@pollietragic.bsky.social
Interested in Australian political posts, detest Regressives. Survivor but politicised , traumatised by Pentagon Papers, Watergate, Vietnam War, Kerr’s Coup. Failed to mellow with age. Let out on special occasions. Forever topping up the optimism moat.
Does anyone recall Howard/any LNP politician saying privatisation would involve shovelling out BILLIONS of taxpayers money PER YEAR to companies operating in the privatised sectors? Aged Care 2023/24: budget allocation was $36 Billion, $21 Billion of that to residential care operators. Since 1997?
October 3, 2025 at 10:48 PM
Does anyone recall Howard/any LNP politician saying privatisation would involve shovelling out BILLIONS of taxpayers money PER YEAR to companies operating in the privatised sectors? Aged Care 2023/24: budget allocation was $36 Billion, $21 Billion of that to residential care operators. Since 1997?
Control the language, control the argument. Time someone replaced government “spending” with “INVESTING” to change the argument.
Even Liberal Party members understand a ‘return on investment’ ROI argument. Then their brain cells need to overcome their prejudice.
Hmmm, suggestions welcome
Even Liberal Party members understand a ‘return on investment’ ROI argument. Then their brain cells need to overcome their prejudice.
Hmmm, suggestions welcome
September 15, 2025 at 10:58 AM
Control the language, control the argument. Time someone replaced government “spending” with “INVESTING” to change the argument.
Even Liberal Party members understand a ‘return on investment’ ROI argument. Then their brain cells need to overcome their prejudice.
Hmmm, suggestions welcome
Even Liberal Party members understand a ‘return on investment’ ROI argument. Then their brain cells need to overcome their prejudice.
Hmmm, suggestions welcome
$12 BILLION to upgrade the WA Henderson naval base! COVID spending proved the federal govt can overnight announce billions of spending that was not budgeted. Can people now see ANY spending on ANY, not every, program is possible? It is just a matter of priorities. “We couldn’t do it this budget?” ?
September 15, 2025 at 10:42 AM
$12 BILLION to upgrade the WA Henderson naval base! COVID spending proved the federal govt can overnight announce billions of spending that was not budgeted. Can people now see ANY spending on ANY, not every, program is possible? It is just a matter of priorities. “We couldn’t do it this budget?” ?
“Gas from offshore fields in Comm’th waters is a fed’l govt responsibility. They impose a petroleum resource rent tax on the exporters’ profits in lieu of (state) royalty. Trouble is, the poor design of the resource rent tax has meant little or no money has been collected.” -Gittins, 13/8/25, 1 of 3
August 28, 2025 at 1:22 PM
“Gas from offshore fields in Comm’th waters is a fed’l govt responsibility. They impose a petroleum resource rent tax on the exporters’ profits in lieu of (state) royalty. Trouble is, the poor design of the resource rent tax has meant little or no money has been collected.” -Gittins, 13/8/25, 1 of 3
The RBA has “a pro-biz bias…reinforced by having a board stacked with business people -at best, only one person from the employees’ perspective. The RBA consults extensively with biz’s, not bothering to talk to the union side. Little wonder forecasts for wage growth are consistently wrong.”- Gittins
people.at
August 28, 2025 at 12:58 PM
The RBA has “a pro-biz bias…reinforced by having a board stacked with business people -at best, only one person from the employees’ perspective. The RBA consults extensively with biz’s, not bothering to talk to the union side. Little wonder forecasts for wage growth are consistently wrong.”- Gittins
Journalists continuing to seek the LNP’s irrelevant opinion for “balance” is akin to seeking a Flat Earther’s opinion after it was accepted that the earth is round.
August 28, 2025 at 12:29 PM
Journalists continuing to seek the LNP’s irrelevant opinion for “balance” is akin to seeking a Flat Earther’s opinion after it was accepted that the earth is round.
QANTAS were fined $90 million for illegally sacking 1820 baggage handlers/ground staff - the largest fine & largest breach of industrial law EVER since the first Conciliation & Arbitration Court was established in 1904. Congrats QANTAS - worst in 121 years! Did MSM harass the CEO/Board members? Nope
August 23, 2025 at 8:24 AM
QANTAS were fined $90 million for illegally sacking 1820 baggage handlers/ground staff - the largest fine & largest breach of industrial law EVER since the first Conciliation & Arbitration Court was established in 1904. Congrats QANTAS - worst in 121 years! Did MSM harass the CEO/Board members? Nope
“The new QLD LNP Govt ‘stands out as an example of wilful obstructionism. QLD was a bright spot for renewables investment until the last state election -hands down the favoured location for investment in renewables -generally, it had a receptive planning regime’ - a senior industry source.” 1 of 2
August 23, 2025 at 7:07 AM
“The new QLD LNP Govt ‘stands out as an example of wilful obstructionism. QLD was a bright spot for renewables investment until the last state election -hands down the favoured location for investment in renewables -generally, it had a receptive planning regime’ - a senior industry source.” 1 of 2
“Current world investment in CCS is aprx $4 billion p.a. -it needs to be $4 trillion p.a. to cover emissions from fossil fuel use.” IEA’s Fatih Birol labelled this “implausible”. AFR 10/5/24.
CCS is a fossil fuel fantasy, not a “vital technology” as Madeleine King, Resources minister said.
3 of 3
CCS is a fossil fuel fantasy, not a “vital technology” as Madeleine King, Resources minister said.
3 of 3
August 10, 2025 at 11:37 PM
“Current world investment in CCS is aprx $4 billion p.a. -it needs to be $4 trillion p.a. to cover emissions from fossil fuel use.” IEA’s Fatih Birol labelled this “implausible”. AFR 10/5/24.
CCS is a fossil fuel fantasy, not a “vital technology” as Madeleine King, Resources minister said.
3 of 3
CCS is a fossil fuel fantasy, not a “vital technology” as Madeleine King, Resources minister said.
3 of 3
The Gorgon Gas CCS project has had tens of billions of investment & cost blowouts, years of engineering delays resulted in abysmal failure.
IEA chief Fatih Birol, said CCS technology will never scale up to cover the emissions of the oil & gas sector - “It’s a fantasy.”
-AFR 10/5/24
2 of 3
IEA chief Fatih Birol, said CCS technology will never scale up to cover the emissions of the oil & gas sector - “It’s a fantasy.”
-AFR 10/5/24
2 of 3
August 10, 2025 at 11:33 PM
The Gorgon Gas CCS project has had tens of billions of investment & cost blowouts, years of engineering delays resulted in abysmal failure.
IEA chief Fatih Birol, said CCS technology will never scale up to cover the emissions of the oil & gas sector - “It’s a fantasy.”
-AFR 10/5/24
2 of 3
IEA chief Fatih Birol, said CCS technology will never scale up to cover the emissions of the oil & gas sector - “It’s a fantasy.”
-AFR 10/5/24
2 of 3
World giants Chevron, ExxonMobil and Shell, were approved in 2009 to operate the WA Gorgon gas project, the world’s largest Carbon Capture and Storage project, on the basis that it would capture 80% of the CO2 it removed.
In 2023/24, they captured only 30%, its worse underperformance.
1 of 3
In 2023/24, they captured only 30%, its worse underperformance.
1 of 3
August 10, 2025 at 11:30 PM
World giants Chevron, ExxonMobil and Shell, were approved in 2009 to operate the WA Gorgon gas project, the world’s largest Carbon Capture and Storage project, on the basis that it would capture 80% of the CO2 it removed.
In 2023/24, they captured only 30%, its worse underperformance.
1 of 3
In 2023/24, they captured only 30%, its worse underperformance.
1 of 3
“Working class people around the world have no innate desire to go to war with each other. They have to be conned in to it by the sociopaths who will profit from it.”
- John Lennon.
- John Lennon.
August 7, 2025 at 1:09 PM
“Working class people around the world have no innate desire to go to war with each other. They have to be conned in to it by the sociopaths who will profit from it.”
- John Lennon.
- John Lennon.
“Anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that 'my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.”
- Isaac Asimov, who said this before the first term of Trump & the rise of social media.
- Isaac Asimov, who said this before the first term of Trump & the rise of social media.
August 7, 2025 at 1:07 PM
“Anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that 'my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.”
- Isaac Asimov, who said this before the first term of Trump & the rise of social media.
- Isaac Asimov, who said this before the first term of Trump & the rise of social media.
Commenting on her 1968 ‘Rollascape 2’ painting, a bold & yellow series of exuberant curves, unfurling for 3 metres:
“That’s one my favourites. I think it works very well & the fact it means absolutely nothing is terrific.” - 90yr old Janet Dawson, 2025
Decades of critics, defining its meaning!
“That’s one my favourites. I think it works very well & the fact it means absolutely nothing is terrific.” - 90yr old Janet Dawson, 2025
Decades of critics, defining its meaning!
August 1, 2025 at 11:57 PM
Commenting on her 1968 ‘Rollascape 2’ painting, a bold & yellow series of exuberant curves, unfurling for 3 metres:
“That’s one my favourites. I think it works very well & the fact it means absolutely nothing is terrific.” - 90yr old Janet Dawson, 2025
Decades of critics, defining its meaning!
“That’s one my favourites. I think it works very well & the fact it means absolutely nothing is terrific.” - 90yr old Janet Dawson, 2025
Decades of critics, defining its meaning!
“I did that photo of Michaelia Cash snarling, and she looks like she stepped in something every time she looks at me now!
I always say, I didn’t make you do that!”
- Mick Tsikas, AAP photographer
I always say, I didn’t make you do that!”
- Mick Tsikas, AAP photographer
August 1, 2025 at 1:59 PM
“I did that photo of Michaelia Cash snarling, and she looks like she stepped in something every time she looks at me now!
I always say, I didn’t make you do that!”
- Mick Tsikas, AAP photographer
I always say, I didn’t make you do that!”
- Mick Tsikas, AAP photographer
Reposted
I understand Boyle stepped through the whole internal process to alert ATO management to the problem. With no management action, going public to whistleblow was his last option. Consequently, the ATO “changed” (IMPROVED?) the wages garnishee process. He was right, but they crucified him. It stinks!
August 1, 2025 at 1:03 PM
I understand Boyle stepped through the whole internal process to alert ATO management to the problem. With no management action, going public to whistleblow was his last option. Consequently, the ATO “changed” (IMPROVED?) the wages garnishee process. He was right, but they crucified him. It stinks!
“In 2019, researchers analysed employment data/surveyed 1,800+ employees & 200 owner-managers in retail & hospitality. They found NO EVIDENCE of jobs being created by the 2017 penalty rates reduction.”
- C. Wright, The Conversation 29/7/25
MSM? Major news? Why not?
2 of 2
- C. Wright, The Conversation 29/7/25
MSM? Major news? Why not?
2 of 2
August 1, 2025 at 12:33 AM
“In 2019, researchers analysed employment data/surveyed 1,800+ employees & 200 owner-managers in retail & hospitality. They found NO EVIDENCE of jobs being created by the 2017 penalty rates reduction.”
- C. Wright, The Conversation 29/7/25
MSM? Major news? Why not?
2 of 2
- C. Wright, The Conversation 29/7/25
MSM? Major news? Why not?
2 of 2
“In 2017, the Fair Work Commission (FWC) cut Sunday/public holiday PENALTY RATES by 25% - 50% for 700,000+ workers covered by retail, hospitality, fast food & pharmacy awards.
The FWC agreed with employer groups…these cuts would create more jobs.” -The Conversation 16/5/19. Didn’t happen. 1 of 2
The FWC agreed with employer groups…these cuts would create more jobs.” -The Conversation 16/5/19. Didn’t happen. 1 of 2
August 1, 2025 at 12:27 AM
“In 2017, the Fair Work Commission (FWC) cut Sunday/public holiday PENALTY RATES by 25% - 50% for 700,000+ workers covered by retail, hospitality, fast food & pharmacy awards.
The FWC agreed with employer groups…these cuts would create more jobs.” -The Conversation 16/5/19. Didn’t happen. 1 of 2
The FWC agreed with employer groups…these cuts would create more jobs.” -The Conversation 16/5/19. Didn’t happen. 1 of 2
NSW Crime Comm’n said billions of aprx $95billion gambled in 2021/22 on NSW poker machines was likely dirty money. (Now) AUSTRAC takes NSW Mounties Grp to Fed’l Court for many breaches of (pokies) money laundering laws that gave organised crime opportunities -Crikey report. Minns? MSM? BIG news? No.
July 31, 2025 at 8:03 AM
NSW Crime Comm’n said billions of aprx $95billion gambled in 2021/22 on NSW poker machines was likely dirty money. (Now) AUSTRAC takes NSW Mounties Grp to Fed’l Court for many breaches of (pokies) money laundering laws that gave organised crime opportunities -Crikey report. Minns? MSM? BIG news? No.
Champion cartoonist, Golding, would have considered it unethical to draw a dead body or two around this sign.
He assumes everyone seeing this is aware that Israeli military shot innocent men, women & children who were queueing for food from aid organisations. They sink to new lows every day.
He assumes everyone seeing this is aware that Israeli military shot innocent men, women & children who were queueing for food from aid organisations. They sink to new lows every day.
Inhumane aid delivery area. @theage
July 31, 2025 at 6:05 AM
Champion cartoonist, Golding, would have considered it unethical to draw a dead body or two around this sign.
He assumes everyone seeing this is aware that Israeli military shot innocent men, women & children who were queueing for food from aid organisations. They sink to new lows every day.
He assumes everyone seeing this is aware that Israeli military shot innocent men, women & children who were queueing for food from aid organisations. They sink to new lows every day.
Reposted
It’s happening: the Federal Govt scheme offering (up to?) 30% discount on batteries is pushing demand through the roof.
It’s tagged “The Second Revolution.” Batteries very cost-effective for peak household demand 6pm to 9pm. This is when gas & coal based generators make their money. Not for long!
It’s tagged “The Second Revolution.” Batteries very cost-effective for peak household demand 6pm to 9pm. This is when gas & coal based generators make their money. Not for long!
July 30, 2025 at 4:01 AM
It’s happening: the Federal Govt scheme offering (up to?) 30% discount on batteries is pushing demand through the roof.
It’s tagged “The Second Revolution.” Batteries very cost-effective for peak household demand 6pm to 9pm. This is when gas & coal based generators make their money. Not for long!
It’s tagged “The Second Revolution.” Batteries very cost-effective for peak household demand 6pm to 9pm. This is when gas & coal based generators make their money. Not for long!
“Oz taxpayers on the hook to pay Chevron more than $500m ($500 MILLION - GASP!!!) to clean up oil wells.”- Guardian Oz 23/7/25
40yrs! of oil mining, Chevron paid only $1 billion in royalties.
Burke WA govt passed 1985 law for taxpayers to pay rehab’n costs!!!!!!
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
40yrs! of oil mining, Chevron paid only $1 billion in royalties.
Burke WA govt passed 1985 law for taxpayers to pay rehab’n costs!!!!!!
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
Australian taxpayers on the hook to pay Chevron more than $500m to clean up oil wells
Deal struck in 1980s refunds about half of what the US multinational fossil fuel company paid in royalties, documents show
www.theguardian.com
July 30, 2025 at 12:07 AM
“Oz taxpayers on the hook to pay Chevron more than $500m ($500 MILLION - GASP!!!) to clean up oil wells.”- Guardian Oz 23/7/25
40yrs! of oil mining, Chevron paid only $1 billion in royalties.
Burke WA govt passed 1985 law for taxpayers to pay rehab’n costs!!!!!!
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
40yrs! of oil mining, Chevron paid only $1 billion in royalties.
Burke WA govt passed 1985 law for taxpayers to pay rehab’n costs!!!!!!
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
How the preferential system works, why it works even better with a few beers… and why the first-past-the-post beer may mean that the majority of beers are wasted.
Magic!
Magic!
Our preferential voting system, explained with the use of ... schooners of beer! How relatable! ⤵️
Moral of the story:
✳️ Preferences matter, even if you vote for an outside chance!
✳️ Number every square (after 1️⃣ for me, of course!)
#election25 #auspol
Moral of the story:
✳️ Preferences matter, even if you vote for an outside chance!
✳️ Number every square (after 1️⃣ for me, of course!)
#election25 #auspol
July 28, 2025 at 7:44 AM
How the preferential system works, why it works even better with a few beers… and why the first-past-the-post beer may mean that the majority of beers are wasted.
Magic!
Magic!
Reposted
“We are the 7th lowest taxer of personal income in the OECD”
(aprx 31 OECD nations tax income more!)
& “the 11th lowest when you include corporate income” (ie. 27 OECD nations have a higher total income/ corporate tax than Oz.) -Greg Jericho, Guardian Oz 24/7/25
Biz sector/MSM always say opposite!
(aprx 31 OECD nations tax income more!)
& “the 11th lowest when you include corporate income” (ie. 27 OECD nations have a higher total income/ corporate tax than Oz.) -Greg Jericho, Guardian Oz 24/7/25
Biz sector/MSM always say opposite!
July 26, 2025 at 12:38 PM
“We are the 7th lowest taxer of personal income in the OECD”
(aprx 31 OECD nations tax income more!)
& “the 11th lowest when you include corporate income” (ie. 27 OECD nations have a higher total income/ corporate tax than Oz.) -Greg Jericho, Guardian Oz 24/7/25
Biz sector/MSM always say opposite!
(aprx 31 OECD nations tax income more!)
& “the 11th lowest when you include corporate income” (ie. 27 OECD nations have a higher total income/ corporate tax than Oz.) -Greg Jericho, Guardian Oz 24/7/25
Biz sector/MSM always say opposite!