While the Tasmanian result represents the decomposition of the old, the SA result reflects the weakness of the new.

Even before the 2007 election, Rudd was using health as a basis for his anti-political agenda.

Joyce’s position reflects the stance of those who don’t have much to bargain with and would prefer to voice their detachment from something they have no stake in.

After off-loading responsibility for the downturn, Labor needs to convince why it can make a difference at all.

Less perfect the next

Wednesday, 25 February 2009   State and federal politics   7 comments 

Exaggerations of Queensland ‘exceptionalism’ should not disguise what the state parties tell us about the national ones.

Easy in, easy out

Tuesday, 13 January 2009   State and federal politics   3 comments 

There is just a little bit of hypocrisy doing the rounds about Evan Thornley’s sudden decision to refuse a ministry spot and quit Victorian politics.

Spot the Liberal

Friday, 3 October 2008   State and federal politics  Comments Off 

So much for the election of a Liberal Premier shaking up Rudd’s federalism.

No revival, just decay – another update

Thursday, 25 September 2008   State and federal politics  Comments Off 

Labor can push emission cuts out to well beyond the political life of anyone in the government. Unfortunately the Murray crisis creates expectations over what it can do and highlights its impotence now.

Libs re-emerge to a changed landscape

Monday, 15 September 2008   State and federal politics  Comments Off 

The Nationals’ problem is not some demographic phenomenon of sun-seekers retiring on the NSW coast but a political one. They are the most obvious victims of an unravelling of the old two party system that is affecting all of the parties.

RIP NSW Right

Saturday, 6 September 2008   State and federal politics  Comments Off 

Iemma’s fall and the rise of an unknown from the left mark the collapse of the national party’s most important faction over the last three decades, the NSW Right.

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