For the first time in a while, Australian politics actually went on holiday. So, here’s what happened, in case you missed it.
- A man was arrested in Sydney for allegedly acting as an economic agent for the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (aka North Korea). Apparently he was trying to help them get WMDs, although the facts available are very basic given it’s a National Security issue.
- John Alexander won the Bennelong by-election.
- The first church services took place since the Royal Commission released their report.
- Scott Morrison and Mathias Cormann presented MYEFO (Mid Year Economic & Fiscal Outlook) and revealed that we are to expect a surplus in 2021, and that they have made $3 billion in savings by capping university places, increasing the wait to three years for migrant welfare claims and cutting the rebate for after hours GP services.
- Oh, but somehow Australia can still have personal and corporate tax cuts even though the government needed to cut some money from other things.
- Chris Bowen, the Shadow Treasurer, responded to the MYEFO announcements, saying that the Liberals have their priorities wrong.
- A cabinet reshuffle – where several senior Nationals ministers were dumped in favour of some young blood, suggesting instability within the National Party.
- The new cabinet the got sworn in – and Peter Dutton is the most powerful national security minister Australia has ever had.
- George Brandis is going to be High Commissioner in the UK, so Christian Porter is the new Attorney-General and will have to keep Dutton on a tight leash.
- Florence Bjelke-Peterson – former senator and wife of controversial QLD Premier Joh Bjelke-Peterson – died aged 97.
- The replacement for Fiona Nash (who was caught up in Section 44 drama) was finally selected – Jim Molan. There are still questions surrounding whether he will get a 3-year or 6-year term in the Senate.
- Christmas happened as usual, with images of Malcolm Turnbull helping out at the Wayside Chapel Christmas Lunch in Sydney and dancing with guests.
- The end of 2017…
- New Years Day 2018 saw the release of the 1994/1995 Cabinet Papers – revelaing that Keating was warned about allowing the Australian people to vote for the President if Australia becam a republic because we plebeians might pick someone “of the wrong calibre” (read: we might pick someone like Trump).
- It was also revealed that after Sydney won the right to host the 2000 Olympics, that champion swimmer Kieran Perkin’s swimming record dating back to when he was 12 years old was used to argue for a 6-year funding plan for sport in order to increase the medal tally.
Things I’ve Been Looking at Online
MYEFO Explained by ABC’s Emma Alberici
Huw Parkinson’s take on Australian Politics with some help from Harry Potter
Kara L 