The first indication of a new sitting of Parliament comes with the release of the latest polling. It shows yet another setback for the LNP. The Poll Bludger (the best place to go for poll analysis) shows that the Coalition’s primary vote has fallen to the lowest point in 40 years.
The Australian brings us a Newspoll finding that Labor leads 57-43 (55.2-44.8 at the election) from primary votes of Labor 36% (34.6% at the election), Coalition 29% (31.8%), Greens 12% (12.2%) and One Nation 8% (6.4%). Anthony Albanese leads Sussan Ley 52-32 as preferred prime minister.
Nine Newspapers have the first Resolve Strategic poll since the election, showing Labor’s two-party lead at 56-44, based on primary votes of Labour at 35%, Coalition at 29%, Greens at 12%, and One Nation at 8%. Anthony Albanese leads 40-25 as the preferred prime minister and has a combined rating of “very good” and “good,” at 45%, and a combined rating of “poor” and “very poor,” at 42%.
At this juncture in the political journey, polls serve merely as a snapshot of public sentiment, offering a fleeting glimpse into the collective psyche of the electorate without revealing how they might ultimately cast their votes.
For the Liberal and National Party, the political landscape remains strikingly consistent since the last election. Internal rifts have not only endured but have deepened into a gaping chasm, particularly on pressing issues like environmental policy and the urgent need for greater female representation within the Liberal ranks.
Remarkably, just three months post-election, the party’s more radical factions appear to be regrouping around this contentious, outdated stance, as if they’re testing the waters for yet another plunge into the murky depths of divisive politics. This unresolved issue, lingering like a dark cloud since their tumultuous split, poses a significant threat to the very survival of both parties.
Barnaby Joyce, the beleaguered former leader of the Nationals, has boldly vowed to introduce a private members’ bill aimed at dismantling what he refers to as “the lunatic crusade” of net zero emissions. Should he follow through, Prime Minister Albanese will likely allow the bill to gather dust on the shelves, only to spring it forth for debate at a moment of his choosing. How fortuitous! How utterly absurd!
Northern Territory senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price is astutely positioning herself for a safe Lower House seat from which to make a run for the prime ministership if she so desires. No, I’m not joking. Shortly after the federal election she boldly announced that lots of people want to see her in the tob job
Her treachery against the Nationals, in favour of what she insists is her true home, has left a lingering bitterness among many in the party, reminiscent of the smell of manure that clings stubbornly to the air. Coalition colleagues swiftly concluded that this betrayal had been simmering for weeks, meticulously orchestrated by none other than former Prime Minister Tony Abbott. He has since earned the eerie title of the ghost who walks, a nod to his shadowy, almost primal presence that seems to glide through the political underbrush, always watchful and ever scheming.
I digress.
As the Parliament opens its grand doors, a flurry of activity unfolds quietly in the background, weaving together the intricate tapestry of tradition. The air buzzes with a palpable sense of anticipation, enveloped in eloquent speeches that echo through the hallowed halls. Our indigenous communities take centre stage, showcasing the vibrant splendour of their culture through mesmerising dance and hauntingly beautiful music that resonates deeply.
In this opulent setting, the Prime Minister Albanese steps forward, addressing the captivated audience with heartfelt eloquence. He speaks of the profound significance of “Welcome to Country,” shedding light on “The Apology” and its enduring role in shaping our collective cultural identity. His words reverberate with sincerity, reminding us all of the beauty and importance of embracing our shared heritage:
“This ceremony didn’t take place until 2007 and was controversial in 2007. It is not controversial today. Nor should it be. It is a respectful way of us beginning our deliberations here in Canberra, which of course means meeting place. What a welcome to country does is holds out like a hand warmly and graciously extended. An opportunity for us to embrace and to show a profound love of home and country.”
Albanese says Australia is a “beautiful set of contradictions”, being both a “youthful nation” and the “world’s oldest continuous culture”. Unboisterous and eloquent.
The Opposition Leader resonates with the sentiment, articulating thoughts that are strikingly similar and underscoring a pivotal truth: this Parliament should relentlessly pursue concrete results. It is fascinating to witness their renewed enthusiasm for participation, especially after enduring such a sweeping and thorough defeat. Their sudden eagerness to dive back into the fray seems almost paradoxical, given the scale of their past disintegration.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister views this term as a crucial juncture for consolidation, tirelessly striving to bring to life the promises made during the recent election campaign, which took place only a few weeks ago. This endeavour represents a delicate balance, intertwining the immediate needs of the populace with the far-reaching economics that will shape our collective future.
Yet, the Treasurer harbours a strikingly contrasting vision, one infused with a bold ambition that seizes the extraordinary opportunity created by the opposition’s tumultuous downfall following their disastrous election campaign. An air of uncertainty looms ominously, casting doubt on whether the LNP can manoeuvre through this Parliament without fracturing under the relentless pressure it now faces.
As Question Time unfolds, a heavy melancholy envelops me, making it nearly impossible to shake off the disconcerting atmosphere that clings to the chamber. On the one hand, I can’t help but admire the remarkable resilience and tenacity exhibited by the Labor seats: it’s genuinely uplifting to witness their resurgence, as they are ready to rise to the occasion and hold the LNP accountable for its previous transgressions. Yet, on the other hand, a persistent unease tugs at my conscience: a strong and vigorous opposition is vital for fostering a more vibrant and compelling parliamentary landscape. The palpable tension within this political theatre amplifies the intricacies of governance, leaving me caught in a web of hope and apprehension.
If the LNP, or the Greens in the Senate, tries in any way to deny Labor its natural right of a mandate, the public will rightly feel cheated. If they behave as they have indicated they will, then Labor should manage another two terms, during which many opportunities for change will have been given to the Left. Don’t stuff it up.
As for the LNP, two headlines in Wednesday’s Australian (firewalled) caught my eye and more or less summed up the future of the “right” side of Australian politics.
“Unlikeliest of allies have knives out… for net zero.”
Michael McCormack has joined Barnaby Joyce’s campaign to repeal net zero, as the two former deputy prime ministers deliver a scathing assessment of David Littleproud.
“Nat’s’ odd couple a burr in Littleproud’s saddle.”
Michael McCormack and Barnaby Joyce have forged an unlikely bromance that threatens the long-term future of wounded Nationals leader David Littleproud.
My thought for the day
The common good should be at the centre of any political philosophy. However, it is more likely to be found on the Left than the Right.
See also:
A Call for Respect: Reflecting on One Nation’s Actions in Parliament
Dear reader, we need your support
Independent sites such as The AIMN provide a platform for public interest journalists. From its humble beginning in January 2013, The AIMN has grown into one of the most trusted and popular independent media organisations.
One of the reasons we have succeeded has been due to the support we receive from our readers through their financial contributions.
With increasing costs to maintain The AIMN, we need this continued support.
Your donation – large or small – to help with the running costs of this site will be greatly appreciated.
You can donate through PayPal or credit card via the button below, or donate via bank transfer: BSB: 062500; A/c no: 10495969
Is there any surprise that the LNP’s token female: the very suss, relentless whinger and confirmed numerologist: Sussan Ley lags so far behind Albanese, she now requires a telescope to locate his back into which she wants to stab even more knives in her feeble attempt to discredit him! No surprise that it is just MORE OF THE SAME with the treacherous backstabbers, pathological liars, hateful misogynists, homophobic bible-thumping hypocrites and racist FRWNJs in the Lying Nasty Party!
More long silences when asked what policies the LNP will bring to the table if hell freezes over and, by some demonic bad luck, they crawl into power.
More infighting between the majority of born-to-rule megalomaniacal alpha male autocrats to see who can “rule the roost” when they inevitably decide that the token female needs to be “put to pasture” and moved to her rightful place (in the back stalls) with the other tiny number of foolish women in the ranks of the misogynistic LNP.
Even MORE condescending slurs against ordinary working- and middle-class Australians who continue to support left-wing parties whilst the LNP appear to have forgotten that such people comprised the huge MAJORITY of voters at the last federal election!
MORE lies, MORE smug arrogance, MORE worrying signs that the LNP lack even the most minuscule level of discernment, compassion or foresight with their shocking, irrational and deluded support for that convicted criminal and notorious predator: Donald Trump as well as the LNP’s outrageous tolerance for that horrific war criminal: Netanyahu! Absolutely outrageous!
Yes, indeed, the FRWNJs in the LNP just keep providing us with MORE evidence that they are totally corrupt, callously inhumane elitists who don’t give a rat’s behind about ANYONE except themselves and their self-serving billionaire supporters in the Top 1% – miscreants like Gina Rinehart and their publicity managers in the discredited Murdoch press!
If Australians are foolish enough to vote for the LNP, they will get MORE OF THE SAME: More lies, more depravity, more corruption, more elitism, more inaction and, as evidenced from the LNP’s non-productive history, NOT ONE SINGLE THING ACHIEVED to benefit the lives of ordinary hard-working Australians!
Search the obits for your “favourite” evaporation candidate; perhaps it is a government member, or the pissheadpavementbashing N Z deport, er, export; or the Riverina Regressive Rodent Roughie, or the redcapped broom rider Ms. Fishgutz-Lingers. Maybe you just discovered the pointlessness…when we should rejoice at this opportunity. Come on darlings, legislate well, for all of us.
Thankfully Murdoch should not last 2 more terms. As for mad Abbott clan, they will take the LNP ship down with them
According to my indigenous friends and colleagues – some of whom were originally in remote communities, Jacinta Price has not got a hope in hell of ever progressing past being an MP.
They are totally disgusted by her opposition to “The Voice”, and say that she does not represent them in any way shape or form.
Barnaby is white-anting Littleproud, he wants the leadership job back.
The opposition..? It is a flopposition, a ploposition, nobody coherent, nobody seemingly honest, skilled, capable, devoted to service for us. And, on their right (spew) is a small gang of backturners, serving the roseyrugged broom pilot of no known skullware. A field of faecality…
Talking about out of touch, Pipsqueak Littleproud claims as one of the Nationals greatest achievements during the last 3 years was the Defeat of the Voice to Parliament proposal.
Long may they be the millstone around the Liberal’s neck.