Bill Shorten is riding high as his candidates won four out of five by elections. It seems every pollie guilty of being taking the Queen’s $200 K in the Australian parliament has been re-elected, which suggests that the punters don’t care that much. They also do not care too much about Mr Shorten’s bundle of socialistic policies, either, so those of us that clawed our way up from the primeval economic swamp need to buckle down and prepare to be robbed. The Shorten planned robbery has been made easier by Minister Kelly O’Dwyer’s grab for Superannuation income, so there is no moral case for Labor to hold back.
Despite the 98 year tradition of oppositions winning all by-elections, dud polls caused us former swamp dwellers to hope for an upset. Prime minister Turnbull has been looking better, at times even Prime ministerial, and the national polls are looking better, but the latest actual polls follow the whole dismal tradition. Mr Turnbull should appoint Tony Abbott as the party’s wrecking ball to destroy Mr Shorten. ‘Minister for re-election’ could be his title and Turnbull should make a firm promise of a senior portfolio if the coalition is re-elected.
The economy is chugging along fairly well. But as someone said, excess debt, stagnant real wages, declining house prices, cluttered city streets, trains and trams, fear that the moderately good times will not last and other more standard problems of ordinary life are no doubt weighing on the punters minds.
President Trump bumbles his way forward, shaking up the establishment for who knows what net result. USA debt keeps rising and serious investors increasingly look for ways to reduce risk. A trade war is already worrying American farmers and if not avoided will create a global slowdown of wealth for leaders and moderate growth in standards of living for others. Add fears from global events to the list of things worrying the punters of Australia, not that there is anything they can do about it.
Still Caaarlton! had an unexpected win this weekend and reminds Henry that his one-time boss, the legendary Aussie Holmes, used say when things were bad: ‘Something [good] will turn up’.
Kulture
Fiona Prior takes in the ‘Badu Gili’ at sunset from the Monumental Steps. More here.
The Sporting Life
What a weekend of footy. Richmond vrs Collingwood was one for the ages. The speed, physicality and skills left me breathless and it is very hard to see Richmond not again holding the grand ould mug after the final series. Super Saturday is was, and having Caaaarlton! play the Suns at the end was an act of genius by someone.
Down by only 2 points at half time, the Blues came out after half time and played for the first time like an AFL team on the rise. They completely flogged the Suns, standing up to their heavy hit men and playing with dash and vigour. Thank you Brendon Bolton, you did it, and your young team’s confidence rose with every goal.
Looks like the AFL will junk their carefully considered new rules. A trial game at a St Kilda training session left everyone confused, and the public has provided a big thumbs down.
The Age’s John Silvester has provided a nice article ‘Here’s a dozen ways to save footy’, which seem far more likely to be worth considering. I could not find a link so look for the article in paper version at your favourite Fish and Chippery.
Joke of the week.
THE CURRENT BANKING CRISIS EXPLAINED BY AN IRISHMAN
Young Paddy bought a donkey from a farmer for €100.
The farmer agreed to deliver the donkey the next day.
The next day he drove up and said, 'Sorry son,
but I have some bad news. The donkey's died.'
Paddy replied, 'Well then just give me my money back.'
The farmer said, 'Can't do that. I've already spent it.'
Paddy said, 'OK, then, just bring me the dead donkey.'
The farmer asked, 'What are you going to do with him?'
Paddy said, 'I'm going to raffle him off.'
The farmer said, 'You can't raffle a dead donkey!'
Paddy said, 'Sure I can. Watch me. I just won't tell anybody
he's dead.'
A month later, the farmer met up with Paddy and asked,
' What happened with that dead donkey?'
Paddy said, 'I raffled him off. I sold 500 tickets at €2 each
and made a profit of €898'
The farmer said, 'Didn't anyone complain?'
Paddy said, 'Just the guy who won. So I gave him his €2 back.'
Paddy now works for the Bank of Ireland.
Image of the week - courtesy Carlton F C
