Prime Minister Gillard’s response to the loss of Australian soldiers in Afghanistan saw her leading news bulletins nationwide. Independent Andrew Wilkie gained coverage accusing the PM of having blood on her hands, simultaneously grabbing headlines in opposition to the super fishing trawler porting in Tasmania.

But the ALP’s pledge to overhaul education funding has been big news — and it’s here the real story lies. The Government has finally brought the conversation back to its core values with Education Minister Peter Garrett and Health Minister Tanya Plibersek (dental health scheme for kids) now both in our Top 20, unlike the past twelve months where they were near invisible. With conservative governments now dominating the states, those so quick to write Gillard off may need to adjust their sights.

And how about the amazingness of K-Rudd being able to keep himself in our top ten just by visiting a few schools? Isn’t that what every backbencher does? So why is the media covering him? It is desperate to try and keep the leadership story rolling even though it appears a dead horse. Surely that couldn’t have anything to do with most of the Press Gallery guaranteeing a leadership change this year? Anyone been watching US television series Newsroom?

Crikey Political Index 30 August – 5 September 2012

Again an appearance on ABC TV’s Q&A punts a pollie into our social media chart, this time Environment Minister Tony Burke. In the main he attracted unfavourable tweets for not doing enough to protect Australian fisheries from super trawler techniques.

Social Media Top Five

Last year’s US Open champ was “shuffled” off the court by the top seed in the quarter finals overnight.

Comparison