Lobbying, politics and influence

Its not often that I catch myself agreeing with magnates such as Clive Palmer, but when listening to today's Background Briefing (ABC Radio National ) on the role and regulation of political lobbyists, I do.

We all have been worried by the shenanigans of MP's like Craig Thompson, union influence on the Labour Party let along corruption such as in the Health Service Union and other non-disclosures of conflict of interests in quite a few politicians of all political persuasions.

We are also very aware that a 'retired' politician often becomes an influential lobbyists and pop-up as chairpersons of commissions etc such as the review of Queensland Finances by ex-treasurer Peter Costello.

It seems the Queensland Liberal National Party has been trying to reduce the conflict of interest potential of professional lobbyists (on behalf of third parties) in the ranks of high officials of the party. They also tried, but failed to do the same for the Federal Liberal Party according to the Radio report. Labor has also failed to reduce or control lobbyists and union power.

Commonsense dictates that experts should be used for their expertise. When does a conflict of interest become corruption and how do we pick this up?
Open and honest government, disclosure of conflict of interest and proper procedure helps. as does a vigorous media presence. Governing for the people of your country helps but in some cases the governments have to lead the people, take unpopular decisions and make policy that will improve the country as a whole. Honest people as our politicians are what is needed and an interested,informed population.

We shall see how well the Liberal/National Parties fare in both State and I suspect Federal Politics.
The Labor brand is well and truly tarnished in NSW and now Federally.

Spring Street Heat

As another plus 30 degrees C days heats up, the State politicians provided some unique heat of their own.
The shock resignation from the Parliamentary Liberal Party of Frankston MP Geoff Shaw, the Tony Nutt (Simon Overland ) affair and then the decision by Ted Baillieu to resign as Premier last night, kept the ABC news team on the hop all over the country.
Talkback radio has been running white hot on this affair with interviews with the new Premier, Denis Napthine and anyone else who wants to have a say.
I doubt whether any of this will spill over into "saving" the Federal Labor Party's election chances.
But it is interesting how the Liberals and Labor pollies sack their leaders.
Will we get the same outrage generated in the media regarding the legitimacy of Denis Napthine as we did for the Gillard Government?
I doubt it and yes there are important differences in how the changeover was done.
But discussions by many including this Precarious Climate blog by James Wright shows that what was done by Gillard and now what has happened overnight with the State Libs is legitimate.
The Libs have as much a right to govern Victoria as Labor has in the Federal sphere.
Will the type of politics in the Victorian House of Reps now mirror in some ways the negotiation and perceived weakness of the Gillard Government in the Federal sphere?
Whether the Labor Party can muster an attack on the Victorian Government of the steadfastness, negativity, hysteria, effectiveness and media management that the Federal Libs and Tony Abbott has managed, I doubt.
All I know is that its hot at home and getting hotter elsewhere.
Media field days roll on!

4 Corners "The Carbon War" and "At Home With Julia"

If you didn't watch this program on Monday night I suggest you do so
http://www.abc.net.au/4corners/stories/2011/09/15/3318364.htm
or watch it on Youtube

At least the ABC has got the gumption to stand up and provide some much needed "balance" on the political hysteria surrounding the Climate War, Carbon Tax and our political system.
I noticed the vast majority of people on the show can be said to belong to the WASP older electorate demographic. When I ask younger people what they think, they want the whole debate over and done with and a price on carbon.
If we couldn't do it when the nation was doing so well then its disingenuous to put off the idea now that there may be some tough times ahead. After all the Stern report warned strongly that the cost of doing nothing is even higher. (1% now vs 20% later).
As far as I know most elections produce a Government who then proceeds to govern, not asking us to vote again for another 3-4 years, and certainly not asking us to vote on every big issue that comes up.
And most scientists I know (and I know several) will argue the science with far more accuracy than those climate deniers featured here.
BTW its also the same demographic that is outraged by "At Home With Julia" - Tim and Julia G characters under the flag, in her office, having a cuddle! Give us a break, have a bit of a laugh and remember your history- see Crikey's list of Badly Behaved Pollies to see our finest with feet of clay.
People in glass Houses etc etc
After all we are supposed to be able to laugh at ourselves!