ALP increases poll lead prior to saying sorry

According to the latest Roy Morgan Research poll of federal voting intentions released on 15 February 2008:

"With much talk and anticipation surrounding the Labor Government-led apology to the stolen generation of Aborigines, ALP primary support is 54% (up 5% from the previous face-to-face Morgan Poll) and L-NP support is 33% (down 3%), the latest face-to-face Morgan Poll (conducted February 2/3 & 9/10) finds.

On a two-party preferred basis, the ALP has extended its already significant lead by 5%: 62.5% cf. 37.5%."

Wonder how the Coalition is performing if you factor in that Clayton's apology from the Opposition Leader?

A link to that IR bill which has the Coalition frothing at the mouth

Although the Opposition Deputy Leader's hissy fits at Question Time have been rather amusing, they have hardly added to our understanding of how WorkChoices will come to an end.

Here is a link for those interested.

Workplace Relations Amendment (Transition to Forward With Fairness) Bill 2008 - first reading.

Morrie does a mass mail-out to bail out his latest privatisation scheme

Morris Iemma has just mailed out a letter to all NSW pensioners giving them an "iron-clad guarantee" that "my Government will continue to provide the $112 annual rebate on electricity bills for all pensioners" after privatisation of the State's electricity supplies.

Well that's settled. I'm vastly reassured. Hold on there a minute?

There's no mention of the fact that Morrie's "my Government" legally only lasts until the next election (John Howard taught us that with his weasel words on the GST).

Neither is there any guarantee that power company service fees and charges will not rise, and rise substantially, in the first three years of the electricity privatisation roll-out.

Missing also is any assurance that the cost to consumers per kilowatt hour will not start a sharp upward spiral within five years.

If other state privatisations are any indication, then the annual pensioner rebate is unlikely to pay for even one quarter's electricity account in the future.

Yes, Morrie my little mate, your fine pensioner rebate promises aren't worth the paper they're printed on.  

Yaegl woman named 2008 Clarence Valley Woman of the Year

It was nice to see Lenore Parker recognised for her tireless community work and longtime support of reconciliation.

On 13 February 2008 she became Clarence Valley Woman of the Year.

Ms. Parker was nominated by her daughter, well-known artist Frances Parker.

"Ms Parker was yesterday humble in her acceptance of the honour, acknowledging the contributions of other nominees and the generations of women who walked before her.

The Yaegl woman said she was honoured to accept the award, but emphasised she was doing so on behalf of all women."