29 August 2008

The return of Kate?

| johnboy
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The following item was in today’s “Tips and Rumours” in Crikey:

    Former Liberal Chief Minister Kate Carnell (aka The Hospital Imploder) has put up her hand to run for Bill Stefaniak’s just-vacated seat in Ginninderra. The catch: she will only do it if made leader. Zed, already reeling over Stefaniak’s departure, has been blindsided by this dramatic offer and as I write is desperately scrambling to shore up his own support amongst his colleagues. This has added fuel to a fire that has started between Zed and his up-to-now loyal sidekick Brendan Smyth. Word is they had both decided on their own separate candidate to fill the Ginninderra spot, sparking serious tensions between the two. A meeting had been scheduled at the Deakin HQ this Saturday with Liberal campaign officials in an attempt to avoid a serious rift emerging, but how this will play out now that Kate has thrown her cards on the table is anyone’s guess. All extreme options are apparently being considered because our latest polling has shown that Vicki Dunne is the single most disliked member of the Assembly from all parties. And the Party knows that if Vicki is the front-runner then they’re in serious strife out North. How Andrew will untangle this mess will be interesting to watch. To further complicate the situation, it is no secret that Kate is very close to Liberal money man Jim Murphy, who is funding in entirety the Liberal’s advertising campaign (said to total more than $284,000 for TV advertising alone). What conditions are attached to this money? Is Big Jim about to make Zed an offer he can’t refuse?

This makes some sense…

UPDATED: This in from an anonymous snout in media land who’s been chasing the story:

    “Kate refused to comment, Bill no comment, Andrew Heath is ‘unavailable for comment'”

ANOTHER UPDATE: WIN News tonight reported Kate was not going to run. Mark Parton however is going to stand as an independent in Ginninderra, which will test his popularity.

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We already get mentioned in there every now and then.

I guess we’re just a bit blase about it.

After all we talk about them, why shouldn’t they talk about us?

Thats it, when can we get an RA rumour tabled in the Assembly? We can’t be outdone !

Gungahlin Al4:48 pm 01 Sep 08

From today’s Crikey – Kate on Kate:

“Kate Carnell, CEO, Australian Food and Grocery Council, writes: Re. “Tips and rumours” (28 August, item 8). The ACT Labor Party must be getting worried about the upcoming ACT election. Their suggestion in Crikey that I have put my name forward to replace Bill Stefaniak in the ACT Assembly is ridiculous and simply WRONG! It is not something I have even contemplated and I can guarantee I am very happy in my job as CEO of the Australian Food and Grocery Council. I understand that the Labor Party tabled the Crikey rumour in the Assembly today — they must be desperate for real issues!”

TroyWilliams9:34 am 30 Aug 08

G’day guys

Nah, didn’t put my hand up as I’m happy doing what I’m doing. Good luck to whoever gets the nod later today though.

Troy

P.S: Thanks Skidbladnir

johnboy said :

Reprobate said :

He who lives by the sword… 😉

Isn’t whining about it.

LOL!

Reprobate said :

He who lives by the sword… 😉

Isn’t whining about it.

johnboy said :

Ever heard of the rule of holes?

If you’re in one stop digging.

And no. You can’t have an edit facility. Use that supposedly large brain and consider the implications of people on this site being able to change what they’ve said?

On the other hand you could, you know, actually read what you’ve typed before hitting the post button, or even use the preview button.

If you can’t be bothered doing that then expect your contributions to be treated on their merits at the time you choose to hit to go button.

TO go button, JB?

He who lives by the sword… 😉

MrMagoo said :

… I still believe in the gist of my post that the Liberals are in trouble….

You believe your own disinformation? Now that is odd.

MrMagoo said :

Well Jakez if the CBC is backing Parton and the like, then I still believe in the gist of my post that the Liberals are in trouble. if their most influencial backer is allegedly backing another horse.

Whether then it be constant leadership speculation or the fact that they aren’t being backed by one of Canberra’s most powerful business lobby groups, then the ACt Liberals are not offering a plausable government alternative, which is my point.

We aren’t being backed by Jim Murphy because he wanted to use his money factionally. We are better off without him and the CBC is losing members.

Well Jakez if the CBC is backing Parton and the like, then I still believe in the gist of my post that the Liberals are in trouble. if their most influencial backer is allegedly backing another horse.

Whether then it be constant leadership speculation or the fact that they aren’t being backed by one of Canberra’s most powerful business lobby groups, then the ACt Liberals are not offering a plausable government alternative, which is my point.

Ever heard of the rule of holes?

If you’re in one stop digging.

And no. You can’t have an edit facility. Use that supposedly large brain and consider the implications of people on this site being able to change what they’ve said?

On the other hand you could, you know, actually read what you’ve typed before hitting the post button, or even use the preview button.

If you can’t be bothered doing that then expect your contributions to be treated on their merits at the time you choose to hit to go button.

mutley…again said :

I think the 4 posts went by because everyone has recognised that jakez can’t seem to let things go in a single post. I don’t think I’ve seen as many multi-post clusters since the halcyon days of CC.

HAHA yes I realise I am a serial offender, I am trying to cut back on the habit.

I think I should be forgiven in this instance as the first 2 are identical bar some spelling changes, and the third one is me lamenting at the circumstances surrounding the first 2.

I was just too lost as to what one would call a 4 post poster.

*hehe*

mutley...again2:43 pm 29 Aug 08

I think the 4 posts went by because everyone has recognised that jakez can’t seem to let things go in a single post. I don’t think I’ve seen as many multi-post clusters since the halcyon days of CC.

Ewwwww! We would most certainly not want our fries looking like that ….

*heh heh heh*

jakez, the 4 post went by innocently, i was surprised.

would you want to be served by Smith, Burke or Hargreaves? probably take too long, burger would be stone cold and the fries would look like the ALP’s social experiment…

I heard they’d offered John Hargreaves the role of Gallery Sleaze in the movie ‘Lust and Revenge’.

Crikey said :

Just wish someone would offer Brendan Smith, Jacqui Burke and John Hargreaves a job so they’d leave as well.

Anyone here own a Maccas franchise?

Just wish someone would offer Brendan Smith, Jacqui Burke and John Hargreaves a job so they’d leave as well.

I miss Troy and his occasional drop-ins. 🙁

CanberraGreen said :

next you guys will be saying that Senator Gaz is making a return!

any prospect of Gaz’s campaigning support act Williams turning up in Belconnen?

http://the-riotact.com/?p=6898

I wish mate, I wish.

God I wish RiotACT had editing facilities.

MrMagoo said :

Jakez, I was making the point, which obviously missed you completely that here we are mere months out from an Election and the ACT Liberals are once again embroiled in leadership tensions and controversy.

Ahh no Mr Magoo, I completely understood your point. The problem is the Liberals aren’t embroiled in leadership tensions. Apart from people like yourself on RiotACT drinking the koolaid, this story went nowhere.

The news of CBC backing to Parton and the CAP further demolishes it.

MrMagoo said :

Jakez, I was making the point, which obviously missed you completely that here we are mere months out from an Election and the ACT Liberals are once again embroiled in leadership tensions and controversy.

Ahh no Mr Magoo, I completely understood your point. The problem is the Liberals aren’t embrioled in leadershp tensions. Apart from people like yourself on RiotACT drinking the koolaid, this story went nowhere.

The news of CBC backing to Parton and the CAP further demolishes it.

MrMagoo said :

… the ACT Liberals are once again embroiled in leadership tensions and controversy.

Source?

Jakez, I was making the point, which obviously missed you completely that here we are mere months out from an Election and the ACT Liberals are once again embroiled in leadership tensions and controversy.

My point about the grass painting incident was to further make my point that the next best option to Zed the ACT Liberals can concoct is the former CM who famously tried to fool the IOC inspection team, thus, do we want such a person as a CM once again.

So much for my lack of skepticism and analysis then.

I haven’t heard that … but I did hear that Bob Brown has been having an affair with Kevin Rudd and is considering resigning from the Greens to stand for the ALP.

CanberraGreen11:45 am 29 Aug 08

next you guys will be saying that Senator Gaz is making a return!

any prospect of Gaz’s campaigning support act Williams turning up in Belconnen?

http://the-riotact.com/?p=6898

bd84 said :

I’d believe that Kate Carnell running again just as much as someone saying John Howard is.

I heard a rumour that John Howard is planning to stand for the seat of Robertson in 2010.

bd84 said :

We’re slowly getting rid of the dead wood on both sides.. three left on liberal and on Labor plus one independent.

4 to 5 on liberal by my count bd.

It can’t be any worse than having a campaign with Stanhopeless in it!

I’d believe that Kate Carnell running again just as much as someone saying John Howard is.. Load of BS.

We’re slowly getting rid of the dead wood on both sides.. three left on liberal and on Labor plus one independent.

postmanpat said :

What is it you hate so much about Zeds campaign JB,I didn’t think it was that bad

It’s got Zed in it.

Um … you did ….

i thought i had posted on this. dang ‘puter – hmmm…

anyway, rumour of kate coming back. rumour of canberra bidding for 2018 CG. coincidence??

johnboy said :

postmanpat said :

What is it you hate so much about Zeds campaign JB,I didn’t think it was that bad

In the last six weeks I’ve been in town?

— There’s the policy announcements by press interview with publication of actual policy delayed by days thereafter. When your portfolio spokesperson can’t comment on the policy the day after it’s been ‘announced’ because they have no idea what’s in it you’re running a sloppy ship.

— Attempts to play media favourites by giving CityNews the GDE duplication policy allowed the Government to get in first, want to talk about an expensive fiasco? That’s a tough one to top from oppostion.

— Substance free saturation TV advertising. Advertising can sell a product, but first you need a more compelling argument than YouTube resolution ads pushing motherhood statements.

— Trying to introduce your first private members’ bill in the last sitting week of a four year term. Absolute amateur hour. Even Mulcahy managed to give notice of his doomed legislation the week before.

— Absence of media releases. He should be going on the record with considered responses to half a dozen things a day instead of thinking that one ramble to camera in the assembly courtyard is the same thing. Other leaders manage it elsewhere and have here in the past.

So based on my observations he’s a lightweight hopelessly out of his depth.

A lightweight hopelessly out of his depth? Thats a bit harsh. You could say Stanhope is a lightweight out of his depth with Tharwa Bridge,Powerstation and the rest.

Certainly should get the press releases and policy statements out but hardly think the average punter is going to care if that comes out late.

Personally the ACT govt and ACTEW ads tick me off more and have less substance – and Jim Murphy is not footing the bill for those ones.

One thing for sure the next few weeks will be very interesting…..

Jonathon Reynolds6:43 pm 28 Aug 08

Ran in to Jeremy Hanson (Lib, Molonglo) who was campaigning up at the Gungahlin Town Centre this afternoon.

Apart from the common situation that the candidates from both major parties are being treated as mushrooms (“kept in the dark and fed bull dust by their party organisations”), he didn’t think that Kate Carnell option made much sense. (Jeremy: I know you are not allowed to post on RiotACT but you now happy got your free mention! 😛 )

Besides apparently Kate Carnell has denied that she will be standing and Mark Parton will be standing as an Independent (Just on WIN News)

“What ever are we going to do about this ‘Granny’ problem …?”

*hehe*

“She spoils all our fun!”

MrIncredible5:49 pm 28 Aug 08

I’d say the same thing back but I actually find the thought of a ‘Granny’ that writes like a 13yo quite intriguing. Are you one of those hip grannies that wears cargo pants and refuses to babysit the grandkids?

TTWBT

*hehe*

MrIncredible5:39 pm 28 Aug 08

Who is Wayne Sievers and what does he have to do with Kate Carnell?

then returning to try and form Government

that’d be “…to try to form …’ but that’s just the grammar nazi in me brought out by the rumours of a carnell resurrection.

a rumour of kate back in the race. a rumour of a 2018 CG bid… hmmm, suspicious?

I much prefer:

“Wayne Sievers Triumphant in Leadership Coup”

which certainly has its crime-solving merits, since, like, an unelected candidate becoming leader of the parliamentary party is so, like, um, possible ….

[See previous Memo]

MrIncredible4:57 pm 28 Aug 08

“Can’t wait to read the next episode wherein Zed is abducted by aliens ….”

That already happened.

http://the-riotact.com/?p=2457

Can’t wait to read the next episode wherein Zed is abducted by aliens ….

*hehe*

tylersmayhem4:41 pm 28 Aug 08

Somebody knock me out now!

MrIncredible said :

How long was Carnell in previously? Could this have something to do with passing the requirement for a parliamentary pension?

So she’s on some corporate boards and a Council I’ve never heard of. Big whoop. If you know any former pollies you know how bad they get relevance deprivation syndrome.

There’s also her legacy to consider. Look at the comments on here. Painting grass and blowin’ up hospitals. Not how i’d wanna be remembered.

you forgot “having an accident on the way home from a boozy event, then leaving the scene to go home and have a stiff drink to calm her nerves, before the police arrived to discuss”

and she is a pharmacist – no way she knew that the police couldn’t differentiate between prior drinking and after the “calming” drink?

yeah, right.

Ok, bring her back. I will have to look for a new party to get my vote. won’t touch ALP or Libs…..

johnboy said :

jakez said :

I agree that the ACT is more ‘politically aware’ than most places but even so, the majority of people are nothing like you and I.

Perhaps, but I’ve gotten pretty good at predicting where campaigns are going over the years, and what results they’ll get.

Anyway I was asked for my reasoning and I’ve given it.

These things might only aggravate a small percentage of the population, but it’s a percentage who are influential.

Fair enough mate. I’ll be happy if you are right about people (although I don’t necesarily share your strong views on the Liberal campaign).

jakez said :

I agree that the ACT is more ‘politically aware’ than most places but even so, the majority of people are nothing like you and I.

Perhaps, but I’ve gotten pretty good at predicting where campaigns are going over the years, and what results they’ll get.

Anyway I was asked for my reasoning and I’ve given it.

These things might only aggravate a small percentage of the population, but it’s a percentage who are influential.

johnboy said :

jakez said :

johnboy said :

So based on my observations he’s a lightweight hopelessly out of his depth.

One thing I learned a long time ago was that I’m not like the majority of people. I doubt the Liberal campaign is aimed to win your vote johnboy, it’s aimed to win the election.

Sad but true state of affairs.

The ACT is the wrong electorate to run a campaign of ignorance and platitudes.

I agree that the ACT is more ‘politically aware’ than most places but even so, the majority of people are nothing like you and I.

jakez said :

johnboy said :

So based on my observations he’s a lightweight hopelessly out of his depth.

One thing I learned a long time ago was that I’m not like the majority of people. I doubt the Liberal campaign is aimed to win your vote johnboy, it’s aimed to win the election.

Sad but true state of affairs.

The ACT is the wrong electorate to run a campaign of ignorance and platitudes.

oooh ooh, and then there was the city wide poster roll-out that had to be rolled-back the next day because it was illegal.

Quality decision making there.

johnboy said :

So based on my observations he’s a lightweight hopelessly out of his depth.

One thing I learned a long time ago was that I’m not like the majority of people. I doubt the Liberal campaign is aimed to win your vote johnboy, it’s aimed to win the election.

Sad but true state of affairs.

MrIncredible3:51 pm 28 Aug 08

“Kate refused to comment, Bill no comment, Andrew Heath is ‘unavailable for comment’”

So if it’s such a crock why aren’t they strongly denying it?

Stubbie holders for dinner!

This production has been brought to you by Duke and Lady Felmet ….

postmanpat said :

What is it you hate so much about Zeds campaign JB,I didn’t think it was that bad

In the last six weeks I’ve been in town?

— There’s the policy announcements by press interview with publication of actual policy delayed by days thereafter. When your portfolio spokesperson can’t comment on the policy the day after it’s been ‘announced’ because they have no idea what’s in it you’re running a sloppy ship.

— Attempts to play media favourites by giving CityNews the GDE duplication policy allowed the Government to get in first, want to talk about an expensive fiasco? That’s a tough one to top from oppostion.

— Substance free saturation TV advertising. Advertising can sell a product, but first you need a more compelling argument than YouTube resolution ads pushing motherhood statements.

— Trying to introduce your first private members’ bill in the last sitting week of a four year term. Absolute amateur hour. Even Mulcahy managed to give notice of his doomed legislation the week before.

— Absence of media releases. He should be going on the record with considered responses to half a dozen things a day instead of thinking that one ramble to camera in the assembly courtyard is the same thing. Other leaders manage it elsewhere and have here in the past.

So based on my observations he’s a lightweight hopelessly out of his depth.

In addition, as a member I would feel pretty appalled if she were allowed to run considering just a few short months ago she resigned from the Party (along with Jim ‘apparently I’m spending 300k on painting myself a hypocrite’ Murphy) in fairly acrimonious circumstances.

I just had a lefty friend of mine text me asking if I knew anything. Apparently a journo friend of hers is scoping out the story.

Wide Boy Jake3:45 pm 28 Aug 08

What was that Paul Keating said about dogs returning to their vomit . . .

MrIncredible3:41 pm 28 Aug 08

How long was Carnell in previously? Could this have something to do with passing the requirement for a parliamentary pension?

So she’s on some corporate boards and a Council I’ve never heard of. Big whoop. If you know any former pollies you know how bad they get relevance deprivation syndrome.

There’s also her legacy to consider. Look at the comments on here. Painting grass and blowin’ up hospitals. Not how i’d wanna be remembered.

What is it you hate so much about Zeds campaign JB,I didn’t think it was that bad

I just don’t see anyone – even allowing for Kate’s generously proportioned ego -“leaving” politics 8 years ago, building up a career as CEO of 3 private enterprise peak bodies (she has been the head of the Australian Food and Grocery Council since May this year), then returning to try and form Government in a glorified local council with tired party timeservers (hello Ms Dunne) and other ne’er-do-wells. Never mind the fact that there are probably still some financial and administrative skeletons in the closet left over from her last stint as chief whipcracker…

For mine, the problem isn’t who leads the Libs (and I reckon Zed is doing a fair job at the moment) but who they have to lead…

amarooresident3:21 pm 28 Aug 08

Why would the Canberra Liberals want to present a professional, homogenouse, UNIFIED, advertising campaign?

…something in their recent history, possibly affecting public perception, just can’t put my finger on it.

Well I guess that’s my point. By presenting Brendan in exactly the same way as Zed it appears to reinforce that the Liberals have more than one leader. That’s my take on it anyhoo.

amarooresident said :

on a slightly different topic, has anyone noticed the Brendan Smyth ads that have the same look and feel as the Zed ones? If you didn’t know better you would think Brendan was the Liberal leader. I know it confused me and I am generally up to date about ACT politics.

Way to mix messages guys.

Why would the Canberra Liberals want to present a professional, homogenouse, UNIFIED, advertising campaign?

…something in their recent history, possibly affecting public perception, just can’t put my finger on it.

MrMagoo said :

NO Way, the Liberals in leadership turmoil, that never happens!!!!!!

Once again we are faced with a choice between teh status quo and an opposition to busy fighting itself to provide anything like a realistic option for Government.

Translation: OH MY GOD SOMETHING I CAN SINK MY TEETH INTO TO ATTACK THE LIBERALS AND IF I KEEP GOING AS FAST AS POSSIBLE HOPEFULLY NOBODY WILL NOTICE MY DISGRACEFUL LACK OF SKEPTICAL AND INTELLIGENT ANALYSIS.

Wow there are so many things wrong with this crap, the biggest being the claim that Jim Murphy is funding the advertising campaign.

amarooresident3:01 pm 28 Aug 08

on a slightly different topic, has anyone noticed the Brendan Smyth ads that have the same look and feel as the Zed ones? If you didn’t know better you would think Brendan was the Liberal leader. I know it confused me and I am generally up to date about ACT politics.

Way to mix messages guys.

justbands said :

> Why would she come back to the dinky toy town assembly?

If there’s one thing I remember about Kates days, it’s that she LOVES seeing herself in the media.

You are definately right there – We had her open a new building for us years ago – Kate would turn up to the opening of an envelope if there was a wiff that the media were going to be there!!

If Trevor Kaine comes back walking across the waters of Lake Burley Griffin, then he can be whoever he wants.

MrIncredible said :

I’m not so sure it is a crock – I’m getting that ‘so crazy it could be true’ feeling about this one.

There’s some pretty specific details in there – i.e Lib polling, planned meetings,campaign budgets etc. What about Johnboy calling the Lib offices to find out more?

Wouldn’t get a straight answer out of head office one way or another.

But I am making inquiries along potentially more productive avenues.

Next it’d be Trevor Kaine is making a comeback – but only if he can be leader!

This is as credible as someone saying that “Jon Stanhope is in trouble and Rosemary Follett is being strong-armed by the Trades and Labour Council to take over the Labor leadership.”

Nice story, but little of it true (apart from Stanhope being on the nose).

MrIncredible2:40 pm 28 Aug 08

I’m not so sure it is a crock – I’m getting that ‘so crazy it could be true’ feeling about this one.

There’s some pretty specific details in there – i.e Lib polling, planned meetings,campaign budgets etc. What about Johnboy calling the Lib offices to find out more?

Reprobate: I reckon your stubby holder is safely going to be keeping you beer cool this summer. A crock indeed.

Ant: Agreed. Brilliant idea. From the bunch we have lining up for the election no one is good enough to be called a Government. As as local council some of them have some potential.

MEMORANDUM

To: All Labor Staffers
RE: Fear, Rumour and Innuendo

These work better on uneducated people.

ACT needs to have a normal town council-style conglomeration of people, not a “government” and an “opposition”. What a waste of money, an opposition. They are all being paid and should all be working for the city.

What a crock. If this isn’t a rumour started solely within the Labor ranks to throw the Libs (further) off the scent and Kate is leader come elction day, I’ll eat a RiotACT stubby holder outside the front of the Assembly…

MrIncredible2:16 pm 28 Aug 08

“All extreme options are apparently being considered because our latest polling has shown that Vicki Dunne is the single most disliked member”

‘our’?!

LOL

Stupid Libs can’t even leak without spilling it on themselves

Pick me! Pick me!

*shakes head and smiles to himself*

On the other hand Zed’s campaign is, aside from what Jim Murphy’s money buys in TV spots, utterly incompetent.

And personally I look back fondly to Kate’s rule as a time when mistakes were more amusing than depressing, and less people died.

Stroke of genius!

1. Spend months establishing new leader. (Make him integral to campaign).
2. Change leaders six weeks out from an election. (Make sure they have plenty of baggage).

What odds are the bookies giving this?

Awesome. Two freaking half arsed painters masquerading as politicians.

The paint shops around town are gonna make a killing

NO Way, the Liberals in leadership turmoil, that never happens!!!!!!

Let’s also not forget Kate famously painted the grass out Canberra Stadium way to make it look green for the IOC inspection team.

Once again we are faced with a choice between teh status quo and an opposition to busy fighting itself to provide anything like a realistic option for Government.

> Why would she come back to the dinky toy town assembly?

If there’s one thing I remember about Kates days, it’s that she LOVES seeing herself in the media.

I thought things were bad when I only recently saw her mug shot in some rag, as the head of some pharmaceutical organisation…

amarooresident1:30 pm 28 Aug 08

Can I be the first to call bullflop?

If they think the solution is Kate then they really are f**ked.

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