Blog
13 August 2010 in Blog
Urgent action needed on water allocation
South Australians react with more passion to one issue above all others: management of the River Murray. The passion is understandable. We've been fighting issues surrounding the Murray for more than one hundred years, with failures in management brought to the fore by droughts and over-allocation of water.
This election offers a contrast between the major parties in management of the Murray Darling Basin.
To understand the path forward, we need to lea... »
30 July 2010 in Blog
Taking the office to you
When I was elected to the Federal Parliament in September 2008, I promised to introduce a ‘Mobile Electorate Office’ to move around the electorate, listening to people about the issues concerning them.
I believe it is absolutely crucial that I am accessible to all of my constituents, no matter where they live. I have delivered this promise.
If re-elected, I will continue to regularly travel around Mayo, holding various street corner meetings to discuss any issue... »
29 July 2010 in Blog
Death by focus group under Prime Minister Gillard
For months Julia Gillard and her Labor mates have been abusing Tony Abbott’s direct action approach to climate change. And the response? A focus group. Wow, how inspiring.
This raises real questions on what a re-elected Gillard Government would really do?
The truth about the Gillard policy record is appalling. Putting aside the fact that she was there for every decision made by the Rudd Government, her personal contribution to policy has been ... »
25 June 2010 in Blog
Rann Labor’s plan fails Mount Barker
On Thursday 10 June, the Rann Labor Government released a draft amendment to the Mount Barker Development plan causing significant concern in our local community.
This week I took the unusual step of writing to all residents in the District Council of Mount Barker because I am very concerned that the draft plan fails our area and I believe residents must ensure that they take the opportunity to voice their concern.
I believe this draft plan fails because i... »
10 June 2010 in Blog
Labor mates mining Rudd’s new-found cash deposit
Two weeks ago I wrote for the Punch a piece about Kevin Rudd breaching his election commitment and dumping the Auditor General from the advertising process.
This was in response to the politically motivated advertising on the so-called health reforms that were launched by Rudd Labor.
However it turns out Kevin Rudd wasn’t satisfied with simply breaking part of his pre election commitments on government advertising; he wanted to go all the way. ... »
19 May 2010 in Blog
You can add ads to Rudd’s list of policy backflips
Have you heard a radio advert lately telling you that the new health reforms are really good for you?
They are hard to miss and there is avalanche to come.
According to the Budget, the Rudd Government will spend $126 million on five campaigns in the next few months. These campaigns cover topics including climate change, tax reform, health reform, broadband and paid parental leave. $33 million will be spent in the next six weeks alon... »
30 April 2010 in Blog
Don’t forget sustainability in the population debate
Australia’s population will be a major issue at the coming federal election. Not just because of the ongoing problems with Labor’s border protection laws but because Australians are increasingly concerned with the sustainability of our country.
Last year in a rare moment of clarity the Prime Minister made very clear that he ‘believed’ in a ‘big Australia’. He made these comments on the day that his government announced its population tar... »
08 April 2010 in Blog
Labor’s attacks on Tony Abbott are purely cosmetic
In recent weeks we have been witness to the beginning of an orchestrated attack on Tony Abbott’s character by Kevin Rudd and his Government.
Most of these attacks are nasty and personal, designed to raise doubts about the character of Tony Abbott in the lead up to the election.
Already Labor is spending money on negative television advertising about Tony Abbott and there will be millions of dollars more spent on this type of negative material... »
24 March 2010 in Blog
Nick Minchin is a great loss to the Liberal Party
With the announcement of Nick Minchin’s retirement the Liberal Party has lost not only a substantial figure but also one of our great warriors.
It is fair to say that Nick doesn’t like the Labor Party and nor do they like him.
There are few people in the Liberal Party’s history who have had a more significant role in the direction and fortunes of our great Party, particularly in South Australia. His loss will leave a major hole for the L... »
23 March 2010 in Blog
State elections: It’s not over until the fat lady swings
The South Australian election is not over just yet. Some 20% of votes are yet to be counted and there are three Labor seats which are too close to call. Bright will most probably be Liberal by the end of the week and Hartley and Newland are still in play. If all three come to the Liberal Party then Labor will only have 22 seats and will need to do a deal with independents to survive.
We should consider the facts on Satu... »