It’s Groundhog Dog in Oz politicsJust as Punxsutawney Phil’s shadow is seen as a sign of how long winter will last, Labor ministers — and especially the media — religiously analyse Julia Gillard’s shadow to try and determine the length of her tenure, writes Mr Denmore.
Politics / Australia
The Reserve Bank’s inclination to punish
The Reserve Bank of Australia are a callous lot, says Richard Farmer. Let’s not worry about those 5.2% of people without a job, or all those working less hours than they would like to.
The $28m pantomime of airport body scanners
Airport body scanners have no demonstrated value, but the government is spending $28 million on them.
Frustration not fear keep farmers mum on retail wars
The ACCC has offered protection to whistleblower farmers and grocery supplies if they report price gouging by supermarkets. But for those on the land it’s still easier said than done.
Sustainable fish and the ‘red prawn of disapproval’
As a consumer, understanding the impact of fishing practices on the environment can be a little daunting, writes Paulina Olszanka, a freelance journalist.
Wayne Swan causing a credit squeeze? Get real
Claims that Wayne Swan could hurt the banks by pressuring them to pass on rate cuts are rubbish.
Gays jilted at altar: how serious is Labor about marriage?
Marriage equality advocates have the Herculean task before them of convincing Tony Abbott of allowing a conscience vote, writes Brian Greig, former Democrats senator and gay rights campaigner.
Sandi Logan: the Immigration Dept’s driven and divisive spokesman
Sandi Logan is on a mission to shape what you read, see and hear about the federal government’s most troublesome policy area, writes Matthew Knott.
Bob Brown and Gillard’s ‘sexist’ commentary
Greens leader Bob Brown has accused male commentators of making sexist criticisms about the Prime Minister. But what about these commentators? asks Richard Farmer.
Steering bicycle regulation debate: would registrations make good policy?
Bruce Guthrie believes there is a case for compulsory registration of bicycles. The key downsides are obvious, but what about the upsides? The Urbanist’s Alan Davies discusses.
Rates cut expected: will banks pass it on?
Crikey media wrap: The Reserve Bank of Australia is expected to cut the cash rate by 0.25% to 4% today, putting pressure on banks to pass those savings onto its customers.
Essential: still bad for Labor; ADF most trusted institution
Labor’s vote shows no signs of any recovery, today’s Essential Report finds.
Plenty of light in the doom-and-gloom retail figures
The headline fall of 0.1% in the seasonally adjusted value of retail sales for December got the “rate cut looms” mob back on the hunt this morning.
Russia goes its own way over Syria
Last week there was some hope that Russia might be coming on board with the need to do something about the steadily increasing bloodshed in Syria.
The impact of FOFA — industry claims brought undone
A new report shows how hysterical the financial planning industry has been in its opposition to reform.
Parkinson: no easy choices, but strong case for energy action
A new report from the Grattan Institute has underlined the failure of current policies to push Australia down the path of a clean energy future Giles Parkinson, editor of RenewEconomy, reports.
How about a Rupert tweet on Sir Rod’s surprise gong?
The fact that Rupert Murdoch has board approval to tweet away is surprising, if only because it is amazing that he still holds a leadership position at News Corp.
Beyond the carbon price, a Faustian bargain
Decarbonising the economy quickly is absolutely necessary, writes David Spratt, an author and researcher in climate change.
Mackerras: and the winner in Queensland will be …
This is a tale of two Australian states, each holding two recent general elections, writes Malcolm Mackerras.
Crikey Says: Misogyny isn’t why Gillard is in trouble
Is criticism of Julia Gillard’s performance as prime minister sexist, as Bob Brown suggests? Is the current bout of leadership rumbling reflective of the febrile, misogynist minds of male media commentators?
Nielsen: surprise boost for Labor and Gillard
Nielsen’s sample of 1400 respondents from its first poll of the year didn’t get the memo, writes William Bowe. The government has received its best Nielsen result since March last year and Julia Gillard has an eight-point improvement on net personal rating.
Better Access program: success in whose interests?
The Better Access program, introduced by the Howard government in 2006 to improve access to treatments for common mental disorders, was controversial before it even began.
More evidence of why donation disclosure laws are hopeless
For several years now Crikey has engaged in the ritual denunciation of our Commonwealth electoral donation laws. It’s worth repeating.
