Sunday, May 29, 2022

Peter Dutton's track record

Peter Dutton MP has the front running to become the Liberal National opposition leader in the federal government. 

It is worth remembering some of his recent political history, Peter Dutton:

  • Refused to commit to aiming for a 1.5% limit on climate warming at the Pacific Island Form in PNG, where he was heard to joke about island nations with "waves lapping at your door"
  • Boycotted the Apology to the Stolen Generations
  • Claimed Victorians were scared to go out because of African Gangs
  • Blamed Laa Chol's death on "Sudanese Gangs", contrary to Victoria Police advice
  • Accused Ali France, who is an amputee, of leveraging her disability for political gain
  • Referred to Murugappan children as "Anchor Babies"
  • Claimed refugees [medivac'd from detention] will cause locals to be "displaced from those services"
  • Referred Bruce Pascoe to AFP claiming he lied about indigenous identity
  • Called journalist Samantha Maiden a "mad f***ing witch" in a text message
  • Described Brittany Higgins rape allegation as "She said, He said"
  • Claimed women are using rape and abortion claims as a ploy to get to Australia
  • Used SLAPP suits to silence critics (Shane Bazzi)
  • Marked Anzac Day 2022 by invoking the spectre of Nazi Germany and declaring that Australia can only preserve peace by preparing for war.
*Credit to Helen Smart for this list.

There are now media attempts to portray him as a nice family guy to soften is reputation as a hard right political warrior, a hard-line border protection minister and, more recently, a China hawk beating the drums of war.

It will be interesting to see how he goes as opposition leader.

See also

Saturday, May 28, 2022

Independent candidates partly funded by Climate 200 reset representational democracy

Climate 200

Climate 200 is a ​​community crowdfunded initiative established in 2019 to support pro-climate, pro-integrity, and pro-gender equity candidates.

Climate 200 is not a party. It does not start campaigns, select candidates, speak for candidates, dictate policies, or have members.

Climate did not prelect any of the above candidates, control them, or dictate any policy matters.

They simply give strong community campaigns a leg up with funding and support.

The following candidates were partly funded by Climate 200 during the 2022 Australian Federal election:

 Alex Dyson, Independent candidate for Wannon

  • VIC, Liberal incumbent

Allegra Spender, Independent candidate for Wentworth - ELECTED

  • NSW, Liberal incumbent

Andrew Wilkie. Independent MP for Clark  - ELECTED

  • TAS, Independent seeking re-election

Caz Heise, Independent candidate for Cowper

  • NSW, National incumbent

Claire Ferres Miles, Independent candidate for Casey

  • VIC, Liberal incumbent

David Pocock. Independent candidate for ACT Senate  - ELECTED

  • ACT Senate

Despi O’Connor, Independent candidate for Flinders

  • VIC, Liberal incumbent

Dr Monique RyanIndependent candidate for Kooyong  - ELECTED

  • VIC, Liberal incumbent

Dr Sophie Scamps, Independent candidate for Mackellar  - ELECTED

  • NSW, Liberal incumbent

Georgia Steele, Independent candidate for Hughes

  • NSW, UAP incumbent

Dr Hanabeth Luke, Independent candidate for Page

  • NSW, National incumbent

Helen Haines, Independent member for Indi  - ELECTED

  • VIC, Independent seeking re-election

Jo Dyer, Independent candidate for Boothby

  • SA, Liberal incumbent

Kate Chaney, Independent candidate for Curtin  - ELECTED

  • WA, Liberal incumbent

Kate Hook, Independent candidate for Calare

  • NSW, National incumbent

Kim Rubenstein, Independent candidate for ACT Senate

  • ACT Senate

Kylea Tink, Independent candidate for North Sydney  - ELECTED

  • NSW, Liberal incumbent

Leanne Minshulll, Independent candidate for TAS Senate

  • TAS, Senate

Nicolette Boele, Independent candidate for Bradfield

  • NSW, Liberal incumbent

Rebekha Sharkie, Independent member for Mayo  - ELECTED

  • SA, Independent seeking re-election

Zali Steggall, Independent MP for Warringah  - ELECTED

  • NSW, Independent seeking re-election

Zoe Daniel, Independent candidate for Goldstein  - ELECTED

  • VIC, Liberal incumbent

See also 



Sunday, May 15, 2022

Dr Monique Ryan will be a strong independent voice for Kooyong if she is elected

I got involved in politics are working on campaigns to protect Victoria's native forests.  Elections presented an opportunity to get change for the better.  However, we were not able to "make Australia woodchip free in 1993"...

I joined the Greens and was the Greens candidate for Kooyong in 2001, 2004 and 2007 running against Petro Georgiou, a decent and friendly man who showed great compassion to refugees.

I resigned from the Greens in 2011. All political parties carry baggage and pollute democracy. MPs  mostly represent their party as their first priority rather than their constituents.

I ran as an independent (unsuccessfully) for the state seat of Burwood in the 2014 Victorian election.

People mostly join political parties because the believe in something and want to effect change. I was focussed on protecting forests, the environment, climate change and transitioning to renewable energy. 

However, I found myself diverted into lengthy often toxic state and national council meetings. My energy was diverted into internal battles over policy, priorities and pre-selection. All political parties also engage in branch stacking.

When I send emails to Josh Frydenberg asking him to represent my views in the federal parliament he refuses to do so.  Instead I get a spiel from him on what "their policy" is. He has also blocked me on Twitter without any explanation. He's just not a good representative for me and many others.

I am volunteering for Monique Ryan's campaign for Kooyong because I  believe she will be the best person to represent Kooyong in the federal parliament.

Vote 1 Monique Ryan. Remember to number EVERY square.

We want a Federal representative who takes the time to listen, and act and represent us on the important issues - including climate change, an anti-corruption commission, decent treatment of refugees and protection of our environment.

The campaigns such as Monique Ryan in Kooyong, Zoe Daniel in Goldstein, Allegra Spender in Wentworth and other "teal" seats are fantastic and inspiring. 

Thousands of people are engaged and active.

Democracy has been restored to citizens, breaking the shackles of party politics.

Simon Holmes a Court has provided funding for many of these campaigns via the Climate 200 with no strings attached. This has enabled local independent campaigns to compete against well-funded political party campaigns.

One of the great things about Dr Monique Ryan's campaign is meeting new people from all walks of life and getting out and about door knocking, riding bikes and visiting cafes.

Over 2,000 volunteers are united in a common goal - to get Dr Ryan elected in Kooyong.

This is the first time in Kooyong's history that there has been a real contest for the seat. 

This might be the only chance we get, let's make it happen!






See also

Saturday, May 14, 2022

Monique Ryan will be a great member of parliament for Kooyong. Ignore Liberal dirty tricks!

With the long 6 week election campaign drawing to a close there is a buzz in the air in Kooyong.



Monique Ryan, the genuine independent for Kooyong, now has a team of over 2000 volunteers of all ages and from all walks of life.  

Josh Frydenberg covets the seat of Kooyong and is desperate to cling to office.

While Frydenberg still has his nose in front (don't believe the polls) he has ramped up familiar dirty tricks.

If the Liberals polling tells them this isn't working they go dirty

  • The Liberal Dirt Unit trawls for something they think discredits the other candidate.
  • Ramp up attacks via media
  • Distribute attack leaflets to all letterboxes (at taxpayers expense!)
  • Other Liberal MPs amplify attacks

If they feel REALLY threatened they escalate

  • Deface or pull down opponent corflute posters (several hundred of Monique Ryan's have been stolen or damaged)
  • Put up anonymous "attack corflutes" attempting to discredit all independents (new!)
  • Ramp up personal attacks via friendly media and social media (ads)
  • Prime Minister Morrison and ministers amplify attacks
  • Attempt get corflute poster banned on residents property (Tim Wilson in Goldstein, )
  • Attempt to restrict number of volunteers at polling booths (Kooyong, unsuccessful)
  • Lean on the local council to restrict permits for A frames while distributing flyers

They might even get REALLY dirty

  • Try to insert someone into opponent's campaign (or try to bribe someone to defect)
  • Abuse other candidates and their supporters in public
  • Attempt to provoke a confrontation to discredit their opponent and amplify it via media
  • Paint over of Monique Ryan's murals

Dr Ryan's campaign is positive

Dr Monique Ryan and all her supporters are committed to an honest and positive campaign that includes:
  • Community engagement via forums, street walks, bike rides etc
  • Door knocking - the entire electorate of Kooyong has now been visited!
  • Transparent declared funding 
  • Over 2,000 local volunteers
  • No dirty tricks

Volunteers pizza night

Door knocking team



Monique Ryan also debated Frydenberg and proved she will be a great representative for Kooyong if she is elected. Here is the debate in full.







Wednesday, May 04, 2022

Monique Ryan vs Josh Frydenberg's how to vote cards in Kooyong

How to vote cards are a window into candidate leanings and possible political deals.

Monique Ryan, the community independent candidate for Kooyong, has published the How to Vote instructions below.


  • The order of candidates shown is the order on the ballot that voters will use
  • Monique Ryan asks people to vote 1 for her
  • Then voters select other candidates according to THEIR choice (values alignment, policies etc.)
  • This is the best for democracy.
Josh Frydenberg is the incumbent Liberal member of parliament for Kooyong.

His How to Vote is below, with annotations.




Frydenberg has directed preferences to the following candidates:
  • 2. Liberal Democrats (right wing)
  • 3. Derryn Hinch (Justice) - centrist
  • 4. UAP (Clive Palmer, right wing)
  • 5. Australian Values Party (right wing)
  • 6. Dummy candidate for Frydenberg (fake independent)
  • 7. Animal justice
  • 8. One Nation (Pauline Hanson, right wing)
Ahead of the following progressive candidate and community independent Monique Ryan:
  • 9. Peter Lynch (Labor, progressive)
  • 10. Piers Mitcham (Greens, progressive)
  • 11 Monique Ryan (Independent)
This indicates possible preference deals between the Liberals, Justice, Liberal Democrats, UAP, AVP and possibly One Nation.

Frydenberg's preferences will not be distributed but they do indicate his political leanings to the right.

When voting:

Make sure you number EVERY square 1 to 11 to ensure your vote is valid.

There will be two ballot papers - House of Reps (green, 11 candidates) and Senate (big, white).


Tuesday, May 03, 2022

Patricia Karvelas interview with Josh Frydenberg on Radio National 29 Apr 2022

Recording: http://ab.co/3F2CH1Q Kooyong content starts at 1:10:15

Poster of Frydenberg in Brunswick

Frydenberg with coal in parliament

Notes on his dubious statements and some outright lies follow.

JF:  "I am facing .. somebody who is no more than a slogan, or a board or a banner."

  • derogatory, dismissive, disrespectful
  • Dr Monique Ryan ran the neurology department at the Royal Children’s Hospital until recently.

PK: "Why undermine her and use this kind of language?"

JF:  "just because you may have had a professional occupation doesn't mean you will bring to the table detailed policies that will enhance the parliament or the local seat"

  • Non answer

PK: "Monique Ryan said the party with the most ambitious climate change policy and the toughest integrity commission she would make a deal with [if minority govt].  Isn't the onus on you to create those conditions?"

JF: Non answer, diversion 

PK: "Do you see yourself as as moderate?" 

JF: "I see myself as having progressive views, moderate views on number of issues ..."

"I supported Same Sex Marriage." 

  • Lie = he voted against it theyvoteforyou.org.au  
  • Josh Frydenberg voted consistently against same-sex marriage equality

JF: "I was one of the strongest advocates for net zero by 2050 ... We have a detailed costed plan to get there"

  • Lie. Morrison's "plan" is a pamphlet with no details and many questionable assumptions. 

PK: "Why are you preferencing One Nation over this independent if you are a moderate?"

JK: 'Well because firstly my preferences aren't going to make any difference in the seat because .." [interrupted]

PK: "But the symbolism matters"

JF: "Well no, it doesn't. Because in my seat its going to come down to me and the independent because the Labor party and the Greens, you can barely find a sign for them, are in bed with the so-called independent."

  • Lie. There is no conspiracy.

PK: "So if you are progressive/moderate what do you make of embattled Liberal candidate Katherine Deves?"

JF: "Historical analogies with the Holocaust are largely inappropriate. Her [Deves'] comments are inappropriate and unacceptable."

  • Morrison endorses her

In summary, Frydenberg: 

  • Won't use Monique Ryan's name (disrespectful) 
  • Says Dr Ryan is a "fake independent" (a lie)
  • Alleges conspiracy between others against him
  • Doesn't provide any compelling example of being an effective "moderate"