Auspol January 2017: relentless incoherence and incompetence.

The Something Awful Forums > Discussion > Debate & Discussion > Auspol January 2017: relentless incoherence and incompetence.

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The Peccadillo: Mar 4, 2013; We Have Important Work To Do

I would blow Dane Cook posted:

First dog:

https://twitter.com/JohnJohnsonson/status/818797433517785088

it was real weird, though. She addressed a room full of multi-millionaire showbiz freaks and declared them the real enemies of the multi-millionare showbiz freak's America, because of ... MMA?

Also that we should all get along in these trying times, but that's not really a hot take

The Peccadillo fucked around with this message at 21:28 on Jan 10, 2017

# ? Jan 10, 2017 21:14

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# ? May 23, 2024 11:16

The Peccadillo: Mar 4, 2013; We Have Important Work To Do

Chant outside the whitehouse:

LESS MMA,
MAMA MIA? YAY

# ? Jan 10, 2017 21:47

VodeAndreas: Apr 30, 2009

simmyb posted:

Is there a range of dates/financial years known to be covered by centerlink debt fuckup?

I've been overseas for a year and can just picture a debt letter sitting unread for another year causing some drama...

I believe it's up to 7 years.

The stuff they asked me to confirm was for fy11/12 being when I changed from newstart to casual work to full time work, a complicated and unforeseen set of events which their system can't handle.

# ? Jan 10, 2017 22:48

norp: Jan 20, 2004; TRUMP TRUMP TRUMP

let's invade New Zealand, they have oil

VodeAndreas posted:

I believe it's up to 7 years.

The stuff they asked me to confirm was for fy11/12 being when I changed from newstart to casual work to full time work, a complicated and unforeseen set of events which their system can't handle.

An unemployed person getting a new job? That's definitely unforeseen and not how things are meant to work at all

# ? Jan 10, 2017 23:23

CATTASTIC: Mar 31, 2010; ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Optics

Political expenses: Julie Bishop charged taxpayers for Portsea Polo trip, Mathias Cormann claimed for AFL final

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop charged taxpayers $2,716 to attend the Portsea Polo for "official ministerial business".

The revelation comes as pressure mounts on Health Minister Sussan Ley over her travels at the expense of taxpayers, which have sparked calls for reform to the entitlement system.

Ms Bishop was invited to the January 9, 2016 event on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula as a guest of Peroni and Jeep.

She was pictured at the event in an exclusive marquee hosted by Mercedes Benz where her fellow guests included models, socialites and former prime minister Tony Abbott's daughter, Frances.

A Department of Finance report shows Ms Bishop spent $2,177 on flights to Melbourne for the event, $416 on a car and claimed a $123 travel allowance.

In response to questions from the ABC, her office issued a short statement.

"The Minister was invited and attended in her official capacity as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party," it read.

Ministers are allowed to claim for travel relating to their office, but the Ministerial Standards prohibit travel for private purposes.

"Ministers must be scrupulous in ensuring the legitimacy and accuracy of any claim for entitlement to ministerial, parliamentary or travel allowance," the standards state.

"Although [ministers'] public lives encroach upon their private lives, it is critical that ministers do not use public office for private purposes."

Ministers charge for AFL grand final trip

It has also been revealed two Federal Government ministers and a Tasmanian senator charged taxpayers more than $2,500 for a trip to the AFL grand final in 2013.

The men were guests of the National Australia Bank and received complimentary tickets and hospitality.

One of the ministers, Senator Mathias Cormann, is in charge of the department that oversees politicians' entitlements.

He billed taxpayers $3,533 for he and his wife's airfares to attend the match.

In a statement his office said he had, "official commitments before, during and after the AFL grand final weekend".

"As well as portfolio-related meetings on Friday, the Minister had Melbourne-based media commitments � both on Saturday and Sunday � morning as well as a series of other portfolio-related commitments in Melbourne," the statement said.

Trade Minister Steve Ciobo charged taxpayers $1,102 for an airfare to the match.

His office has not responded to a request for comment.

Tasmanian senator David Bushby billed $863 for flights from Hobart to Melbourne and back again. The ABC has contacted him for comment.

Senator Mitch Fifield also attended the grand final as a guest of the National Australia Bank but did not charge taxpayers for any travel. He lives in Victoria.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-01-10/julie-bishop-charged-taxpayers-for-trip-to-polo/8173542

and there's a big chart of each MPs expenditure at the bottom.

# ? Jan 10, 2017 23:27

I would blow Dane Cook: Dec 26, 2008

First dog:

# ? Jan 10, 2017 23:48

norp: Jan 20, 2004; TRUMP TRUMP TRUMP

let's invade New Zealand, they have oil

Amazing

# ? Jan 10, 2017 23:55

Cirofren: Jun 13, 2005; Pillbug

Remember when James Ashby said Peter Slipper used some Cabcharge vouchers wrong in 2012?

He was investigated by the Federal Police and had to through years in court to clear his name. Ashby later dropped everything but the Federal Police found a Yarra Valley trip that could be tried.

Slipper argued he should have been able to just pay back the, wait for it, $954, before eventually being found not guilty at appeal in 2015.

# ? Jan 11, 2017 00:04

open24hours: Jan 7, 2001

But Slipper was a traitor. Ley is a valuable member of the team.

# ? Jan 11, 2017 00:05

Cartoon: Jun 20, 2008; poop

Muppet doubles down on Centrelink fiasco

http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/breakfast/centrelink-automated-debt-system-will-continue-tudge/8174668

quote:

Centrelink automated debt system will continue: Tudge Wednesday 11 January 2017 7:36AM (view full episode)

The Turnbull government is resisting mounting calls to shelve Centrelink's deeply flawed debt recovery program. The automated system has produced 170,000 notices of potential overpayments with thousands of people incorrectly told they have outstanding debts, some running into the tens of thousands of dollars. The Commonwealth Ombudsman is investigating what many are calling a fiasco and a parliamentary inquiry is also likely. Labor's Linda Burney says Centrelink is at breaking point and that the Human Services Minister Alan Tudge must suspend the scheme without delay. But the Minister has made no admission of any flaw in the Centrelink automated debt system. 'The system is working and we will continue with that system', he says. 'I'm not aware of individuals who are completely convinced that they don't owe money but have been given a debt notice'. 'People are given the opportunity to update their records when a discrepancy is found to be present. When a debt notice is issued to them, if indeed it is, they have a further opportunity to provide further information. And then they have a third opportunity again if they want to appeal it to the tribunal', he says.

"People are given the opportunity to prove their innocence."

I'd say they actually have the evidential requirements arse about except, given the ground swell of opinion against the unemployed, they will almost certainly get away with it.

One can only hope that because it's the Terrorgraph that it's bullshit.

quote:

Homeland Security: PM Turnbull plans counter-terrorism �super portfolio� to tackle terrorism EXCLUSIVE SHARRI MARKSON, The Daily Telegraph January 11, 2017 12:00am

TURNBULL PUTS THE TERRORISTS ON NOTICE

TERRORISTS CAN BE DETAINED INDEFINITELY

MALCOLM Turnbull is planning a major shake-up in counter-terrorism and domestic security � with a new super-portfolio to tackle the escalating threat. Mr Turnbull has held high-level talks with cabinet colleagues about a new �department and ministry to form a co-ordinated counter-terrorism effort. It would be similar to the Home Office in the UK and Homeland Security in the US. It would bring together the AFP, ASIO and Australian Border Force into one agency, where they could better engage, communicate and share information to tackle terror threats. The department would be similar to the Home Office in the UK and the US� Homeland Security and would combat the spread of terrorism. In the final weeks of parliament for the year, the Prime Minister�s office had discussions with senior members of the government about the idea. The Prime Minister�s �Office is understood to be leaning towards the UK�s Home Affairs Ministry as its working model.

Asked about the discussions he had held with cabinet colleagues regarding a new home affairs ministry, Mr Turnbull would not detail them and he would not �buy into� speculation. �We do have a review of the Australian intelligence community under way,� he said. �But I�m not going to get into a discussion about government structures. The way I operate as prime minister is I run a cabinet government. We confer on a whole range of issues �together and when we�ve made a decision, we make an announcement. �I�m not frontrunning ideas or thought speculating about possible changes. My job is to govern.�

Mr Turnbull would also not respond to questions about whether there would be a new minister to oversee the portfolio. A group of MPs, concerned about domestic security and the terror threat in Australia, have been agitating Mr Turnbull to forge ahead with the shake-up. Supporters of the policy change say there are strong arguments for moving Australia�s terror and security �efforts under one roof. The new department would bring together the AFP, ASIO and Australian Border Force into one agency. The Christmas Day terror plot in Melbourne was foiled by AFP and Victorian Police following a tip-off from ASIO. Having the agencies work together more effectively in one unit would greatly improve Australia�s response to the global terror threat.

In the UK, the Home �Office government department handles counter-terrorism, police, immigration and drugs policy. Seven ministers work together in respective portfolios of police, immigration and security. It is understood the Prime Minister has been discussing the idea of a super-portfolio for several months, however nothing is set in stone. Police investigate the scene where a house was raided in Melbourne after an alleged plot to attack Melbourne's Flinders Street Station and Federation Square on Christmas Day was discovered. A similar idea of a national security super-ministry was raised under former prime minister Tony Abbott, but did not eventuate when it became too difficult for him at a time when his leadership was unstable. Establishing the Home Affairs unit is politically fraught because it would mean four ministers � Justice Minister Michael Keenan, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, Immigration Minister Peter Dutton and �Attorney-General George Brandis � may see their portfolios weakened.

Currently, counter-terrorism sits in the Attorney-General�s Department, the AFP and ASIO are in Mr Keenan�s remit and Border Force is an integral part of Mr Dutton�s portfolio. Sources said the Australian Secret Intelligence Service may remain with the Department of Foreign �Affairs and Trade. There are concerns those ministers would be reluctant to lose parts of their portfolio and my resist a move to create a super-ministry. Discussions about the super-portfolio have coincided with manoeuvring ahead of an anticipated �reshuffle in the new year.

Mr Brandis is tipped to take up a post as the new High Commissioner in London when Alexander Downer finishes his term midyear.

Definitely not a police state no siree Bob! Now if you wouldn't mind stepping into the van....

# ? Jan 11, 2017 00:35

SMILLENNIALSMILLEN: Jun 26, 2009

This still make's me laugh

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mC-lFsCfgCs

# ? Jan 11, 2017 00:35

Coq au Nandos: Nov 7, 2006; I think I would say to my daughters if they were to ask me this question... A shitpost is the greatest gift that you can give someone, the ultimate gift of giving and don't give it to someone lightly, that's what I would say.

Sup fuckers

# ? Jan 11, 2017 00:44

I would blow Dane Cook: Dec 26, 2008

quote:

Liberal donor denies link to Sussan Ley Gold Coast unit sale

SUSPENDED minister Sussan Ley is unlikely to return to the frontbench, as the fallout from her taxpayer-funded househunting trips to the Gold Coast triggers action on federal MPs� entitlements.

Colleagues believe Ms Ley, who has been stood down pending the outcome of two inquiries into her taxpayer-funded travel, will not be in Cabinet when parliament returns next month.

This is despite her insistence �no rules were broken� when she billed taxpayers for trips to inspect a Gold Coast property and to attend New Year�s Eve celebrations.

It can now be revealed the Liberal Party donor who sold his luxury apartment to Ms Ley, at a loss, was given a $109,977 grant for his daycare business when she was childcare minister.

Education Department contract documents reveal Children First Learning Centres, owned by vendor Martin Corkery, received the government grant for three daycare centres in November 2014, when Ms Ley was Assistant Education Minister.

Six months later, she bought his luxury De Ville apartment �on a whim�� during a taxpayer-funded trip.

But Mr Corkery said he never discussed his apartment with Ms Ley and she had not even seen it until the May, 2015 auction.

The recent furore has forced the government to act on 36 reforms to MPs� travel entitlements which were recommended 10 months ago, following former speaker Bronwyn Bishop�s notorious helicopter trip from Melbourne to Geelong.

So far, only three recommendations have been implemented.

By July, federal MPs will be banned from using helicopters for short trips, could be forced to share a shuttle bus around Canberra instead of using chauffeur-driven cars and eligibility for interstate family reunion travel will be tightened.

Acting Special Minister of State Kelly O�Dwyer said on Tuesday the �parliamentary expense system needs to change� and all recommendations would be implemented in the first half of the year.

�A clear definition of what official business is obviously at the centre of the changes,� Ms O�Dwyer said.

She would not be drawn on whether Ms Ley, should resign or be sacked, saying: �There is an independent investigation ... it�s not appropriate for me to speculate.�

Crossbench senators said the proposed changes were �weak� and will push for stricter rules when parliament returns on February 7.

The Greens have renewed calls for a federal anti-corruption commission.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/liberal-donor-denies-link-to-sussan-ley-gold-coast-unit-sale/news-story/abc2ebe4ef382ec3e1db20708b9966a3

# ? Jan 11, 2017 01:00

Recoome: Nov 9, 2013; Matter of fact, I'm salty now.

I would blow Dane Cook posted:

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/liberal-donor-denies-link-to-sussan-ley-gold-coast-unit-sale/news-story/abc2ebe4ef382ec3e1db20708b9966a3

holy poo poo

# ? Jan 11, 2017 01:03

SMILLENNIALSMILLEN: Jun 26, 2009

Think it's abbott trying to get back in?

# ? Jan 11, 2017 01:05

I would blow Dane Cook: Dec 26, 2008

SMILLENNIALSMILLEN posted:

Think it's abbott trying to get back in?

https://twitter.com/HelenKennedy/status/570589112652201984

# ? Jan 11, 2017 01:11

open24hours: Jan 7, 2001

I would blow Dane Cook posted:

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/liberal-donor-denies-link-to-sussan-ley-gold-coast-unit-sale/news-story/abc2ebe4ef382ec3e1db20708b9966a3

By July, federal MPs will be banned from using helicopters for short trips, could be forced to share a shuttle bus around Canberra instead of using chauffeur-driven cars and eligibility for interstate family reunion travel will be tightened.

I bet they'll love that.

# ? Jan 11, 2017 01:17

You Am I: May 20, 2001; Me @ your poasting

open24hours posted:

I bet they'll love that.

It would be gold. Seeing all their pissed off faces jammed into a Toyota Hiace or Coaster

# ? Jan 11, 2017 01:20

MysticalMachineGun: Apr 5, 2005

open24hours posted:

I bet they'll love that.

Make 'em take public transport. "Wait, why are these buses and roads in such lovely condition? Shouldn't someone do something about that?"

# ? Jan 11, 2017 01:40

I would blow Dane Cook: Dec 26, 2008

You Am I posted:

It would be gold. Seeing all their pissed off faces jammed into a Toyota Hiace or Coaster

"Tony did you fart in the bus again?"

# ? Jan 11, 2017 01:59

simmyb: Sep 29, 2005

VodeAndreas posted:

I believe it's up to 7 years.

The stuff they asked me to confirm was for fy11/12 being when I changed from newstart to casual work to full time work, a complicated and unforeseen set of events which their system can't handle.

Thank you!!

# ? Jan 11, 2017 01:59

ewe2: Jul 1, 2009

7 years is the statuary limit for most documentation. Banks routinely destroy records older than that. Tudge is not only embarking on illegal predatory invoicing, he's also breaking the statue of limitations.

# ? Jan 11, 2017 02:09

BCR: Jan 23, 2011

# ? Jan 11, 2017 02:11

Megillah Gorilla: Sep 22, 2003; If only all of life's problems could be solved by smoking a professor of ancient evil texts.; Bread Liar

I would blow Dane Cook posted:

First dog:

Rehosting so I can actually see it:

open24hours posted:

I bet they'll love that.

# ? Jan 11, 2017 05:50

Synthbuttrange: May 6, 2007

Rod is bankrupt for real this time.

# ? Jan 11, 2017 06:00

The Before Times: Mar 8, 2014; Once upon a time, I would have thrown you halfway to the moon for a crack like that.

Synthbuttrange posted:

Rod is bankrupt for real this time.

He's always been morally bankrupt.

# ? Jan 11, 2017 06:51

I would blow Dane Cook: Dec 26, 2008

Here is a bloody good article about the travel rorts fiasco http://www.macrobusiness.com.au/2017/01/pox-parliamentary-privileges-entitlements/

# ? Jan 11, 2017 06:54

DancingShade: Jul 26, 2007; by Fluffdaddy

Synthbuttrange posted:

Rod is bankrupt for real this time.

Maybe he can write a letter to Father Christmas this time so that Santa can fly over on his magical sleigh to declare him solvent.

# ? Jan 11, 2017 07:11

Frogfingers: Oct 10, 2012

DancingShade posted:

Maybe he can write a letter to Father Christmas this time so that Santa can fly over on his magical sleigh to declare him solvent.

Depends how much he's in the hole.

# ? Jan 11, 2017 07:15

adamantium|wang: Sep 14, 2003; Missing you

DancingShade posted:

Maybe he can write a letter to Father Christmas this time so that Santa can fly over on his magical sleigh to declare him solvent.

He's written a letter to the Queen instead.

adamantium|wang fucked around with this message at 07:43 on Jan 11, 2017

# ? Jan 11, 2017 07:35

I would blow Dane Cook: Dec 26, 2008

https://twitter.com/derrick_krusche/status/819070817392693248

https://twitter.com/derrick_krusche/status/819072448452665345

Also if you haven't caught up with the latest Trump fiasco you should, you'll be pissing yourself laughing.

# ? Jan 11, 2017 07:53

Recoome: Nov 9, 2013; Matter of fact, I'm salty now.

adamantium|wang posted:

He's written a letter to the Queen instead.

lol @ the font change early on

# ? Jan 11, 2017 08:05

Recoome: Nov 9, 2013; Matter of fact, I'm salty now.

also holy gently caress whats the loving point of that letter? It's some really rambling/incoherent poo poo hahaha

# ? Jan 11, 2017 08:07

Doctor Spaceman: Jul 6, 2010; "Everyone's entitled to their point of view, but that's seriously a weird one."

Recoome posted:

also holy gently caress whats the loving point of that letter? It's some really rambling/incoherent poo poo hahaha

He is legit crazy.

# ? Jan 11, 2017 08:20

ewe2: Jul 1, 2009

Jfc I've never seen a Senator actually lose his mind. I don't count Roberts, he was crazy already.

# ? Jan 11, 2017 08:30

Doctor Spaceman: Jul 6, 2010; "Everyone's entitled to their point of view, but that's seriously a weird one."

Culleton's been on about this for years apparently.

ewe2 posted:

Jfc I've never seen a Senator actually lose his mind. I don't count Roberts, he was crazy already.

I know it's a glib comment, but Mary Jo Fisher resigned a few years ago because of mental illness and kleptomania, and when you watch videos like:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLVMMxzSaMc
it shouldn't come as a surprise.

Doctor Spaceman fucked around with this message at 08:36 on Jan 11, 2017

# ? Jan 11, 2017 08:34

gay picnic defence: Oct 5, 2009; I'M CONCERNED ABOUT A NUMBER OF THINGS

Who is the best internet provider these days? Looking for someone cheap but fast enough to watch youtube without hassles. No idea how much data I would go through

I would blow Dane Cook posted:

Also if you haven't caught up with the latest Trump fiasco you should, you'll be pissing yourself laughing.

Pretty impressive by the Russians

# ? Jan 11, 2017 09:07

Solemn Sloth: Jul 11, 2015; Baby you can shout at me,
But you can't need my eyes.

gay picnic defence posted:

Who is the best internet provider these days? Looking for someone cheap but fast enough to watch youtube without hassles. No idea how much data I would go through

Pretty impressive by the Russians

I'd recommend not TPG, I've had heaps of problems with them

# ? Jan 11, 2017 09:18

Anidav: Feb 25, 2010; ahhh fuck its the rats again

Unfortunately, Optus.

# ? Jan 11, 2017 09:24

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# ? May 23, 2024 11:16

hiddenmovement: Sep 29, 2011; "Most mornings I'll apologise in advance to my wife."

The only problem I've had with tpg is their billing

# ? Jan 11, 2017 09:27

The Something Awful Forums > Discussion > Debate & Discussion > Auspol January 2017: relentless incoherence and incompetence.

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