A double dissolution election may weaken the Coalition’s power in the Senate, but it probably wouldn’t strengthen the ALP’s, says Antony Green. Instead, the spoils would go to the Greens.
Double dissolution
Antony Green: The little ETS that couldn’t
Technically, the ETS legislation was a double dissolution trigger. So why didn’t Kevin Rudd pull the trigger? Because only the original ETS — not the amended version — could be used and that wasn’t helpful to anyone, explains Antony Green.
Milne: Rudd plays referen-dumb
Constitutionally, Kevin Rudd has the power to make health policy changes — ie. the national takeover of hospitals — without a referendum if the states don’t agree. So why threaten them? asks Glenn Milne.
Antony Green: Rudd will play the double dissolution card
To stop the blockage in the Senate, Rudd will probably call a double dissolution election for August or early September, argues Antony Green as he explains the historical reasons for Rudd’s timing issues.
Your Say: Daily Mail readers' feedback: Garrettgate not proof that the market is better
Crikey readers weigh on Garrett’s roofing insulation scheme, the possibility of double dissolution election and the recent sainthood of Mary MacKillop.
Rudd puts his finger on the double dissolution trigger
Is Australia headed for a double dissolution election? That’s what the pundits are predicting this morning, with the Government’s sudden switch in focus from the ETS to the private health insurance rebate means test.
Antony Green: The date of the 2010 Federal election is…
Balancing footy grand finals and the possibility of a double dissolution election, it looks like the Tony and Kev battle will occur between early August and mid September, speculates Antony Green.
Tony Abbott enters the year of living climatically
Tony Abbott stumbles early on climate policy, and Labor ensures that, trigger or no trigger, it will be the subject of political choice well into the new year.
Antony Green: Five possible election scenarios
Antony Green outlines the possible dates for the next Federal Election under three different scenarios: a normal House and half-Senate election, a separate House of Representatives election, or a a double dissolution.
Rudd might as well flick the dissolution switch
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?
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.
