Australian politics. A little more tame and demur when compared to American politic, but still interesting to me none-the-less. I try to cover it as much as American politics, but here in Australia we don’t have the same ‘depth’ accessible for a simple blogger as with America. However, this doesn’t stop my critiquing. Here follows my posts associated with the topic of Australian politics.

The Kevin Rudd Scorecard - A little over two and a half months since being sworn into office, I look at what Kevin Rudd and his government have achieved. In doing so, I dispel the argument made during the November campaigning that: a) the is no difference between the two parties, and; b) Kevin Rudd won’t get anything done. I take a look at what he has done, and what these things have resulted in. Suffice to say, it is a very good report for our Prime Minister.

Howard’s End - Four Corners aired a program devoted to the final year of the Howard government, and the catalysts that led to the Coalition’s defeat on November 24. It had interviews from all the big names - Costello, Downer, Abbott, Hockey - but no Howard. It was still a fascinating piece nonetheless, and something that was very much worth seeing.

Politics in Australia 3 - Labor’s Cabinet - Kevin Rudd announced his parliamentary cabinet on the same day as the Liberals announced a leader, and then flip-flopped around. This was the news item of the day in reality. More surprised than I expected, and what ended up being a strong and good cabinet. My reflections on the positions, and some gloating about Kate Ellis’ promotion.

Politics in Australia 2 - Liberal’s New Party - After electing a new leader,there was a lot of flip-flopping on traditional party positions. I bring these to light again, and then comment on how this is a good thing for Australians. Also a comment about Malcolm Turnbull receiving the spokesperson for treasury position.

Politics in Australia 1 - Liberal’s New Leader - In a day that was chock-block full of politics here, the Liberal party first elected a new leader: Brendan Nelson. My comments on his victory over Malcolm Turnbull, and then the regrettable decision of Julie Bishop as the deputy, instead of someone pushing Joe Hockey into the light.

‘Me too’-ism - The Liberals, in an effort to consolidate and position after their hammering at the last election, begin to turn around on some issues. I highlighted them in a quick post for future reference.

Liberal turmoil - The fallout from the Ruddslide and Labor victory at Election 07 for the Liberals. Mainly concerned with the question of who will now become the leader of the party.

While American politics is my main interest normally, while it was election time Down Under, I devoted my attention to the plays of Australian politicians. It took the forefront for me, and it received quite a bit of coverage - not just here, but through the media and across the Internet - from anyone who it affects. We had the best race unfolding before us for a long time - possibly the last great race (though with the way it fell, perhaps not). With that said, here is a list of posts I put up concerning Australian politics during the campaigns. The majority are to do with the unfolding campaign race, and are ‘as they occurred’ type of posts, and my reactions.

Election Night 07 - My post-night coverage of how I spent the tallying.

RUDD!!! - My immediate reaction to the Kevin Rudd and Labor victory at Election 07.

Question Time: Samuel vs. Thomas - When Samuel Gordon-Stewart announced he would run as an independent candidate in the Fraser elecorat, he listed his policy opinions on his website. I sent him some questions in relation to his ideas, and he sent me back some answers.

Mark Vaile said what? - In the last few days of the election campaigning, Mark Vaile came out with some rather strange comments about the A.L.P., burglary, family jewels, and cricket. People are still trying to figure out what he was meaning to say.

Barny, Barny, Barny … - Barnaby Joyce inserts his foot sideways into his mouth with his latest comment. He really doesn’t put a lot of thought into everything he says sometimes. Here is a prime example: He couldn’t see the difference between the Industrial Relations policies of Labor and the Coalition.

Live blog: Health Debate - The debate between Tony Abbott and Nicola Roxson. Strange, because Abbott missed the first half hour. Roxson came off impressive, personable, and the winner. Abbott came off like Abbott - out of touch, right-wing, and someone you wouldn’t vote for to care for your cat.

Live blog: Treasurers Debate - The debate between Peter Costello and Wayne Swan blogged as I watched it. Very even handed debate and a few interesting points raised. Swan fared better than the polls had him, and Costello really came off a, well, possibly a good P.M. But Rudd is still a better option.

Whitewash? No: Rudd-wash! - My immediate (seriously, like half an hour after it finished) reactions to the debate that Rudd and Howard had on the 21st of October, 2007.

8.5% - Rudd’s tax plan, and a talk on the fallout from it.

Gaffes - In light of (then) recent gaffes made by Liberal honchos, I asked the question: would they cop the same abuse Rudd received when he made his own mistakes.