Originally Posted by
priapus1966
Point 1:correct. Point 2: depends a lot on Treasurer Jim Chalmers. He is a Queenslander which indicates small c conservative, whatever your party. A Catholic, therefore another c, and a huge admirer of Keating which is broadly encouraging. The role of Finance Minister is crucial, unimportant in opposition, but Peter Walsh's savagery in eviscerating Departmental budgets made him the most hated, and one of the best in the Labor party in the Hawke/Keating years. I doubt whether the current Finance spokeswoman Katy Gallagher from the ACT, a Sociology expert will get the gig. A hardcase is essential in this role to support the Treasurer.
The chicken little's have been following the Murdoch script too closely, it's gonna be tough, but not much different whoever is running the show.
One really good point: Barnaby can kiss all those bribes from Scotty goodbye. If the Libs have any sense they will break with the Nats in opposition.