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Tuesday, 02 December 2008

Swan slams 'spendthrift' Turnbull after pricey press conference

16/09/2008 6:09:00 PM.  | Jason Morrison, Anil Lambert-Patel & AAP

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New Opposition Leader Malcolm Turnbull has been accused of being economically irresponsible, after making $20 billion worth of promises in just 20 minutes.

Wayne Swan says he tallied up the numbers during Mr Turnbull's first speech in the Liberal's top job.

The Treasurer has told Parliament while none of the announcements were new, it shows poor economic leadership.

"The leader of the Opposition spent $20 billion in a 20 minute press conference."

"He wants to raid the (budget) surplus to the tune of $6 billion and then he recommitted to a whole set of spending requirements which have been outlined by the previous leader of the Opposition."

However Mr Turnbull used his first question in parliament as Opposition Leader to push the Prime Minister on economic policy.

The former Shadow Treasurer has been elevated to Liberal leader, after beating Brendan Nelson by just four votes in a snap party room ballot.

Mr Turnbull has been critical of the Government's economic management, and has pledged to hold them to account as leader.

“What concrete action is the Prime Minister now taking to further strengthen the Australian economy and, in particular, the financial sector in response to the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers investment bank?” he asked as his first question as Opposition Leader.

Speaking at his first media address earlier this morning, Mr Turnbull attempted to clearly outline the difference between the Coalition and Labor.

"Australia can do anything," he said

"But we need to have confidence, we need to have leadership, we need – above all – to have the opportunities to do well.

"And that is the great difference between our side of politics and leadership.

"Because we believe that government’s role is to enable each and every Australian to do their best.

"Labor believes government knows best. We are not so vain as Mr Rudd."

The Member for Wentworth, in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs, was eager to point out he doesn't come to the leadership from a position of privilege.

“I know what it’s like to be very short of money,” the 53-year-old said.

“I know what it’s like to live in rented flats. I know what it’s like to grow up with a single parent, with no support other than a devoted and loyal father.

“I know Australians are doing it tough.”

10:20 AM

Malcolm Turnbull is the new federal Opposition leader after winning a surprise leadership ballot 45 votes to 41.

Julie Bishop has won the position of deputy leader unopposed.

Outgoing Liberal leader Brendan Nelson left the party room without speaking to the media.

He walked into his offices where he is expected to spend the rest of day making way for Mr Turnbull and his staff.

Dr Nelson called the surprise leadership spill at a party meeting last night.

He announced the ballot to the amazement of colleagues and almost immediately he gained support from Peter Costello, who said he deserved a clean run.

Some pundits have even suggested it was Mr Costello's idea to force the leadership spill in an attempt to wrongfoot Mr Turnbull.

But this morning the Member for Wentworth won over the partyroom, after losing to Dr Nelson by just three votes last November.

One of Mr Turnbull's Michael Ronaldson said it was a good result.

"The party can now move forward, Malcolm will lead the party with vigour and strength," he told reporters,

Christopher Pyne said: "It's a terrific result for the party."

But Liberal stalwart Nick Minchin says Dr Nelson deserved more time as Liberal leader.

Senator Minchin says he voted for Dr Nelson but will work hard to ensure Mr Turnbull becomes prime minister in 2010.

But with this morning's vote again close, it leaves the question of party unity still unresolved.

COMMENTS

Tuesday, 16 September 2008

Must be slow news day. Who really cares apart from the pompous Liberals voters. With their King Mr Turnbull bound to take over and be the caretaker for Costello to take over 6 months out from the next election. Like any Opposition Party they are insignificant.

Posted by: Thommo 40, Gotham

Tuesday, 16 September 2008

Gee, now we're all 'pompous' liberal voters....? ... what an ignorant generalisation. Does that mean that I should generalise and call all Labor voters "yobbos/westies/dole bludgers' ?..... Don't paint everyone with the same brush as yourself. Labor were in opposition for an incredibly long time.... didn't realise that meant they were 'insignificant' for all that time. Never mind, charismatic Kevin's doing a wonderful job, isn't he lol. Such a wise choice.

Posted by: Lisa Watkins, Chatswood

Tuesday, 16 September 2008

Some people care Thommo, such as Malcolm's butler, Geeves, who rang to congratulate his "master" as soon as he heard the news. Malcolm just asked Geeves to get an extra bottle of Dom Perignon from the cellar and ice it for when he got home to the estate.

Posted by: Russell Jones, Toowomba

Wednesday, 17 September 2008

I think Australian people should celibrate self made people such as our new leader of the opposition as we support our sporting stars. I would love to see some one with real world experience with people and management skills have a chance to be heard in intelecutal debate. If you don't agree with everything he says I am sure there will be at some stage realistic sentiment that even Mr Henderson will agree with. Change is not always bad and I look forward to see how he goes.

Posted by: D McK, Gold Coast

 

Tuesday, 16 September 2008

there we go, how all of you tell us how good he is go on

Posted by: Belinda Hummie, New lambton

 

Tuesday, 16 September 2008

Oh dear what a shame still never mind. Brengun couldn't even win under these circumstances. Now, Spinbulldung gets to try to be King, the big question is can he be worse than Nelson? After having watched Malcontent flip flop on so many positions ons anticipates interesting times ahead. It's good to see the end of Nelson though. Hopefully those who have supported Nelson will now realise how stupid they are and give up commenting on politics.

Posted by: Graeme Henderson, Darling Downs

Tuesday, 16 September 2008

*yawns* I see Graeme is back. Let's talk about flip flopping. Your beloved Spin Duke Rudd flip flops depending on press coverage and poll ratings. Lets worry about the important things Graeme, like climate change, going on overseas trips and alcopop taxes. Bring it on Malcolm, save us from more eh "krudd" Graeme you are the biggest brainwashed Labor sod on this site. I laugh daily at your socialist idiocy.

Posted by: Patricia S, Sydney

Tuesday, 16 September 2008

Patricia Sourgrapes, Sydney. Obviously you are embarrassed and annoyed at the fiasco that pretends to be the Liberal Party. I am honoured to discover that I have annoyed you to the point where you feel compelled to attack me because you haven't a single valid point to make on the subject at hand. You libs are just losing all the time these days. So I can understand your desperation and I thank you that even at such a bad time as this is for you, that you so generously give me laugh.

Posted by: Graeme Henderson, Darling Downs

Thursday, 18 September 2008

Congratulations Greyhair Henderslop! Labour beat Liberal. Kudos to you! We all look forward to many years of 18% interest rates. I was wondering though, how did you feel about Labour and their economic wisdom when rates were that high? I guess in your book it was the "recession we had to have". Please answer my question because I've asked you before and you conveniently ignore it. This is sure to prove what a dummy you really are.

Posted by: Henderson's Nemesis, Darling Downs

 

Tuesday, 16 September 2008

Oh good gawwwd Belinda, who said he was good ?. I certainly didnt, he won by 2 votes. NOW if I were Turnbull , I would be looking over my shoulder. Costello said he wouldnt challenge Nelson, he didnt say he wouldnt challenge Turnbull. It isnt over yet, worse luck. Ill leave the "telling how good he is" to the ones who tell us all how good Mr Rudd is.

Posted by: susan lawe, gippsland

 

Tuesday, 16 September 2008

Thommo of Gotham is probably typical of a one eyed Labor voter. Despite the current federal government being unable to come to any decisions themselves, unless they form a committee or review board, he must think they are doing a good job. Whilst pensioners starve on the current allowance, the Prime Minister is overseas, spending your tax dollars on photo opportunities! In case you missed it, Mr Costello has publicly announced that he will not be taking over as leader, now or in the future. DUH!

Posted by: Paul Hussey, Penrith

Tuesday, 16 September 2008

Paul Hussey, Penrith, Who paid for Nelson's recent Junket. I don't recall you complaining about that, but I do recall that I pointed out at the time how pointless it was for the next ex leader of the Libs to be meeting with US Presidential candidates at tax payers expense.

Posted by: Graeme Henderson, Darling Downs

 

Tuesday, 16 September 2008

We can now expect the Lib supporters to jump like rats from the good ship Nelson onto the Republican vessel Spinbulldung, and claim that they have always supported him and that he is better than Rudd, Swan, Nelson, Howard, Costello, Christ and Menzies himself. Just remember, this is all Howard and his supporters fault.

Posted by: Graeme Henderson, Darling Downs

 

Tuesday, 16 September 2008

Nelson says not you too as Abbott and Bishop put the knife in his back.This Leadership decision will NOT unite the Liberal party and will only compound the problem.Wonder which way Hockey voted?Bishop is a Judas of the highest order and Turnbull had better watch his back with her.Abbott as treasurer? Nelson Backbench? I'm sure we will hear a lot more on the ONGOING leadership and Unity problems.

Posted by: Paul Keating, Dapto

Tuesday, 16 September 2008

Nice try Dapto, but you are completely wrong. Increasingly the focus is on our bureaucrat PM and his inability to make any decisions of consequence. We can tell you're all worried sick...just look at the quantity of entries from foul mouth Henderson!

Posted by: Geoff Bolton, Lane Cove

Tuesday, 16 September 2008

So Bolton, do you support Malcontent Spinbull as the Leader of the Libs. If you now do, because you never have before, can you explain how you can chop and change like this, Or, are you still holding out for Runawaycrybaby Costello to save you. Can you support the Libs and not their leader?

Posted by: Graeme Henderson, Darling Downs

Tuesday, 16 September 2008

Geoff Bolton spot on about Hendo and the rest of the Labor loving losers. Labor lovers should know all about party/leadership issues, not long ago Labor were going through different leadership phases like Elvis taking hits. Liberal voters remember the days of John Howard when he was in opposition and lost his leadership then regained it later. The difference with Liberal voters is we’re more mature about these situations and realise these things happen in any side, no party is immune.

Posted by: Bart R, Sydney

 

Tuesday, 16 September 2008

if he doesnt take the Govt to task, and do it well, he wont be there long either....correction, he lost by 4 votes, I would hardly call that reassuring for him. Hockey will take him on if he doesnt perform, Turnbull has been the one speaking of challenging while everyone else was consumed with Costello. Now, at least, we can see him in action...I will reserve my opinion for a week or two. Should not worry Mr Rudds people who leads the Opposition , Rudd is after all the PM.

Posted by: susan lawe, gippsland

 

Tuesday, 16 September 2008

The Liberals have finally decided to reveal their true colours by placing another 'corporate lawyer' at the helm. I am adamant that 'Multi millions Turdbull' has a vast knowledge of the issues facing working families. Don't be fooled if the Liberals are re-elected workchoices will be resurrected.

Posted by: Sean Ambrose, Helensburgh

Tuesday, 16 September 2008

Turnbull has about as much chance of knowing about working families as Millionaire Mr Rudd, the main difference is Malcolm Turnbull made his millions, Mr Rudd's wife made hers and he just benefits from her abilities because he has none.

Posted by: Jennifer T, Bulli

Tuesday, 16 September 2008

Sean Ambrose, Helensburgh - I'd be a little more bashful about bringing up the finances of Turnbull if I were you. There's a few toffs on the other side as well - have a look at our ACTU pal Combet as an example. Nice pad he bought outside the electorate he was parachuted into and now represents. And let's not forget the PM himself. He's got piles!

Posted by: Craig Resides, Newbridge

Tuesday, 16 September 2008

Poor didums - Piles you say!!!!

Posted by: RS ****, Sydney

Wednesday, 17 September 2008

Ambrose...."corporate lawyer" vs "career bureaucrat". I know where my preference would be!

Posted by: Geoff Bolton, Lane Cove

 

Tuesday, 16 September 2008

Now we can be certain of one thing - the pro-Labor idiots who voted this bunch of time-wasters and usless drongoes in to office, to rush to demonstrate their stupidity again by having a bash at Malcolm Turnbull. The truth is, of couirse, that they are terrified that this Labor Government will be a "one term" lot, and they will try their hardest to keep Kevin Rudd travelling around the world at our expense, trying to make himself a World Leader. What a waste of time.

Posted by: Geoff Cass, Tewantin. Qld. 4565

 

Tuesday, 16 September 2008

you can put lipstick on a pig, but its still a pig

Posted by: ian kogneeto, the sty