you," retorted Indonesia Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa. …
PARTNERS
politicoz
While other heads of state boycotted the recent Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in protest at Sri Lanka's record of human rights abuse, our prime minister steadfastly refused to criticise. Yesterday he announced, furthermore, …
Rudd exit provokes something rare – MPs pondering their own mortality
politicoz
"Rudd had sped the play up, brought in the world, reduced the barriers between politics and the voters (“call me Kevin”), embraced the hyper-stimulation, self promotion and instant gratifications and condemnations of the age. He’d …
Trade deal could be bitter medicine
politicoz
"A leaked draft of a controversial chapter of the Trans Pacific Partnership free trade agreement reveals the negotiating positions of 12 countries – including Australia – on copyright, patents and other intellectual property issues, with …
Debt ceiling deal stalls in unfriendly Senate
politicoz
"Labor has warned the Coalition its thumping election win counts for nothing in negotiations over the debt ceiling, with the government's attempt to raise the nation's credit limit to $500 billion trapped in a political deadlock that could …
THAT WAS THEN, THIS IS NOW
politicoz
Then: "(Scott Morrison) described his daughter Abbey as 'our miracle child, the answer to a lifetime of prayer and 14 years of painful, invasive and heartbreaking fertility treatment.'" - Daily Telegraph, August 2013 Now: "Immigration …
SCHOOL’S BACK
politicoz
As predicted, it took no time at all for the new parliament to devolve into a mess of petty name-calling, howls of offended outrage, doomed procedural motions, delaying tactics and sundry acts of political theatre – on both sides of the House. The …
