Gillard gives in
July 3rd 2010 02:37
Well now we know for sure who runs Oz, and it isn't the elected government. The concessions to the mining lobby by Gillard confirm that we now have one political party that acts solely as a mouthpiece for big business - and none come bigger than the miners - and one that can't resist their power. The Libs will be preening and claiming credit, and those in Labor will be saying 'Oh well, we had to do it' but privately wondering where the line will be drawn in future.
Needless to say, the role of ex-mining exec Gary Gray and other ALP machine types in all this should send a shiver up all the spines of those who believe in open democratic government. As for the ALP, the departure of Tanner and the rise of Gray are signs of where the party is headed.
No doubt legions of ALP voters will head to the Greens as it moves to the right, but I wonder when we'll actually see a sitting polly do so.
And are the Greens ready for real power? Bob Brown is a respected leader and they have a pretty good bunch of senators, so they are reasonably placed in terms of personnel. Also, they come out pretty well after all the leadership tumult, but whether they can participate meaningfully in providing an effective policy on climate change will be the acid test.
Needless to say, the role of ex-mining exec Gary Gray and other ALP machine types in all this should send a shiver up all the spines of those who believe in open democratic government. As for the ALP, the departure of Tanner and the rise of Gray are signs of where the party is headed.
And are the Greens ready for real power? Bob Brown is a respected leader and they have a pretty good bunch of senators, so they are reasonably placed in terms of personnel. Also, they come out pretty well after all the leadership tumult, but whether they can participate meaningfully in providing an effective policy on climate change will be the acid test.
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