Excellent, lets give labour another chance, we should just have a change just for the sake of it, let labour stuff the economy again, sure everything will be good for a while, give it a year, and then the penalties for voting in a great party as for there track record will come and desimate all of us.We have it pretty good know that the coalition have cleaned up there past quagmire, but it still isnt good enough for some they want everything and its the coalitions fault if they dont have it. Good on you John Howard you will still get my vote, put 2 and 2 together, if its not broke dont fix it!
As for the union fat cats and boofhead keating, get together and start a pig farm in another country.

Go johnnie more like it...all you needed to have a worm was for kevin rudd to show up!!! History has proven that if labour gets into power then they will stuff up our economy and we will go back into debt!!!!! What do you have to say about this? With Johnnie we know that medicare is safe, we know that we have a great place to live and that we can get not only work, but jobs that we WANT!
It is clear that the media does not portray what the public perception is, it infact influences the public perception by portraying what they want us to believe. They have decided it is time for Mr Howard to go, Bias has no place in my house and I wont be watching channell 9 news! If you read the media code of ethics, chanel 9 scores low!

Rgds
JP

Dearest Janet,

I'm not a religious person but whoever said "The Lord Helps those who help themself.", was right on the money (pardon the pun).

I don't have a wife/partner or family but I know that my tax dollars are supporting some drug addicted, alcoholic "chick" over the other side of the main freeway with her 5 kids by 5 different fathers, who are also living off of my taxes.

As such, I believe that I do more than my share for the nation. As a tax payer yourself you should also be appalled at the fact there are third-generation dole bludgers in this country! Perhaps we should introduce a welfare system like the U.S. which gives you 6 weeks to find a job and then you go onto food vouchers, not endless cash like us. Maybe that would encourage some of the bums to get up off their backsides and join the forces or do some manual labor, thereby contributing to the economy instead of being a drain on it.

The "good of the nation" does not equate to me surrendering my wage to some lady I don't even know (who may or may not be of 'good character'), in my mind.

No, I think I would rather invest my money in myself. That's not materialistic, it's common-sense.

Dear Jimbo,

Don't go to sleep just yet. I'm not an under-achiever. I am employed full-time, in a profession I love. However, monetary gain is not my primary concern. And it shouldn't be yours either.
Think about what's good for the nation, not just your own pocket...

Janet,

Thankyou for the backhanded compliment

I am indeed smart enough to know that the Labor Party is the progeny of the Trade Union Movement. I also have an extremely good memory, which is what I will be basing my vote on.

P.S. I know who will be giving me more $ in my pocket rather than ripping it off me to give to someone who has made the adult decision to have children but wants to have their cake (ie work full time) and eat it. Rudd offers nothing to single, middle-class workers who form an ever-increasing demographic. Howard will at least look after me. I also know that my share portfolio is doing very well thankyou due to Liberal's strong economic management. If you're an under-achiever, you'll vote for Rudd because he rewards under-achievement at the expense of those who strive to make something of themselves.

Thankyou and good night.

Dear Mathematical Jimbo,

You certainly had a lot to say, Congratulations! But you're wrong - and you know it! Mr Rudd does not equal unions. That's what Mr Howard and his team want you to believe. But you're smarter than that! You know full well that what Mr Rudd equals is as follows:
Rudd = improved industrial relation laws
Improved IRL'S = Job Security
Job Security = Happier workers
Happier workers = Greater productivity
Greater productivity = More prosperity
More prosperity = Stronger economy
Stronger economy = Happier bosses
Happier bosses, stronger economy = More Jobs
More jobs = HAPPINESS ALL ROUND!!!
AND HAPPINESS IS WHAT WE CAN ALL DO WITH MORE OF!!!!

The fundamental point I was making, “Jimbo” and “Anonymous 11:19 am”, was that Aboriginal people are fellow Australians, deserve to be treated with respect, and given the chance to have the same living standards the rest of us are so fortunate to have in this lucky country. Yes, we will have to help them steer away from the drugs and alcohol our society has made available to them, but also provide means and ways to allow them to get back on track and ultimately look after themselves – something they did very well prior to us coming along.

With respect to the remarkable skill and inventiveness of Aboriginal people, I am glad, “Jimbo”, that you concede the Boomerang was in fact a developed hunting tool. Having completed a PhD in Fluid Mechanics at Cambridge and Science Engineering at ANU, I can tell you these are by no means simple to make without modern tools so give these people credit for something they achieved 20-30,000 years ago. It would appear that “Anonymous 11:19 am” has no appreciation of what is required to achieve this so until such time “you” manage to make one that works, using only what you find wandering the Australian bush, you are in no position to comment, end of story.

After listening to Rudd's new educational policy, as a University student, I am very pleased.
I feel that, although Howard has given a great deal of attention to this administration, it is not enough to warrant his continuation in Parliament.
I honestly have nothing against John Howard and I do believe that he has served the nation well, but it is time for him to step aside. I realise that his retirement is upon us, however, I will still be voting Labour becase I could not bare to see this nation in the hands of a worm (excuse the pun) like Peter Costello.
In regards to the use of the worm; I find it entertaining, if nothing else. I realise the sample size is unfortunate....but what are you going to do? Perhaps the Australian public should focus on the actual leaders of the parties instaed of a line at the bottom of their television screens.

I feel that John Howard has passed his used by date. I believe he is a poorly spoken man living in the past, and should no longer represent contemporary Australia. In his opening speech, he blatantly attacked Kevin Rudd, claiming he is a pesemist, when Rudd in fact wants to act on crucial issues in Australia right now, that need to be acted upon. Congratulations John Howard, you have taken credit for our thriving economy! Sure it's great, but not at the expence of what? Everyday Australians who work their arse off to get nowhere, think of all those who suffer in rural areas, think of all the single parents and struggling uni students, think of the 'real' people who aren't born into wealth, it isn't fair for the rich to get richer and the poor get poorer! It isn't fair that I probably won't ever own my own house dispite how damn hard I work, yet some mindless rich kid will. Kevin Rudd is giving hope to a brighter, more fair future for all of Australia. John Howard, thanks for what you have done, but it's time for a new direction, and Kevin Rudd certainly has my vote... Good Luck Mr Rudd!

um.. i think you are all wrong.. im only 13 but me and my best friend are the only ones in our class that go for john Howard..
we think that he is the best..
just give him another chance..
we think the world of you john..
JOHNNY ALL THE WAY...!!@$@%

Channel Nine defends the worm in a press release »

On the use of the worm I'll quote 'Ray Martin' What has happened to free speech in Australia! The government cut the feed to channel 9 on two occasions! To start with and then the back up. If it hadn't been for cable tv channel 9 wouldn't have not been able to continue the broadcast! Have a little think about this!!!

I agree with "Jimbo". Al is the one who needs to go back to school. "Jimbo" said that the "aboriginals didn't 'build' anything in 40,000+ years". In the Oxford English Dictionary "build" = "to construct", "to put together". Pray tell what does one have to "put together" to build a boomerang?

"Construction" is one of the fundamental steps in childhood/human development, which was not achieved by the aboriginals.

Back to English 101 for you, Al.

Al,

I would watch what I say before making stupid comments. I hold 3 degrees (Microbiology, Anthropology, and History) - Yes I have worked and studied all my life. I've held Government positions and I've worked in Chemical research for some of the World's biggest companies. I've also lived o/s for some time, working for a large corporate multinational and am currently doing a PhD so I can lecture at University in Anthropology and History. I have won numerous awards whilst studying and am a 'golden key' member (top 15% of my course nationally). As part of my reasearch, I have spent time in the Pacific Islands studing the indigenous cultures.

I think I've made quite good use of the education system thankyou. Thankfully I completed most of my study before Labor were in government and introduced a biased version of History focussed on promoting anti-English sentiment (you should know that many Labor ministers are Irish Republican or of that stock).

I'll concede that the boomerang and the woomera are quite developed hunting tools but my point stands; they never progressed to the next stage of the evolutionary cycle. They remain hunter-gatherers as opposed to the African (Sub-Saharan and Saharan), Pacific Islander and South American tribes who moved on to the stage of hut building, communal dwellings and domestication of animals.

I'm not trying to ridicule aboriginals, just pointing out a well documented fact. Like all 'primative'who come into contact with 'modern' cultures, they need to be assimilated slowly and with guidance.

So before you make smart-arsed comments, remember that there's always someone smarter than you believe yourself to be. Also take the time to read and interpret comments properly, without assigning your own meaning.

P.S. I wonder if anyone on here is actually old enough to remember the days of 17% interest rates, militant unions (e.g. wharfies), union strikes and stand-over tactics (Don't talk about the "recession we HAD to have." or the State Bank Disaster)?

how come mr howard you found all this money before the election you never pledged any money and you never helped anybody and now your emotions getting to you. thats right you are a high flyer for the rich. and the poor little man does exsist for you but all you want out of us is the tax and money every which way.

The comments made by “Simon”, “Jimbo” and “Anonymous 12:14 am” truly highlight the need to pursue one important point made in tonight’s debate- education. Reconciliation is not about apologising for a crime we did not commit, it is about acknowledging and saying sorry for the atrocious way in which Aboriginal people have been treated in the past and giving them the right opportunities and direction in the future. Saying “sorry” should not lead to unreasonable or excessive compensation payments to individuals if funds can be better allocated into community based programs that improve health and education amongst Aboriginal people.

These people are battling to deal with the life we have placed upon them, although it is one they have unwittingly adopted. Anyone that calls themselves a true Australian would know the great Australian idiom “Give a battler a fair go”- surely it is time we proved ourselves on this issue? Yes, clamp down and remove drugs and alcohol- that’s the heart of the problem. The media portray the communities where sexual abuse and domestic violence are rife- all of these communities have huge problems with drugs and alcohol. From first-hand experience I know for a fact many “dry” communities function extremely well- no domestic violence or abuse, no crime and they maintain their culture, their language and their knowledge of the land. We need sound policies which gain the approval of the Aboriginal community and give them a chance to get back to the things that are most sacred to their culture, but still provide the support and services needed to bridge the gap between both our societies. There is a balance somewhere, and I don’t think the Howard intervention strategy is anywhere near good enough. I work, pay my taxes and am more than happy to see them put towards sensible solutions, not another failure. The Howard government has had too many dismal and shameful failures over the last 11 years so I’m voting Labour- “Sorry” Johnny!

Just a footnote, the comment made by “Jimbo” saying that Aboriginals never built or invented anything was untrue and reflects poorly on the level of intellect displayed by the said author. Might, I remind you that they devised and used with great effect the most advanced airfoil and projectile weapon of any nation on earth some 20-30,000 years before us white fellas came up with anything that could fly- the boomerang. That's Primary School knowledge. Don’t worry “Jimbo”, the education program for the future will have space for you too.

RUDD IS KING....................

TIME TO GO
.....................JOHN HOWARD

I totally agree. The natives have been given a fair deal in today's society. Can't keep blaming people and politicans. It is time that the blame is put on them. They need to step up and stop feeling sorry for themselves.

giving kids access to internet / computers etc do not necessarily translate to brighter kids. but more likely those better at computer games!!!! what thoughtless incentives!! although Rudd spoke more articulately, i just didn't believe him! it's the lesser of the two known evils at the end of the day that i would vote for.

I agree with Jimbo. Why should we, or John, apologise for a crime that we did not commit. I thought John's explanation was spot on. We feel bad that these things happened in the past but why should we take the responsibility today? Some aborigional communities of late have proved that they dont take care of their own and if anything, are pushing the government to remove children from their care again. Anyone who thinks Rudd is going to swoop in and fix the problem has been drasticly misinformed. Rudd's too spineless to take on such a sensitive topic.

Rudd went on and on about working families, child care, broard band and education.... None of that applies to me. None of his policies apply unless you're an undereducated, married 9 - 5 worker with a pile of kids you put in day care 5 days a week. At least Johns tax cuts apply regardless of whether you have children or not. They give every body the chance to save a little. Rudd may be for the 'family' but John gives everyone a break.

Janet,

If YOU want to give your pay packet (assuming you have one) to a bunch of white lawyers representing Aboriginals (only a fraction of the money would actually reach the aboriginal communities where it is needed), then be my guest.

We gave them the land titles and welfare payments they wanted and what do they do? Buy grog and rape children!

They need guidance (even if it is tough) and education, not apologies and more money.

By the way, In 40,000+ years, aboriginals built nothing. They couldn't even invent the wheel!

As the investigative world renowned journalist, John Pilger, tells us
in his book 'The New Rulers of The World,'and I quote,
"...in my lifetime, Australia has been transformed from a second-hand
Anglo-Irish society to one of the most culturally diverse places on earth, and it has happened peacefully... Of course, the first
Australians were never included. Their extraordinary civilisation and
their oneness with an ancient land were never taught as a source of national pride. And their inclusion, still to be achieved, remains the nation's key to itself..." The late Aboriginal leader Rob Riley confirmed this in his statement, "...It's simple, unless you give us back our nationhood, you can never claim your own!"
Mr John Howard has never done what was needed in the past. Why should anyone believe him now? We need a leader who will do the right thing by us all, in this land of ours. That leader is - Kevin Rudd!!!

Janet,

I've only got one thing to say and I'll do it in a mathematical form:

Rudd = Unions
Unions = wage rises & strikes
Wage rises & strikes = unhappy boss
unhappy boss = shut up shop.
shut up shop = no jobs
no jobs = can't pay the mortgage on that big new house & car.
Can't pay mortgage = ..........
BANKRUPT!

To the person who wrote about Howard's refusal to issues an appology to Aboriginals:

You obviously don't work and pay taxes, and I DO! If you pay taxes then you would realise that the issue of a formal appology is what rich white lawyers have been wanting for ages (not to mention the ever more greedy indigenous population who always have their hand out but never strive to better themselves).

If the nation appologises then the lawyers for the aborginals will press the compensation claim they have been rubbing thier grubby hands for for ages. The Government will have to pay the bill (read Billions of dollars!!!), then taxes go up to pay for the expense and guess who suffers? ME!!!!!

I did BUGGER ALL to the aboriginals, so why should I have to pay? In the history of mankind, many many many peoples have been conquered by a stronger nation. Do we all go around claiming compensation off of each other? Where will it stop? What about Europe, which has been invaded a million times over thousands of years?

If anybody deserves compensation it is the children of England in WWII, who were moved to "boarding houses" and then sent to Australia and Canada, having been told that their parents were dead, when their parents were alive!

Get over it! Education and strict policing is the answer.

Wonder what the worm would do, if Howard and Rudd decide to start throwing punches.....

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW, the Prime Minister ALMOST apologised?!?!?!?!?!

He is representing a position which had been responsible for GENOCIDE, so how can he possibly not be obliged to apologise????? An apology may not change the past but it is a necessary step in reconcilliation. How could he expect Indigenous Australians to respect the laws that had not too long ago been responsible for their beig treated like animals....

PM couldn t answer the qustions that was given .rudd was clear and has a passion for this country .and who are we really voting for ?john horward or peter costello? i know i won t want costello in.....
when howard retiers.
p.s luved the worm

This debate just makes me, want to vote for the host...

And i'm sure that ur judgements are clearly void of prejudice... most of Rudds answers lose focus and quickly become a load of waffling so how could this worm possibly be dubbed 'unbiased'.

They should just attach lie detectors on these guys...