Of the prosperous OECD countries, we are one of the least innovative, locked into old arrangements that are proving increasingly inadequate to a better life.
Abbott says there can be no GST change unless Shorten wants it – either a white flag or a de facto admission he hasn’t got the political clout to pressure the senate to support a change.
There is still a nagging suspicion that Abbott has not completely killed off the option of a double dissolution election if his budget repositioning works.
This is about more than just eliminating obstacles at the border – it is about more fully integrating 12 national economies and the policies that regulate them.
For a government desperate to re-establish its credibility, Pyne’s performance is a major setback … His education changes are a template for what not to do.
This election will not be decided on whether people are attracted to the genial Baird or the cleanskin Foley. It will come down to two issues: electricity asset sales and coal seam gas.
Everything that is happening with the government is through the prism of leadership. The opinion polls are the pulse of the PM’s grip on his political life.
It is not attractive to see politicians suing for defamation ... It would be much harder to get to first base if the treasurer had brought his case in England or the US.
Why on earth would anyone think they have any idea what our economy will look like in 40 or 100 years? The only credible prediction is there will be an economy.
The whole episode illustrates that for Abbott little has changed. He is more comfortable attacking and creating enemies than in reaching out and making friends.