THE arrival of larger-than-life mining billionaire Professor Clive Palmer to the federal election stage brought much mirth from “serious” political pundits. His drive for the Lodge was labelled the most audacious since Joh Bjelke-Petersen’s ill-fated push in 1987. But the Mineralogy executive chairman and officially declared National Living Treasure has made a habit of gaining far greater traction with the general public than allegedly better credentialed experts. And as Kevin Rudd’s defiant return to the top demonstrated only too clearly, those with the temerity to ignore the better judgement of the faceless men and political commentariat may actually get to…
Browsing: politics
THE balance of power in state parliament might be different today if Ted Baillieu had resigned as premier nine hours earlier on Wednesday 6 March. Frankston MP Geoff Shaw says he would not have quit the Parliamentary Liberal Party to become an independent if Mr Baillieu had been first out the door. Mr Shaw, under investigation by police and the parliament’s privileges committee over the alleged misuse of his taxpayer-funded vehicle and fuel card, handed his letter of resignation to the Deputy Premier Louise Asher nine hours before Mr Baillieu announced he would step down as Premier. “I was surprised,…
RETIRED pharmacologist Dr Martin Rush is the Australian Greens candidate for Flinders at the 7 September election. Dr Rush (pictured) was a last-minute candidate after Prime Minister Kevin Rudd announced the election date. The Greens man wasted no time commenting on peninsula issues, slamming the proposed rubbish tip on the Arthurs Seat escarpment at Dromana. Dr Rush said he was “particularly concerned about the proposed development of the rubbish tip adjacent to Arthurs Seat State Park, the future of Hastings as a port and its impact on Western Port wetlands and marine sanctuaries, the despoilment of the Tootgarook Swamp by…