• Perth-Western Australia

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Rudd’s fall: It’s not always the economy, stupid

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(CNN) – Kevin Rudd’s sudden loss of his own party’s backing as Prime Minister of Australia seems to fly in the face of conventional wisdom that has ruled politics since Bill Clinton successfully stumped for U.S. president in 1992 on the back of this slogan: It’s the economy, stupid.

In the midst of the storm clouds that have surrounded the global economy during the “Great Recession,” the Australian economy has been a ray of light.

Australia never fell into recession. Rudd was widely credited for successfully steering the nation through the credit crisis, thanks in no small part to its commodities-rich trade with China and other emerging economies.

As recently as six months ago, CNN’s Stan Grant reports, Rudd enjoyed record approval ratings for a sitting prime minister.

What happened?

Two major culprits, both of which have a deep impact on business in Australia: The failure of his emissions trading proposal – which would have introduced tougher cap and trade policies for industrial polluters – and a 40 percent “supertax” planned on mining companies.

A once passionate advocate of reducing global emissions, his softening on the issue upset his environmental base. His support of mining taxes, naturally, upset the nation’s powerful mining interests (at the close of trading in New York, shares of both Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton were up more than 2 percent on the news of a possible leadership shakeup).

Rudd’s inability to steer these two measures created doubt within his own Labor Party that he could successfully lead them to victory in upcoming elections.

Moreover, it appears Rudd alienated the supporters closest too him, who saw him as controlling and mercurial in his leadership style.

Which goes to show that its not always “the economy, stupid,” when it comes to politics. Instead it appears Rudd forgot that other maxim of politics, coined by former U.S. Speaker of the House Thomas “Tip” O’Neill: All politics is local.

It’s a lesson for executives, too: If you don’t have the support of those around you, you don’t have any support at all.

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Australia’s new Prime Minister ….

Julia Gillard becomes first female PM in Australia

CANBERRA, June 24 , Julia Gillard on Thursday became Australia’s first female Prime Minister, ousting Kevin Rudd as Labor Party leader after his plans to boost taxes on the mining industry deepened a slump in opinion polls.

Dissatisfaction with Rudd hit a record 55 percent, according to a telephone survey of 1,147 people between June 18 and 20 published in the Australian newspaper this week.

A series of damaging polls, stemming largely from the shelving of the emissions trading scheme  and more recently the war with the mining sector over the resources super profits tax, had made Kevin Rudd’s position as prime minister untenable.

“I take my fair share of responsibility for the Rudd government ‘s record, for our important achievements and for errors made,” Gillard said.

“I asked my colleagues to make a leadership change. A change because I believed that a good government was losing its way.”

Gillard requested a ballot to challenge over Rudd on Wednesday night, adding he had lost the support of some parts of his center- left Labor Party.

On Thursday morning, she became the first female, as well as the 27th Prime Minister in Australia when Rudd had been voted out by the Members of Parliament.

As one of her first acts as prime minister, Gillard has scrapped a 38 million dollars (33.26 million U.S. dollars) advertising campaign to promote the tax as a sign of good faith.

She said reaching an agreement on the Resource Super Profits Tax (RSPT) is one of her first priorities after being elevated to the top job by the Federal Parliamentary Labor Party, although she has reiterated that the government will not abandon the RSPT.

The negotiations with the mining industry will continue to be led by the Treasurer (and new Deputy Prime Minister) Wayne Swan and Resources Minister Martin Ferguson.

Julia Gillard has moved quickly to distance herself from the policy failings of the Rudd government, declaring a truce with miners and restating her commitment to combating climate change, Australian Associated Press (AAP) reported.

With the decision to shelve the Emission Trading Scheme having been so damaging for Rudd, the new prime minister has moved to align herself with millions of voters concerned about climate change.

“It is my intention to lead a government that does more to harness the wind and the sun and the new emerging technologies,” Gillard said, adding she believed human beings had contributed to climate change.

“It is as disappointing to me as it is to millions of Australians that we do not have a price on carbon.”

“If elected as prime minister, I will re-prosecute the case for a carbon price at home and abroad.”

According to AAP, winning votes back from the Right, however, may be somewhat more difficult.

In terms of the economy, Gillard has committed to sticking with the Rudd government’s timeline for returning the budget to surplus by 2012-13.

With the issue of asylum seekers again looming as a key election battlefront, Gillard also hinted at a tougher border protection regime.

“I understand that Australians are disturbed when they see boats arrive on our shores unannounced.

“Australians wanted strong border management and I will provide it.”

Opposition leader Tony Abbott said the new prime minister faced a “big challenge” to offer the right policies to the Australian people.

“The new prime minister has admitted that the government has lost its way,” Abbott said.

“Her challenge will be to demonstrate how things will be different given that she is as committed, it seems, to policies of the former prime minister, as he was himself.”

The Australian public could expect a “fierce and tough” contest with the coalition, Abbott said.

“I respect the abilities of the prime minister and hope as well as being a tough contest, it will also be a clean and fair contest. ”

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Australia today:

The australien flag with the southern cross

Parliament House Canberra

Typical Road Train

Sydney Opera House

Aboriginal

Sonnenuntergang am  Uluṟu          („Ayers Rock“) 

Koala Bär             Blühender Eukalyptus

Aboriginies mit didgeridoo

Aboriginies in der Modernen Welt

Aboriginies am Lagerfeuer

Proglamation to the Aboriginies Governer Arthur 1828

Kimberley, Western Australia           Coorong, South Australia

Gippsland, Victoria                          Sydney,NSW

The Daintree,Queensland

The Outback

Flinders Ranges, South Australia

Take a scenic flight and see the monumental splendour of the rock basin of Wilpena Pound roll out beneath you, then explore the legendary waterholes of the Flinders Ranges. See Aboriginal art at Arkaroo Rock and explore the area’s pastoral history at Wilpena Pound Station. Afterwards, head to a friendly pub and taste-test some of the area’s famous bush tucker while swapping stories with the locals.

Longreach, Queensland

Join a campfire and hear the poetry of the outback people at the spiritual homeland of the Aussie ‘bushy’. Here you can learn about the history of the outback and the people who call it home at the Stockman’s Hall of Fame. Home of the world’s first flying surgeon and the birthplace of our national airline Qantas, there’s much to do in and around this legendary outback town.

Broken Hill, New South Wales

Discover distinctive desert landscapes and an oasis of lakes around the former mining town known as Silver City. Once the world’s largest silver, lead and zinc mine, Broken Hill is now famous for its artists, who draw inspiration from the clear light and expansive vistas. Take a sunset stroll around the Living Desert Sculptures, watch birds around Menindee Lakes and do a radio lesson in the world’s largest virtual classroom at the School of the Air.

Glen Helen Gorge, N.T.

After trekking through the MacDonnell Ranges, you’ll be overjoyed to reach the broad, cool waterhole of Glen Helen Gorge. This permanent waterhole is a sanctuary for the Finke River’s nine species of fish and migrating waterbirds. Dive in for a refreshing swim then pitch your tent under the stars. You might even spot a black-footed rock wallaby.

Kununurra, Western Australia

Explore ridges and ranges 350 million years old and see where rare pink diamonds are mined. Jump on a bull at the local rodeo, catch a huge barramundi or join the crowds at an outback horse race. Dine on mud crab in remote camp restaurants and marvel at the vast and magnificent Lake Argyle. However you experience this diverse region, you can bet you won’t forget it.

Mildura, Victoria

This vibrant outback oasis on the Murray River is renowned for its endless sunshine, picturesque vineyards and ancient lunar landscapes. Explore Aboriginal culture in the sand dunes of Lake Mungo or in the sublime World Heritage-listed Willandra Lakes. Dine at award-winning restaurants or cruise past wineries on a house boat or historic paddle steamer. See rugged outback scenery and stunning sunsets from a hot air balloon or tackle them on a four wheel drive.

The Coast

Byron Bay, New South Wales

You’ll love our new age paradise, famous for glorious surfing beaches and a lifestyle that combines hippy chic with hedonistic fun. Here you can learn to surf with local experts, take a sunrise walk along Cape Byron Walking Track, get your gear off on the nudist-friendly Kings Beach or ride the wild surf at The Pass. That’s in between drinking lattes, analysing your aura and getting your palm read of course.

Gold Coast, Queensland

This iconic holiday destination offers 70 kilometres of sun-drenched beaches, World Heritage-listed rainforests, theme parks and non-stop shopping and nightlife. Meet dolphins and polar bears at theme parks, ride rolling surf or do a day trip to an island. Party all night then explore the lush, subtropical hinterland. On Australia’s ‘coast with the most’ life is all about having fun.

Mornington Peninsula, Victoria

Discover top swimming and surfing beaches, historic bayside villages and million-dollar views on this picturesque peninsula on Port Phillip Bay just an hour south of Melbourne. Trek the rugged coastline past dunes, beaches, cliffs and lighthouses. Then spot koalas on French Island, swim with dolphins and seals at Sorrento and stop for lunch at vineyards or olive groves overlooking the sea

Wineglass Bay, Tasmania                                                  

You can enjoy pristine beaches all to yourself on the stunning Freycinet Peninsula. The most famous is Wineglass Bay, a perfect curve of white sand and turquoise sea against pink and grey granite peaks. Take in the magical view after an easy climb from Coles Bay or challenging trek from the top of Mount Amos. Or connect to this coastal paradise by going sea kayaking, swimming and scuba diving.

Margaret River, Western Australia

This famous wine growing region is also a natural paradise of surf beaches, tall karri forests, underground caves and bush tracks. The wonderful wine and food of the vineyards meet world-class waves on the 75 beaches. Swim in the crystal-clear waters of Bunker Bay, ride the crashing surf of Surfers Point, and watch whales and explore caves at Cape Leeuwin. Margaret River is a place where breathtaking scenery and good living meld into one.

Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia

Dive or snorkel dramatic shipwrecks and marine life, visit famous vineyards or hit the surf in this coastal playground, just an hour’s drive south of Adelaide. Stay in cute coastal hamlets Port Noarlunga and Victor Harbor or the historic river town of Goolwa. Take a dip in perfect Horseshoe Bay, windsurf at Sellicks Beach or dive at Rapid Bay. See ancient forests and visit local wineries. Walk across spectacular headlands and get up close to native wildlife. No wonder they say this coathanger-shaped strip has it all.

Die Städte

Sydney NSW                             Melbourne,Victoria

Canberra A.C.T.                     Brisbane, Queensland

Adelaide, Victoria                             Perth, W.A.

Darwin , N.T.                     Hobart,Tasmania

Cairns,Queensland                                                        Ailce Springs N.T.

Gold Coast Queensland                                              Broome W.A.

Nature

Ningaloo Reef                                                   Kakadu National Park

Phillip Island                                                     Great Barrier Reef

Kangaroo Island                                               Blue Mountains

Australien Alps

There is a million and one  things you can do in Australia the list

just goes on and on….

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