Federal Election now looms large

Oh dear I will have to start again. I must have accidentally hit the control key and deleted everything. Now I have to figure what key does that. Where was I?
Oh yes I was moaning about the fact my letterbox was being flooded with election related propaganda so the Federal election is certainly going to be only weeks away. I consider these pamphlets nothing more than junk-mail and they all promptly are immediately thrown in the garbage.

Last Monday, the Australian Christian Lobby sponsored a debate between Tony Abbott and Kevin Rudd. Two days later as we now know, Kevin Rudd was dumped and replaced by Julia Gillard. She has now confirmed she is an Atheist although respects those who are religious.Certainly a turn-around.

Robin L. Harwood 0605 UTC June 30th 2010

Shock and Awe continues

It is now 24 hours since the Coup in Canberra and most of us are still in a state of shock and awe. It is still too early to say whether Gillard will win the upcoming Federal Election , which she confirmed will be held this year. I personally do not see Kevin Rudd taking a seat on the front bench in a Gillard ministry or that he will be a candidate in the Election. What sickens me is how rapidly the rank and file have toed the line that Rudd was out of step with them and the electorate. Yes he made some howlers but did significantly contribute to Australia.

Are there ramifications locally in Tasmania? If I was David Bartlett I would indeed be looking over my shoulder but realistically you do have to wonder who would make a challenge. I am aware that there are some within the ALP who are far from enthused with coalition with McKim amd O'Connor but are too scared to do a similar bloodless coup because it would give Hodgman and the Libs victory.

Robin 0550 UTC June 25th 2010

What an unexpected day

It has been a tumultuous day in Australian history. Kevin Rudd has been rolled by his own party without seeing out his first term. He has been replaced by Julia Gillard, a Welsh-born redhead who is unmarried but does have a partner. She was formerly deputy PM and still is Federal Education Minister and Industrial Relations. Treasurer Wayne Swan, the Treasurer, was promoted to take her deputy spot.

Yes we have all been stunned by the rapid downfall of Kevin 07 Rudd from PM to an ordinary backbencher. It was sad to watch Kevin Rudd's last press conference as PM
where he tried to choke back tears and had long pauses in his statement. He has done quite a lot as PM but he did lose his way and became out of touch with his peers and the electorate.

Julia Gillard tonight on the "7:30 Report" did surprise me and handled herself quite well. However time will tell how she will go into the future.

Robin L. Harwood 1100 UTC June 24th 2010

A Midwinter view.

Today it is the shortest day in Tasmania and being the height of Winter it is very cold outside. It is almost halfway through the Year and so much has happened over the past six months. We have a coalition government in place and surprisingly it has lasted this long. Now attention is on the Federal sphere with an election due as early as August yet will probably be held in Octber or November. There has been considerable press speculation as to a possible drubbing of the Rudd government. I don't know if this will eventuate. Rudd initially impressed me but he has made serious errors in judgement, yet not enough really to be replaced by another leader such as Ms. Gillard.

I am not impressed either by Tony Abbott as alternative Prime Minister.
I can't see a potential replacement in the wings. I was somewhat surprised that the former Opposition Leader, Malcolm Turnbull, reversed his decision to quit Federal Parliament but do not see him returning to his former position.

I also do not see the minor parties increasing their clout in the Senate following the election whenever it is held. The only exception to this could be the Greens but it does depend which state they come from.

Robin June 21st 2010 0440z.