Hopefully, cos there's a good chance Abbott could be the man this time around.

I get the feeling that this is largely due to:
1)English common law/ contract law
2)Mineral/commodity wealth and a willingness to exploit it
3)Proximity to Asia

If you mess too much with number 2, especially the latter half, things might change for the less than optimal. I'm sure there are other things that differentiate you from the other countries that share one of the three above factors, but at least in the case of the US, the latter half of number two is lacking, and number three is somewhat to your benefit.

I'm not sure that's a particularly appropriate comparison: one of them is a (now dumped) candidate for a fringe party with little chance of being elected, the other almost became Vice-President of the USA.

One Nation still exists? This isn't Tennessee, so who there isn't following Paul Anka's guarantee?

Barely, I don't think they've had a candidate elected in years.

Abbott crashing and burning in the debate. Saying absolutely nothing with a lot of words. The worm fucking hates him.

hahah "the suppository of all wisdom".

I loved when I saw this. I've always wanted to see a show the calibre of the Daily Show comment more on Australian politics as there is so much material there.

By Daily Show standards I wouldn't even call it a particularly great segment but it was still hilarious to see the light shone on local politicians this way. I think it highlighted just how poor the quality of political satire and comedic commentary is in Aus. With the exception of Gruen Nation (more insightful than outright hilarious) and Brian Clarke & John Dawes there really isn't much I rate (the Chaser is too hit and miss).

i enjoyed "the roast". it was on between gruen and chaser and was produced by charles firth, formerly of the chaser. never seen that one before.

Are the various security agreements with the US an issue of contention in light of the NSA leaks? One of my school friends might be transferred to Pine Gap next year. Should he anticipate another round of protests?

Australia's current PM (for 5 days at least). it is safe to say from the PM's response, he isn't doing this for votes. It's time for marriage equality. Can't see Abbott giving any speech with such passion and so balanced.

That was such a common sense response. I still find it incredibly strange this is such a stumbling block for people.

I doubt it. Unless its about their mortgages very few people will voice an opinion. The may be small protests but certainly not anything to worry about.

the apocalypse is coming.........

"Hi mates, what's the good word?"

Just discovered this thread (I don't venture outside the PJ and OB forums very often).

Watching Kitchen Cabinet with Mr. Rabbit - first time I've seen him actually show his Rhodes Scholar intelligence and talk like a real person (as opposed to the 3-word slogans and dog-whistles to xenophobes and bigots).

I've been in denial for a while but if the Mad Monk is really going to be our next PM, I hope he'll stop talking to us like we're morons.

Heh.

I'm cautiously looking forward to Brandis being Attorney-General.