Debate over no-debate in ALP. I am a Northcote ALP branch member and can tell you that for the past year and a bit Fiona Richardson’s head has spun Sybil-style at the very mention of the Greens. The Darebin Climate Action Network has been following her around and demanding answers regarding the closure of Hazelwood — she has incorrectly identified that non-politically aligned organisation as “the Greens” on more than one occasion.
While barely anyone turns up to branch meetings these days — and never anyone under 40 except political staffers — we have never been allowed to have the critical conversation as to why Labor is bleeding so heavily to the Greens. There is no room for views that differ from the right faction of the party. Debate on Labor policy will not be tolerated.
Union heavies Sydney mayor. Last Thursday I attended a fundraiser for Clover Moore at NSW Parliament House. The event was disrupted by a group of men from the Transport Workers Union who berated Moore as she sat in a wheelchair on the stage unable to retreat. It was ugly. I have heard that it was orchestrated by the Kings Cross branch of the ALP. I emailed Tanya Plibersek to inform her of the incident but have had no reply.
The subject of the protest apparently relates to a City of Sydney council waste management tender, which resulted in a pay reduction, but I am told by reliable sources from within council that the issue is essentially a political beat-up designed to damage Moore. This was the first political fund-raiser I have ever attended and I am not a rusted-on Moore supporter. As I said to Plibersek, these tactics only serve to reinforce negative perception of the ALP and do nothing whatsoever to improve their electoral prospects.
Rallying community support. How many Melbourne community groups are receiving money from Bronwyn Pike pre-election?
Trick or treat? Christian Emmery, 20-year old Labor candidate in Farrer, has a Facebook profile photo that might compound suspicions he isn’t a particularly high-calibre candidate. I suppose we should give him the benefit of the doubt — his “Arabic-style” Halloween costume probably represents an earnest plea understanding between different cultures.
Telstra goes offline. Telstra has withdrawn from the Internet Industry Association.
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