Crikey

Volume of Federal political discussion seemed to leap somewhat over the past seven days … not too sure what that’s about.

Shorten and Arbib, two factional heavyweights seen as most influential in the sudden change at the top of Australian politics were the main movers, Shorten in particular happy to chat about his role, with the perhaps more crucial figures of Feeney and Farrell maintaining a lower profile, after keeping their machinations completely out of the media until it was all already over…although of course everyone only decided on the Wednesday…

Tony Burke is suddenly talking about stopping the urban sprawl and working within environmental limitations rather than the importance of growth to business and the economy after becoming the Minister for Sustainable Population; and for Simon Crean everything old is new again, completing a 20 year long round trip journey to the Employment portfolio.

A huge amount of discussion and a mixed bag on talkback for the new PM, significantly less unfavourable than Kevin Rudd was copping for months, but most people weren’t jumping through hoops with excitement. Wait and see is the Australian way.

The families of those who suffered from Jayant Patel’s negligence have had their day in court, but there are almost certainly more days in court to come.