There’s strong independent support for changes to the way we regulate lobbying — but we’ve got a long way to go before we catch up with the Canadians.
Rob Oakeshott
Follow Crikey’s latest coverage of Rob Oakeshott. Crikey’s Rob Oakeshott coverage includes independent news, blogs and commentary.
Political snippets: Here’s to your health … or not
An analysis of Australian media coverage of media matters has found that commercial current affairs television does by far the least satisfactory job.
Why Independents should support means testing private health insurance rebate
Consumers should welcome health minister Nicola Roxon’s announcement that she will reintroduce legislation to means test the private health insurance (PHI) rebate, writes health policy consultant Jennifer Doggett.
Political snippets: Will Labor have the immigration debate it squibbed in 1988?
The Fitzgerald Report, commissioned by Bob Hawke in 1988 to investigate migration policy, was hidden in a cupboard somewhere but perhaps now is the time to get someone to dust it down.
Grattan: Uh oh, Oakeshott for speaker?
Key independent Rob Oakeshott put his hand up for the role of parliamentary speaker. But since his vote is expected to change depending on the reform, it makes the whole shebang rather complicated, says Michelle Grattan.
Shanahan: Voters back the independents
The latest Newspoll vilifies the independents’ decision to back a Gillard government, because a Abbott government would have headed back to the polls quicker. But Gillard isn’t expected to last a full term, writes Dennis Shanahan.
Did the Independents opt for fiscal responsibility over pork barrelling?
Crucial information has emerged today on what the Coalition was prepared to do to get the votes of the Independents: spend up big.
Political snippets: Encouraging but hardly boom times
Market economists just love to use the boom and gloom words.
Wilson: Oakeshott is Australia’s newest Big Brother contestant
Independent MP Rob Oakeshott is a johnny-come-lately who talks loud but is quick to disappoint. He’s like an initially popular Big Brother contestant you soon stop voting for, says Rebecca Wilson.
If the Liberals want to blame anyone, look at the Nationals
If there’s anyone to blame for Tony Abbott failing to get over the line, it’s the Nationals. Abbott himself performed far better than expected and deserves credit, but he has let down by the long-term failings of the Nats.
And now, let the wild rumpus start
Canberra has never seen anything like it. Three men sent everyone in Parliament House into a spin as they determined the next government.
Video of the Day: Oakeshott’s never-ending speech
It was the speech that enthralled and aggravated the nation. Enthralled because it marked the final point in Australia’s ‘when will this end?’ federal election saga, and aggravation because it just went on and on … and on. Viewers wanted a simple ‘Labor or Liberal’ response. Instead, independent MP Rob Oakeshott delivered a sprawling speech […]
Crikey Says: Judgment day
At around 3pm today the nation can collectively exhale as the independents, after 17 days, announce who will make up our minority government.
Are we there yet?
Crikey media wrap: The good bus Australia has been chugging along without a driver now for several weeks, but with a boost from independent suspension we’ve nearly reached destination PM.
Fight for our MP’s right to vote online
Whilst the ‘Dome of Conscience’ may sound like a tardus type contraption, it was only a few years back that many thought it was the magic bullet in the quest towards parliamentary honesty and transparent debate, writes Zach Kitschke.
A parliamentary budget office — great idea, but don’t get carried away
A Parliamentary Budget Office is a good idea, but it should be done properly and don’t expect it to settle any arguments.
Crikey Says: Want disclosure independents? Then tell us who donated to your campaign
Who donated to Tony Windsor, Rob Oakeshott, Bob Katter and Andrew Wilkie before the election that made them some of the most powerful individuals in the country?
The power of Wilkie
Andrew Wilkie is playing a clever hand with his anti-pokies policy auction by promising a decision before the other three independents have barely started sweeping deliberations with department heads and senior big party politicians.
The independents mean we’re doing it differently
The sudden rise to influence of the independent MPs is a challenge to the two-party system and how it’s reported, writes Peter Browne.
Crikey Says: What the devil? Oakeshott gets Heffed
Tony Abbott, coalition leader, potential Prime Minister, currently negotiating with the four independent MPs in order to obtain minority government, six days ago…
One week on, still no PM
Daily Media Wrap: The blame game continues to be Canberra’s favourite pastime, as the media both thrashes and exalts the Greens, wonders how a hung parliament will work and tries to figure out whether Labor or Liberal is more of a shambles.
Oakes: Three amigos the stars of circus Oz
Rob Oakeshott, Tony Windsor and Bob Katter are the three amigo independents currently gobbling up the nation’s attention. But public support for them has is waning and the Australian political landscape now resembles a circus, writes Laurie Oakes.
Common sense from independents has conservatives deeply unhappy
Against expectations, the rural independents have made a strong start in their quest for political and economic stability. And conservatives don’t like it.
Why we shouldn’t rush back to the polls
The three independents bring three different backgrounds and three wildly different opinions on everything. Which is to be encouraged and emulated, by both the major parties and the media, writes Peter Browne.
Kelly: Don’t stuff this up Australia
The hung parliament means the three independents have a chance to create a Parliamentary Budget Office. But they are squandering their opportunity, says Paul Kelly
