State Election 2010

[Cruise]

For that reason alone, I have just decided to vote liberal.

At the risk of a 24-hour ban, "THEN YOU'RE A DICKHEAD!"

No offense meant, I just had to throw that in

Don't worry, i got it

My point was i remeber on SSC they were about a dozen people in WA saying if the libs won they would move interstate. Guess how many where talking shit?
the correct answer is all of them. And i feel pretty sure Shuz is doing the same.


Anyway, I'm sure this has nothing to do with securing the grey vote
http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/stor ... 82,00.html

ADELAIDE seniors will be able to ride off-peak trams, trains and buses for free under a $10 million scheme announced by the State Government today.

All 275,000 holders of the Seniors Card will be able to travel free on trains, buses and trams from 9.30am to 3pm on weekdays, all weekend and public holidays from July 1.

The current 50 per cent ticket concession available to senior's cardholders and other concession groups for peak-hour travel will be maintained.

Premier Mike Rann said it was an initiative that older South Australians deserved.

Transport Minister Patrick Conlon, asked if the election campaign had started early, said it was an idea "people can get their teeth into as opposed to the Liberals' three ideas for a hospital".

"There are things you do for people and there are gimmicks," Mr Conlon said. "We are not going to offer three options about how people catch buses."

Concessions from the State Government - on council rates, water, energy and vehicle registration fees - that directly assist elderly South Australians and pensioners cost, on average, between $300 and $870 a year.

Mr Conlon said the new scheme would cost about $10 million a year.

He said it would help attract even more people to public transport and would improve the situation on peak-hour travel by freeing up more space for those commuters.

Mr Rann said people were being hit hard during the global economic downturn - especially self-funded retirees whose investments were returning very little as interest rates dropped and so much had been wiped off the value of shares and stocks.

"We want older people to keep moving and this scheme offers a good incentive to help them to do so," Mr Rann said.

Opposition spokeswoman on the ageing Isobel Redmond said the plan to offer free public transport to senior citizens was a carbon copy of Liberal policies.

She said the WA Liberal Government had announced an identical plan just a couple of weeks ago.

"Last week, when the state Liberals proposed free public transport during Clipsal, Mr Rann demanded to know how it would be funded," Ms Redmond said.

"Mr Rann must now explain how he will afford his plan and where are his costings?"

[Ho Really]

I wouldn't be alarmed. The same thing happens on the News.com.au/Adelaidenow.com.au site.

If you look at official polls, Labor is well ahead. - I'm sure the (I suspect- who else would waste their time?)Liberal staffers and Young Liberal members who distort the online polls would love to be able to do the same to the official polls. But thank the Lord they can't, because it gives us a real indication of the publics view, and highlights the desperate measures taken by the Libs.

Tell us why would they waste their time to distort the polls? What is there to gain?

And why is Labor ahead???

Well what has Hamilton-Smith offered? Pie in the sky stuff without any idea how it will all be paid for. If that's all it takes to lead a political party, why aren't we all party leaders? I've got some great ideas. Don't know how they will be paid for. But they are lovely ideas. Vote for me.
He will build us a new stadium, but nobody knows were the money will come from.
He will rebuild the RAH, but again were's the money coming from?
What else has he offered?
What are his policies?
Who knows....

NHS hasn't got the benefit of being in government and all the resources that go with it. It makes a difference. If Labor was in opposition they would also be doing the same, coming up with ideas and alternatives, good and bad.

The stadium won't be built, especially now that finance is much harder to get. So it won't be something MHS will prioritise for an up-and-coming election.

Where's the money for the New RAH coming from? Isn't that the money MHS will use for his RAH redevelopment?

Why should MHS give his policies out now that we are still some time away from an election. You know politicians play politics!

Labor is getting things done. Turning South Road into a non-stop north-south corridor is well under way.
Tram line extension is going ahead.
Electrification of the rail network is going ahead.
Turning the ASC/Outher Harbour area into a ship building centre.

Sure, they are getting things done... by wasting a lot of taxpayers money on half baked projects: South Road should be a freeway full stop and should have been done from the Dustan era. Now it is going to be a mish-mash that won't solve traffic issues.

The tram line extension up Port Road past Coca-Cola and the brewery should just turn into the railyards at North Terrace and save us money (on duplication).

Electrification is cool, yes we all want it, but unless we have power sources that guarantee us electricity in the heatwaves (that we'll get more of) our trains will be useless. How about some forward thinking there?

The ASC/Techport will last as long as we have navy vessels, because building anything else that is not tied with our Defence requirements, will not happen at Port Adelaide. We cannot compete with Asia (Korea, China, Vietnam and soon India). And remember it was the Liberals at Fed level that got the ball rolling on this and other big projects: Airport, Adelaide-Darwin railway.

And don't come back saying the Libs have done nothing for this state infrastructure-wise when they were in office.

Cheers

[JamesXander]

I am seriously alarmed by the increase of Liberal would-be voters.

I have mentioned it to my friends and the such already, but I guess, I'll make mention of it now.
If they elected; I am moving state. Sorry if I'm contributing to the 'mass migration of our youth interstate', but I cannot live with the decimation of our state by the Liberals.

And to be honest, you lot can go on about how ignorant and idiotic that may seem - but I believe many people are being ignorant and idiotic for actually having faith in the Liberal party to lead this state, especially with MHS at the helm. It's a recipe for disaster.

Your alarmed.


Again how do you know MHS is a shit leader, that the Liberals will ruin this state.

Ghod, by just reading your posts you can see your one eyed, your completely biased. and so you sprout this stuff.

this is a gem btw " I believe many people are being ignorant and idiotic for actually having faith in the Liberal party to lead this state"

Maybe we should become a one party state. Yes thats the way.


NO its not, we need a healthy opposition otherwise governments are ineffective. So stop being so ignorant and look at both sides of politics.

[Norman]

I don't really want to get into this debate but...

Where's the money for the New RAH coming from? Isn't that the money MHS will use for his RAH redevelopment?

The new RAH is a PPP, so they don't have to pay the $1.7b upfront.

Sure, they are getting things done... by wasting a lot of taxpayers money on half baked projects: South Road should be a freeway full stop and should have been done from the Dustan era. Now it is going to be a mish-mash that won't solve traffic issues.

Things like the Sturt Road Underpass and Gallipoli Underpass would actually be used in a freeway if that was to ever come about, but by the time they are building the freeway, some of the infrastructure would already be in place.

Electrification is cool, yes we all want it, but unless we have power sources that guarantee us electricity in the heatwaves (that we'll get more of) our trains will be useless. How about some forward thinking there?

They just opened a new gas power plant on Torrens Island. Most of the blackouts that are occurring are caused by old infrastructure in wires and substations, not lack of power or power plants.

[Ho Really]

I don't really want to get into this debate but...

I understand no one likes to get into arguing matches...however certain things need debating and questions asked/answered.

Where's the money for the New RAH coming from? Isn't that the money MHS will use for his RAH redevelopment?

The new RAH is a PPP, so they don't have to pay the $1.7b upfront.

So why can't a redeveloped RAH be a PPP as well?

Sure, they are getting things done... by wasting a lot of taxpayers money on half baked projects: South Road should be a freeway full stop and should have been done from the Dustan era. Now it is going to be a mish-mash that won't solve traffic issues.

Things like the Sturt Road Underpass and Gallipoli Underpass would actually be used in a freeway if that was to ever come about, but by the time they are building the freeway, some of the infrastructure would already be in place.

I don't think so. Looking at renderings of the Adelaide-Glenelg tram overpass on South Road, there isn't much room for emergency lanes on each side. Also the median strip looks very narrow. I don't think this overpass has been planned for South Road to be a freeway. You've been to the Gallipoli Underpass, I haven't, is there room for emergency lanes? Also has it been designed for speeds higher than 80kph?

Electrification is cool, yes we all want it, but unless we have power sources that guarantee us electricity in the heatwaves (that we'll get more of) our trains will be useless. How about some forward thinking there?

They just opened a new gas power plant on Torrens Island. Most of the blackouts that are occurring are caused by old infrastructure in wires and substations, not lack of power or power plants.

You forgot our interstate neigbours too. Maybe they can redirect power to the transport grid. I don't know how it works. The desal plant and growing population (extra 450,000 targeted) will need the extra power. Let's hope they are keeping that in mind.

Cheers

[Norman]

So why can't a redeveloped RAH be a PPP as well?

It can be, but MHS hasn't made any mention of this.

I don't think so. Looking at renderings of the Adelaide-Glenelg tram overpass on South Road, there isn't much room for emergency lanes on each side. Also the median strip looks very narrow. I don't think this overpass has been planned for South Road to be a freeway. You've been to the Gallipoli Underpass, I haven't, is there room for emergency lanes? Also has it been designed for speeds higher than 80kph?

While I'm not sure on the Tram Overpass, the Gallipoli Underpass has plenty of room for emergency lanes (with the Bike Lanes taken out) and continue to be 2+2. The median strip is wide enough as well. I think with this setup, a speed limit of lt least 80km/h can be achieved.

You forgot our interstate neigbours too. Maybe they can redirect power to the transport grid. I don't know how it works. The desal plant and growing population (extra 450,000 targeted) will need the extra power. Let's hope they are keeping that in mind.

Do remember that there is a constant increase in power supply, including wind farms and other emerging technologies. If there's a reason for me to swing in Labor's favour, it's their commitment to renewable energy such as wind farms. It's about 20% of our total power supply now I think. I do give Labor credit for that for sure.

For me personally, I have three main points I look for in the party of my choosing. They are:
-Transport - Making it better in terms of service, reliability and sustainability,
-Environment - Commitment to green and renewable power sources and
-Finances - Keeping the budget in a good shape. I don't care much about the state's credit ratings, as long as they don't go into too much debt (like Queensland) I'll be happy.

[rev]

Tell us why would they waste their time to distort the polls? What is there to gain?

If I have to explain why such a tactic would be used...

And why is Labor ahead???
NHS hasn't got the benefit of being in government and all the resources that go with it. It makes a difference. If Labor was in opposition they would also be doing the same, coming up with ideas and alternatives, good and bad.

The stadium won't be built, especially now that finance is much harder to get. So it won't be something MHS will prioritise for an up-and-coming election.

Where's the money for the New RAH coming from? Isn't that the money MHS will use for his RAH redevelopment?

Why should MHS give his policies out now that we are still some time away from an election. You know politicians play politics!

So you think the Liberals would have released their proposal for a rebuild at RAH, if doctors hadn't gone public and urged the government to rebuild rather then start from scratch on a new site?
MHS & the Lib party are all about putting on a show to try and "wow" voters.
The funny thing is it would probably work if they stayed silent till the election then released all these promises and plans.

Sure, they are getting things done... by wasting a lot of taxpayers money on half baked projects: South Road should be a freeway full stop and should have been done from the Dustan era. Now it is going to be a mish-mash that won't solve traffic issues.

The tram line extension up Port Road past Coca-Cola and the brewery should just turn into the railyards at North Terrace and save us money (on duplication).

Electrification is cool, yes we all want it, but unless we have power sources that guarantee us electricity in the heatwaves (that we'll get more of) our trains will be useless. How about some forward thinking there?

The ASC/Techport will last as long as we have navy vessels, because building anything else that is not tied with our Defence requirements, will not happen at Port Adelaide. We cannot compete with Asia (Korea, China, Vietnam and soon India). And remember it was the Liberals at Fed level that got the ball rolling on this and other big projects: Airport, Adelaide-Darwin railway.

Cheers

Don't disagree about south road being a freeway.
Well, I think it's pretty much guaranteed we will have navy vessels for the foreseeable future and beyond. Never said we would build merchant vessels. I don't think that's the idea behind ASC & the techport/maritime skills centre anyway. Beyond the destroyer project, the submarine project will be quite extensive. There will always be a need for new vessels, new types.

And don't come back saying the Libs have done nothing for this state infrastructure-wise when they were in office.

So I shouldn't mention the world first(and only) one way express way?

[rhino]

I don't think so. Looking at renderings of the Adelaide-Glenelg tram overpass on South Road, there isn't much room for emergency lanes on each side. Also the median strip looks very narrow.

The median is a low concrete wall at the bottom of the South Eastern Freeway. Doesn't take up much room.

I don't think this overpass has been planned for South Road to be a freeway. You've been to the Gallipoli Underpass, I haven't, is there room for emergency lanes? Also has it been designed for speeds higher than 80kph?

There are no emergency lanes in the Heysen Tunnels, which are 500m long IIRC, and have a curve which you cannot see around. The Gallipoli Underpass is relatively straight, shorter than that, and is not a tunnel. I'm sure we could get by without emergency lanes for it's short length.

[Wayno]

If there's a reason for me to swing in Labor's favour, it's their commitment to renewable energy such as wind farms. It's about 20% of our total power supply now I think. I do give Labor credit for that for sure.

I'm not sure of the percentage, but let's stick with 20% for the discussion.

it's actually about 20% of our power "capacity". Individual households much formally choose to pay extra for green power, therefore i strongly doubt 20% of SA's "consumption" is green energy. Big difference. I believe most of our "generated" green power is purchased interstate.

[rhino]

According to the radio this morning, usage is actually closer to 10% in this state. I dare say this has to do with the fact that green power is dearer, although there are ways around that too. There's a website which shows how much green energy different electricity providers access, and has boxes for you to fill in your electricity usage (use your last invoice for the numbers) and work out how much it would have cost you to be with different companies.

[stumpjumper]

It seems that Rann is hoping that by the election in 2010 Adelaide will have several major building works in progress: the new hospital, the old hospital makeover (the cost of which the government consistently leaves out of the total cost of the new project), the police HQ, the super schools and Gillard's school building stimulus projects etc.

The problem is that the government projects are all to be built with borrowed money and will not produce income.

Meanwhile, WorkCover's unfunded liabilities have reached $1.3 billion and the government's unfunded superannuation liabilities are similarly massive.

The cranes on the skyline may help get Rann re-elected, but remember that they will be paid for by taxing the next generation of income earners.

Instead of offering SA the built form of the mantra 'health, schools, law and order', why can't we have some infrastructure or other spending which produces income?

Why not (to name a few things in no particular order):

An arid lands farming centre which could consult to the world?

Tourism infrastructure, eg a 'gateway to the outback' as once proposed for the Old Treasury Building' to bring tourists from the eastern and western seaboards to Adelaide prior to visiting the Great Australian Outback?

A temperate water aquaculture centre at Port Lincoln?

A genuinely 'smart' science stream through our local education system, within the present syllabus, which would produce ultimately elite matriculants for IT, various types of engineering, physics, chemistry, architecture and so on.

As above for the arts.

There are more, building on our strengths: a school of automobile technology and design; a dedicated mining school and so on.

However the Rann government seems to favour simpler solutions. Promote a 'thinker in residence' and build a palace for the cops and an 'iconic new hospital'.

These propositions are not all bad, but if the government would make such decisions without giving a high priority to the potential for positive media exposure, then the results might be different and better in the long term.

A new building project is not the only form of progress, despite what Rann hears from his best friends in the Property Council.

[JamesXander]

I cant believe WorkCover isnt a bigger issue.

Its literally losing hundreds of millions of dollars each year.

[rhino]

Here's an interesting article from yesterday's Adelaide Now:

Panic stations in SA Liberal party
KIM WHEATLEY, GREG KELTON
April 02, 2009 08:54pm

'SENIOR Liberals claim there is a "state of panic" within the party, amid growing concerns about its performance.
"We have just disappeared off the radar," a source said today.
Much of the disquiet is put down to the party's shock loss in the rural seat of Frome.
Adding to its woes is recent polling by The Advertiser which showed Labor ahead 56 per cent to 44 per cent on a two-party basis and even further ahead in rural seats.
It is understood Opposition Leader Martin Hamilton-Smith's office is also getting a growing number of calls from MPs concerned about the party's performance.
"What's happened? Our new strategy lost Frome, the polls are down and we have no money," a senior source said. "To some degree, the whole party has been in a state of panic."
The malaise has led to senior Liberals' private canvassing of the idea that MLC David Ridgway should run in Ivan Venning's Lower House seat of Schubert at next year's election. Some in the party believe he could be leader if Mr Hamilton-Smith does not win the poll.
Mr Ridgway, leader of the Opposition in the Upper House, is seen as a candidate without the factional baggage associated with former leader Iain Evans and deputy Vickie Chapman – one with appeal to both city and country voters.
But Mr Venning, 63, played down the speculation. "It's just people making mischief," he said. "I intend to stand at the election."
Mr Ridgway described the speculation as "bizarre", saying he'd "never entertained the idea".
Former Foreign Minister Alexander Downer is also being mentioned in relation to Schubert.
However, Mr Downer has repeatedly denied any plans to return to politics. And key numbers men in the party say Mr Hamilton-Smith is "bulletproof".
After the election, it is another matter and a senior Liberal said yesterday the party had been promised victory and a huge lift in performance in the polls and in the media under Mr Hamilton-Smith.
"What's happened? Our new strategy lost Frome, the polls are down and we have no money," a senior source said.
"I think people in the party are really scratching their heads about what is happening.
"To some degree, the whole party has been in a state of panic."

[adam73837]

Now, starting freshly with hardly any relation to previous posts, I'm curious, should the "Dodgygate" Scandal belong here?
I just think that there's information being kept from the public regarding this issue.
MHS claims that he does not know who composed the documents. MEANWHILE, Rann is creating a law suit out of it and is trying to emphasise the whole thing.
There are a few options which I can conclude (at the present time) from this:
1. MHS is trying to cover up his own tracks, and does know where they came from. Rann is aware of this and before making an official statement, wants to squeeze the information out of him to make sure that his facts are right.
OR
2. MHS truly doesn't know where they came from and neither does Rann, but it's interesting to note that if he (MHS) doesn't know where they came from, they could have come from someone trying to bring him down. That could have been a Liberal backbencher, or a ALP backbencher. If it is either of the two, then it would I'm sure be a semi-certain doom for the party.
OR
3. MHS doesn't know and Rann does, hence is trying to shift focus and pressure onto MHS.
OR
4. Neither of them know and Rann is trying to simply shift attention away from the Tom Koutsantonis issue.

Number 4 is probably the most likely. And if it is, MR should stop with the emphasising of the whole issue because if you look in the papers and on the net, people are saying just that and are well aware of the desire to shift focus away from the Koutsantonis issue. Hence it is creating a bad image for Rann.

[rev]

I'd have to agree with your number 4 as well. And really not surprising, Rann is a politician after all.

But in all honesty, I think the Tom Koutsantonis thing has been over blown by the Advertiers/SundayMail, as has this dodgygate thing...
What made me laugh though was the poll AdelaideNow had running regarding what to do with Tom's car.

And this is the side of politics which disgusts me. The media blowing issues out of all logical proportion, and either side of politics milking situations for all they are worth. In both we the people end up sick of hearing about whatever the issue is.

I might not vote and just incur the fine, whatever it happens to be.