Barnett thinks Chinese understand business and WA better than the Kanberra Komrades Kommunity (KKK) aka ALP

WA Premier Colin Barnett says relations between Western Australia and the Gillard government are at a low point, and the Premier has begun forging closer links with Beijing rather than Canberra as economic power shifts to the resource-rich state.

Mr Barnett told the Perth forum, attended by 350 business leaders, that Western Australia's closer ties with China were occurring because 60 per cent of Australia's exports to the Asian superpower were from his state. China invested more in Australia than in any other country. Of that investment, about 80 per cent went into Western Australia.

Mr Barnett said Western Australia accounted for 44 per cent of Australia's exports, equal to the sum of exports from NSW, Victoria and Queensland.

Is that the sound of the secession clock I hear ticking?

Andy Semple

Speak without fear and Question with Boldness

Comments

[Louis Hissink]

1.

Andy

I don't think so - more likely we will become a Chinese satrapy.

[Michael Webb]

2.

Time to reject the Charles Court years; time also to have a 40% super profits tax in these boom times. Time also to reject foreign ownership.

Time to rake in a bigger tax take.

The problem with the ALP is that they settled for a piddling 22.5% tax on the super profits. It should be 40%.

[Andy]

3.

Resource companies already pay 30% company tax rate + State Royalties. They pay enough tax.
Besides, the states own the resources, not the Commonwealth.
Why don’t you move to North Korea, Michael, I hear they have delightful summers…

[Pia Robinson]

4.

Totally agree Michael. As for WA's percentage of total exports, shame Andy's "analysis" doesnt refer to any historical perspective.

But I have to say, it is a surprise that Barnett would choose a close relationship with a communist state over a democratically elected govt. This is, without doubt, one of the funniest pieces ever posted on this site, lol.

[Scott B]

5.

OK, now I have seen everything. Only Andy-boy could label Canberra via derogatorily conjoining the most racist and criminal organisation in the United states (Ironically a by-project of the conservative-right there). Way to go with the misguided tag simple Semple...

[Michael Sutcliffe]

6.

The Australian federal government is so far removed from liberal democratic principles, so bureaucratic, so inefficient, so self-serving and so prone to believing it's social engineering is more important than wishes of the citizens, that Barnett is completely right to reject it and pursue the interests of his constituents on his own terms.

[Pia Robinson]

7.

Yes Scott, I think that was a misguided comment from Andy. I am sure that all of us are appalled by the KKK.
It is interesting that in the Menzies House poll:Do you agree with politicians in the UK, Europe and most recently Australia that multiculturalism has failed? The site contributors say NO ( 71%). I think this makes Andy's KKK reference ill suited to this site.

[Ben]

8.

“OK, now I have seen everything. Only Andy-boy could label Canberra via derogatorily conjoining the most racist and criminal organisation in the United states (Ironically a by-project of the conservative-right there).”

Scott B: I’ve studied the history. You’re wrong. The KKK was founded by Democrats and sustained by Democrats across the U.S. for decades.

Like slavery and lynching laws, this anti-Catholic/anti-Semitic/anti-black KKK terrorist group was basically destroyed by Republicans (many of them born-again Christians). The votes are on the record.

I wouldn’t take history lessons from Hollywood.

Good post Andy. Labor is as popular as mud now in WA and Queensland b/c they want to steal from the states to go on their Canberra-first spending sprees. This has nothing to do with real social justice. Besides, we all know they’d pass tax hikes onto consumers. Bad for Queensland. Bad for WA. Bad for Australia.

[Georgina]

9.

The Chinese certainly DO understand business more than the KKK. What MPs of the KKK have been in business, or even owned their own business - none. If anyone looked at the way Australia is being bought out by countries (including China) (Today Tonigh) it would
horify them including those lefties commenting here. I agree with Ben, this is a good post Andy. And unless we take steps now to stop the wasteful spending of the KKK we are in deep trouble. Those who live longest see most.

[Andy]

10.

Kanberra Komrades Kommunity
or KKK for short.

[SignedIn]

11.

Secession - or treason? :P

As for the use of KKK, Andy has no problem cheapening the level of debate on Menzies House it seems. He doesn't realise that he sounds stupid by doing so.

I wonder if Andy has ever visted the south of the USA. Ever spoken to anyone who marched for civil rights under the threat of retaliation from the Klan? Ever visited a Center that has recorded these battles?

Andy in his simple minded idiocracy has jumped the shark.

[Anton]

12.

Australia is a commonwealth of sovereign states, so treason does not make sense.

Secession however, sounds like a very patriotic thing to do for the premier of a state being ripped off by the socialist federal government.

Once we get rid of Bligh, Qld should follow.

Failing that, taxation should be returned to the states.

[SignedIn]

13.

If anything is UnAustralian - it would be secession. :P

[Andy]

14.

My mistake with this post was to assume that leftie people like Chris Johnson, Pia Robinson, Scott B and Michael Webb were easy-going types, who liked a laugh and possessed some common sense.
Lefties, just like the noted individuals above, are sour, boot-faced people with no sense of humour. They behave this way because they are motivated by grievance and envy, neither of which is a sentiment guaranteed to put joy in one's heart. They seek offence where none is intended; they strive to suppress the individuality of expression; and they like to control others.
Humour, whose main purpose throughout existence has been to deflate such priggish, pompous, and sour attitudes, are therefore the enemies of the leftie - who wishes to standardise attitudes and behaviour, and whose political goal is to enforce and inflict as much control as possible over others.

[SignedIn]

15.

The presumption here is that everyone has to share your sense of humour?
Now that is priggish behaviour.

[Pia Robinson]

16.

Not true Andy, it is a laugh, and i am not being dishonest saying that.....

[Pia Robinson]

17.

But I just read your last section "Lefties, just like the noted individuals above, are sour, boot-faced people with no sense of humour. They behave this way because they are motivated by grievance and envy, neither of which is a sentiment guaranteed to put joy in one's heart".
That's a bit rough Andy, to say the least.

[Michael Sutcliffe]

18.

The truth hurts, Pia.

[Pia Robinson]

19.

Dont be silly Michael, that is ridiculous.

[SignedIn]

20.

"Scott B: I’ve studied the history. You’re wrong. The KKK was founded by Democrats and sustained by Democrats across the U.S. for decades."

It was not founded by the Democrats, but certainly some Democrats supported the KKK. The post civil war history of the USA through reconstruction is fascinating.

However it was the Democrats who combated the KKK and supported Civil Rights in the 1960s. I also doubt you would find any supporter of the KKK voting for the US Democrats today.

Scott was most definitely not wrong though.

[Michael Webb]

21.

No sour poker faced looks Andy.
The tag 'leftie' would be thrown at Ben Chifley, Jack Lang and JOhn Lee of New Zealand if they were alive today.
The ALP has joined the Coalition and did so by taking up neo-liberal economics and anti nationalistic notions.

The old ALP as well as the old DLP were about putting the needs of working people and the whole nation ahead of deals with foreign companies and sovereign funds and financiers from overseas. Further of even ensuring that our own home grown private sector knew its palce was to serve the Australian people through proper regulation and only then earn a profit,not an obscene excessive profit.
Economics and any other endeavour or academic discipline in life can never be a moral free zone. That is why both Communism and libertarianism on the other side of the spectrum are foreign to most right minded people in tune with the ten commandments as expanded upon by the Gospel.

[Michael Sutcliffe]

22.

Scott was most definitely not wrong though.

True, he wasn't.

http://api.ning.com/files/86nW0gQorBzhSWtSE6v3IxUpBdaS3HSd9Rt9ZpNfhbF0KwiVzOyvSThGntllko6e/TwoPlatforms.jpg

[SignedIn]

23.

Now note Andy takes exception with anyone he perceives to be lefties? What of the "righties" above who took on the KKK label and ran with it? Did they miss the humour?

If Andy thinks joking about the lynching murdering KKK is funny, I guess he is the type to make holocaust jokes too.

[Marksouth]

24.

Ignoring the diversions & getting back to the main issue...

I think it'd be healthy for WA to have an active secessionist movement. Not one that would actually secede, but one that seems serious enough to worry Canberra into letting the leash pay out some more. Just look at Scotland and Quebec, it's done wonders for them in decentralizing power and boosting autonomy in the UK & Canada.

Wouldn't hurt the other states to assert themselves a little either. For the last hundred years they've been meekly giving away their powers one by one, and while I'm not advocating a return to separate currencies or mis-matched rail gauges, I'd definitely advocate some interstate tax competition.

[Ben]

25.

“It was not founded by the Democrats, but certainly some Democrats supported the KKK.”

SignedIn: I think your history teachers let you down. Some Democrats? Try thousands and thousands – with stands at the Democratic National Convention.

Democratic members of Congress marched in KKK parades in Washington D.C. (there are photos). The KKK’s first targets were Republican Christians.

The Republicans killed slavery. The Democrats supported it.

The Republicans opposed lynching blacks and whites. The Democrats supported lynching.

President Woodrow Wilson (a Democrat) screened a KKK recruitment movie in the White House (The Birth of A Nation). Years earlier, Republican Teddy Roosevelt, dined with blacks in the White House, causing Democrats to manifest.

“However it was the Democrats who combated the KKK and supported Civil Rights in the 1960s.”

Wrong again. The Democrats (after being on the wrong side of the slavery and lynching issue) blocked numerous Republican-inspired civil rights moves in the 1950s (a point hidden by Hollywood because they’re either ashamed or ignorant).

Finally, by the 1960s, 82% of Republicans voted for the Civil Rights Act of 1964 versus only 64% of Democrats. The Right was right (for freedom). The Left just left blacks behind.

[Oldman]

26.

Andy,

Resource companies already pay 30% company tax rate + State Royalties. They pay enough tax.

Not true. The Henry Tax Review showed how domestic mining companies effective pay a corporate tax rate of 17% while multinational pay a much lesser rate of 13%. You also make the mistake of classing royalties as a tax when it is not. Would you call the water Coca Cola pays for a 'Tax"?

You and I are the mugs that pay high taxes in the form of PAYE, GST and Road Tolls.

http://htmlimg3.scribdassets.com/70cy6mlim8kdzsr/images/1-6d3b7ac2e1/000.png

P.S. Tommy Dean is funny, you are not.

[Elizabeth]

27.

You really do get a bit tireseome with your endless talk of cheapening Menzies House.

I thought you had been banned for abuse of comments policy? Or do I have the wrong person as my memory is not so good these day? Nope. Pretty sure it was you.

[Anton]

28.

Come on Elizabeth, he provides some comic relief. A bit like the village idiot.

"Moving forwards", look how his "strong economic leader" is providing "greater transparency" and looking after "working families" (from news.com)

SECRET proposals to freeze family tax payments to millions of parents were developed by the Gillard government before the last election.
But voters were kept in the dark about the changes until May's budget, confidential federal government emails reveal.

Read more: http://www.news.com.au/money/money-matters/revealed-julia-gillards-secret-tax-plan/story-e6frfmd9-1226064873533#ixzz1Nh3GwXXH

[SignedIn]

29.

And allowed back :)
And it's fair comment if Andy continues to cheapen Menzies House.

I see Cory has no problem with KKK jokes on Menzies House.

[Georgina]

30.

For goodness sake, get back to the real point. Who in the Labor Party has been in business or run a business.If WA wants to expand its economy why not go to the source? The Fed Govt has, and is wasting money left right and centre which would have gone to worthwhile causes as WA has done.

[Monika500]

31.

Can’t say I blame Barnett. This government is so inept they are almost dysfunctional. Why not deal directly with the people who are buying your product and understand your business, and not the people in Canberra who think you are just one big piggy bank they can use to fund their socialist agendas, pay off their massive deficit, and pay back foreign debt that is now approaching $200billion. Swan and Gillard should be absolutely disgusted with their reactions to the announcement of the royalty increase, now that it has been proven that they knew this was on the cards a year ago. If I was Barnett, I would secede!

[Michael Webb]

32.

Actually more and more ALP parliamentarians have been in business than every before. The problem is not always lack of business experience but rather lack of representing the deepest aspirations of the Party's and the stay at home average Labor voters. That is the problem.

So the ALP can be as out of touch as the drivel heard from workplace senior management who paint rosy pictures to frontline staff yet do not deliver for the benefit of their employees.

[Elizabeth]

33.

Come on Michael, business probably employs you, unless of course, you are a member of the increasing public serivce taxpayers service.

I read a few days ago that Labor has a grand toal of around 6 politicians experienced in business.The majority are machine or union hacks. Can't argue against that.

What's the betting that the stay at home Labor voter is doing it just as tough as the stay at home Liberal, National, Green or any other voter and won't love the gov. for making life even tougher.

[Elizabeth]

34.

Anton, should we be surprised? A government without principle it proved to be as sonn as Gillard promised us there would be a carbon tax AFTER the election making a liar of herself for saying there wouldn't be one BEFORE the election.

This is a morally bankrupt government as well as an illegitimate one.

[Anton]

35.

The Labor party has made lieing their home language, quite shameful really.

from "Ju-liar" running the counrty to "fibs, lies and blighs" in Qld. Labor are a curse on decent people all over the country

[Michael Webb]

36.

All the more reason, with respect to your last paragraph, for people of life whoi are believers in the core values of their respective party of their choice, to get involved. This might mean the diminution of messenger boy( and girl) sycophantic political web/blog sites and the unemployment of those across party lines who are making life hard for the majority of average and middle income people.

[Michael Webb]

37.

Where the ALP privatises eg in QLD and elsewhere since the mid 1980s onwards, we are cursed socially and economically. Where we have mass immigration we are culturally affected.

The ALP and the Coalition are unified in the above endeavours and so a pox on both their houses.

It is therefore up to non elitist Australisn from either side of the political divide to join either of the above for major structural renewal and contemporary policies that authentically draw from the core beliefs of those parties.

[Georgina]

38.

Tell me the Labor Party MPs who have been in business. And those who have run their own business. My informant tells me there are none.

[Georgina]

39.

Thanks Elizabeth. You say there are only 6 who have any business experience. Bureaucrats do not have business experience, they are as you say union hacks and just obey orders which is the order of the day from this Labor Party. Name all those MPs you say have had business experience, Michael Webb

[Philipi]

40.

The Greens and Enviro-nazis love using the precautionary principal as an excuse for bringing in draconian enviro-legislation.
I fight these rules every working day in my consultancy.
Briefly, the precautionary principal states:
if an action or policy has a suspected risk of causing harm to the public or to the environment, in the absence of scientific consensus that the action or policy is harmful, the burden of proof that it is not harmful falls on those taking the action.
Notice it states that if "a suspected risk of causing harm to the public OR to the environment,"
Harm to public- would that not include the economic catastrophe and subsequent effect on society (the public) as a result of this "Carbon Tax"
MS Gillard and Mr Brown, the precautionary principal applies to other things, not just the environment- so the onus of proof is on the Greens and Labor to show that his Tax will NOT cause a collapse of our economy, which would be difficult because we don't yet know its architecture.

[Michael Webb]

41.

Will private sector work do?

Stephen Smith legal work

Robert McClelland- solicitor and specialist in private practice
Stephen Conroy Metal Trades Industry Association

Jason Clare – Executive of leading company TRANSURBAN

David Bradbury- senior associate- taxation law at Blake Dawson

Peter Garrett: self employed and creative musician- made a motza , two terms on ACF

It wasn't these kind of occupations that led to the global financial crisis which is continuing to this day. It was business people outside of the world of unions that have the credibility issue.

[Jim]

42.

"Is that the sound of the secession clock I hear ticking?"

It would not surprise me. The last time secession was seriously proposed was in the dark days of the Whitlam Labor government. Then is was QLD as well as WA that were considering it as a last resort to the direction Whitlam was taking Australia down.

It must be symptomatic of bad Labor governments and a feeling of helplessness and frustration at state level that triggers discussion of succession. You don't hear this raised during Coalition terms of government.

It gets to a pretty pass when the only solution that a prosperous state could seriously contemplate to the ruinous Labor wreckers in Canberra is the act of cutting them loose and setting their own agenda as a separate sovereign country.

Think of the advantages: WA could retain all the wealth it produces, without having to share it out to the inefficient welfare-dependent Labor states; it could still have a free trade agreement with the rest of Australia, while not being burdened by the bureaucracy and nannying of the Canberra political "elite". It could mint its own currency which would be floated and traded alongside the Aussie dollar; it could control its own borders; create new industries without the burdensome Green restrictions that penalise vision, progress and entrepreneurship.

It could establish its own simplified tax scale, with a low flat corporate and personal rate like Hong Kong (15%) that would attract investment and corporate and personal growth like one of the Asian Tiger economies.

The more one thinks about it, succession would be the way to go - if only to get out from under the worst government since Federation and give half the country a fighting chance to get back the optimism, comfort and prosperity we lost when we replaced John Howard with Rudd and Gillard!

[SignedIn]

43.

Don't forget..

Julia Gillard - solicitor - Partner at Slater and Gordon

Nicola Roxon - industrial lawyer

Anthony Albanese - worked for the Commonwealth Bank and then studied economics at Sydney University.

Kim Carr - school teacher

Joe Ludwig - Industrial Inspector and a Training Coordinator

Craig Emerson - ran an economic and environmental consulting business.

Stephen Smith "legal work" is light on detail. He practised as a Barrister and Solicitor in Perth, then completed a Master of Laws at London University, and subsequently lectured and tutored in Law in London.

http://www.alp.org.au/federal-government/minister/

[SignedIn]

44.

The "precautionary principal"

Interesting. It has been Abbott who at times has invoked the "precautionary principal" saying that he gives "the environment the benefit of doubt" as does Ruper Murdoch.

Gillard and Brown are not advocating the "precautionary principal". They are advocating action on a problem that they see exists and is real, to counter future warming.

[Michael Sutcliffe]

45.

I'll take a bet that two-thirds of the (elected) ALP could be described as a lawyer or union bureaucrat. The working person's party doesn't really have many 'working' people in their higher echelon.

I'll also take a bet that the opposition is a lot more diverse.

[SignedIn]

46.

Add the names I listed to those Michael Webb listed - and I only checked the front bench - not the backbenchers.
Yes many worked in the unions, working for the interests of workers. Not such a bad thing really.

[Michael Sutcliffe]

47.

Yes many worked in the unions, working for the interests of workers. Not such a bad thing really.

Always 'worked for the interests of workers' (or been lawyers). Never actually been workers. It's a bit like being a mechanic who's never driven a car.

[SignedIn]

48.

That's like saying housework isn't real work. Many union officials work hard and you are in denial if you believe otherwise.

[Michael Sutcliffe]

49.

I'm sure they work hard like many middle managers and CEO's, for really nice salaries. The thing is their salaries come from their members wages and our taxes:

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/labor-hands-unions-20m/story-e6freuy9-1226056345174

Furthermore, I don't think too many of them would have really filled the role of, say, a stay at home mum with a few kids.