2008-09 budget

Malcolm thinks a cigar is always just a cigar

North Coast Voices - May 22, 2008 - 1:05am

Shadow Treasurer and all-round pukka Malcolm Turnbull's reply during question time at the National Press Club on Wednesday, 21 May 2008.

"I'm not going to engage in self-analysis."

Sort of says it all about Malcolm doesn't it?

Transcript of Address to the National Press Club here.
Read more »

Budget Reply '08: I'm big, I'm bad, I'm Brendan Nelson

North Coast Voices - May 16, 2008 - 1:09am

It was obvious that the Budget Reply by the Leader of the Opposition, Brendan Nelson, was going to be something else when, before proceedings formally began, the cameras sprang the Coalition acknowledging a rent-a-crowd in had positioned in the public gallery.

Nelson's speech was different to the Federal Treasurer's 13 April budget speech on many levels.

The first was that, unlike Wayne Swan's speech, Nelson's monologue was heard out in polite silence by those on the other side. Read more »

There will be blood on the Liberal Party brand if....

North Coast Voices - May 15, 2008 - 1:05am

There will blood all over the Liberal Party brand if it goes ahead with the rumoured threat to use Coalition Senate numbers to block any legislation needed to create a means test for the $5,000 'bab Read more »

And Rudd wonders why the peasants are revolting

North Coast Voices - May 21, 2008 - 1:05am

There has been just a hint of exaperation in Kevin Rudd's tone, as he answers media questions regarding peasants pensioners and this year's federal budget.
Perhaps he might be a little more understanding of pensioner concerns about cost-of-living increases after reading that Woolworths has higher markups on groceries in Australia because it is established, holds large market share and is a price leader.
The sheer arrogance of Woolies attitude is enough to set even much younger teeth on edge.
Read more »

Budget Reply '08: I'm big, I'm bad, I'n Brendan Nelson

North Coast Voices - May 16, 2008 - 1:09am

It was obvious that the Budget Reply by the Leader of the Opposition, Brendan Nelson, was going to be something else when, before proceedings formally began, the cameras sprang the Coalition acknowledging a rent-a-crowd in had positioned in the public gallery.

Nelson's speech was different to the Federal Treasurer's 13 April budget speech on many levels.

The first was that, unlike Wayne Swan's speech, Nelson's monologue was heard out in polite silence by those on the other side. Read more »

Federal Budget 2008-09: Janelle Saffin delivers for Page

North Coast Voices - May 15, 2008 - 1:10am

While those on a full disability support pension are reeling from Wayne Swan's slap in the face (which saw them excluded from any cost-of-living mitigation bonus), those who have spent years on the public dental service waiting list are in flat despair and many others on the NSW North Coast are wondering about the Rudd Government's commitment to tackle climate change in light of the poor funding spread contained in this year's budget papers.

However, what cannot be gainsayed is the commitment of the Labor MP for Page, Janelle Saffin. Read more »

A very personal kneejerk reaction to the Rudd-Swan 2008-09 Federal Budget

North Coast Voices - May 14, 2008 - 1:15am

Belonging to a recognised category of poor that contains less than half a million souls and has little political clout, it has been so long since a Federal Budget gave me anything that I now Read more »