The Government is now in such a strong position, they may figure they’ll get their CPRS through after a double dissolution with minimal risk. Why bother negotiating with an Opposition so patently out of favour with voters?
Double dissolution
Farr: Three elections in five years? No chance.
Even if the ETS doesn’t get passed, it’s highly unlikely that PM Kevin Rudd will pull the double dissolution trigger because it would condemn voters to three elections in just five years, writes Malcolm Farr.
Rudd will go to the polls on August 21, 2010. Here’s why
Malcolm MacKerras predicts the double dissolution will be effected in July 2010, causing a general election for all members of both houses to take place on August 21, 2010.
Antony Green dissects the double dissolution election
Does the Government want an early election? Nope, says Antony Green. But don’t rule out a double dissolution just yet — a constitutional loophole means Rudd can have his cake and eat it too.
Grattan: The ETS boxing match of Turnbull vs. Rudd
The double dissolution ghost is still haunting Malcolm Turnbull, writes Michelle Grattan, even though an early election would mean a shortened second term for Kevin Rudd.
Your Say: Daily Mail readers' feedback: The wage gap
Crikey readers get worked up over the wage gap between men and women, new diplomat Brendan Nelson and double dissolution. Plus, Pfizer’s official response.
Shanahan: It’s Turnbull’s time to shine
By calling on Malcolm Turnbull to make amendments to the ETS, PM Kevin Rudd gives him the chance to gain leadership credibility. But, Turnbull needs to be careful, warns Dennis Shanahan.
Environment shouldn’t be a ball in political game
The latest Newspoll tells the real double dissolution story: the electorate wants an Emissions Trading Scheme but it doesn’t want an early election over it.
Wong tells Turnbull: Put up or shut up on emissions trading
Penny Wong has given the Opposition a stern ultimatum: finalise your ETS changes within four weeks, or there’s no room for negotiation — and face the possibility of a double dissolution election.
Costello: Early election a gift to the Greens
PM Kevin Rudd doesn’t really want a double dissolution, because he’d prefer the Opposition to pass the ETS scheme and share the blame of future problems, writes Peter Costello.
Aussies love ETS, hate early
elections
It’s Newspoll Tuesday, and the ALP keep a steady two-party preferred lead of 55-45. Meanwhile, a clear majority of Australians support Rudd’s emissions trading plans, but few are enthusiastic about going to the polls early to get it passed.
December double dissolution threat a joke
It’s credible that Kevin Rudd might call an early double dissolution election. But the suggestion that the government would push for it really early, by recalling the Senate in December, is ludicrous. Andrew Bartlett explains why.
Coalition in dangerous territory as health bill stalls
Means-testing of private health insurance rebates has been rejected by the Senate, blowing a A$1.9 billion hole in the budget and serving as a potential trigger for double dissolution.
Political snippets: Rudd already campaigning for election?
It’s the same the whole world over, the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. Also, the media is already showing that Kevin Rudd is off and election campaigning.
Forget Utegate, what about Doubledissolutiongate?
While “Utegate” and “babygate” (in the Senate at least) will soak up media attention this week, a likely failed emissions trading scheme bill could take us into much more interesting waters, says Andrew Bartlett.
Andrew Bartlett: Feisty final Senate week ahead
The Senate is moving into its final sitting week til mid-August with a large pile of legislation the government insists must be dealt with. And yet the ETS alone could take that long to debate.
What it takes to trigger an early election
Charles Richardson explains the nuts and bolts of triggering a double dissolution.
Rudd looking for double dissolution trigger
Kevin Rudd is desperately looking to trigger a double dissolution in the Senate with his changes to the ETS, says Alan Kohler.
Political snippets: A double dissolution trigger is coming
It has been a while coming but Labor will have its double dissolution trigger soon enough. All in the name of alcopops.
Proustian IR backflip a first sign of Coalition cleverness
The Coalition’s decision to ditch AWAs is the smartest move they’ve made since the election, writes David MacCormack.
Richard Farmer’s political bite-sized meaty chunks
Back on the trail again … Brendan’s mistake … Give the secretaries the sack … Where working families come from … Rating the maiden speeches … The Daily Reality Check … The Pick of This Morning’s Political Coverage …
Ignore the Senate at your peril
Senate numbers are always important. Indeed, the Coalition’s control of the Senate was a major issue in the election campaign. So why didn’t we hear more from the major media on the lead Senate candidates from minor parties? Sure, there were a handful of profiles, but there was virtually no coverage of policy positions.
