Poker machines and Australia's addiction to gambling has dominated talks between Tasmania Independent elect Andrew Wilkie and the want-a-be leaders Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott.
Andrew Wilkie's concern about Australia's addition to gambling is not isolated and he joins fellow South Australian independent Senator Nick Xenophon in trying to curb the impact of gaming and the State governments addition to the gaming dollar.
One solution that has not yet been widely canvases is the proposal to have all gaming in Australia to be via a registered electronic gaming card similar to a debit card, removing the cash economy and providing a means of monitoring and limiting problems associated with gambling.
The Commonwealth Government can introduce a gaming card through its national financial and banking powers.
A gaming card can be issued only on production of photo ID a passport and or Tax file number. One card per person.
Problem gamblers could have limits placed on their betting habits or even denied access to an account. An electronic gaming card would also prevent the misue use of gaming as a means of laundering money.
Gaming cards could be issued by a central gaming authority database at licenced establishments.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Greening Melbourne
The results of the Melbourne Federal Election has raised the bar in the forthcoming State election with the seats of Melbourne, Richmond and Brunswick up for grabs.
Analysis of the results show that both Labor and the Liberal Party lost votes to the Greens. The Greens "Its time" "This time I will vote Green" campaign hit its mark.
35% was impressive and beyond expectations. What was also of interest was that the Liberal vote declined from 24% down to 19% indicating that the Liberal party may have played dead in the campaign. Other parties also experienced a drop in their vote
Informal votes (19%) , Sex Party (1.8%*), Family First (43%) and the Greens (58%) all produced an increase (Expressed as a percentage *Sex Party a first time entrant).
At the same time the Liberal Party (-15%), ALP (-20%) and the Democrats (-58%) all experienced a decline in support. The Democrats as a percentage of their support being the greatest loser.
Much of the unexpected win was without any doubt a pox on both your houses. The tell tale sign being the low turnout which at present is 20% below expectation.
Analysis of the results show that both Labor and the Liberal Party lost votes to the Greens. The Greens "Its time" "This time I will vote Green" campaign hit its mark.
35% was impressive and beyond expectations. What was also of interest was that the Liberal vote declined from 24% down to 19% indicating that the Liberal party may have played dead in the campaign. Other parties also experienced a drop in their vote
Informal votes (19%) , Sex Party (1.8%*), Family First (43%) and the Greens (58%) all produced an increase (Expressed as a percentage *Sex Party a first time entrant).
At the same time the Liberal Party (-15%), ALP (-20%) and the Democrats (-58%) all experienced a decline in support. The Democrats as a percentage of their support being the greatest loser.
Much of the unexpected win was without any doubt a pox on both your houses. The tell tale sign being the low turnout which at present is 20% below expectation.
| Candidate | Party | Votes | % | Swing (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PEARSON, Georgia | Family First | 1,005 | 1.43 | +0.43 |
| BANDT, Adam | Australian Greens | 25,387 | 36.10 | +13.30 |
| MURRAY, Joel | Australian Sex Party | 1,244 | 1.77 | +1.77 |
| COLLYER, David | Australian Democrats | 419 | 0.60 | -0.83 |
| GREEN, Penelope | Secular Party of Australia | 470 | 0.67 | +0.67 |
| BOWTELL, Cath | Australian Labor Party | 27,771 | 39.49 | -10.02 |
| OLSEN, Simon | Liberal | 14,030 | 19.95 | -3.54 |
| ...... | Citizens Electoral Council of Australia | 0 | 0.00 | -0.67 |
| ...... | Socialist Equality Party | 0 | 0.00 | -0.48 |
| ...... | Other | 0 | 0.00 | -0.62 |
| FORMAL | 70,326 | 96.66 | -0.54 | |
| INFORMAL | 2,428 | 3.34 | +0.54 | |
| TOTAL | 72,754 | 70.72 | -20.78 |
| Candidate | Party | Votes | This Election (%) | Last Election (%) | Swing (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BANDT, Adam | Australian Greens | 39,172 | 55.70 | 45.29 | +10.41 |
| BOWTELL, Cath | Australian Labor Party | 31,154 | 44.30 | 54.71 | -10.41 |
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Sussex Street Sucks: Political Knifes poised to strike.
The night of the long knives. There are many within the Victorian ALP that have set their sights on Sussex Street and the poor performance of the ALP CHQ (Campaign headquarters).
CHQ is criticized for running a disastrous campaign. They are the ones that tried to stage manage the event to the point where they placed the re-election of the ALP in the situation they now find themselves in. CHQ, based in Sydney, has steered the Federal election towards the rocks and the forthcoming shipwreck of the NSW State >abor Party. They should not have been allowed to manage the campaign.
As long as there is chance that the ALP can form a minority government the knives waiting CHQ and the NSW right will remain clenched tight behind backs waiting for the first strike.
Given the extent of the outcome Julia Gillard may be well advised to go into opposition and bide her time and start her campain for election from day one. She will only have to wait 18 months before the fragile coalition begins to crumble and a double dissolution is called.
CHQ is criticized for running a disastrous campaign. They are the ones that tried to stage manage the event to the point where they placed the re-election of the ALP in the situation they now find themselves in. CHQ, based in Sydney, has steered the Federal election towards the rocks and the forthcoming shipwreck of the NSW State >abor Party. They should not have been allowed to manage the campaign.
As long as there is chance that the ALP can form a minority government the knives waiting CHQ and the NSW right will remain clenched tight behind backs waiting for the first strike.
Given the extent of the outcome Julia Gillard may be well advised to go into opposition and bide her time and start her campain for election from day one. She will only have to wait 18 months before the fragile coalition begins to crumble and a double dissolution is called.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Hung Parliament: Decision to be made on the floor of the house
Julia Gillard has managed to hold on to what is a cliff hanger of an election. Neither the incumbent or the opposition leader can claim a win.
Convention has it that the incumbent prime-minister/government remains in office until the Governor General is advised otherwise. It could be that Julia calls for decision to be tested in the floor of the house with a vote of confidence in the government.
Questions to be considered by the Independents. Which Party held the majority of votes national wide and just as important which party contributed to the independents election.
Whilst the ALP has lost its majority the Liberal Party has also failed to secure a majority.
Odds are Australia will be going back to the polls if not within three months within the next 18 months.
The newly elected Senate will not take office until July 2011. We can expect that the next election will also be held on the back of a double dissolution no matter which party forms government.
Convention has it that the incumbent prime-minister/government remains in office until the Governor General is advised otherwise. It could be that Julia calls for decision to be tested in the floor of the house with a vote of confidence in the government.
Questions to be considered by the Independents. Which Party held the majority of votes national wide and just as important which party contributed to the independents election.
Whilst the ALP has lost its majority the Liberal Party has also failed to secure a majority.
Odds are Australia will be going back to the polls if not within three months within the next 18 months.
The newly elected Senate will not take office until July 2011. We can expect that the next election will also be held on the back of a double dissolution no matter which party forms government.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Gillard makes big blunder in Town Hall style debate
Julia Gillard has alienated many Victorian supporters in her call for Brisbane to unite against Collingwood. This sort of divisive politics has marred her campaign.
Gillard is a highly capable member of parliament and her ascendancy to the Prime-ministership is welcomed... but did she have to attack Collingwood. This may have been a major tactical error . An error that could cost Labor a third senate seat as it struggles to achieve 42% support.
As prime-minister Gillard has to govern for all of Australia, whilst she should be entitled support the Western Bulldogs, there was no need for her to attack one of Australia's greatest Football teams. Collingwood.
Go the pies.
Gillard is a highly capable member of parliament and her ascendancy to the Prime-ministership is welcomed... but did she have to attack Collingwood. This may have been a major tactical error . An error that could cost Labor a third senate seat as it struggles to achieve 42% support.
As prime-minister Gillard has to govern for all of Australia, whilst she should be entitled support the Western Bulldogs, there was no need for her to attack one of Australia's greatest Football teams. Collingwood.
Go the pies.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Docklands to stop the Greens in Melbourne
Melbourne's newest neighbourhood "Docklands" and the addition of 5,000 new voters in the Melbourne Federal electorate will save Melbourne from a Green challenge.
Despite effort by the media to talk up the Greens chances of winning Melbourne, Melbourne's newest resident's are expected to give the Liberal Party the edge relegating the Greens to third place and out of contention to win the seat of Melbourne
Dockland resident's and Melbourn'a first time voters are expected to favour the Liberal Party boosting the Liberal Party's vote over 25%.
In 2007 the Liberal Party polled a primary vote of 23.5%, 610 votes ahead of the Greens who only polled 22.8%. After preferences the Liberal Party fell short by 591 votes a margin of 0.67% in a head to head contest against the Greens.
Game over.
Despite effort by the media to talk up the Greens chances of winning Melbourne, Melbourne's newest resident's are expected to give the Liberal Party the edge relegating the Greens to third place and out of contention to win the seat of Melbourne
Dockland resident's and Melbourn'a first time voters are expected to favour the Liberal Party boosting the Liberal Party's vote over 25%.
In 2007 the Liberal Party polled a primary vote of 23.5%, 610 votes ahead of the Greens who only polled 22.8%. After preferences the Liberal Party fell short by 591 votes a margin of 0.67% in a head to head contest against the Greens.
Game over.
A margin of error: ABC misleads the electorate
The ABC breakfast program has demonstrated a lack of professionalism by publishing false and misleading information by claiming a contest between the ALP and the Greens.
In 2007
The Australian Labor Party in 2007 had a primary vote of 43,363 (49.51%)
The Greens 19,967 (22.8%)
The Liberal Party polled 20,577 (23.49%)
After distribution of preferences The Greens only managed to out poll the Liberal Party by a margin of 591 (0.67%) following the distribution of Democrats preferences.
The Contest is not between the ALP and the Greens 4% margin but between the Greens and the Liberal Party 0.67% margin.
The Greens also had the so called "Donkey" Vote which represents 1.5% of the electorate
The ABC did not interview the Liberal Party Candidate.
AEC Full results
In 2007
The Australian Labor Party in 2007 had a primary vote of 43,363 (49.51%)
The Greens 19,967 (22.8%)
The Liberal Party polled 20,577 (23.49%)
After distribution of preferences The Greens only managed to out poll the Liberal Party by a margin of 591 (0.67%) following the distribution of Democrats preferences.
The Contest is not between the ALP and the Greens 4% margin but between the Greens and the Liberal Party 0.67% margin.
The Greens also had the so called "Donkey" Vote which represents 1.5% of the electorate
The ABC did not interview the Liberal Party Candidate.
AEC Full results
Sunday, August 08, 2010
Gillard attacked by Latham posing as a Journalist
Mark Latham, former and rejected Labor Leader, posing as a Journalist confronted Prime Minister Julia Gillard on Saturday in an extraordinary act of unprofessional behaviour which reflects poorly on the Channel Nine network.
Latham is not a professional Journalist as his behaviour demonstrated. It is not known if Latham is even a member of the AJA.
Latham's actions were uncalled for and inappropriate.
Mark Latham lost the 2004 Federal Election and his standing within the Labor party is minimal, even less as a result of his actions yesterday. He appears to have been acting more out of spite and resentment then pursuing a professional journalsit career. Even Channel Nine was taken back by Latham's abuse that the head of Nine called Julia Gillard to appology for Latham's behaviour
ABC Insiders looks at the issue in its Sunday review.
Latham is not a professional Journalist as his behaviour demonstrated. It is not known if Latham is even a member of the AJA.
Latham's actions were uncalled for and inappropriate.
Mark Latham lost the 2004 Federal Election and his standing within the Labor party is minimal, even less as a result of his actions yesterday. He appears to have been acting more out of spite and resentment then pursuing a professional journalsit career. Even Channel Nine was taken back by Latham's abuse that the head of Nine called Julia Gillard to appology for Latham's behaviour
ABC Insiders looks at the issue in its Sunday review.
Saturday, August 07, 2010
Greens set to be elected in Victorian Senate
The Australian Greens is set to elect a Senator in Victoria on the back of One Nation preferences to the Liberal party ahead of the Australian labor Party.
All being equal, analysis of the 2007 Victorian Vote using the 2010 ticket allocations has shown that the Greens will receive an additional bonus value arising from a flaw in the way in which the Senate vote is counted. The distortion in the proportionality gives the Liberal Party a bonus of over 7,000 votes derived from minor parties who are excluded from the count. This inflates the Liberal Party ticket vote and when transferred to the Greens tips them over the line and denying the labor Party a third senate seat.
Under the current rules a candidates surplus transfer value is calculated by dividing the surplus value by the number of ballot papers, disproportionately to the value of the vote. This inflated the value of the Liberal Party ticket vote which before being transferred represents only 20% of the surplus but under the AEC paper based formula the new transfer value carries 80% of the value of the surplus.
The Australian Parliament Joint Standing Committee on Electoral matters, which Melbourne Port's Micheal Danby as a member, was aware of this flaw in the system but failed to act to correct the system. ABC Electoral Analyst, Antony Green,m independently confirmed my analysis of the 2007 Victorian Senate election.
By failing to act to correct the flaw in the way the Senate vote is counted the ALP has already lost a Senate seat and the Greens are the beneficiary of Bonus votes that the system delivers at the expense of other minor parties would oppose the Greens platform.
All being equal, analysis of the 2007 Victorian Vote using the 2010 ticket allocations has shown that the Greens will receive an additional bonus value arising from a flaw in the way in which the Senate vote is counted. The distortion in the proportionality gives the Liberal Party a bonus of over 7,000 votes derived from minor parties who are excluded from the count. This inflates the Liberal Party ticket vote and when transferred to the Greens tips them over the line and denying the labor Party a third senate seat.
Under the current rules a candidates surplus transfer value is calculated by dividing the surplus value by the number of ballot papers, disproportionately to the value of the vote. This inflated the value of the Liberal Party ticket vote which before being transferred represents only 20% of the surplus but under the AEC paper based formula the new transfer value carries 80% of the value of the surplus.
The Australian Parliament Joint Standing Committee on Electoral matters, which Melbourne Port's Micheal Danby as a member, was aware of this flaw in the system but failed to act to correct the system. ABC Electoral Analyst, Antony Green,m independently confirmed my analysis of the 2007 Victorian Senate election.
By failing to act to correct the flaw in the way the Senate vote is counted the ALP has already lost a Senate seat and the Greens are the beneficiary of Bonus votes that the system delivers at the expense of other minor parties would oppose the Greens platform.
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
HOW TO VOTE MELBOURNE 2010
2010 Australian Federal Election
voting closes 6PM Saturday August 21
MYHow-to-Vote
Supporting Melbourne’s Small Business Community
Labor
| 3 | PEARSON, Georgia | Family First |
| 4 | BANDT, Adam | Australian Greens |
| 5 | MURRAY, Joel | Australian Sex Party |
| 6 | COLLYER, David | Australian Democrats |
| 7 | GREEN, Penelope | Secular Party of Australia |
| 1 | BOWTELL, Cath | Australian Labor Party |
| 2 | OLSEN, Simon | Liberal |
Liberal
| 7 | PEARSON, Georgia | Family First |
| 6 | BANDT, Adam | Australian Greens |
| 5 | MURRAY, Joel | Australian Sex Party |
| 4 | COLLYER, David | Australian Democrats |
| 3 | GREEN, Penelope | Secular Party of Australia |
| 2 | BOWTELL, Cath | Australian Labor Party |
| 1 | OLSEN, Simon | Liberal |
Green
| 7 | PEARSON, Georgia | Family First |
| 1 | BANDT, Adam | Australian Greens |
| 2 | MURRAY, Joel | Australian Sex Party |
| 3 | COLLYER, David | Australian Democrats |
| 4 | GREEN, Penelope | Secular Party of Australia |
| 5 | BOWTELL, Cath | Australian Labor Party |
| 6 | OLSEN, Simon | Liberal |
Democrat
| 5 | PEARSON, Georgia | Family First |
| 6 | BANDT, Adam | Australian Greens |
| 7 | MURRAY, Joel | Australian Sex Party |
| 1 | COLLYER, David | Australian Democrats |
| 2 | GREEN, Penelope | Secular Party of Australia |
| 3 | BOWTELL, Cath | Australian Labor Party |
| 4 | OLSEN, Simon | Liberal |
Family First
| 1 | PEARSON, Georgia | Family First |
| 7 | BANDT, Adam | Australian Greens |
| 6 | MURRAY, Joel | Australian Sex Party |
| 5 | COLLYER, David | Australian Democrats |
| 4 | GREEN, Penelope | Secular Party of Australia |
| 3 | BOWTELL, Cath | Australian Labor Party |
| 2 | OLSEN, Simon | Liberal |
Recommended and authorised by
Anthony van der Craats
PO Box 254 Carlton South, Victoria 3053
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