Rambunctious Rudd Ascendancy (Again)

Last night's turbulence saw the overthrow of Prime Minister Julia Gillard and the restoration,to the leadership of the Federal Labor Party, of former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.

This Labor Government has initiated many firsts. First to throw out a first term Prime Minister. First to install a female Prime Minister. First to have so many damaging leaks from within the Government Party aimed at de-stabilizing said PM. First to tackle Climate Change via a price on Carbon (aka Carbon Tax) but in a way guaranteed to offside so many people. First to re-install a previous PM to the leadership while still in power! But not the first to show the back-stabbing, power moves and power machinations within political parties. So many of these 'firsts' showing many politicians in extremely self-serving and poor light.

What has pissed me off most is the collateral damage to people I respect and admire. To hear that Tony Windsor and Rob Oakshott have resigned, for 'family' reasons is saddening, though understandable. I believe, their negotiations have brought much needed funding and programs to Australians, particularly in regional areas.
The NBN, Carbon Pricing, education funding and attempt at Health Reforms have been a hallmark of the Labor Government.
All these initiatives are worthwhile and their discussions brought some much needed sanity and reflection on policy. What is questionable was the ability of the Government, a minority Government, to implement these reforms fairly and equitably. Something I don't think our State, Federal  and local politicians think much about. The me generation of citizens are well and truly clamoring.

My family was brought up with Midnight Oil music resounding in the car and house constantly. Peter Garrett has good reason to resign now that Mr Rudd is back. It is sad to see Garrett go, though I always preferred to think of him as a loud and effective Environmentalist. I wonder where that leaves the Gonski reforms for Victoria? The loss of so many Labor ministers is both sad but also allows for renewal.

The next few days may see an early election. Roll on the policies people and less of the lemon & Labor chaos! (Faint hope I fear!)