Posts with tag "Tony Abbott"
Should Politicians Show Their Emotions? Posted by Geoff Field 9 February, 2011 - 3:39 PM
(Picture: Getty Images)
What a 24 hours it’s been in the world of politics!
After constant criticism that our pollies have become wooden and lacking emotion, both major party leaders displayed extraordinary humanity yesterday.
First up Prime Minister Julia Gillard broke down and was almost in tears as she spoke to the parliament about the effects of Australia’s constant natural disasters over the past few months. To me, it was obvious the tragedy and suffering of flood, cyclone and bushfire victims had touched the PM personally.
I’ve heard some people criticising her for showing emotion, with some cynically suggesting she was acting. That I found offensive and mean-spirited, even her opponent Tony Abbott told the parliament after her speech that she was a decent woman dealing with extremely difficult circumstances.
On the subject of Mr Abbott there’s been a lot of debate over his “shit happens” comments, while I understand some have taken this personally, I honestly believe the opposition leader didn’t mean to offend anyone, and was simply conducting what he thought was a private conversation with a soldier. The only thing that struck me was the stony silence after he was cornered by Seven reporter Mark Riley.
In hindsight, the man that wants to be our next Prime Minister should have either expressed his anger or tried to explain what actually happened in the footage and how he’d been taken out of context.
It’s just a thought, but at least our politicians are finally showing human qualities, rather than just being the puppets of spin masters!!
Why Australia Should Embrace Gay Marriage Posted by Geoff Field 16 November, 2010 - 2:11 PM
Ok.
I know some of you will be thinking "here he goes again", but the issue of gay marriage is very important to me.
I have been campaigning for years now, but it seems gays and lesbians in this country are set to remain second-class citizens for some time yet.
The Greens will introduce a bill into federal parliament to allow same sex marriage, but judging by the debate we've seen so far, the legislation has no chance of getting through.
Read on to find out why I think Australia should embrace gay marriage.
Video: Gillard and Abbott sing 'Billionaire' Posted by Jason 7 September, 2010 - 11:00 AM
YouTube: Zxenmusic
There's talk from Canberra today that the three key rural independent MPs (Katter, Oakeshott and Windsor) are set to announce who'll be Australia's next Prime Minister at 2pm.
And the timing couldn't have been better with this hilarious video which appeared on the ABC's Q&A programme last night, featuring Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott putting their own "spin" on Travie McCoy and Bruno Mars' hit Billionaire.
Regardless of who ends up leading our country, it'll bring a smile to your face.
Who do you think will be our next Prime Minister?
Australian Election: Taiwanese Style Posted by Jason 24 August, 2010 - 1:34 PM
They've covered everything from Tiger's troubles to Lindsay's lock up in CGI - now the same Taiwanese studio has decided to animate Australia's "well hung" post-election situation.
From Kevin's "exit", to Julia's nasal drawl, to Tony's budgie smugglers, their take on the 2010 Federal Election campaign have been laid bare for all to see.
It's doing the rounds on YouTube so it's a must see.
Don't worry, there are English subtitles just in case.
Gillard and Labor Win 2010 Federal Election: Poll Posted by Jason 20 August, 2010 - 2:34 PM
Julia Gillard and the Australian Labor Party have won the 2010 Federal Election, according to an exclusive poll conducted by The Dirt.
Over 1200 votes were cast, with Gillard and Labor clocking up 39%. Tony Abbott and the Liberal Party were not far behind with 33%.
As indicated by opinion polls over the course of the campaign, it's gonna be close.
Both candidates have been running hard in the final moments of the campaign, in particular Tony Abbott who's been on the road for 36 hours straight. The Opposition Leader knocked back a Red Bull before appearing on the Kyle and Jackie O Show for a quick sugar high.
Election fatigue may have been responsible for the below momentarily lapse of concentration - Abbott had to think hard about the number of stars on the Australian flag.
Who's going to be Australia's next top Prime Minister?
Gillard Challenges Abbott to Take on Kyle and Jackie O Posted by Jason 19 August, 2010 - 10:10 AM
As the 2010 election campaign draws to a close, Prime Minister Julia Gillard has taken a cheeky swipe at Tony Abbott's attitude towards the media.
In an interview with Kyle and Jackie O, Gillard questioned Abbott's decision to appear on their show (in person) at the very last minute. "Tony Abbott must have a big media list and somehow you got to the bottom of it, that's not right."
Gillard may have been unable to take him on in a debate about the economy, but it seems forcing his hand and meeting Kyle and Jackie O is the next best thing.
Does Tony Abbott have what it takes to face Kyle and Jackie O?
